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D E S T I N A T I O N

S P E C I A L I S T

Caribbean
including the Atlantic
Part 1
Introduction and the Atlantic
Bermuda, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands

Northern Caribbean
Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic,
Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and British Virgin Islands

Sponsored by

AmericanAirlines
Something special in the air.

TM

and
The Travel Institute Fund

Front Cover
Beach scene, photo St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourist Office
Diving in the waters off St. Lucia, photo St. Lucia Tourist Board
The Travel Institute is not responsible for the results of actions taken
on the basis of opinions, recommendations, or advice offered in this
book. All rates are published for illustrative purposes only. The Travel
Institute is not responsible for the accuracy of rates or descriptions of
the properties and services of suppliers reproduced in this book.
Board of Trustees of The Travel Institute, 2000, 2003, 2004
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of The Travel Institute.

Dear Travel Professional,


American Airlines, in its ninth year of sponsorship of The Travel Institutes Destination
Specialist Caribbean course, salutes the dedicated travel professionals who have enrolled in
The Travel Institutes programs. Your dedication to the Caribbean product is demonstrated
by your continued education, understanding, and drive to give your customers what they
deserveprofessional service.
Service begins with the travel professional providing a seamless experience that helps to
shape the decision of how todays travelers will spend their discretionary income, and with
whom they will spend it the next time. The key question is Will they come back?
Several components make up the travel experience, and when all of those components
come together dreams are fulfilled. By providing the means for todays travelers to fulfill
their dreams, the door-to-door service that the discriminating traveler demands, is and will
continue to be the impetus to keep the travel industry moving forward.
Today, customers have many choices of travel professional; What will make you stand
out? It is only through knowledge, understanding, and commitment to your product that
you will excel in todays market and reap the financial rewards.
Together we are dream makers, or dream breakersif we do not meet their expectations.
American Airlines is committed to the Caribbean, and through its continued collaboration
with government, the Caribbean Hotel Association, the Caribbean Tourism Organization,
and other private sector partners, along with the professional travel agent community and
The Travel Institute, the Caribbean will remain the worlds premier travel destination.
Sincerely,

Robert H. Troni
Managing Director International Sales and Marketing
Caribbean and Latin America

Contents
Preface

vii

Contents of Part 2

Alphabetical Destinations

xi

Introduction

Geography of the Caribbean

Location of Caribbean Regions

Eastern Caribbean
The Leeward Islands
Anguilla
St-Martin/Sint Maarten
St-Barthlemy
(St. Barts)
Saba
St. Eustatius (Statia)
St. Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and Barbuda
Montserrat

Accessibility: Getting to the Caribbean

10

Local Transportation

15

Accommodations

17

Practical Information

20

Caribbean History and Culture

27

Shopping: Imports and Local Arts and Crafts

40

Sights and Attractions

41

Dining and Entertainment

42

Selling the Caribbean: Specialty Niches

44

For More Online Information

55

How to Study the Individual Destination Chapters

56

The Atlantic

63

Bermuda

65

Bahamas

77

Turks and Caicos Islands

95

Northern Caribbean

103

Cayman Islands

105

Jamaica

115

Haiti

129

Dominican Republic

139

Puerto Rico

151

The Travel Institute

1
3
11
21
29
37
45
57
67

Eastern CaribbeanThe
Windward Islands
73
Guadeloupe
75
Dominica
87
Martinique
99
St. Lucia
109
Barbados
121
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
131
Grenada
141

Contents of Part 3
Southern Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago
The ABC Islands
Aruba
Bonaire
Curaao

1
3
15
19
27
35

Western Caribbean
and the Coast
of Latin America
43
Cuba
45
Mexico (Yucatn)
49
Central America
55
Belize
55
HondurasThe Bay
Islands
60
continued on next page

Contents

Part 3 continued
PanamaThe San Blas
Islands
62
South America
65
Colombia
65
Venezuela
67
Guyana
70
Suriname
73
Index

vi

U.S. Virgin Islands

167

British Virgin Islands

179

77

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

Preface
Course Organization
Course Booklets
The course booklets are your guides to the Caribbean. There is an
extensive introduction to the Caribbean. The destinations featured in
the course and Study Guide are presented geographically for ease of
learning. Most destinations offer the following information:
Map, Profile, and Fast Facts

Dining and Entertainment

Historical Background

Cruise Call

Arrival and Location Briefing

Selling (the Destination)

Local Transportation

Island Secrets

Around the Island: Attractions

Key Points about


(the Destination)

Whats Special about


(the Destination)?
Island Culture

For More Information


My Contact Information

Celebrations and Special Events

Study Guide
The Study Guide includes useful information about how to study
Destination Specialist Caribbean and how to prepare for the test. Map
skills and study questions are also included to help you in the learning
process. The Destination Specialist Caribbean Test Request Form can
be found near the end of the Study Guide, or you can request the test
online at www.thetravelinstitute.com/testreq.htm.

Job Aid
A laminated desktop quick-reference Job Aid puts sales-related
information at your fingertips. It is designed to enhance your selling
potential and includes a map of the Caribbean and highlights of each
destination.

The Travel Institute

Preface

vii

Destination Specialist Series


The Travel Institutes Destination Specialist series provides detailed
knowledge of specific world areas. Destinations in the series in addition
to the Caribbean are
Africa

North America

Alaska

Northern and Central


Europe

East Asia
European Culture and Heritage
France
Hawaii

South Pacific
Spain
St. Lucia

Mexico
For more information about The Travel Institutes programs visit our
Web site at www.thetravelinstitute.com.

Acknowledgements
The Travel Institute would like to thank Bruno Ociepka, CTC, for
researching and writing the materials for this course. He has extensive
retail travel agency, and travel and tourism teaching experience. He has
traveled to more than half the destinations covered in this course.
Bruno co-authored The Travel Institutes Travel Career Development
textbook, sixth edition, and wrote Destination Specialist North
America. He also wrote the following: Bahamas Tourism Institutes
The Islands of the Bahamas Self-Study Guide, the Tourist Office of
Spains Spain Specialist Program, and British Tourist Authoritys Brit
Agent Program.
Thanks are also extended to Carolyn Viles, CTC, at The Travel
Institute, project manager for the development of this course. The
Travel Institute would also like to acknowledge Linda McLatchie for
her thorough copy editing and Sybil Norwood for her graphic design
prowess.

viii

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

How Do I Earn My Destination


Specialist Designation?
After you have studied this course, complete steps 1 and 2 to receive
your Destination Specialist designation (Level 1).
1. Submit your completed Destination Specialist Test Request Form.
You may either use the Destination Specialist Test Request Form at
the back of this course or request your test online at www
.thetravelinstitute.com /testreq.htm.
Be sure to indicate which type of test you prefer: online or written.
Online test requests require three business days advance notice. Test
requests for written exams must be received at least three weeks prior
to the test date.
You must also provide information about the person you select to
proctor your test. This person should be a responsible CTC or a
person of authority who is neither related to you nor currently
enrolled in your Destination Specialist program. Your test proctor
ensures that you complete the test within the allotted time frame in a
secured testing environment. Designated proctors receive the online
test or written test instructions from The Travel Institute, supervise
the test in an appropriate test site, and, in the case of a written test,
return the test to The Travel Institute for grading.
2. Take your Destination Specialist test.
If you are taking an online test, instructions to access the test will be
e-mailed to your designated proctor. You will receive your test results
online immediately upon completion of the test.
If you are taking a written test, your test will be sent to the proctor
you designated on the Destination Specialist Test Request Form,
along with instructions for administering the test. You will receive the
results of your test by regular mail from The Travel Institute within 21
business days of the date The Travel Institute receives your completed
test from the proctor.

The Travel Institute

Preface

ix

Alphabetical
Destinations
T

he following list includes the major destinations and islands in the


Table of Contents, their capitals, and major cities and towns. It
can serve as one way to review when you are done with the text. To
review, simply see if you can identify where each place name is and
what you know about it.
Abacos, The
Andros Island
Anegada
Anguilla
Antigua
Aruba

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

1,
1,
1,
2,
2,
3,

83
86
182
3
57
19

Bahamas, The
Barbados
Barbuda
Bay Islands, The
Belize
Bequia
Bermuda
Berry Islands
Bimini Islands
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

1,
2,
2,
3,
3,
2,
1,
1,
1,
3,
1,

77
121
57
60
55
135
65
87
86
27
179

Caicos Islands
Cancn
Canouan
Caracas
Carriacou
Cartagena
Cat Island
Cayman Islands
Cozumel
Cuba

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

1,
3,
2,
3,
2,
3,
1,
1,
3,
3,

95
49
135
67
145
65
87
105
51
45

The Travel Institute

Alphabetical Destinations

xi

xii

Destination Specialist Caribbean

Curaao

Part 3, 35

Dominica
Dominican Republic (Dominicana)

Part 2, 87
Part 1, 139

Elbow Cay
Eleuthera
Exumas, The

Part 1, 84
Part 1, 84
Part 1, 85

Freeport

Part 1, 80

Georgetown, Guyana
Grand Bahama Island
Green Turtle Cay
Grenada
Grenadines
Guadeloupe
Guyana

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

3,
1,
1,
2,
2,
2,
3,

70
80
84
141
131
75
70

Haiti
Hamilton
Havana
Harbour Island

Part
Part
Part
Part

1,
1,
3,
1,

129
69
46
85

Inagua

Part 1, 87

Jamaica
Jost Van Dyke

Part 1, 115
Part 1, 182

Kingston

Part 1, 121

La Guaira
Long Island

Part 3, 67
Part 1, 87

Margarita Island
Marie-Galante
Martinique
Mayreau
Montego Bay
Montserrat
Mustique

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

3,
2,
2,
2,
1,
2,
2,

68
80
99
136
118
67
135

Nassau
Negril
Nevis
New Providence Island

Part
Part
Part
Part

1,
1,
2,
1,

81
117
45
81

Ocho Rios

Part 1, 119

The Travel Institute

Palm Island
Paradise Island
Paramaribo
Peter Island
Petit St. Vincent
Puerto Plata
Puerto Rico

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

Roatn

Part 3, 60

Saba
St-Barthlemy (St. Barts)
St. Croix
St. Eustatius (Statia)
St. John
St. Kitts
St. Lucia
St-Martin/Sint Maarten
St. Thomas
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
San Andrs Island
San Blas Islands, The
San Juan
San Salvador
Santo Domingo
Statia (See St. Eustatius)
Suriname

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

2,
2,
1,
2,
1,
2,
2,
2,
1,
2,
3,
3,
1,
1,
1,
2,
3,

Tobago
Tortola
Treasure Cay
Trinidad
Turks Islands

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

3, 3
1, 180
1, 83
3, 3
1, 95

Union Island
U.S. Virgin Islands

Part 2, 136
Part 1, 167

Vieques
Virgin Gorda

Part 1, 158
Part 1, 181

Walkers Cay

Part 1, 84

The Travel Institute

2,
1,
3,
1,
2,
1,
1,

136
81
74
182
136
144
151

29
21
171
37
170
45
109
11
169
131
66
62
154
87
141
37
73

Alphabetical Destinations

xiii

Destination Specialist Caribbean

o f

G u l f

El Salvador

T A

A
E

Costa
Rica

Nicaragua

Bay Islands

Cozumel

Cancn

a r

Panama

Colombia

Haiti

Cartagena

The Bahamas

Jamaica

San Blas Islands

San Andrs Island

Panama

Cuba

Cayman Islands

A
A

T
N

Aruba

I
L

LE

EW

C E A N

Caracas

Brazil

St. Lucia

T St. Vincent and


A N
the Grenadines
Grenada
Margarita
Island

Venezuela

La Guaira

Bermuda

Guyana

Trinidad

Tobago

Barbados

Martinique

A
R
D
British Virgin
Islands
U.S. Virgin
St-Martin/
Anguilla Sint Maarten
Islands
St-Barthlemy
Barbuda
Puerto Saba
St. Kitts
Rico
Antigua
Nevis
St. Eustatius Montserrat
Guadeloupe
E
S
Dominica

L E
S S E
R
Bonaire
Curaao

Dominican
Republic

Turks and
Caicos Islands

DS

C
Guatemala E

Belize

M e x i c o

Honduras

YUCATN
PENINSULA

T E

Mexico

L L
E

xiv
S

IS

N
LA

Suriname

W I N D W A R D I S L AN D
S

The Travel Institute

French
Guiana

Introduction
T

he Caribbean Sea is by far North Americas number-one warmweather international destination. Annually millions of visitors
enjoy its abundance of sun, sea, and sand.
The Caribbean is one of the first destinations that a leisure travel counselor
should learn well, along with Las Vegas,
Florida, Hawaii, and a few key U.S.
cities. This text also covers the Atlantic
islands often associated with the
Caribbean, as well as the coastal
resorts in Latin America that lie on
the perimeter of the Caribbean Sea.
Only the Mediterranean surpasses
the Caribbean in its variety of
destinations and absolute numbers
of international visitors (primarily
Europeans) at warm-weather
Arubas
Courtesy of
Palm B
Aruba Tour
resorts. But the Mediterranean is
ism Author
each
ity
a long overnight trip from the
United States, and its fall, winter, and spring
climates appeal to a smaller number of Americans. While millions
of Europeans take their chances on Mediterranean beaches with 55degree temperatures in January, millions more join North American
sun-worshippers for the steady 80-degree temperatures in the West
Indies. For sheer beauty and diversity, only the islands of the South
Pacific rival the Caribbean. But for most North Americans, the South
Pacific is halfway around the world.
The explosion of popularity in cruise vacations brings millions of additional visitors to the region. This relatively tiny sprinkle of islands in the
Caribbean Sea is by far the worlds foremost cruise destination.
The key to learning about the Caribbean is to keep in mind that there is
no one Caribbean. Most islands have an abundance of beach, sun,
resorts, and sports activities, but this does not mean that they are interchangeable. Each island has a distinctive topography, history, and culture.
Island terrains vary from deserts to lush green mountains traversed by
sparkling streams. Local culture reflects a blending of indigenous

The Travel Institute

Introduction

peoples, foreign conquerors, and waves of slaves followed by


immigrants. Gambling is popular on some islands and illegal on others.
Politically, some islands are part of a particular European country;
others have been independent for many years. Ambiance ranges from
the tranquillity of remote hideaways to the extravagance of selfcontained resorts.

Did you know?

Cuba
Haiti

Dominican
Republic

Destination Specialist: Caribbean (DS Caribbean) presents the variety of


cultures, languages, sports, cuisines, accommodations, and entertainment
that give each island its distinct character. To be an effective travel counselor, you must know how to find the right destination for your clients. If
you understand what makes each island (and client) unique, you will be
able to match your clients to their preferred vacation destination.

Hispaniola

Jamaica

Puerto Rico

Andros

In terms of land area,


the five largest islands
in the Caribbean region
are:
1. Cuba
2. Hispaniola
(containing the
Dominican Republic
and Haiti)
3. Jamaica
4. Puerto Rico
5. Andros (the largest
island of the
Bahamas)
If one includes the
Bahamas as part of
the Caribbean region
and lists countries
(rather than islands) in
order of land area, the
Bahamas, with its many
islands, comes in third.

Geography of the Caribbean


Climate and Seasons
Temperatures vary only slightly throughout most of the Caribbean.
In both summer and winter, temperatures average from 75 to 85

Population
Six islands or countries in the Caribbean have a population exceeding 1 million.
Country
Cuba
Dominican
Republic
Haiti
Puerto Rico

Jamaica
Trinidad and
Tobago
Population 0
in millions

10

12

Barbados, with 268,000 people on 166 square miles, has the highest population
density.

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can go down to 65 in the


evening and rise as high as 95 at midday, but temperatures of 100 are
extremely rare.
The Bahamas and Bermuda are the exceptions to this pattern. During
the winter, temperatures in the northern islands of the Bahamas are just
a bit warmer than those in southern Florida. In December and January,
these islands have occasional cool spells, with temperatures in the 40s
and 50s at night, and 60s and 70s during the day. The weather is usually
fine for outdoor beach activities, but clients who will be disappointed if
they do not get beach weather should be sent farther south.
In the rest of the Caribbean, the major differences in temperature and
rain are related to altitude. Some Caribbean mountains reach 10,000
feet in elevation, while many are 3,000 to 4,000 feet high. The higher

Caribbean Terms
A few geographical terms have been used for centuries in reference to the
Caribbean islands:
West Indies: The islands of the Caribbean became known as the West Indies
after Columbus realized that he had not arrived at islands on the east coast of
Asia or India (the East Indies) as he had planned. Coincidentally, he is
believed to have claimed them in Gods name (in el nombre del Dios), whereas the term Indies was adopted later.
The Antilles is another name for the West Indies (excluding the Bahamas).
The term derives from an ancient word referring to the area that people
believed lay west of Europe.
The Greater Antilles includes the larger islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola
(Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico.
The Lesser Antilles is the curve of smaller islands from the Virgin Islands to
the South American coast.
The Leeward Islands is the northern half of the Lesser Antilles.
The Windward Islands is the southern half of the Lesser Antilles.
The name of the European country that finally conquered and settled an island
often precedes the terms West Indies and Antilles. Thus the British West
Indies refers to islands that were once or are still affiliated with Great Britain.
The same is true of the French West Indies and Spanish West Indies. The
islands owned by or affiliated with the Netherlands are alternately referred to as
the Netherlands Antilles, the Dutch Antilles, or the Dutch West Indies. In the
Caribbean Culture section of this Introduction, islands are listed according to
their European affiliations.

