February 1, 2012
Ashley Weber
News Writer
Travel
A vacation in the Caribbean is perfect for getting away from the cold in the Washington, D.C. metro area and reclaiming the sun that usually reappears around mid-May each year. In the winter months, a visit to such exotic locations as the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands or even St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands can offer a welcomed respite for vacationers, as well as a ticket out of the doldrums of cold gray days and into sun and fun. No matter their aquatic interests, suburbanites and city-dweller alike will find the thoughts of a warm paradise irresistible. As their neighbors are shoveling snow mounds, many will escape to one of these blissful locations.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas offer a variety of attractions and activities for all who travel there, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. The chain of islands starts 50 miles from the coast of Florida, with their 700 islands stretching in an archipelago across 100,000 square miles of ocean. The Bahamas can boast some of the clearest and most beautiful waters on earth, as it has become a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s also home to the world’s third largest barrier reef.
Visitors can interact with dolphins or sea lions at the Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounters (http://www.dolphinencounters.com/), located a three-mile boat ride from Paradise Island. While there, adults and children alike can swim with dolphins for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Within the Bahamas, a visit to Bimini is a must for those who enjoy fishing. The island district is also the favored spot of author Earnest Hemingway and the supposed location of the “Fountain of Youth.” On Grand Bahama Island, Deadman’s Reef at Paradise Cove offers the best snorkeling views in the Bahamas. (http://www.deadmansreef.com/)
Hotels
Nassau Palm Resort & Conference Center (http://www.nassau-hotel.com/) – Nassau
Bimini Big Game Club & Marina (http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/) – Bimini
Island Palm Resort (http://www.islandseas.com/island-palm-marina-villas-at-island-seas-resort.html) – Grand Bahama Island
Cayman Islands
Located south of Cuba and west of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The largest of the islands, Grand Cayman, has an area of 76 miles and a population of about 40,000. For its small size, Grand Cayman has a wide array of attractions. Atlantis Submarine tours offer daytime or nighttime dives to give visitors the chance to see the underwater beauty of the Caribbean. A 40-passenger submarine takes guests through reefs to view aquatic life and shipwrecks. (https://www.caymanislandssubmarines.com/)
For an unforgettable experience, the Stingray City snorkel excursion allows visitors the chance to swim with and even feed stingrays. The experience takes place in shallow water, making it suitable for families with children . For one of the highest-rated activities on Grand Cayman, be sure to take part in a tour of the island on horseback. Professional riders guide visitors on well-trained horses along the deserted beaches on the island. Horse and rider can swim in the ocean in this not-to-be-missed experience.(http://www.stingraycitytrips.com/) (http://www.caymanislands.ky/activities/horseback.aspx)
Hotels
(http://www.turtlenestinn.net/)
Sunshine Suites (http://www.sunshinesuites.com/)
Shangri-La Bed & Breakfast (http://www.shangrilabandb.com/)
St. Thomas
St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a unique island getawaTurtle’s Nest Inny steeped in history. Visitors are sure to find something exciting for all. The island is about 31 square miles in area, sustaining a population of about 51,000. St. Thomas is widely known as the best shopping location in the Caribbean, and one of the best in the world. Shopping is duty-free and 30 to 40 percent lower prices than those found in the United States, providing bargains on such items as perfume, liquor, electronics and fashions. (http://www.vinow.com/stthomas/shopping/)
View marine life up close and personal without ever getting wet from inside the Coral World Marine Park Undersea Observatory. Located 15 feet underwater, the observatory allows guests to walk down and view the coral reef up close. Guests who enjoy the water cantake the plunge in Coral World’s Sea Trek, equipped with a breathing helmet, while they moonwalk across the sea floor. For history that kids are sure to find interesting, take a visit to Blackbeard’s Castle, the 17th century fort re-named for the pirate who frequented the island. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour through the watch tower, and enjoy the pirate-themed attractions in the area.(http://www.coralworldvi.com/) (http://www.blackbeardscastle.com/)
Hotels
Windward Passage Hotel (http://www.windwardpassage.com/)
The Green Iguana Hotel (http://www.thegreeniguana.com/)
At Home in the Tropics Bed & Breakfast (http://www.athomeinthetropics.com/)
When planning for any vacation outside the United States, always ensure that all travelers have an up-to-date passport, as well as check any passport restrictions for the country you may be visiting. Some activities on the various islands require advance reservations. Be aware of local laws and restrictions. St. Thomas, for example, places a $1,600 allowance on duty-free shopping per person visiting. Summer vacations in winter have more and more become pleasure-seekers’ paradise lost and the best kept little known secret. Now you know.