The Travel Institute

Introduction

the altitude, the cooler the climate. At these levels, clouds condense
and rain falls almost every day, creating lush rain forests. The beaches a
few miles away are often sunny at the same time.

Did you know?

The Tropic of Cancer


is the imaginary latitude
line that marks the
northern limit of the
tropics, or Torrid Zone.
It is also the northern
solstice, that is, the
northernmost point at
which the sun ever
shines directly
overhead (on June 21
or June 22). The Tropic
of Cancer runs through
the Bahamas and runs
just north of Cuba.
Consequently,
according to the strict
definition of the term
Caribbean, every
Caribbean island is in
the tropics. This
perfectly coincides with
climate patterns: while
the Bahamas can get a
bit chilly in winter, most
Caribbean islands
seldom experience
anything more than a
cool breeze (except at
higher elevations). The
entire Caribbean
region, except Cuba,
lies between 10 and
20 degrees latitude
north of the equator.

Bermuda, which lies much farther north in the Atlantic, is cool from
December to March, with highs in the upper 60s during the day and
lows in the upper 40s at night.
The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30. In
some years, storms have been very few, but in the late 1990s worldwide
climatic conditions spawned numerous storms. Experts expected this
situation to continue for the first five years of the 21st century, but the
hurricane season in 2000 was exceptionally mild. More than 90 percent
of the time, travelers will encounter little threat from such storms. Fall
weather can be ideal, often with a daily thunderstorm lasting less than
an hour. However, travel counselors and visitors should check the news
daily and keep abreast of brewing tropical depressions. In recent years,
Caribbean governments have worked closely with the U.S. National
Hurricane Center and the Weather Channel and have developed
communications to protect their own residents as well as tourists.
Visitors should heed any warnings and follow all instructions given. Still,
predicting the direction and speed of storms once they have formed is
not always an exact science.
Cruises are rarely canceled because of a hurricane, but the captain may
decide to change the ships route. As a result, the cruise might miss a
port without another being substituted in its place.
Summers are generally more rainy and humid than winters, but no islands
climate is so wet that it should be avoided. There is little comparison
between what is called the rainy season (summer and fall) in the Caribbean and the monsoons and heavy rains that occur in Asia, Africa, or
other places. In the Caribbean, rain comes in squalls that usually last a few
minutes to a couple of hours. Soon, the sun is shining again.
The Caribbean peak season runs approximately from mid-December to
mid-April. During this period, the weather is almost perfect (a bit cooler
than the summer and with a bit less rain), while the northern United
States, Canada, and Northern Europe are often cold and snowy. The
peak season is the most heavily booked and also the most expensive.
Reservations generally must be made about three months in advance.
Trips during the Christmas holidays, February, and Easter vacations
should be booked even further in advance.
The rest of the year can be considered low season, off-season, or value
season, though variations occur. Some islands are almost as busy in
July and August as they are during February and March. Generally,

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

however, throughout most of the Caribbean, summer prices for hotels


are discounted from 20 percent to 60 percent. The northern Bahamas,
where this season is very popular, and Bermuda, where summer is high
season, are the exceptions.
A less-hurried way of life prevails off-season, and travelers have a better
chance to enjoy the food, culture, and local customs. Reservations at
restaurants and hotels are easier to get, and beaches and swimming
pools are less crowded. Resort boutiques often choose to have offseason sales. Travelers have shorter waits to book golf tee times, a tennis court, or a rental car. The summer season is a good value, and the
sea, sand, and weather are essentially the same as during the peak season. The spring shoulder season also offers reduced prices; in some
cases, hotel rates are even lower than in the summer. Fall is the least
busy season of all and may offer the lowest rates, but some restaurants
and hotels may be closed for renovations or just to take a month off
before the upcoming busy season. This is also prime hurricane season.
Besides season and latitude, altitude is the only other factor that creates
significant variations in temperatures. The higher elevations on mountainous islands have lower temperatures. Nights can get cold, and even
days can be very cool. Those planning stays or hikes in the mountains
should bring sweaters and other warm clothing.

Physical Features
Beaches. Some are seven miles long; some are in tiny, primevallooking coves; others are lined with palms that reach into the
sea; and still others sit at the base of waterfalls cascading from
mountains. Some beaches are for snorkeling and diving; other
beaches are for sunning and relaxing. Beaches and ocean or
sea water are the key physical features of the Caribbean; they
draw millions of visitors in search of the perfect vacation.
Though beaches have a slightly different character at each
Courtesy of
Al
St. Jea
destination, the differences can be subtle if you have not
n Beac lyn Magrino
h
o
n
St-Bart
been to that particular destination. The more you know
hlemy
about them, the better. But luckily, beach-loving travelers
will be satisfied with most Caribbean beaches if they are satisfied with
the rest of their island experience. Just make sure you do not send a
beach lover to one of the few destinations with scarcely any beaches,
such as Saba or Dominica.
Beaches are primary, but they are not the only important physical feature of the islands. Most islands in the Caribbean were formed in one
of two ways. Many of the low, flat islands in the north (for example,

The Travel Institute

Introduction

the Bahamas) are coral islands that grew over eons from the remains of
these tiny sea organisms. Other islands may have beautiful beaches,
some with unsurpassed mountain backdrops, but the beaches on coral
islands are perhaps the most perfect.
The other major type of Caribbean island was formed by volcanic activity.
The southern Windwards, in particular, are the tops of volcanoes that
erupted from the ocean floor and deposited ash and lava for millions of
years until they broke the surface. Most of the volcanic islands are still
actively growingwitness the cataclysmic eruption on Martinique a century ago, and Montserrats volcano, which is still active today.
The mountains that dominate many islands do not match the altitude
of the continental ranges in North and South America. But measured
from their base at sea level, on what is a relatively small landmass, they
are as impressive as any. For example, Jamaicas Blue Mountains are
over 7,000 feet high; the Pitons of St. Lucia rise 3,000 to 4,000 feet
directly from the sea. Measured from the ocean floor, some of the
Caribbeans mountains surpass Mt. Everest in altitude. Around these
mountains are lush valleys, waterfalls, and cliffs that provide
opportunities for fascinating hikes.
Some islands are desert-like, receiving little rainfall and having barren
outcrops of stone and small hills. The mountainous islands have
volcanic soil, while the coral islands are porous limestone, which easily
dissolves to form caves, weird landscapes of rock and cliff, and
blowholes where the sea jets up through fissures in the rock.
The only other feature that can really rival the beaches is the water
itself. Calm, warm waters (sometimes the temperature of bathwater)
are protected by the curve of sand and reef, volcano and islands of the
Antilles. The sea glistens in hues of turquoise, blue, aquamarine,
green, and azure. Fish and coral share the waterscape that continues to
attract visitors.

Location of Caribbean Regions


While reading this text, you should always refer to the map in your
Quick Reference Job Aid and the Hammond Caribbean map that
accompany this text. At first, the sheer number of islands might seem
overwhelming. The text presents the islands geographically. Start by
finding the islands you may already know on the Job Aid. Then try to
find the other islands that are listed in the Table of Contents. As you
progress in the text, you will become more and more familiar with the
location of the different islands.

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

We have grouped the islands of the Caribbean and the Atlantic into five
different regions. As you read about each island, keep in mind its
accessibility. Sometimes farther islands are more accessible (take less
time to get to) than islands that are much closer to your city, especially
when you consider factors such as flight connections, ferry rides, and
other transfers.

The Atlantic Region


The Atlantic region, which is technically outside the boundaries of the
Caribbean Sea, includes Bermuda, the Islands of the Bahamas, and the
Turks and Caicos Islands. This text covers these islands (along with
resort locations along the Latin American coast) because they are
among the choices open to travel counselors and clients when considering travel in the area.
Bermuda is somewhat separate from the other destinations in the
Atlantic region. Note its location on a map. Bermuda lies in the
Atlantic 600 miles due east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. For five
months of the year, its climate is coolmore similar to that of the
Mediterranean than that of the Caribbean.
The Bahamas begin just off the coast of Florida and extend quite far
south, close to the western tip of Cuba. The Bahamas are many islands,
collectively making up one country. The Turks and Caicos Islands are
a separate political entity, though geographically they continue the
sweep of Bahamian islands.

The Northern Caribbean


The popular island of Jamaica lies due south of Cuba and
southeast of the Cayman Islands. The large island of
Hispaniola is divided into two independent countries, Haiti
and the Dominican Republic. Haiti has one of the most
vibrant and distinctive cultures of any nation or island in the
region, but it has long had the unfortunate distinction of
being the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere; it has
had serious political and social problems as well. The
Dominican Republic is one of the busiest tourist
destinations in the region and is especially popular
with Europeans.

Courtesy of
Puerto

Rico Touris
m Company
El Mo
Old Sa rro Fortress,
n Juan,
Puerto
Rico

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered part of the
United States, each in its own way. Puerto Rico is a self-governing
commonwealth of the United States. Puerto Ricans are American

The Travel Institute

Introduction

citizens, so travelers do not have to pass through customs or


immigration when flying between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland.
The U.S. Virgin Islands, consisting of three major islands (St. Thomas,
St. John, and St. Croix), is a territory of the United States. All U.S.
Virgin Islanders are American citizens, but travelers must pass through
customs to enter Puerto Rico or the rest of the United States, mainly
for tax reasons. The islands have a special tax-free status for many
imported goods.
Some of the British Virgin Islands lie near the U.S. Virgin Islands,
but they are a British colony. The residents of the British Virgin Islands
carefully control tourism development to allow their islands to retain a
low profile.

The Eastern Caribbean: The Leeward Islands


The Eastern Caribbean is a long sweep of islands that starts from just
east of the Virgin Islands and curves down nearly to the coast of South
America. These islands are further divided into the Leeward Islands and
the Windward Islands. A good learning tool is to break the Eastern
Caribbean into smaller collections of islands.
St-Martin/Sint Maarten is one of the most-visited and mostdeveloped islands; it also has nearby satellite islands: Anguilla,
St-Barthlemy (usually called St. Barts), St. Eustatius (usually called
Statia), and Saba. These satellite islands are separate from St-Martin
politically, but they can be visited individually or on a day trip
from St-Martin.
Just a few miles farther south are four islands that form two countries:
Antigua and Barbuda are to the east, facing the Atlantic Ocean; St.
Kitts and Nevis are to the west, facing the Caribbean Sea. Both consist of one island that is more developed for tourism and one that is
more tranquil and less developed. Montserrat is the last in the chain of
the usually lower and flatter Leeward Islands, even though its smoldering volcano makes it geographically more similar to the mountainous,
lush, and more breezy Windward Islands.

The Eastern Caribbean: The Windward Islands


The next four islandsGuadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, and St.
Luciaalternate French-British-French-British, reflecting the struggles
that took place between the European powers in the Caribbean. Even
on the British islands, residents speak a French patois or Creole dialect
and have other French cultural influences.

Destination Specialist Caribbean

The Travel Institute

The southernmost Grenadine island is the country of Grenada


itself, which is not part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
These 15 islands complete the arc of the Eastern Caribbean,
from north to south, although there are numerous smaller
islands associated with these main ones.

Courtesy of
St. Vincent
and the Gr
enadines To
urist Office

Barbados is far out in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of St. Lucia


and slightly removed from the main archipelago. South of St.
Lucia is the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Each
of the Grenadines has its own tourism infrastructure and
ambiance, much like the Out Islands of the Bahamas or the
British Virgin Islands.

An artis
an in th
e

Grenad
ines

The Southern Caribbean


Just north of the coast of Venezuela is a line of islands that we designate the Southern Caribbean (however, some of the destinations in the
Eastern Caribbean are sometimes considered part of the Southern
Caribbean). The two islands of Trinidad and Tobago make up one
country. Trinidad is quite populated and industrialized, while Tobago is
an idyllic, tropical paradise. West of Trinidad is Margarita Island,
which is part of the country of Venezuela and is treated in the last section. Farther west are the Dutch islands, usually called the ABC Islands:
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaao.

The Western Caribbean and the


Coast of Latin America
The huge island of Cuba sits in the Caribbean like the elephant in the
room that nobody mentions. U.S. government policy allows only people
with special reasons or permission (for example, those on sanctioned
trade missions or people visiting relatives) to travel to Cuba. At this time,
most travel counselors do not sell trips to Cuba; but in the near future
Cuba will probably open up and become an important destination for
Americans (as it already is for Canadians). This text presents a brief
introduction to the island for informational purposes.
To the west is Mexico, with its world-class resort of Cancn and the
popular but quieter island of Cozumel. Cancn and Cozumel are often
grouped with Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on cruise itineraries designated Western Caribbean. The coast of Latin America is covered in
the last part of this section. Belize, the Bay Islands of Honduras, the
San Blas Islands of Panama, Cartagena and San Andrs in
Colombia, and Caracas (and the port of La Guaira) and Margarita
Island in Venezuela are important, either as ports of call for Caribbean
cruises, or as possible choices for clients considering a Caribbean trip.

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Introduction

Guyana and Suriname, on the northeast coast of South America, have


strong cultural and economic ties to the Caribbean though they are on
the Atlantic Ocean. For information on French Guiana (an overseas
department of France), further removed geographically from the
Caribbean, consult the French Government Tourist Office. Nicaragua
and Costa Rica also have islands in the Caribbean or beach towns on
their shores. One or two cruise ships have begun calling at ports in
Costa Rica, but these destinations are not included in this text.

Accessibility: Getting to the Caribbean


Knowing the locations and geography of Caribbean destinations is
important, but it is only the first step in recommending where a client
should go. Next you should learn about an islands accessibility:
1. How does one get to the destination?
2. How long is the travel time, including all connections and transfers?
3. How convenient or inconvenient is the trip?
Sometimes accessibility to the Caribbean depends on ones location in
the United States. Some cities may have charters operating to the
Southern Caribbean, while others do not. Be sure to learn which flights
operate to various islands from your city or gateway airport. You must
also consider the accessibility of the hotel from the islands airport.
Although it is the exception, sometimes Caribbean resorts are located a
good distance from the airport along bumpy roads. If this is the case,
you should discuss the situation with your clients before booking the
resort. The more information and options you can provide to clients,
the better. Merely knowing what to expect will relieve most travelers
anxieties and annoyances.
Difficulty of access does not rule out a destinationsome travelers
choose an out-of-the-way location on purpose. In fact, the remoteness
of a resort or a hotel may be one of its main appeals.
Consider a destinations accessibility in relation to the entire itinerary,
and make suggestions accordingly. If your clients live two hours from
the gateway airport, perhaps they would like to leave the evening
before their flight and spend the night at a hotel near the airport. The
vacation may begin in a more relaxed manner this way. Similarly,
travelers who live on the West Coast who are taking a cruise in the
Caribbean may prefer to arrive at their embarkation city the day before
rather than board the ship after an all-day or all-night flight. This also
prevents missing the cruise departure if a flight were delyaed.

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Top Caribbean Beaches at a Glance


There can be no single, definitive list of top Caribbean beaches. We could list the
most popular, the ones where the most fabulous resorts have been built, or the
most aesthetically pleasing. But visitors have many different reasons for preferring
a particular beach.
However, guidebooks and travel magazines often make lists of their favorites.
With the understanding that choosing the best beaches is very personal, here is
our compilation, with an emphasis on some of the grandest and most-visited
beaches.
Beach

Location

Description

Anse du Gouverneur

St-Barthlemy

A secluded, beautiful sandy beach with good


snorkeling and views of nearby islands

Cable Beach

New Providence Island


(Nassau), Bahamas

A three-mile-long, wide strand of beach housing


Nassaus top resorts

Grand Anse

Grenada

Two miles of sugar-white sand within walking


distance of the islands top hotels and with
calypso singers walking its shores

Half Moon Bay

Antigua

Called the ultimate beach and chosen by the


Travel Channel in the year 2000 as the top beach in
the world (many other lists do not mention it)

Le Diamant

Martinique

A six-and-a-half-mile stretch of white sand, partially


undeveloped, with a view of HMS Diamond Rock

Luquillo Beach

Puerto Rico

A crescent-shaped, white-sand beach with coconut


palms and clear, calm water protected by a coral reef

Magens Bay

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

A half-mile loop of white sand with calm water


between two peninsulas

Negril Beach

Jamaica

A seven-mile stretch of sand lined with lush resorts


and featuring some clothing-optional areas

Palm Beach

Aruba

A long stretch of white sand with clear blue water


and many resort hotels

Playa Grande

Dominican Republic

An uncrowded paradise of powdery white sand


with calm water

Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman

Five and a half miles of beach, with resorts on one


side and aquamarine water on the other

Shoal Bay

Anguilla

An uncrowded, silvery-sand beach, with schools of


iridescent fish darting about in the offshore coral

Trunk Bay

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

An often photographed beach with a snorkeling


trail for beginners, picnic tables, and a snack bar

The Travel Institute

Introduction

11

Scheduled Air Service


Many Caribbean destinations have regularly scheduled direct air service
from a number of gateway cities in North America. Smaller islands
without major service tie into this network through their own regional
carriers. Currently, American Airlines and American Eagle provide
service to approximately 25 of the 40 nations in the region.
San Juan is American Airlines big hub for flights to almost every
Caribbean island south and east of Puerto Rico. Other carriers also use
San Juan, but mini-hubs in St-Martin, Antigua, St. Thomas, Barbados,
and Trinidad are sometimes more convenient. Five major carriers in the
Caribbean are Liat, ALM, BWIA, Air Jamaica, and EC Express, but
almost every country has its own carrier as well.
Airfares vary according to season, though variations are not as drastic as
for fares to Europe. The highest fares occur during the Caribbeans
peak seasonroughly mid-December to mid-April. Low season falls in
the summerJune, July, and Augustwhen fares are less expensive.
However, this is also when Caribbean nationals return home to visit
friends and relatives, so bookings should be made early. Shoulder
season is generally defined as the spring and fall seasons, and you can
find somewhat lower fares at this time also. Because Bermuda is farther
north in the Atlantic, it is much cooler in the winter. Therefore its peak
season is roughly April to October.
The range of individual fares is based on first-class and economy seating,
with many promotional fare options. These promotional fares often
carry stringent requirements such as advance purchase, minimum stay,
and cancellation penalties (including a nonrefundable ticket). Many travelers to the Caribbean book packages that include scheduled air; in such
cases, they are bound by the regulations and refund policies of the tour
operator, which may be more stringent than those of individual airlines.
Most vacationers stay on only one island (taking day trips to its satellite
islands) for the duration of their vacation; for those who wish to islandhop, many of the airlines in the Caribbean offer air passes that include
three or more stopovers.

Air Charters
Charter flights to the Caribbean generally operate from larger U.S.
cities. They operate under rules different from those governing
scheduled air flights. Charters may use airlines that also have scheduled
flights or airlines that offer only charters but are little known to the
general public. Charter airlines must follow the same safety rules, prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration, as scheduled carriers.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Jet Lag
Depending on the point of departure, actual flying time between North America
and the various islands ranges from one hour to five or more hours (considerably
more from the West Coast). Travelers coming from the Central (CST) or Eastern
Standard (EST) Time zones will experience little imbalance of their body clock,
because most of the Caribbean is on Eastern Standard Time or Atlantic
Standard Time (AST) (one hour later than Eastern Standard Time). However, the
fatigue factor of rising very early, driving to the airport, checking in about an hour
and a half before flight time, coupled with the flight itself and transportation from
the airport to the hotel, should be taken into account when planning a clients
schedule. These factors, along with possible time changes (depending on point
of departure) and flight delays, can fatigue travelers. A prepared client is much
more likely to be a happy client.
Those flying from the West Coast to the Caribbean will usually incur a time
change, entailing some jet lag in addition to the usual fatigue of long hours of
travel. Before departure, travelers can begin to minimize any effects by adjusting
their eating and sleeping schedules to Eastern Standard or Atlantic Standard
Time and by arriving at the airport in plenty of time.
Sitting on a plane for five hours can be quite tiring as well. The combination of
high ozone content, low humidity, and constant pressurization of the cabin has a
draining effect. Passengers will feel worse if they consume alcohol, carbonated
beverages, or excessive amounts of caffeine. Suggest that they drink plenty of
water or juice instead. If passengers are flying during hours when they would
normally be sleeping, they should try to sleep on the plane. Sleeping pills, travelsickness medicines, and other medications may work for the moment but often
aggravate jet lag over the following days.
A travel counselor can help travelers overcome jet lag by ensuring that they are
not immediately rushed into hectic schedules. Passengers may be too excited on
arrival to go to sleep, but a short nap helps diminish fatigue. On the first day at a
resort or on a cruise ship, vacationers should do little except relax and soak up a
bit of sun. On subsequent days, they can begin sightseeing, sport activities, and
nighttime entertainment.

Flying to the Caribbean by charter offers two basic advantages


to the traveler:
1. Substantial savings over full coach or economy airfares
2. Nonstop or direct accessibility to destinations that can only be
reached by direct (with stops but without changing planes) flights or
connections on scheduled airlines
Charters offer an additional advantage to the travel counselor: they are
usually sold in conjunction with a complete land package, including

The Travel Institute

Introduction

13

accommodations, tax and service charges, as well as meals, sightseeing


tours, or car rentals. The tour operator selling the charter usually has a
liaison or representative at the destination to help clients. An ongoing
relationship between the travel counselor and the tour company often
results in better service and higher commissions. The charter company,
which depends on travel agencies to sell the bulk of its business, will
generally offer a commission that is not subject to sudden changes by
the individual air carriers.
Some clients feel that charters have inherent disadvantages that offset
the advantages:
1. Full payment must be made as far as 45 days or more in advance.
(However, if the flight is not full, bookings will be taken up to the
last minute with immediate payment. The travel agency may have to
pay for last-minute bookings with a cashiers check, unless the
agency is well known to the tour operator.)
2. Once arrangements are made, travelers cannot easily change their
itinerary or departure dates without substantial financial penalty.
Although insurance can be purchased to cover sudden illness or a
death in the family, it is an additional cost and does not usually cover
other personal or business reasons for changing ones mind.
3. Departures and returns may be at less-convenient times. Check-in
times are usually longer.
4. Charters do not provide flexibility in scheduling. Clients are obliged
to accept the number of days offered for the trip (typically three,
four, or seven). Those who want to leave on a particular day and tailor their itinerary to their personal schedules are usually out of luck.
Some other drawbacks of charters are that flights are generally full,
delays are longer (on average), and travelers have few if any options to
change the itinerary once the trip has commenced.
Some of these drawbacks may actually be advantages for the travel
counselor. Once clients have paid, their commitment to the trip can be
counted as definite. Many of the details can be wrapped up with one
or two phone calls. However, many clients are more than willing to
pay for flights and schedules without any of these restrictions. One of
the first things you should do is to qualify your clients to see if they
prefer an FIT or Foreign Independent Tour (which might be more
profitable for the agency) rather than a package trip. Travel counselors
who immediately pick up a package or charter brochure before qualifying a travelers needs risk losing a potentially profitable sale.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Private Air Charters


In certain situations, travel counselors should consider the use of
individual air charters. For example, a private air charter might be ideal
for a family or two couples who are traveling to a smaller island and
whose connecting times on scheduled air would be inconvenient
and time-consuming.
Floridians or travelers who can reach southeast Florida on a
steeply discounted airfare may even find that the total airfare
expenditure (including chartering their own flight to the
islands) is less than the cost of regularly scheduled air. For
other travelers, a private charter is worth the extra expense:
they get 10 to 30 percent more vacation time at the destination, personal service, and the excitement of the flight itself.
Prime candidates are those for whom this is a special trip or
who are affluent enough to value this service.

Awaitin
g

Ferry or Ship Transportation

Courtesy of
St. Maarten
Tourist Offic
e

takeoff

on St. M

aarten

New travel counselors should make a clear distinction between cruises


and ship transportation. It seems that almost every speck of land in the
Caribbean is visited by at least one cruise ship. But almost no ships are
used solely for transportation from the United States to the Caribbean.
The only exceptions are the huge ferries that sometimes operate
between southeast Florida and Grand Bahama Island. A ferry also runs
between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
However, many islands are serviced by ferries between them and
smaller islands that are located near them. For example, ferries go from
Nassau to almost all of the Bahamian Out Islands; most visitors to St.
John arrive by the ferry from St. Thomas; and the Grenadines are
served by inter-island ferries. Often visitors can also opt to fly to these
islands, but a few islands have no airport and the ferry (or a chartered
seaplane) is the only means of transport.

Local Transportation
Public Transportation
On some islands, public transportation is just as convenient for
vacationers as it is for local residents. More often than not, however,
traveling on public buses, vans, or jitneys (ones that serve dedicated
routes) is quite time-consuming. Although vacationers who use public
transportation will find themselves immersed in the local culture, most
visitors prefer to use taxis, car rentals, or tours for transportation and
travel around the islands.

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Introduction

15

Taxis
The vast majority of islands have some sort of fixed schedule of taxi
fares from one point to another. These are set either by the government or by local taxi operators. They are sometimes posted in hotels or
at taxi stands, but usually it is up to the rider to find out the fare from
the driver before the trip starts. Meters are seldom used, and even
when they are, add-ons (surcharges for going to and from the airport
or the cruise port, for extra people or bags, or for nighttime travel)
make the final fare hard to determine anyway.
If possible, clients should first ask the hotel or tourist office about taxi
fares. They should then always reconfirm or agree on the fare with the
driver before getting into the vehicle. Before hiring a taxi, prudent
passengers may also wish to check the condition of the vehicle and the
drivers command of English and his knowledge of the islands sights
and history. The latter is particularly important when hiring a taxi for
an island tour.
Visitors who depend on taxis should make arrangements ahead of
time if they plan to stay out late. Taxis can be hard to come by or
prices can escalate. Even so, clients need to be flexible, in keeping
with island ambiance.

Car Rentals
Car rental companies run the gamut from the major ones familiar to
most Americans to local people meeting the boat with their private
cars. This course does not rate companies or recommend them for specific islands. Some strictly local companies may be better than the local
affiliates of the major companies. If you want some idea of reliability,
check with the tourist office or find out which rental companies tour
operators tend to book on their fly/drive packages.
Whether clients should rent a car depends on the answers to a few
questions: How isolated is the resort? Do the clients want to see a
number of sights outside the resort? How large is the island? How well
do the clients handle new driving situations? What is their budget?
When you advise clients on driving itineraries, be as conservative as
possible. The larger islands can be as big as a U.S. state, while the
smaller ones may be the size of a county. Nonetheless, even on small
islands there may be a lot to see. Almost all roads on Caribbean islands
are two lanes, so you should budget two to three times as much driving
time as for comparable distances on U.S. highways. If roads are poor,
increase the driving time estimate even more: many islands are
mountainous, or at least hilly; animals and people often get in the way;

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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and drivers will be in new terrain, possibly driving on the left side of
the road.
Driving can be a good way to find romantic beaches in hidden coves or
visit authentic Creole restaurants in small villages where few tourists
venture. However, drivers can also find themselves negotiating narrow,
mountainous roads under a blazing sun with a broken or no airconditioner; getting lost on a bumpy path in the middle of a sugarcane
field; and arriving back at their resort in a state of exhaustion. Be sure
you know how adventuresome your clients are before you suggest a
rental car for them.
A one- or two-day rental to see the island sights might be the ideal
solution for many clients. Still, they might do just as well taking a taxi
tour and leaving the driving to someone else. However, you must plan
ahead during the winter season; companies on some islands may have a
three-day minimum for rentals, and cars may sell out.

Accommodations
Surveys have found that for 75 percent of travelers the choice of
accommodation can make or break a trip. This text is devoted to
helping you choose the right destination for your clients, but choosing
the right accommodation at that destination can be just as important.
It is not within the scope of this text to cover every choice of
accommodation. Even if it were, changes occur frequently. Hotels
close, reopen, undergo renovation, change ownership, and are
occasionally damaged by storms.
However, we do describe what type of accommodations predominate
on each island. We sometimes mention well-known hotels, chains, allinclusive resorts, or historic inns to give a flavor of what is available,
although that does not necessarily mean that they are more suitable for
a specific client than those that are not mentioned. Some accommodations are listed because they stand out for a special reason; others are
listed because they are representative of a group of similar hotels. The
brief list of accommodations will give you a starting point to help you
gain familiarity with Caribbean lodgings.
You should consult sources such as the Official Hotel Guide
(www.ohgonline.com), the Caribbean Hotel Association Gold Book
(www.caribbeantravel.com), the AAA Caribbean Travelbook
(www.aaa.com/news12/Diamonds/travelbook2.html), tourist office
references, updates in special sections of the trade press, your offices
preferred trade manuals, and the hotel itself. For further hotel guidance, you should read consumer guidebooks such as the Caribbean

The Travel Institute

Introduction

17

Handbook (www.footprintbooks.com), Frommer (www.frommers.com),


Fodor (www.fodors.com), and Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com),
and bookmark your favorite Web sites for hotels and reference sources
on the Internet. When you book, check on the current condition of the
hotel, especially during low season (when refurbishment or construction often takes place) or after hurricanes.
On many islands, the type of accommodation available will provide further insight into the islands ambiance and the type of traveler who will
be happiest there. For example, clients who want a low-key, relaxed
vacation might prefer to stay on an island where guesthouses and bed
and breakfasts (B&Bs) are the predominant lodging choice. A general
outline of the major types of hotels follows.
Large resorts try to provide all the activities, restaurants, shopping,
and services that visitors may need right on their premises. Many clients
enjoy the pleasure and convenience of having everything readily available. On some islands, medium and smaller resorts may have an agreement with other hotels to honor one anothers meal vouchers (a dinearound plan) or to feature entertainment on different nights so that visitors can sample the bars, clubs, and shows at a variety of hotels. At
some destinations, the hotels are the main venues for entertainment.

U.S. Visitors to the Caribbean


In the Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic has the most hotel rooms,
followed closely by the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. But nearly half of
the overnight visitors to the Dominican Republic are Europeans, putting the
other three islands far ahead in the competition for Americans. The popularity
of Caribbean destinations among U.S. vacationers (excluding those on cruise
ships) breaks down into three tiers (the destinations are listed in alphabetical
order):
Tier One: The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico (each approaching or just
surpassing 1 million overnight U.S. visitors annually)
Tier Two: Aruba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, St-Martin,
U.S. Virgin Islands (a quarter- to a half-million overnight U.S. visitors annually)
Tier Three: All other destinations, ranging from islands that barely have 2,000
visitors annually to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados at well over 100,000
visitors.
(The above figures do not include Cuba or Cancn/Cozumel.)
Statistics are based on Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) figures for 1998 as published in
the Travel Industry World Yearbook.

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Small enclave resorts can exist in all categories from budget to deluxe,
but certain islands are known for their smaller, more secluded luxury
resorts that are among the best in the world. They do not try to be all
things to all people and often are sedate and aimed at travelers who
want to escape the bustle of everyday life. Such resorts are ready to
arrange for any type of activity or to suggest where more varied
entertainment can be found.
All-inclusives have become one of the most successful hotel types in the
Caribbean. Club Med, the innovator of this concept, has a number of
resorts in the area. It originated in France and has a special Continental
ambiance. Jamaica has no Club Meds but nonetheless is the king of the
all-inclusives. Most of Jamaicas larger all-inclusives are members of the
SuperClubs or Sandals groups. Today many of the all-inclusives are
geared toward singles, couples, or families. Some are restricted solely to
these clients. Others are spas or have cutting-edge health club facilities,
or specialize in certain sports such as scuba-diving and tennis. See
Specialty Niches on page 44 for more information on spas.
Condominiums, villas, suites, apartments, and efficiencies are generally larger than hotel rooms. Such accommodations provide cooking
facilities and refrigerators. They are found on most islands, and their
numbers are growing. Some are offered on major-supplier packages,
but others must be sought out through condominium referral services
or through the tourist boards.
City hotels are the exception in the Caribbean. San Juan, Puerto Rico,
is the only large city that has a major beach resort area right in the city,
similar to cities such as Honolulu, Hawaii, or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Other large cities, such as Kingston, Jamaica, Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic, and Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, have major hotels
with many amenities, but guests must take a long taxi or bus ride to
reach the beaches. Otherwise, city hotels on most islands tend to be
moderate to budget choices in the middle of the noise of traffic and
people. However, in smaller cities, these hotels may be a few steps or a
short bike ride away from the beach.
Guesthouses and inns can be found throughout the Caribbean. They
appeal especially to people who enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts
(B&Bs) and other types of cozy lodgings. Many islands boast elegant
plantation houses. In a few cases, on smaller satellite islands, a guesthouse may be the only accommodation available.
Camping is discouraged or forbidden on most Caribbean islands.
Notable exceptions are St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the
French islands, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe. Most of St.

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Introduction

19

John is a national park; the campgrounds are near an idyllic beach.


There are other locales for those who search for them.

Practical Information
Immigration and Customs
When traveling abroad, all travelers are required to have some form of
identification that proves their citizenship. For Americans traveling to
the Caribbean, proof of citizenship is usually all that is required. The
exceptions are the countries of Latin America and their island possessions and the island of Cuba.
There are three major forms of citizenship documents:
A birth certificate. Travelers must have the original or an official,
certified copy with an embossed government seal. If they only have a
photocopy, they will be sent home from the airport, most likely
without a refund for their trip.
Naturalization papers, showing that the person is a naturalized
American citizen.
A passport. This is the best form of identification; it proves
citizenship and constitutes permission by ones home country to
travel abroad.
If they are carrying a birth certificate or naturalization papers, travelers
should also have a picture form of identification (in any case, they will
need it to board any plane or cruise ship). Technically, a voters registration card along with a separate picture ID is also proof of citizenship, but many islands may not recognize them as such. Clients should
carry one of the three major forms of citizenship documents.
Despite the foregoing, the travel counselor must keep up with current
events and regulations in the region. Situations could change. For
example, in the 1980s France instituted more stringent regulations in
order to monitor possible terrorism in France. For a number of years,
travelers to the French islands in the Caribbean were required to have
both a passport and a visa.
A few islands and the country of Mexico require a tourist card, which is
issued to travelers at the airport or upon arrival. Travelers must keep the
tourist card with them during the trip, as they will be asked to surrender
it upon departure. Failure to do so usually results in delay or problems,
or worse; they might not be allowed to leave the country at that time.

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The foregoing applies to American citizens. U.S. residents who are not
American citizens should carry their residency card (green card) and
whatever documentation is required relative to their country of citizenship. In 99 percent of the cases, the U.S. residency card and separate
picture ID are sufficient. Nevertheless, the travel counselor should
either double-check that such clients have the correct documentation
or have them sign a waiver that they, and not the travel counselor, are
responsible for having the correct documentation.
Americans may bring home imports up to the following amounts without paying tax or duty on them:
$1,200 per person from the U.S. Virgin Islands
$600 per person from most Caribbean destinations
$400 per person from the French islands of Guadeloupe and
Martinique
Thus, a family of four is permitted $4,800 of exemptions when returning from the U.S. Virgin Islands or $2,400 from most other locations.
Tax on anything over the limit is 5 percent from the U.S. Virgin
Islands and 10 percent from other islands.
Puerto Rico, which is an American commonwealth, is considered the
same as a U.S. state as regards customs and duties. People traveling
between Puerto Rico and the United States do not go through customs at all. Upon return to the United States, they may import an
unlimited amount of goods from the island. All travelers entering
Puerto Rico from other islands will be subject to customs, just as they
would upon entering the United States.
On the flight or cruise back to the United States, passengers complete a
customs declaration that is examined and collected by customs on
arrival. All items acquired abroad over the applicable limit must be itemized. Receipts for purchases should be kept with the declaration form.
In addition to the duty-free exemption, passengers of any age may each
bring in up to 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Passengers 21
years of age or older may also bring in up to one liter of alcohol (one
gallon from the U.S. Virgin Islands). Some states have laws that prohibit the importation of alcohol or tobacco products regardless of federal regulations. State regulations and enforcement vary widely.
The process of going through customs upon entering the United States
has been substantially streamlined in recent years. But travelers who
might be tempted to cheat should realize that everyone entering the

The Travel Institute

Introduction

21

United States goes through customs, and everyone is liable to being


checked. By means of inside tips, profiling, undercover customs officers
in the crowd, observation of nervous behavior, and simple random
selection, customs officers can choose to check any arriving passenger.
Many islands have free ports or impose low rates of duty on imported
goods, which are sold in designated free-port and customs-free areas,
duty-free shops at airports, and special markets. However, the fact that
the tax is minimal or zero on goods coming into the island bears no
relation to the amount the traveler is allowed to bring into the United
States duty-free. Some bargain hunters consider such areas a shoppers
mecca, where they can purchase cameras, electronic equipment,
watches, porcelain, china, crystal, and perfume for up to 60 percent less
than at home. Other travelers have reported finding comparable prices
at discount stores in the United States. Before leaving on their trip,
visitors should check U.S. prices on items of interest in order to know
whether the item is a bargain at the duty-free price.

Health and Safety


Few dire health hazards threaten visitors to the Caribbean. If they use a
little common sense, travelers are nearly as safe as they would be traveling in the United States, especially if they are staying at major hotels.
Those roughing it in the poorer sections of islands should take the
same precautions they would in Third-World countries anywhere, such as watching that foods are properly cooked and
using insect repellent when necessary. Those venturing into
the interior of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, the
Yucatn, Belize, or Venezuela can encounter tropical diseases
and therefore should take precautions. For further health
information and current conditions, check the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at
www.cdc.gov and the State Department consular sheets
Web site at www.travel.state.gov.
Carol
Courtesy of

Lee

Many of the islands are short on water and must conserve


it, but the water is generally very pure. Therefore, travelers need not be concerned about eating salads or having
drinks with ice cubes. They can enjoy foods of all kinds with much
the same freedom as at home, if they use normal precautions.
Caribbean cuisine can be the highlight of a trip.

uilla
on Ang
s
t
a
e
r
t
Food

Perhaps the worst problem many encounter is sunburn or sunstroke.


This often happens to travelers who have not had previous experience
visiting a tropical climate. They want to make the most of their week in
the sun and may even think they are taking proper precautions;

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however, they do not realize the power of the tropical sun, which
shines at a more direct angle. Here the travel counselor can be helpful
in pointing out the adverse effects of sun-poisoning (a good term to
use with the uninitiated). For example, during a daylong booze
cruise, clients should keep in the shade much of the time, use
protective clothing and a high-PF sunscreen, and drink in moderation.
Too much sun and alcohol can lead to fever or chills, headaches,
nausea, or dizziness, in addition to the pain of the sunburn.
Even those who are not normally bothered by strong sun should use
sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a coverup for the beach, especially
between 11 A.M. and 2 P.M. Exposure to the sun should be limited on
the first day and be gradual thereafter. Long-sleeved shirts and long
pants are also essential for a day on a boat where reflections from the
water increase the likelihood of sunburn. Travelers should drink plenty
of nonalcoholic and noncaffeinated liquids. When applying sunscreen,
they should not forget sensitive areas such as the face, hands, and feet.
If they do get a sunburn, they should stay out of the sun until the
condition subsides.
As with any travel abroad, the number-one risk travelers face is from
vehicular accidents. Those renting cars should know how to drive
defensively. Those on bicycles, motorbikes, or scooters should be
particularly wary.
However, for first-time visitors to the Caribbean, personal safety is
often more of a concern. Caribbean family, social, and moral codes are
strong, and violent crime is rare. But crime has been rising on some
islands where the social structure has begun to weaken as the people
confront sudden changes brought on by many factors, including
burgeoning tourism.
On some islands where there is a great disparity in income between
vacationers and residents, petty thievery can be a problem. It is best not
to invite temptation. Visitors should keep valuables in the hotel or
cruise ship safe and should always lock their room doors. They should
avoid leaving valuables, such as cameras, purses, or money, lying unattended on the beach while swimming. You might want to advise your
clients to wear a moneybelt, and if they carry travelers checks to keep
the check numbers in a separate place.
In general, it is a good idea to stay alert and be aware of ones immediate surroundings when traveling in any unfamiliar country. This is especially true of the larger cities on the larger islands. Exercising caution
minimizes the possibility of becoming a victim of crime. Every society
has its criminals, and it is the individuals responsibility to stay aware of
potential danger.

The Travel Institute

Introduction

23

You can obtain further information regarding safety and other issues
from the U.S. State Departments Web site at www.travel.state.gov. You
should carefully read the State Department report about any island to
which you regularly send clients. The State Department issues three
types of travel information declarations:
1. Travel warnings recommend that Americans avoid travel to certain
countries and explain why.
2. Public service announcements describe short-term terrorist threats
or specific conditions that create risk for American travelers. These
are generally related to specific countries but can include worldwide
or regional conditions or threats.
3. Consular information sheets present facts and situations about
every country in the world. Safety and security issues are detailed
when appropriate, and travelers can make up their own minds about
what precautions to take or if they wish to travel.

Money Matters
The U.S. dollar is the legal currency of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
On other islands, hotel bills are often presented in U.S. dollars, even
though the islands legal currency may be different.
French islands use Euros, and Dutch islands use the Netherlands
guilder, generally referred to as the florin. These islands began using
the Euro in the year 2002. Eight islands in the Eastern Caribbean use
the Eastern Caribbean dollar (ECD). All other islands and countries
have their own currencies, but the U.S. dollar is recognized and accepted in most places.
Those visiting the islands off cruise ships will seldom need to convert
their money into the local currency, though they can usually do so
aboard ship. However, they should be aware of exchange rates and
prices for transportation and goods if they plan to tour on their own.
The French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe are exceptions,
where most transactions are conducted in Euros and where local
vendors may not always know the current exchange rate. On all
islands, buses, telephones, vending machines, and small tips require
local currency.
Clients staying on one island for any length of time should become
familiar with the local currency. They may want to purchase small
amounts of foreign currency before arrival, even though exchange rates

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The Fast Facts section of each island does not include currency
exchange rates because most rates fluctuate, in some cases substantially.
A number of Web sites provide conversion charts for foreign currencies
(such as www.xe.net/ucc). Many other leading travel sites also have
currency converters.
Credit cards are widely accepted in the Caribbean, and clients should
be encouraged to use them. Exchange rates are generally better than
those offered at local banks after service charges and/or fees are added.
ATM machines are available in most places. Before they travel, clients
should make sure their ATM cards are tied into an international network. Bringing travelers checks (rather than carrying cash) is recommended. Travelers checks either can be exchanged for local currency
or can be used directly in the many places that accept U.S. dollars.
Most islands impose international air departure taxes of up to $30;
most commonly these taxes are $10 or $20. A schedule of the latest
departure taxes may be found in the annual edition of the Caribbean
Tourism Organizations (CTO) Caribbean Vacation Planner. Air departures to local islands may also incur a tax of a few dollars (likewise for
boat departures). Martinique and Guadeloupe have no departure taxes
as of the year 2000.

Insurance
Before clients purchase any type of travel insurance, they should review
the insurance coverage they already have to make sure they are not
buying duplicate coverage. (Consult the insurance information in The
Travel Institutes Selling Travel Insurance elective module of the
Certified Travel Agent program for further information and Web sites
for the major companies.) Travelers need to consider several types of
insurance:

The Travel Institute

Once visitors are on the island, they will find the best exchange rates at
banks and government-approved exchange houses. Hotels and some
restaurants and vendors will exchange currency, but generally at lower
rates. Visitors to the Caribbean should never conduct private currency
transactions with hustlers in the street. There are some countries in the
world where this is a common medium of exchange. But this is rarely true
in the Caribbean, where the doubtful benefit of a tiny percentage gain in
an exchange rate on the street is greatly outweighed by the possibility of
counterfeit currency or a quick switch when the money is exchanged.

at home are not as good as those abroad. By doing so, travelers will be
able to avoid long lines at airport currency exchange booths or the
inconvenience of banks being closed upon arrival.

Did you know?

Tipping is a general
practice in the
Caribbean, and visitors
should have dollars or
some local currency to
tip for services. Hotels
and restaurants add a
service charge to the
bill, but it is customary
to tip waiters, chambermaids, porters, elevator
operators, bellhops, and
others who offer small
personal services.
Though most
restaurants will add a
service charge (usually
15 percent), it is
customary to round up
the bill or increase the
tip to 20 percent if
service was good. Other
service people who
should be tipped are
taxi drivers, guides at
tourist sights, hair
stylists, and auto
mechanics.

Introduction

25

Medical insurance. Many hospitals outside the United States do not


honor American health insurance plans. This means that even if the
clients U.S. plan will reimburse for certain medical expenses, the
client must pay the hospital or doctor overseas in full. Patients
should keep complete and accurate records and have their bill translated so that their health plan can reimburse them. If credit cards are
not accepted, patients will have to pay with travelers checks or cash.
Medicare does include coverage outside the United States. Travel
counselors should be sure to offer medical insurance to clients who
do not have adequate coverage and have them sign a waiver if they
decline to purchase it.
Baggage insurance. Baggage and personal possession insurance
protects clients against loss or damage while traveling. It picks up
where the carriers responsibility ends and covers losses in excess of
the airlines liability.
Trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation or trip interruption
insurance is particularly important on trips to the Caribbean because
many clients buy packages that have more severe restrictions than
individual trip components. Final payment often must be made 30 to
60 days before departure, and penalties increase as departure day
approaches. Cruise ships are generally accommodating in going
beyond what their contracts stipulate for refunding passengers who
become ill or are injured before the trip, but in many cases they may
not be able to help. Clients may lose up to 100 percent of the cost
of a cruise or package trip in case of a sudden emergency to themselves or a member of their family. Always offer cancellation and
interruption insurance, and have clients sign a waiver if they decline.
Optional comprehensive insurance. The top travel insurance
companies offer an optional plan at a reasonable cost that has very
comprehensive coverage, e.g. Travel Guards Cruise, Tour, and
Travel Policy.

Packing
The first bit of advice for packing is to travel light. Baggage carts are
scarce at airports in the Caribbean, especially smaller ones, and luggage
restrictions are tight. Clients on package tours to major islands with
nonstop flights may get away with taking the maximum amount of
luggage if transfers are included. If travelers connecting to small carriers
take too much luggage, it will often be delivered late. Small planes have
strict weight requirements, and excess luggage may be shipped on
subsequent flights.
Dress is generally casual and comfortable in the Caribbean. Light-

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Caribbean History and Culture


We think of the typical Caribbean vacationer as being interested in
fun, sun, sand, and seaand most of them are. But some travel
counselors miss out on large market segments by thinking only in these
terms. Surveys show that Americans interest in world cultures is
growing and will continue to grow in the future. However, sometimes
Americans lack knowledge of and appreciation for the cultures in the
Caribbean. Many clients have not yet been introduced to the cultural
richness to be found on these islands.
Visitors have opportunities not only to observe these cultures but also
to participate in them. The possibilities can be as varied as the people
who partake in themfrom late nights at the reggae festival to earlymorning church services as guests of a local family through an island
People to People program, for example.

Sightseeing at higher elevations may require long pants and a longsleeved shirt. These will also provide protection from the sun during
the first days of a trip. It is a good idea to bring film and sunscreen
from home, since they are much more expensive on the islands.
Travelers might want to bring insect repellent as well. And lastly, as on
any vacation, comfortable shoes are a must.

weight cotton and loose-fitting clothing are best in the heat and
humidity. A coverup for the beach is important, as is a hat in the
tropical sun. Sun hats are a fun purchase after arrival. Air-conditioning
in some restaurants is quite cool, so patrons might be more comfortable with a light jacket or wrap. Men may want a jacket for more formal dining. Evening wear is generally casual, but some islands are a bit
more chic than others.

Did you know?

You can telephone the


Caribbean in one of
two ways depending on
the location and
number: (1) dial direct
using the area code,
just as you would in the
United States; or (2)
dial 011 (for
international), the island
country code, a city
code (if required), and
the number. Check the
Web site at
www.att.com/traveler/
tools/codes.html for a
complete list of codes.

Culture enthusiasts will find a wealth of experiences waiting for them in


the Caribbean. They can brush up on their Spanish or French, visit
200-year-old plantation houses or British forts, and dine on Creole cuisine. You simply need to match their interests to the right destination.

History
Almost all travelers will benefit from knowing something of an islands
history and background, even if their only motivation is sun and fun.
The language, architecture, ancestry, political affiliation, and local attitudes toward tourism all stem from the areas history. Though each
islands history is a bit different, the broadest patterns are the same on
most of them:

The Travel Institute

Introduction

27

1492 PreColumbus: Peaceful Arawak Indians and, later, fierce


Carib Indians populate the islands.
1500s: The Spanish discover and explore the islands. They exploit
the larger ones and ignore the smaller ones.
16001750: European powers and pirates settle and fight over
the islands.
17501850: Slavery and plantation (sugarcane) economies rule the
islands. European control is settled.
18501950: European owners experience economic decline. Slavery
has been abolished, but economic hardship for common people persists.
19502000: Islands become independent or autonomous. The
standard of living improves markedly on some islands, less so on
others; the tourism industry becomes a dominant force.
The Caribbean had been populated by Indians for thousands of years
before European discovery. By 1400 most of the islands were inhabited
by different branches of the peaceful Arawak and Taino tribes. Little
remains of these peoples today except rock drawings and tools, and a
few place-names. Lucaya, the newly developed area next to Freeport,
Grand Bahama, was named after an Arawak group.
However, the demise of the Arawaks was not due solely to European invasion. It is ironic that in the 100-year period before the Europeans were
about to discover, conquer, and colonize the New World, the Arawaks
were first invaded by the fierce Caribs, a nation of warriors from the
northern coast of South America. The Caribs moved north and controlled
much of the area by 1492. They colonized some islands and plundered
others. Some historians believe they were cannibals. When Columbus
arrived, he encountered both Arawaks and Caribs, and remarked on the
ferocity of the Caribs. The Caribs fought the Spanish for the next 200
years. Today a small group of Caribs, mostly of mixed blood, still inhabits
the island of Dominica, and a few live on St. Vincent.
The first 150 to 200 years of Spanish dominance in the Caribbean set
the stage for its future history. The Spanish enslaved and decimated
Arawaks and Caribs alike in a quest for gold and silver and in a few
agricultural pursuits for which neither the islands nor their people were
well suited. Disease also ravaged much of the Amerindian population.
In its search for riches, Spain focused primarily on what are now
Mexico, Central America, and South America. The Spanish also made
sure to conquer and hold the Greater AntillesCuba, Hispaniola,
Puerto Rico, and Jamaicamainly as hubs to ship the hoped-for

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riches of the New World back to Spain. They built forts on these
islands to protect their ownership and to allow ships carrying booty to
sail home safely. Today these forts are among the top tourist sights in
Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
The Spanish largely bypassed the smaller islandsthe Bahamas, the
Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the southern islands
which were of little interest to them as they set about to secure the
mainland. Even their first foothold in the Bahamas, on October 12,
1492, was soon abandoned. This is why the vast majority of countries
in Latin America are Spanish-speaking today, while most of the
Caribbean islands are not.
The Caribs continued their hold on many of the smaller islands for the
next 100 to 200 years. When Spains dominance on the world stage
began to decline (especially after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in
1588), the Dutch, British, French, Danish, and others began exploring,
colonizing, and gaining control of most of these smaller islands. Spain
lost control of parts of the Greater Antilles as well. Jamaica was taken
over by the British in the late 1600s; today little can be seen of Spains
legacy there, except in the names of two of its most important cities,
Spanish Town and Ocho Rios. The western third of Hispaniola (now
Haiti) was heavily settled by the French, who took advantage of Spains
neglect of the island. In 1804 Haiti became the first independent
Caribbean country.
Islands often changed hands frequently. For example, the Spanish held
Trinidad until 1797, when it was finally captured by the British. Its
sister island, Tobago, changed hands more than twenty times, among
the Spanish, French, British, Dutch, and pirate groups. It was
even colonized by Latvians at one point. If you look at the
location of Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada (situated near
the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe), you
wont be surprised that the language spoken today by the
islanders among themselves is a French patois, even though
they eventually became English-controlled islands.
During most of the Spanish rule, many of the islands were
barely inhabited. The Amerindian population had been
decimated or annihilated. The introduction of sugarcane
Courtesy of
and an organized means of producing it in large quantities
Ministry of
Tourism of
Haitis
Haiti
U
n
k
n
o
would totally change these islands. This hugely profitable
w
before
n
S
la
ve
the Nat
ional P
crop needed a large labor supply. Some indentured seralace
vants were brought in, but more laborers were needed. Beginning
in the late 1600s, the British, French, and Dutch solved this labor
shortage by instituting the slave trade. The Spanish and Portuguese

The Travel Institute

Introduction

29

Did you know?

Many islands have a


Meet the People or
People to People
program. These
programs are of
particular interest to
culture enthusiasts, but
you might suggest
them to any vacationer
who wants to learn
something of an
islands culture. Check
with individual tourist
offices for details.
Potential participants
usually have to provide
information about
themselves, their
profession and
interests, age, when
they will be traveling,
and contact
information. Especially
successful reports
come from the
Bahamas and Jamaica.
If clients set up a meeting, they should make
sure to show up (or call
to cancel), regardless
of how their holiday
turns out. Here is an
opportunity to add a
very positive note to
international relations,
but no-shows make an
extremely bad impression.

were glad to participate in the shipments. In the triangular trade route,


goods flowed from Europe to Africa, slaves from Africa to the New
World, and sugar and other crops from the Caribbean back to Europe.
Slavery was abolished in 1834 on British islands, in 1848 on French
islands, and in 1863 on Dutch islands. Abolition led to the decline of
much of the agriculture and plantation society on which it was based;
nonetheless, large plantation farms continued to exist until the end of
colonial rule. The great houses and plantation houses are still among the
top sights to see on some islands. Economic progress, or the lack of it,
was determined in some cases by immigrationhundreds of thousands of
East Indians and smaller numbers of Chinese came to the southern
islands, especially Trinidad. In other cases, the World Wars and other outside forces influenced the economic rise and fall of the island colonies.
The end of World War II brought about two great changes in the
Caribbean. The first was a move toward independence: the islands usually had the choice of becoming totally independent, becoming selfgoverning colonies, or remaining part of their mother countries.
The second major change during the last half of the 20th century was
the rise of the tourist economy. The Caribbeanwhich first made its
mark as a strategic location between Europe and the Americas, and
later became a source of sugar in the triangle tradeis today able to
exploit different resources: its sea, sand, and climate.
On the whole, tourisms effects have been positive on most islands,
raising their standard of living. But the impact of tourism has also
presented challenges. Some portions of the population have not shared
in the prosperity and remain poor. Traditional family structure,
knowledge of time-honored skills and arts, and ancestral cultures have
sometimes been eroded in a rush to serve this new industry.
More and more ships disembark their ever-larger loads of passengers on the
islands each year. Every island makes its own bargain with tourism and its
millions of visitors to achieve the greatest gain at the least expense, especially socially and environmentally. As tourism continues to expand, the
islands histories will evolve again. Much of the regions past history has
seen one group exploiting another. In a small way, travel advisors have the
opportunity to positively influence the Caribbeans future. A good way to
start is by choosing the right island for the right reason for ones client.

Caribbean Culture
One of the Caribbeans endless fascinations is the variety of peoples
that have melded to create new and different cultures. Each island was
settled and fought over by different groups of Europeans, who brought

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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in slaves from Africa or indentured workers from Asia. Most islands


changed hands many times. Many have unique qualities, such as
Dominicas Carib Indian population, Trinidads large East Indian population, or Haitis art and independent heritage. Even most sun and
fun travelers will want to be advised of the language, ethnic makeup,
and atmosphere of an island. These cultural aspects can be as important
as a perfect beach in matching vacationers to the right island.
One thread that runs through Caribbean culture is its Creole, or mixed
heritage, nature. Whether in the ancestry of the people, their language,
food, music, religion, or other cultural aspect, this amalgam is
paramount. Essentially, this Creole mix has an African foundation,
combined with European, Asian, Carib, American, or Latin cultures.
As you read the next few pages, consult the map below. In this section,
we will list islands according to their predominant cultural or linguistic
influences. Most of the islands are grouped according to the culture of
the European countries that finally won control over them. The four
European countries that dominated the Caribbean are:
1. France
2. Spain
3. The Netherlands
4. Great Britain

SWEDEN
DENMARK

GREAT
BRITAIN

NETHERLANDS

GERMANY

ATLANTIC
OCEAN

FRANCE

Caribbean

Europe

SPAIN

Lesbos

The Travel Institute

Introduction

31

Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and other nations also established


colonies in the Caribbean at one time or another but had less impact.
The United States entered the stage much later, securing Puerto Rico
after the Spanish-American War and buying the U.S. Virgin Islands
from Denmark in 1917. In the 20th century, however, the sheer
numbers of visitors and expatriates from the United States and Canada
have had a profound impact on the Caribbean. Chinese, East Indian,
indigenous Amerindian, and other groups have also made their own
mark. In addition, people from different islands have had mutually
beneficial cultural exchanges with one another. Jamaicans, Haitians,
Cubans, Barbadians, and Trinidadians work or live on other islands,
and migrations continue. But it is the African heritage and culture that
most profoundly influence the region.
French- and Spanish-influenced Caribbean destinations tend to be more
culturally foreign to Americans than Dutch- and British-influenced destinations. This is primarily due to linguistic differences. Nonetheless,
African-influenced art, Caribbean music, and lilting variations of speech
never leave any doubt that one is in Bermuda, rather than in Britain; or
in Fort-de-France, Martinique, rather than in Paris, France.
Massive tourism development and growth in numbers of cruise ships
have brought about other changes that make some islands more
psychologically accessible to Americans than others. Indeed, many
visitors to the islands will seek out the familiarthose aspects that are
geared to North American tastes and cultureforgetting for the
moment that they are in a foreign land. An all-inclusive resort in
Jamaica, a golf course in the Bahamas, a condominium on Sint
Maarten, or a casino on Aruba may be more in keeping with American
culture than local culture. And that is just what some visitors want.
Some travelers seek the more familiar parts of less-familiar islands.
They dont want to be challenged by adapting to new cultural mores or
different languages on a vacation they view as pure relaxation. Other
visitors are willing to embrace a different lifestyle in order to experience
something new and unusual. The travel counselor should try to find
out what travelers are looking for because they do not always articulate
it and indeed may not even consciously know what they want. The
sophisticated honeymooners who have already been to France may
adore a chic resort in Martinique. The less-worldly honeymooners, who
cannot decide between Disneyworld or a pretty beach in Guadeloupe
they saw in a magazine, may feel completely out of place when they
arrive in Point--Pitre.

The French West Indies


The Caribbeans French islands are probably the most culturally cohe-

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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sive. They are integral departments of France. Four major destinations make up the French Caribbean: the two major islands,
Guadeloupe and Martinique; St-Barthlemy (called St.
Barts); and half of the island of St-Martin. St-Martin is
much smaller than the two major islands, but it is much closer to the United States and receives more American visitors
than the other three islands. However, many stay on the
Dutch side of the island. St-Martin is also an extremely
popular port of call for cruises.
A lot of the resort staff on the French islands speak
English, but if visitors want to enjoy their vacation, they
should have some familiarity with French. The food is
outstanding, and topless bathing is accepted at beaches and
swimming pools. The overall style is very French and very chic.

Bastille

Courtesy of
St-Martin

Tourist Offic
e
Day in
St-Mart
in

Although we include Haiti in this section, it has no political association


with France today. Even though its spoken language is Creole, French
is still used in schools, government, and larger businesses. Haiti has
been independent since the early 1800s, 150 years before most of the
Caribbean achieved self-government.

The Spanish-Speaking Caribbean


Three of the Greater Antilles are Spanish-speaking, although they have
been independent from Spain for more than a century. They are large
island countries with strong, vibrant cultures. The Dominican
Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Puerto Rico came
under the sphere of the United States after the Spanish-American War
in 1898. Cuba is by far the Caribbeans largest island; it moved into
the Communist sphere soon after Castro gained control in 1959.
The Caribbean destinations of a few Spanish-speaking countries
including Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombiaare also considered in
the last part of this text.

The Netherlands Antilles or Dutch West Indies


The Netherlands Antilles (Dutch West Indies) consists of six islands,
some of which have various relationships with the mother country.
Three of the islands are just southeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sint
Maarten is the Dutch side of the island that the French call St-Martin.
It receives more American visitors and cruise ships than four of the five
other Dutch islands combined. Saba and St. Eustatius (called Statia),
which lie fairly close to Sint Maarten, receive a tiny fraction of Sint
Maartens tourist numbers. The other three Dutch islands, just off the
northern coast of Venezuela, are known as the ABC Islands: Aruba,

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Introduction

33

Bonaire, and Curaao. Each is quite distinct: Aruba is a popular beach


destination, Bonaire is a dive and ecology center, and Curaao is the
cultural capital. Suriname was formerly Dutch Guiana.

The British West Indies


The rest of the islands, except the U.S. Virgin Islands, were eventually
governed by the British, though on many of them control seesawed
(usually between the British and the French) for two centuries.
The islands of the British West Indies are quite diverse. Visitors will
find little similarity between a pink-fringed resort in very British
Bermuda and the remote Blue Mountains of very West African Jamaica.
Nassau, Bahamas, and Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, might as well be on different continents, which they almost are, the former being so near
North America and the latter so near South America.
Roughly from north to south these islands include Bermuda, the
Islands of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cayman
Islands, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua and
Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia,

Local Language
On all the islands, most residents speak their own version of the main
language. Sometimes its just a variation of accent interspersed with special
words in that islands dialect; in other instances, its almost an entirely separate
language. These dialects usually fall into three categories:
A patois (pronounced pa TWA) is usually a version of English or one of the
other three dominant languages (French, Spanish, or Dutch). It can range
from little more than a strong accent to a very different dialect. An English
patois varies depending on what part of Great Britain colonists originally
came from (Ireland or Scotland, for instance). The same is true with a
French patois; for example, colonists from Normandy brought their own
French dialect.
Creole is often French-based, but it can be a mixture of any of the four
major language groups (French, English, Spanish, or Dutch) with large
measures of African languages and smaller doses of other languages
(Portuguese, Danish, Carib-Indian) mixed in. The Africans who were enslaved
and brought to the Caribbean came from many different African nations and
spoke many different languages.
Papiamentu is the Dutch version of the Creole polyglot and is spoken
mostly on the Dutch islands.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad


and Tobago. Also, Belize was once British Honduras, and Guyana
was formerly British Guiana.

Religion and Folklore


Understanding the history of the Caribbean also helps in understanding
the areas religions. Almost all of the islands are predominantly
Christian. The French and Spanish islands lean toward Roman
Catholicism, while the British and Dutch islands lean toward various
Protestant denominations. Judaism is found more on the Dutch islands
than others, and Hinduism and Islam are present along with
Christianity on Trinidad.
On some islands, the religions of Africa also hold sway. Voodoo and
other beliefs exist on a number of islands. These are serious forms of
local worship. The Rastafarianism of Jamaica is well known throughout
the world and has spread to some extent to other islands.
The religious creeds and rituals in the Caribbean are as different as the
islands and people themselves, but have one thing in commonthey
represent a deep spiritualism and belief in the supernatural.
The islands are rich in folklore, mostly coming from the traditions of
Africa that have been passed down through generations. Two
mythological creatures are the Obeah and the jumbie. The Obeah is a
superstitious force that is believed to be responsible for both good
and evil. Jumbies, also said to be capable of good or evil, are
supernatural beings believed to live around households. Islanders may
spin many tales of sightings of jumbies. In some ways, jumbies seem to
be disembodied spiritseither spirits of the dead who did not move on
or spirits of living people that inhabit the body of the dead. Travelers
watching Carnival parades will become acquainted with the stiltwalking Mocko Jumbies.
Weed women have a firm place in Caribbean folklore. Potions created
from recipes handed down for generations are amazingly effective, and
some are still used to cure various illnesses. Some visitors may find
island folklore colorful and amusing, but it is important to respect
these traditions.

The Arts
Music
For many people, Caribbean music is reason enough to visit the islands.
Added to the tropical atmosphere, beaches, and resort life, it creates an

The Travel Institute

Introduction

35

ambiance that is difficult to match anywhere else in the world.


Caribbean music is both a mixture of African and Latin rhythmsfused
into new sounds with new instrumentsand completely new musical
forms invented on the islands.
Calypso, which originated in Trinidad, is a marriage of AfricanSpanish rhythms, English verses, and traces of French influence. The words are often spontaneous improvisations on all
sorts of subjects. Trinidad is also the birthplace of steel-drum
(or steel-pan) music. Its haunting sound can be heard
throughout the islands, and a band often greets visitors upon
airport arrival or cruise disembarkation.
Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae, which is closely linked
to the Rastafarian religion. Its lyrics deal with politics, religion, social change, and anti-imperialism. Reggae is
ns
Jim Stephe
Courtesy of
known worldwide, as is its foremost artist, the late Bob
Trinidad
in
d
n
Marley. The Dominican Republic gave the world the
a
Steel b
merengue. Its form is similar to that of the calypso, but
the ballads are usually more sensual. Another dance, the beguine,
supposedly began as the calenda, whose movements were so suggestive
that it was banned by slaveholders on Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Percussionfrom tom-toms to congas to steel drumsis an important
element in African-Caribbean music. From Spain came the infusion of
guitar and wind instruments. Hand-made instruments made from
gourds, pots and pans, bamboo sticks, cowbells, saws, jawbones, or tree
trunks are also featured in Caribbean music.
Whatever the occasion, music can be heard. In nightclubs, at festivals, or
on the street corner, visitors always hear a distinctly Caribbean lilt playing in the backgroundone they will remember long after they leave.

Literature and Motion Pictures


The region also has a recent tradition of literary works, some of which
have been made into motion pictures. Wide Sargasso Sea, a novel by
Jean Rhys, born on Dominica, was made into a movie; it is now widely
available on video. The works of Julia Alvarez, a novelist from the
Dominican Republic, and Antiguan-born Jamaica Kincaid are widely
read in the United States. James Micheners large tome, Caribbean,
illustrates the history of the entire area with fictional characters in
stories set on individual islands.
The Mighty Quinn, a motion picture starring Denzel Washington and
set in Jamaica, is still widely available; it gives viewers a taste of the

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islands culture. Jamaica features prominently in a number of other


books and motion pictures.
A larger body of Caribbean literature exists for those who wish to
explore it. In this course, we briefly noted some West Indian authors.
The guidebook that provides probably the most thorough discussion
of Caribbean literature is Birnbaums Caribbean. The regions most
famous writer is the prolific V. S. Naipaul of Trinidad. Nobel prizes
for literature have been awarded to St. Lucias Sir Derek Walcott
and Guadeloupes Saint-John Perse (the pen name of Alexis
Saint-Lger).

Food and Drink


The Caribbean is a mlange not only of peoples and languages but also of
food and drink. Though each islands food is influenced by its French,
Dutch, Spanish, or other heritage, the islands cuisines usually have more
in common with one another than with their colonial ancestry.
Caribbean spices, fruits, and vegetables, along with African cooking
methods, create a uniquely African-Caribbean cuisine. The Bahamians
cook conch in a dozen different ways, while the Cayman Islanders do
the same for farm-grown turtle. The Jamaicans jerk (season and
barbecue) their chicken and pork, while the Trinidadians curry theirs. A
visitor might have souse (a stew of pigs feet and head) and collard
greens one afternoon and British high tea the next. Whether its
callaloo soup on Grenada or fried plantains on St. Lucia, the Caribbean
boasts a wealth of cooking traditions.
On almost every island, visitors can enjoy excellent Creole dishes and
simple local island specialties made with a cornucopia of local vegetables paired with conch, goat, or even more interesting protein sources.
And on most islands, diners can usually find a hamburger, pasta, or
some Chinese food.
Not surprisingly, the restaurants of the French islands (Martinique,
Guadeloupe, St-Martin, and St-Barthlemy) have some of the best
European cuisine in the entire Caribbean. Even though St-Barthlemy
is a small island, and receives relatively few visitors, its restaurants are
superb. Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St-Martin will also appeal to
those who appreciate French gastronomy.
Restaurants on the Dutch islands bring East Indian cuisine to the West
Indies. The Dutch adopted the cuisine of their colonies in Indonesia
and later brought it to the Netherlands Antilles. Their renowned
rijsttafel (rice table) is a buffet with rice and a variety of accompanying

The Travel Institute

Introduction

37

dishes. The Dutch islands also have many Chinese restaurants, and
Dutch cheeses and other Continental fare are widely available.
The Spanish-speaking islands have their own distinctive cuisine,
although they have borrowed from Spain and Latin America. In the
Dominican Republic, sancocho (a thick stew) is the national dish; in
Puerto Rico, its lechon asado (roast pork); in Cuba, rice with black
beans and pork are major food staples.
The Caribbeans alcoholic beverages can be summed up in two words
rum and beer. Rum is made from sugarcane, which is grown on
almost every island. The Caribbean produces most of the worlds rum,
and most islands have their own special brands. Visitors can often tour
rum distilleries, which are among the areas most popular sights. The
Caribbeans many rum drinks are world famous: pia coladas, daiquiris,
zombies, Cuba libres, and planters punch, to name a few.
Beer is the other popular alcoholic drink. Carib and Red Stripe are two
of the most popular local brands, but visitors will also find imported
beers everywhere. Specialty liqueurs such as Tia Maria from Jamaica
and Curaao from Curaao are popular items to consume or bring back
home. Water is safe to drink almost everywhere, but visitors often prefer bottled water. Many islands have local soft drinks made with ginger
or fruits, and imported colas are available everywhere. Thirsty visitors
might also enjoy coconut water and coconut milk, which can be found
at beach stands.

Local Sports
To some degree, Caribbean people enjoy the same participant and
spectator sports as North Americans. On the other hand, their traditions also emphasize other sports that are less familiar to Americans.
The most obvious example is cricket, which is played on almost every
island with British ancestry. The British West Indian team has some of
the worlds best cricket players. Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and
Antigua have contributed several team members.
Soccer is immensely popular, and in recent decades the area has
produced top Olympic track stars. Horse racing is widely enjoyed on a
few islands. On other islands, locals enjoy cockfighting and battles
between a mongoose and a snake.

Celebrations and Special Events


People in the Caribbean are fun-loving, and festivals and parties are frequent. Carnival is the biggest event on many islands and is celebrated

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nearly everywhere. The last five days before Lent (in February or
March) is the culmination of more than a month of festive events; however, on some islands, Carnival coincides with harvest festivals, independence day, or some other meaningful milestone. Band, music, costume,
and beauty pageant competitions are spirited. If clients visit an island
during Carnival celebrations, it will surely be a vacation to remember.
Carnival in Trinidad is by far the most renowned, rivaling those
in Venice, Italy, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and New Orleanss
Mardi Gras. In Trinidad, the costumes are more elaborate (and
outrageous), the parades are larger, the steel-drum and calypso
music is more authentic, the dancing is more widespread, and
the entire population gets more involved than anywhere else
in the Caribbean. Other Carnivals that stand out are those on
Martinique and Guadeloupe (Mardi Gras), Curaao,
Barbados (Crop Over Festival in August), St. Lucia (now
held in August so as not to compete with Trinidads
Carnival), Nassau (Junkanoo, on the day after Christmas
and the day after New Years), and St. Thomas (in April).

Courtesy of
Good Times
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Carniva r Trinidad and Tobago Tourtioismns
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Trinidad

The Spanish cultures tend to have fiestas on days honoring the patron
saint of various cities. These celebrations are therefore spread out during the year. Music festivals are a prominent part of the Caribbean calendar. St-Barthlemy has a festival every January that features soloists
and musicians from around the world. The six-week-long Bermuda
Festival of the Performing Arts, in January and February, attracts
international talent in many fields. In May, Barbados hosts the
Caribbean Jazz Festival, brimming with the sounds of Latin music,
pop, jazz, and salsa. Festival Casals draws world-famous orchestras,
choruses, and choirs to Puerto Rico in June. Although we provide the
dates for these and other festivals in the text, you should always verify
an islands most current calendar of events with the tourist board.
You can research many other local events through the islands
brochures or Web sites. Carnival-type events are usually spontaneous
local celebrations that are also shared with visitors, while music and arts
festivals are often presented with an eye to both local and foreign
attendees. Other special events occur primarily for the vacation
community: such as yachting regattas, fishing tournaments, golf and
tennis competitions, and windsurfing championships.
Each island also has its own special holidays, when banks, stores, and
public buildings may be closed. On these days, it may be difficult or
impossible for visitors to go shopping or conduct business. The SFC
Travel Publications World Travel Guide (www.travel-guide.com) lists
public holidays for countries around the world.

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Introduction

39

Island Etiquette and Customs


Many Caribbean habits, mores, and customs differ from those of North America.
Common sense and the golden rule cover most situations. But to avoid offending
their hosts, visitors should follow a few simple guidelines.
A friendly greeting or small talk before commencing business, even for the
smallest purchase in the smallest shop, is essential. To do otherwise is
considered rude.
Those whose attitude is demanding and superior are unlikely to receive good
service. Even if they do receive good service (as they will in the best of
resorts), they pay with a loss of respect.
Nude bathing and topless bathing are accepted in some places, but they are
frowned upon or illegal in others. On all but the most informal of tiny islands,
beachwear is usually unacceptable in most public places, including shops and
restaurants.
The concept of personal space is much less defined in the Caribbean.
Closeness during conversation or in crowded conditions is accepted as normal.
Attitudes toward time are different. Those who want their vacation to follow a
tight schedule are apt to be frustrated. Vacationers should learn to unwind and
enjoy the unhurried pace of the Caribbean.
Giving money and candy to children is usually insulting to locals. The same is
true for throwing coins off ships to young boys diving for them. If travelers
want to contribute to the betterment of the people of the islands, they can buy
locally made goods and crafts, or make donations to local charities.

Shopping: Imports and


Local Arts and Crafts
Some clients consider shopping an important part of any vacation, and
there are many places in the Caribbean where avid shoppers will find
bargains and locally produced goods. The merchandise on sale can be
divided into two broad categories: (1) imported luxury items from
around the world and (2) handicrafts made on the islands.
Imported goods run the gamut: English bone china, Irish linens,
Spanish porcelain, Japanese electronics, Swiss watches, French perfumes, and liquor, to name a few. Prices on these products sometimes
beat those of duty-free airport shops and U.S. discount stores.
Shoppers who purchase locally made crafts and artwork contribute

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directly to an islands economy, often benefitting the people


who need it most. Almost every island features straw hats and
other types of basketwork. Straw-weaving often uses traditional
techniques derived from Africa. Designs feature African and
European motifs. Many islands offer hand-printed textiles,
either silk-screened or batiked, and lacework. Using a technique unique to their island, women on Saba produce lace.
Primitive art, best exemplified by Haitian art, is created
throughout the Caribbean and is known worldwide. This
folk art features vivid colors and island scenes. Visitors can
often buy primitivist paintings at street shows, from working artists, and at art galleries.

A hat p

Courtesy of
St-Barthlem
y

urchase

on St-B

Tourist Offic
e

arthlem

Woodcarving is another popular island art form. Carved animal and


human figures or fierce masks will delight the art lover. Beautiful native
woods such as mahogany are used.
Special varieties and brands of locally made rums are sold throughout
the islands, and one bottle of the local rum does not count against the
visitors custom allowance upon return to the United States. Coffee is a
specialty of Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Clients should be advised not to purchase tortoiseshell jewelry and
coral jewelry. Turtles are an endangered species, and coral reefs must be
protected. Black coral is protected in most areas and is subject to the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
The U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly St. Thomas, is the shopping
mecca for U.S. citizens because goods come into the islands duty-free,
and the amount Americans can bring back home is double the
allowance for the rest of the Caribbean. Other islands that have a lot
of foreign-made goods are the Bahamas, St-Martin, the Cayman
Islands, Barbados, and Aruba.
Those visiting Cancn and Cozumel can purchase handicrafts and folk
arts from all over Mexico. Visitors to the coast of Venezuela can travel
inland to Caracas to buy goods typical of South America.

Sights and Attractions


For each island, we highlight exceptional natural sightscliffs, mountains, famous beaches, snorkeling trails, national parks, waterfalls, caves,
and so on. We also point out the most famous cultural sights, such as
historical museums, churches, and art galleries. You should familiarize

The Travel Institute

Introduction

41

Did you know?

Thirteen UNESCO
classified World
Heritage Sites are
located in the
Caribbean area covered
in this book. Seven of
these are in The
Western Caribbean and
the Coast of Latin
America section. Of
these seven, five are in
Cuba and will not be
discussed here. The
other two are:
Belizes barrier
reef system
The port,
fortresses, and
monuments of
Cartagena,
Colombia
The six that are in the
Caribbean proper are:
Morne Trois Pitons
National Park on
Dominica
The Colonial City of
Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
The Citadelle and
Sans Souci in
northern Haiti
Brimstone Hill
Fortress on St. Kitts
La Fortaleza and El
Morro forts and
San Juan Historic
Site in San Juan,
Puerto Rico
The downtown
waterfront of
Willemstad, Curaao

42

Destination Specialist Caribbean

yourself with these natural and cultural sights. Most travelers usually
want to see only one or two of them, such as the fort and old city of
San Juan or a Mayan ruin in the Yucatn. For the small percentage of
travelers who want to see much more, you can do further research.
Each chapter also presents some special secret that discerning travelers
might especially enjoy.
More and more, islands are featuring attractions that take advantage of
their natural environment, such as aquariums, oceanariums, water
parks, and turtle farms. Also included in this category are special tours,
such as a two-person raft trip down a river, a glass-bottom boat tour to
see the wonders of the deep, or a sail on a pirate boat. We mention
only the major attractions and special tours for each island, but almost
every island has some variation of them.
Destinations that can be sold to atypical Caribbean visitors (especially
culture enthusiasts) tend to be the larger and more popular islands and
countries, such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and
Mexico, and, to a lesser degree, Jamaica and Trinidad.

Dining and Entertainment


The larger and more-touristic islands offer a good choice of American
and Continental restaurants, as well as those with more local flavor.
Continental establishments are usually located in hotels, and many of
their menu selections cater to the foreigners taste. The better
restaurants make an effort to use as many local fruits and vegetables as
possible, as well as fresh seafood.
Some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean are affiliated with hotels,
while other hotel restaurants serve standard, unimaginative fare geared
to the mass tourist market. Clients need to do a bit of research and
choose carefully. They should be particularly choosy if they eat at hotel
restaurants that also serve large tour groups.
In recent years, American travelers have become more willing to try a
variety of cuisines. Diners in the Caribbean can find imaginative and
authentic preparations served in a tropical ambiance: from a simple fish
snack at a stand along the beach to more elaborate dishes at a restaurant with a waterfall running through the middle of it. (See the Food
and Drink section under Caribbean Culture on page 37 and the individual islands for more detail.)
Clients vary widely in what they desire for nightlife. A solo guitarist at a
small nightclub may satisfy some; others may want nothing short of a
lavish show. Las Vegasstyle nightlife can only be found in San Juan,

The Travel Institute

Puerto Rico, and Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas, although


Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has a Latin flair in its
entertainment scene.
The most-touristic islands, such as St-Martin, St. Thomas, Aruba, and
Barbados, always have nighttime entertainment to keep visitors occupied. All-inclusive resorts such as Club Med, Sandals, and SuperClubs
have some form of entertainment every night, ranging from local island
music to amateur talent shows. On many islands, resorts take turns presenting shows or special bands, and guests can visit a different spot
almost every night. On smaller islands, entertainment tends to be presented on weekends rather than on weekdays. Jump-ups are usually
held somewhere on Fridays and Saturdays. On some islands, this local
entertainment is quite accessible; on others, it needs to be sought out.
For music lovers, authentic reggae, steel-drum, African-Caribbean, and
world music is easy to find.
Some islands have a very lively entertainment scene, and others are
noted for their very low-key nightlife. The accompanying chart will
help you select the right island for your clients.

Nightlife on the Islands


The Most Action

Lively Resorts

Ample Fun Here Too

The Bahamas
Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico

Antigua
Aruba
Barbados
Jamaica
St-Martin
Trinidad

Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Guadeloupe
Martinique
St. Kitts
St. Lucia
U.S. Virgin Islands
(St. Croix and St. Thomas)

If your clients want gambling as part of their Caribbean vacation, you can eliminate some destinations right away. Easily the most popular gambling location is
the Bahamasspecifically Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport, Grand Bahama;
these two islands are close to Florida and are relatively sophisticated. (The Out
Islands have no casinos as yet.) Casinos in Guadeloupe and Martinique require
proper dress, a $10 entrance fee (admission to slot-machine areas may be free),
and a degree of sophistication. In addition to those listed below, Antigua, St. Kitts,
Turks and Caico Islands, St. Vincent are other destinations that also have casinos.
Top Islands for Gambling

Aruba
The Bahamas

The Travel Institute

Curaao
Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico
Sint Maarten (Dutch side)

Introduction

43

Selling the Caribbean: Specialty Niches


Special-interest travel is becoming more and more popular. Travel counselors who develop expertise in a particular special interest (such as diving) often become quite successful in selling to this niche market. In this
section, we cover some of the specialized categories for Caribbean travel.

Tour Packages
Even if your clients wish to travel independently rather than on a set
charter or bulk air program, you can still book them on a package with a
tour operator. (A bulk air program is one that charters seats on regularly
scheduled flights and otherwise operates like a charter program.) Your
clients retain almost all the flexibility of independent travel and may
enjoy a savings over booking the hotel separately.
Besides general tours, there are many special-interest tours, such as
sports packages and honeymoon specials. Scuba-diving packages are
among the most popular. Environmental packages may feature tours of
rain forests, nature preserves, and marine reserves. Natural history tours
focus on flora and fauna. Be it sailing, tennis, golf, horseback riding, or
another special interest, travelers can usually find a suitable tour package.
Travelers with a passion for a special activity will, on average, be willing
to spend more, travel farther, and take longer to get to their destination
than other travelers. Travel counselors with expertise in a particular special interest can build up their clientele around this niche market. (See
The Travel Institutes CTA or CTC elective module Selling Special
Interest Travel for more details.)

Cruises
Cruising has become one of the fastest-growing and most successful
segments in the U.S. travel industry, and the Caribbean is the premier
cruise destination. The huge expansion in ships and the increased
number of available berths between 1995 and 2005 will make this true
for years to come and probably much longer. Cruising is a relaxing,
convenient way to discover a few islands on one trip. The season for
sailing in the Caribbean is nearly year-round because the waters are
generally calm, and the trade winds keep temperatures steady.
One reason that so many travelers enjoy the cruise experience is that it
gives them a way to sample more than one islands beaches, sights,
shops, and restaurants. Most cruise lines call on at least three islands,
some up to six, in a seven-day sail. At the end of the week, passengers
discover that some islands have more appeal than others, making their
choice of next years trip to the sun easy.

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A cruise also has an advantage when it comes to cost and convenience.


Packaged within one price is just about every major expenditure
accommodations, food, transportation, and entertainment. Everything
from fine dining to activitiesis just a few steps away. In addition,
travelers can see a number of islands without having to worry about
separate transportation schedules and reservations.
The main ports of embarkation and debarkation for cruises are
Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and
Bridgetown, Barbados. But cruises also depart from Tampa,
Florida, New York, Texas, and other locations. Caribbean
cruises vary in length from two to 18 days, but seven-day
cruises are the most popular. However, for more than a
decade, the short two- to five-day cruise has been the fastestgrowing segment of the industry.
Many seven-day cruises are round trips from Florida to the
Northern or Eastern Caribbean or to the Western Caribbean
destinations of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico.
Some weeklong cruises leave from San Juan or Barbados to
allow for exploration of the farther eastern and southern
islands and the coast of Venezuela. Two- to four-day
cruises from Florida usually visit the Bahamas only.

Courtesy of

Cayman Isla
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A tende
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Many ports of the smaller islands do not have enough deep water or
dock space to accommodate todays megaships. In such cases, ships
must anchor in the harbor, and passengers are transferred to and from
shore in smaller boats called tenders. Passengers suffering from physical
handicaps may find getting in and out of the tender difficult because
they have to negotiate steps or narrow gangways. The water is usually
calm close to shore, but any kind of ocean swell can make using tenders
more difficult. During very bad weather, it is impossible. The captain
then makes the decision to move on to the next destination.
Travel counselors should remember that Caribbean cruises provide a
great deal of variety: travelers can sample different cultures, shops,
scenery, and activities almost every day. The drawback is that cruisegoers
get only a fleeting glimpse of each island. However, most people take a
cruise in order to relax rather than to tour. This is particularly true of
repeat cruisegoers, some of whom may not even get off the ship at some
islands. Those who do tour every island often report that the islands
tend to blur together after the third port. Travel counselors may suggest
that clients visit the beach on one island, go shopping on another, and
engage in some sport activity on yet another, just to vary their journey.
Cruise travelers will sometimes make a snap judgment, good or bad,
about an entire island, based solely on the few hours they spend at a

The Travel Institute

Introduction

45

cruise port. However, one should try to avoid falling into this trap.
Some islands do not put their best face forward at their ports and docks.
Travel counselors can develop a more well-rounded picture of a destination by visiting the rest of the island and by doing some research.

Sports

e
Tourist Offic
Guadeloupe
Courtesy of

Todays travelers are increasingly interested in active vacations.


Dozens of water sports are available in the Caribbean, and they
are strong travel motivators for sports-minded vacationers. We
will consider five of them: snorkeling, scuba-diving, sailing,
windsurfing, and sportfishing. Many travelers will plan an
entire trip around one of these activities. Other water
sportssuch as parasailing, water-skiing, body-surfing,
board-surfing, swimming, paddle-boating, kayaking, jetskiing, and waterfall-climbingare diversions for most
visitors, who have chosen a destination for other reasons.
The most frequently visited islands have many of these
activities, and we will not mention them for each
pe
u
lo
e
d
a
Gu
destination. However, on certain islands a particular sport
rfing in
Windsu
may stand out as being among the best in the region (or
may hardly exist at all), and we will highlight this fact in the text.

Snorkeling
Skin-diving or snorkeling, and scuba-diving have a lot in common.
They can be enjoyed as secondary activities at almost every destination
covered in this text. However, travel counselors should know the best
destinations for these two sports, in order to make recommendations
or at least to be conversant with these diving spots when clients
mention them.
Despite their similarities, snorkeling and scuba-diving are distinct
sports. In snorkeling, swimmers breathe through a snorkel or tube
while keeping their head underwater for better vision. Experienced
snorkelers can dive underwater for as long as they can hold their
breath; when they need to come up for air, they clear their snorkel of
water by blowing it out and then continue to breathe again. But even
novices to the sport can quickly learn to snorkel.
Some of the most famous snorkeling sites are not suitable for everyone,
and at certain times of the year they might not be in the best of condition due to hurricanes, other climatic changes, or overuse by visitors.
For example, certain sea lagoons along the Yucatn are inundated by
thousands of people from cruise ships on some days. These lagoons are
spectacularly beautiful, especially for first-time visitors; for other vacationers, however, the crowds might ruin the experience.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Scuba-diving requires a commitment to a program of learning and


practice. Prospective participants must show a certificate proving they
have taken such a course; otherwise, it is illegal and dangerous for an
operator to rent or sell the equipment or air tanks needed for the dive.
A resort or dive company can provide a limited one-day scuba-diving
course. This only allows the person a restricted dive with the instructor
or a dive in a particular, controlled environment. The certificate is
generally not valid for dives elsewhere.
A full certificate (authenticated by the Professional Association of Dive
Instructors, or PADI) requires many hours or weeks of classroom study
and practice. Special PADI certificate tour packages are offered. To
obtain the certificate, students take a five-day course of fairly intensive
classroom instruction and practice lessons. Student divers will take at
least one or two dives toward the end. (Dives to any substantial depth
should not be undertaken within the last 24 hours before flight departure.) The certificate is recognized throughout the world, though for
some specialized dives (into caves or at lower depths), operators may
require further training on site before the dive.
Because of their commitment and intense dedication, scuba-divers are
often repeat travelers who spend more than average cost to pursue their
pastime. Targeting this lucrative niche market requires some extra research
and preparation, but travel counselors will find that it is worth the effort.

Top Dive Destinations

Scuba-Diving

Though snorkeling is much less the sole motivation for a trip compared
to scuba-diving, beginning snorkelers may later take up scuba-diving.
Many areas, particularly those with shallow water, have been specially
designated as snorkeling sites or underwater trails, with signs describing
the coral and other sights.

Did you know?

Excellent snorkeling
sites can be found
throughout the
Caribbean, but the
following are among
the more famous ones:
U.S. and British
Virgin Islands,
especially the
underwater trails at
St. Croixs Buck
Island National
Monument and St.
Johns Trunk Bay
Out Islands of the
Bahamas, especially
Eleuthera
Turks and Caicos
Islands
Cayman Islands
Curaaos
Underwater Park
Bonaire

Bonaire

Cozumel and the


lagoons and reefs of
Mexicos Yucatn
Peninsula

Cayman Islands

Belize

Almost all islands have outstanding dive spots, but three stand out among the
others:

Cozumel
Even though Saba has practically no beaches, its underwater mountain cliffs,
lava flows, and marine life are spectacular. Other outstanding diving destinations
are the Out Islands of the Bahamas, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks and
Caicos Islands, many of the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands and Belize.

The Travel Institute

Introduction

47

A number of islands have operators that offer snuba, a cross between


snorkeling and scuba-diving. Divers wear a mask with a tube connected
to an air tank on a boat. Accompanied by a guide, participants can go
down to 20 feet and stay for 30 to 40 minutes while the boat follows
their movements. The big advantage is that no training, experience, or
level of physical fitness is required.

Sailing
On many islands, visitors can arrange a half-day or full-day sail on a
Sunfish or Hobie Cat, often without prior reservations. Another
option, particularly for small groups (four to ten people), is to charter a
yacht or boat for a weeks sail. The cost usually is comparable to a
seven-day cruise on a large cruise ship. Your clients can charter a vessel
with a complete crew that sails, cooks, and takes care of every detail.
Or they can charter a bareboat (without crews) if they are experienced
sailors. Many clients have never considered the option of chartering a
private boat, so this is a niche market just waiting to be cultivated.

Windsurfing (Sailboarding)
Windsurfing is popular at almost every Caribbean destination, as are
most watersports. Instruction is available at many major resorts or with
local sports operators, while the experienced can seek out numerous
locations where they may be the only sail in sight. Warm waters (for
those planned or unplanned plunges into the surf) and steady trade
winds throughout the Caribbean make it a paradise for this sport.

Standing out somewhat among their fellow destinations for windsurfing are
The Dominican Republic: The north coast at Cabrete is the prime location
(especially good during the summer) and is home to international competitions.
Barbados: Both calm waters for beginners and strong winds for the experienced (especially good during winter and spring), Barbados is also home to
international competitions.
The constant strong winds of Aruba and Bonaire, any of the French islands
(sailboarding is particularly popular in France), and the British Virgin Islands
(steady breezes and numerous close islands make island-hopping by sailboard a
unique venture) are other destinations that stand out somewhat above others. A
number of guidebooks also point out Nevis as a hidden secret of calm water
and few crowds, ideal for beginners. Venezuelan Margarita Island, with the
same strong winds off the coast of South America as its neighbors, the ABCs,
could be considered another sleeper, not discovered by many Americans.

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Sportfishing
On most islands, it is easy to charter a boat for a half or full day of
deep-sea fishing, but those dedicated to the sport will most likely
concentrate on the Northern Caribbean. The Bahamas, the Cayman
Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in particular cater
to deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, swordfish, barracuda, and others.

First-time visitors to the Caribbean sometimes mistakenly assume that


every island has a golf course. Therefore, you should always ask new
clients if they are interested in the sport. About 10 of the destinations
in this text do not offer any golf. Obviously, these islands would not
appeal to a golfer.

Palm trees, cliffs, and swirling seascapes greet golfers at some of the
worlds most beautiful courses. Some of the larger islands have resorts
that are particularly known for their spectacular and challenging
courses: El Conquistador outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Casa de
Campo in the Dominican Republic; and Tryall in Jamaica. On other
islands, clients can combine golf with a stay at a secluded getaway (such
as the Four Seasons Resort on Nevis).

Golf

Did you know?

For more information


on golf, see The Travel
Institutes Lifestyle
Specialist course
entitled Golf.

Tennis
The destinations listed as tops for golf also boast the best in tennis
facilities, but almost every major resort in the Caribbean has tennis
courts. If tennis is one of your clients major interests, you should
check on how well the courts are maintained at each resort you consider, whether they are lighted for night play, and whether the resort has a
tennis pro on staff.

Specialty Niches
Ecotourism
Natures beauty can be appreciated on every island, but some are
particularly attractive to ecotourists. More than half of St. John in the
U.S. Virgin Islands is a national park. Because of its lack of beaches,
Dominica is less developed than other islands. But its jungle-like
interior boasts a bubbling volcano and pristine waterfalls, and the island
is perhaps the areas number-one destination for ecotravelers.
Part of Bonaire is a national park with wondrous bird life on land and
amazing marine life offshore. St. Lucias Pitons are large mountains
rising from the sea and covered in rich foliage. Tobago, Barbuda, and
Saba are pretty, natural islands that receive few tourists. But even the
larger, more-developed islands offer natural beauty: the rain forest in

The Travel Institute

Introduction

49

Puerto Rico or Martinique, the mountains in the Dominican


Republic, or the Blue Mountains in Jamaica.
Even the most developed islands have a stake in the environmentfor
example, Nassaus Flamingo Preserve and Grand Bahamas Lucayan
National Park, which has one of the most extensive underwater cave
systems in the world.
On certain islands, ecotravelers will find a wide array of exotic fauna:
the mighty mammals of the seawhales, dolphins, and manatees
as well as monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, and large iguanas. And
bird-watchers will be fascinated by the areas many species of birds. Not
to be outdone by the animal life is the Caribbeans flora: bougainvillea,

Top Sailing Areas


The Abacos in the Bahamas

The Grenadines

Antigua

U.S. Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

Many of the Windward Islands, in


addition to the Grenadines

Top Islands for Golf


The Bahamas (Nassau/Paradise
Island and Grand Bahama)

Jamaica

Bermuda

Nevis (Four Seasons Resort)

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

Top Islands for Tennis


Tennis can be excellent at any deluxe or first-class resort that puts a priority on
the sport, but you might look particularly at the following destinations:
Antigua

Jamaica

The Bahamas

Puerto Rico

Bermuda

U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and


St. Croix)

Dominican Republic

Top Ecotourism Destinations

50

Destination Specialist Caribbean

Belize

Puerto Rico

Dominica

St. Lucia

Dominican Republic

Trinidad

Guadeloupe

U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John)

Jamaica

The Yucatn

Martinique

Smaller, less-developed islands

The Travel Institute

jacaranda, and hibiscus are among the dozens of flowers that are as
beautiful as their names. Mangrove swamps and volcanic rain forests
hold species yet undiscovered.

Adventuring and Hiking


Most islands offer interesting hikes along beaches or through their
interiors. Serious hikers will usually prefer some of the volcanic
mountains in the Southern Caribbean.
The Windward Islandsvolcanic, mountainous, and lushprovides
some of the Caribbeans best hiking. A trek to the top of the volcano in Dominica is one of the most challenging conquests in
the Caribbean, but the volcanoes in Guadeloupe and Martinique
are also popular. Hikers can trek up St. Lucias volcano and
examine (cautiously) its smoldering mud pots. Trinidads
mountainous interior is a wealth of bird and animal life. A hike
to the highest peak of Jamaicas Blue Mountains can be both
culturally and ecologically adventurous.
Many islands offer other kinds of adventurous sports, such
as kayaking and cave-exploring. While swimming with
sharks, barracuda, or stingrays is a relatively safe adventure, divers who want to push the envelope can explore
little-known shipwrecks, cays, reefs, and caves.

Courtesy of

Cayman Isla
nds Departm
Explorin
ent of Tour
g on th
ism
e Caym
an Islan
ds

Other adventures await those who creatively seek them out. While most
travelers wait for stability to return or development to arrive, a few may
wish to see Montserrats erupting volcano firsthand. They also might
want to experience Haitis culture, track the jaguars of Belize, take a
mail boat to a Bahamian Out Island with few tourists, or visit the
Maroons in Jamaica.

Weddings and honeymoons often involve luxurious trips with many


upgrades. When booking such trips, the travel counselor forms a
bond with two clients who, statistics show, will be frequent travelers
in the future.
Many of the islands vigorously promote weddings at their destination.
They, too, know that a wedding will create a special bond between the

The Travel Institute

Arranging weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean is a special travel


niche market that can prove to be quite lucrative. Of course, honeymoons
form the bulk of these trips, but travel counselors concentrating on this
market should also learn the ins and outs of arranging on-site weddings.

Special-Occasion Travel
(Weddings, Honeymoons, or Anniversaries)

Did you know?

For more information


on honeymoons and
destination weddings,
see The Travel
Institutes Lifestyle
Specialist course
entitled Honeymoons
and Destination
Weddings.

Introduction

51

couple and the place where they were married. Many couples come
alone for the ceremony, but others bring a coterie of well-wishers and
attendants, in effect creating a group movement. Check with island
tourist offices or their Web sites for information on this topic. Travel
counselors must not only put together a truly special trip package, but
also make sure the necessary legalities are followed, such as paperwork
and obtaining a marriage license within a certain time frame. To get
started, access the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Web site
at www.doitcaribbean.com and select Honeymoons and Weddings,
which lists fees and rules for each island. Their Caribbean Vacation
Planner also has a section on marriage requirements for each of
its destinations.
Travel counselors should also try to sell an anniversary trip to the
couple in following years. Promotion should begin in subtle ways
soon after the honeymoon. After six months, the subtlety can be
dropped. A trip to a new Caribbean destination, but similar to the one
they enjoyed, is a natural promotion for the following year. Some
couples may wish to repeat their trip to the same destination, but they
are the exception.
Anniversary trips need not be limited to wedding anniversaries.
Promoting birthday trips will produce business year-round. And whats
better than a long weekend in the Caribbean for someone who is hard
to shop for?

Island events are another occasion for specialized travel. If you review
the Celebrations and Special Events section for each island, you are
sure to find events that appeal to clients with particular interestsfrom
fishing tournaments to music festivals.

Did you know?

For more information


on gay and lesbian
travel, see The Travel
Institutes Lifestyle
Specialist course
entitled Gay and
Lesbian Travel.

52

Destination Specialist Caribbean

Gay Travel
The gay travel niche market, one of the fastest-growing markets in the
last 20 years, has been welcomed by many islands but has been discouraged by a few. Because island policies can change, we suggest that you
check gay-oriented guidebooks or online sources concerning current
policies or attitudes on different islands. Most of the all-inclusive couples-only resorts take only heterosexual couples.

Accessible Travel
When you reserve Caribbean travel for clients who need extra help
because of physical challenges, you should first request information
from tourist offices and then ask hotels and other providers specific
questions. Many of them are not equipped to handle these clients.
However, resorts and attractions in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands must conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Travel Institute

Family Travel
Most Caribbean islands bill themselves as family destinations, and
rightly so. They offer varied and fun activities, in addition to sun, sand,
and sea. Rather than listing top family destinations, we present here a
few generalizations.

A number of agents have gotten started in this niche market simply by


thoroughly investigating a destination for their first client with a physical disability. Attention to detail is paramount; first you must determine
a clients special needs and then match the client to hotels and service
providers that will meet those needs. The Web site for the Society for
Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) at www.sath.org is a good
starting place.

Did you know?

For more information


about accessible travel,
see The Travel
Institutes Lifestyle
Specialist course
entitled Accessible
Travel.

The choice of resort or hotel and its amenities is usually more important
than the island. You should find out if the resort has activities for children and a family-friendly reputation. Many of the all-inclusive chains
have properties specifically oriented to families. On the other hand,
some families may prefer condominium or villa accommodations and
want to plan their own activities.
As you learn the general ambiance of each island, you might decide that
the islands that strongly feature nightlife, golf, gourmet dining, and
other more adult activities are less appropriate for families. The same is
true for islands that are more romantic or sophisticated, or that cater
primarily to couples. Nonetheless, a lot of islands that meet those criteria
have wonderful resorts for families. Generally, the less-developed islands
or very quiet islands might be less desirable for the average family.

Some resorts go one step further in pampering the client and have either
added spa facilities or have been built initially along the spa concept.
Surveys show spas are one of the fastest-growing special interests in travel
and in the Caribbean in particular. They generally are all-inclusive and
upscale, making them especially attractive for the travel counselor to
specialize in. Their facilities can range from a massage and health club to
facilities for various baths, showers, wraps, therapies, exercises, and much
more. Spas are attractive to many types of clientele, but the typical spa
client is a middle-aged career woman with an income over $45,000.

Spas

Did you know?

For more information


about spas, see The
Travel Institutes
Lifestyle Specialist
course entitled Spas.

Sandals Resorts and Spas are particularly well known and have three
locations, while the Ritz-Carlton has opened at least four spa resorts.
Spas are found on most of the islands, but Jamaica, St. Lucia, the
Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been among those in the
forefront of the trend.

The Travel Institute

Introduction

53

Sporting Activities
It needs to be reiterated that the sports that follow are available on
most of the islands in the Caribbean. Many clients will find facilities
and experiences on other islands to be on a par with those listed here.
That is especially true for water sports. That being said, some have
achieved more popularity or have been more fully developed in these
areas than others, and we present here the standouts:
Snorkeling

Out Islands of the Bahamas


Bonaire and Curaao
Cayman Islands

Mexican Yucatn (Cozumel)


Turks and Caicos Islands
U.S. and British Virgin Islands

Scuba-diving

Bonaire
Cayman Islands

Cozumel

Sailing

Antigua
Out Islands of the Bahamas

The Grenadines
U.S. and British Virgin Islands

Windsurfing

Aruba
Barbados
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands

Dominican Republic
French islands
Margarita Island
Nevis

Sport Fishing

The Bahamas (especially Bimini)


Cayman Islands

Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Golf

The Bahamas
Bermuda
Dominican Republic

Jamaica
Nevis
Puerto Rico

Tennis

Antigua
The Bahamas
Bermuda
Dominican Republic

Jamaica
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Hiking

Dominica
Guadeloupe
Jamaica

Martinique
St. Lucia
Trinidad

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For More Online Information


Below is a summary of Web sites that are particularly helpful to agents
selling the Caribbean.

General Information on the Caribbean


www.doitcaribbean.com

Site for the Caribbean Tourism Organization


(CTO); with links to individual Caribbean
Web sites (which are also listed at the end of
each chapter in this text)

Online Guidebook and Hotel Book Sites


www.caribbeansupersite.com
www.concierge.com

Caribbean information site for Footprint books


Site for Cond Nast Traveler

www.fodors.com

Comprehensive site from Fodors guide books

www.lonelyplanet.com

Lonely Planet guide book site

www.desteo.com

Brochures and operators throughout the world

www.ohgonline.com

Official Hotel Guide (OHG) site, scheduled


for launch spring 2001; available to OHG
subscribers

www.checkstarfirst.com

Star Service, hotel analysis, available through


subscription

Government Web Sites


www.travel.state.gov

Official site of the U.S. State Department

www.cdc.gov

Health reports from the Centers for Disease


Control (click on Travelers Health)

www.fco.gov.uk

Government site of the United Kingdom (the


site is oriented toward Britons but provides
details and points of view on destinations)

www.dfat.gov.au

Government site of Australia, similar to the site


above

Other Web Sites


www.xe.net/ucc

Provides universal currency conversions

www.sath.org

Site for the Society for Accessible Travel &


Hospitality

www.travel-guide.com

SFC Travel Publications World Travel Guide


lists public holidays.

www.worldtime.com

Converts time zones and lists public holidays

www.voltagevalet.com

Gives helpful information and answers questions about electricity and voltages in countries
around the world

The Travel Institute

Introduction

55

How to Study the Individual


Destination Chapters
The destination chapters in all but the last section of DS Caribbean all
have the same format. The last section presents an overview of other
destinations that border the Caribbean, without a full treatment of
their countries. Details that are substantially the same for all islands (for
example, information on car rentals, taxi transportation, scuba-diving,
and other water sports) are presented in the course Introduction rather
than being repeated in each chapter. Destination chapters are structured in the following format.

Profile
On the page opposite the profile, there is a map of each destination
indicating main places, airports, and attractions. Though not labeled as
such, the profile section strives to highlight the islands distinctive
qualities. There are many similarities among islands, but no two are
exactly alike. Each is a unique combination of topography, culture, and
activities. If you can distinguish among the various islands, you are well
on your way to selecting the right destinations for your clients. You
may not learn every distinction among the islands immediately; indeed,
you should return to the profile section time and time again. You can
add your own notes about the islands distinctive characteristics, either
from your own observations or from colleagues and clients.

Fast Facts

Fast Facts

The Fast Facts section provides information on the following


categories:
Land Area: The surface area of the destination provides some perspective on the size of the island. Most island destinations are really
chains of islands or have smaller islands and cays nearby.
Population: The size of an islands population also gives perspective
on a destination. All population figures are estimates, based on the
most recent censuses.
Capital: For many of the islands, it is are important for you to know
the capital, although for others it is not as vital. Some students want to
learn as many capitals as they can. However, trying to memorize these
capitals is a much lower priority than knowing about the island itself:
where it is, how to get there, and what to emphasize in selling it.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Time Zone: Each islands time is given in two ways: (1) its relation
to Universal Time, Coordinated (UTC) and (2) its relation to
Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States. Because many
islands do not go on daylight-saving time, their time will correspond
to two different U.S. time zones, depending on the time of year.
Drive on: This category indicates on which side of the road
people drive.
Currency: The currency listed is the islands legal currency
(however, U.S. dollars are often accepted for a wide range of
transactions). No attempt is made to convert it to U.S. dollars, as
this rate is constantly fluctuating. For current rates, see the Web site
at www.xe.net/ucc. Some islands that formerly used European
currencies switched to the Euro in 2002.

Languages: This category lists the language(s) that local people


speak to one another or in official business. On most islands, English
will be spoken by people dealing with tourists.

You should learn the most important capitals, such as Nassau,


Bahamas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Did you know?

Would you like to stump


other Caribbean
experts in your office?
Ask them what countries have the capitals
of The Valley or The
Bottom. The Valley is
the capital of Anguilla,
and The Bottom is the
capital of Saba.

Electricity: The standard U.S. electrical current is 110 volts, 60


cycles AC. American appliances can be used on islands that have this
standard or something close to it. Some islands use other voltage systems, such as 220 volts, and people with American appliances will
need a converter in order to use their hair dryers or shavers. All travelers should also bring plug adapters because foreign wall plugs may
be two-pronged or have round holes instead of rectangular ones.

Historical Background
The history of each island is kept to a minimum. The main focus is on
how the islands history differs from others in the region and on
aspects that greatly affect tourism today. This makes the History section in the Introduction even more important. It concentrates on the
similarities in the history of the entire Caribbean.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Arrival information gives an idea of the islands accessibility from the
United States and where flights originate. Clients usually want to know
how accessible these destinations are from their home city and
airport(s). You should be prepared to answer the following questions:
Are there direct flights? Where will travelers connect? How long are
travel times?

The Travel Institute

Introduction

57

The location briefing gives the following information:


The location of the major resort areas and main hotel choices
The distance from the airport to the major resort areas
An overview of island geography (especially for larger islands)
For example, on Aruba, 99 percent of hotels are along two long beach
strips; both are within 15 minutes of the airport. On Jamaica, you can
choose among three major destinations and two or three smaller ones;
these areas are from five minutes to two hours from the airport.
We sometimes provide other overviews. For example, the major physical
feature of Martinique is its volcano. It is located in the northern part of
the island, whereas most vacation resorts are located in the south.

Local Transportation
Almost all islands have taxis and rental cars, so this information is not
repeated for each island unless the situation is different (for example,
Bermuda has no car rentals). Read the Local Transportation section
in the course Introduction to get an overview. We highlight transportation that visitors, rather than local citizens, use.

Around the Island: Attractions


Travel counselors should know some of the famous beaches, sights, and
towns that are mentioned in the text. Examples include
UNESCOclassified World Heritage Sites, renowned ecological areas,
and sights that draw the most visitors, as well as key sights in the major
cities or at the islands cruise port.
Most islands have a worthwhile museum, a venerable house of worship,
colonial architecture, and arts and crafts galleries of some type, but we
have not attempted to mention every one. The purpose of the Around
the Island: Attractions section is to give you a flavor of what exists and
point out the obvious key places.
The Around the Island: Attractions section also touches on the type
and style of accommodations on the island. Again, the intent is to give
you an idea of the accommodations that might predominate at this
location. To give a flavor of what is available, we often mention by
name well-known hotels, chains, all-inclusives, or historic inns. The listing of a particular lodging in no way means that it is more suitable to a
specific client than one that is not mentioned. It is not within the scope
of this book to list and critique all the hotels in the Caribbean.

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To select the right accommodations for your clients, you should consult
other sources, such as the Official Hotel Guide, the Caribbean Hotel
Association Gold Book, tourist office references, guidebooks, and your
offices preferred trade manuals. Check on the condition of lodgings
after hurricanes, and note whether any hotel construction or major
renovation is being planned during your clients travel dates. (See the
Accommodations section on page 17 in the course Introduction for
further information.)

Whats Special about (the Destination)?


This section of the chapter describes the attributes and activities that
make the island unique and what type of travelers might find the island
most appealing. Some examples of an islands special quality are
Trinidads Carnival, Haitis cultural richness, and the Cayman Islands
world-class diving.
Most islands have beaches, boat trips, tennis, golf, snorkeling, diving,
windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports and activities. These sports are
singled out in the Whats Special about (the Destination)? section only
if they are extraordinary for the Caribbean or if they do not exist at all.
Remember that beaches, sun, and outdoor activities are what draw most
visitors to the Caribbean, even though we do not repeat these attributes
in every chapter.

Island Culture
Many travelers go to the Caribbean for fun, sun, sand, and sea, and
not necessarily the culture and the people of the island. However, most
visitors will have at least a passing interest in their cultural surroundings.
The Island Culture section touches on aspects of language, ancestral
origin, religion, music, customs, food, the arts, sports, music, and other
topics. Although we do not cover each topic for every island, we point out
where these cultural elements are particularly noteworthy. (See the
Caribbean Culture section on page 30 in the course Introduction for
further information.)

Celebrations and Special Events


In this section, we have selected celebrations and special events that
stand out among all the others and are mostly likely to inspire travel
primarily for the purpose of experiencing them. Some special events
that are not mentioned in the text might be primary motivators for
niche market travel groups. To get a more complete schedule of local
celebrations, consult the tourist offices or their Web sites.

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Introduction

59

Dining and Entertainment


Food is not the leading travel motivation for most visitors to the
Caribbean, but the mlange of cuisines and styles of preparation can
make dining out a special treat.
We have attempted to find distinct cuisines or unusual restaurant
settings that will enhance the visitors experience, such as authentic
French cuisine, Indonesian rijsttafel, or dining at an old plantation
house. If you are researching restaurants for clients, you have to go
beyond the tourist office brochures. Use the hints given here and a
number of guidebooks or magazine sources to get current suggestions
for the best in dining on a particular island. Or ask clients returning
from a Caribbean trip for their favorites.
The destinations described in this text vary widely in the types of entertainment they offer. On some islands, nightlife consists of casinos and
Las Vegasstyle stars; on other islands, nightlife is limited or simple at
best. Nightspots are notorious for changing names and locations, but
this section gives you an idea of how lively the entertainment scene is
on a particular island.

Cruise Call
The Cruise Call section indicates how popular the island is for
cruises, how far the sights are from the dock, and whether it is better
for clients to walk around on their own, take the ships tour, or hire a
taxi for their own tour. Vacationers who are staying on the island may
want to know how busy it is as a cruise port and what sights to avoid
when the masses descend on the port for their day trips.

Selling (the Destination)


Selling (the Destination) is one of the most important sections in the
chapter. It builds on what you learned in the Profile and Whats
Special about (the Destination)? sections. We offer selling tips and
suggest niche markets to develop, most of which can be broadened to
other destinations. We urge you to take the information presented and
put it into action, either by recommending certain islands to first-timers
who are looking for a tropical trip or by proactively searching out
clients with special interests.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

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Island Secret
The Island Secret section suggests a special place or insider secret to
share with a client at the right time. It might be a brand-new resort or
sight, an exceptional person, or an offshore cay that few know about.

Key Points
about (the Destination)

1.
2.

The end-of-chapter summary provides a review of key points about the


island. You should recognize each item on the list and be able to briefly
describe the place or activity.

3.
4.

For More Information

My Contact Information
Blank lines are left at the end of each chapter for you to write in e-mail
addresses you may obtain or your favorite Web sites.

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There are many other Web sites besides the official ones created by the
tourist offices. Such Web sites provide details, current reports, and subjective analyses that are impossible to obtain elsewhere. But remember,
the information is only as good as its source. Internet sites dealing with
travel are awash with commercial sites touting their own hotels or services and enthusiastic amateurs reliving their dream trips. The Web site
of the local island newspaper is often a reliable way to learn about the
islands local scene and current events.

At the end of each destination chapter, we provide the address of the


islands main tourist office headquarters in the United States. The
larger and more-visited destinations have tourist offices in additional
U.S. cities. You should become familiar with any tourist offices located
in your area. A few of the smaller destinations are represented only by
the Caribbean Tourism Organization or offices on their home island.
We also list the toll-free phone number, local long-distance number, fax
number, e-mail address, and Web site.

Did you know?

Many of the tourist


offices have short
videos on their
destinations.
Requesting these and
watching them will not
only provide an easy
and fun reinforcement
of your study of the
islands, but will help
you preview which ones
you might wish to share
with future clients. In
addition, the Caribbean
is usually the subject of
many video travel series
that can be borrowed
from most libraries or
be purchased.

Introduction

61

THE ATLANTIC

NC

SC
Bermuda

GA

AT L A N T I C O C E A N

FL

Bahamas

Turks and
Caicos Islands

CARIBBEAN SEA

0
0

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Miles

293

Kilometers 471

The Travel Institute

The Atlantic
Three island groups technically lie outside of the Caribbean Sea. They share
similar characteristics with islands in the Caribbean and are considered when
clients are choosing vacations to the region. From north to south, they are

The Travel Institute

Bermuda

The Islands of the Bahamas

Turks and Caicos Islands

Caribbean: The Atlantic

63

Fort St. Catherine


Bermuda National Trust Museum
ST. GEORGES
PARISH

BERMUDA

HAMILTON
PARISH

former
U.S. Naval
Air Station

Crystal
Caves Castle Harbour

Ireland Island North


Ireland Island South
SANDYS
PARISH

St.
Davids
Head

ATLANTIC OCEAN

St. George

Bermuda Maritime Museum


Royal Naval Dockyard
PEMBROKE
PARISH

Somerset Village
National
Gallery
Bermuda Underwater
Exploration Institute

DEVONSHIRE
PARISH

Bermuda Aquarium,
Museum and Zoo

Tuckers Town

Natural Arches
SMITHS
PARISH
Verdmont

Hamilton
Hamilton Harbor

Botanical Gardens
PAGET
PARISH

SOUTHAMPTON
PARISH
WARWICK PARISH
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Horseshoe Bay

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Bermuda

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

2.4

Kilometers 3.8

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Bermuda
C

ompared with most of the destinations that we examine in DS


Caribbean, Bermuda stands apart. First of all, it is not in the
Caribbeanit isnt even close. Bermuda lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 600
miles due east of North Carolina and more than 1,000 miles from the
Caribbean. More important, this beautiful and gracious island is
steeped in British tradition and hospitality. Rather than being a tropical
island with a European heritage or veneer, Bermuda remains halfBritish, half-tropicalan amalgam of the best of two worlds. But
Bermuda also fulfills the same travel motivations that bring people to
the other islands in this textidyllic beaches, warm breezes, and sports
and fun under an island sun.

Fast Facts

Bermudas pink-sand beaches slip into azure waters, while pastel houses
with white roofs dot the green hillsides. The scent of aromatic oleander,
frangipani, bougainvillea, and hibiscus fills the air. This is an island paradise that speaks of honeymoons, romance, and past traditions. In addition, Bermuda is a well-planned, upscale communityone that strictly
controls its development. There are few areas of the island that are not
as pretty as the proverbial postcard. The number of cars, the extent of
new building, and the impact of cruise ships and their passengers are all
regulated. But the island offers extensive accommodation and dining
choices and every type of sporting opportunity.

Time Zone
UTC (Universal Time, Coordinated) -4 or
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1).
It does observe daylight-saving time.

Bermudas location in the Atlantic also brings with it a somewhat different climate than the islands in the Caribbean. From April through
October, the summer weather is ideal, with highs in the 70s and 80s.
From November through March, the weather is spring-like. We provide
a climate chart on the next page.

Land Area
21 square miles
Population
58,500
Capital
Hamilton
Languages
English

Drive on
Left
Currency
The Bermuda dollar is pegged to the
U.S. dollar. This means that U.S. currency is accepted everywhere.
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as the
U.S.

Nighttime lows average approximately 10 degrees cooler than the daily


high temperatures. In the summer, a lightweight jacket or windbreaker
is recommended; during the rest of the year, visitors should bring a
slightly warmer jacket. Rain is distributed almost equally during the
year, with May being a bit drier than other months. Like most islands,
Bermuda receives rain in the form of squalls that are usually over
quickly rather than weather fronts that remain for any length of time.
Hurricane season corresponds to the rest of the Caribbean.

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The Atlantic: Bermuda

65

Did you know?

Bermuda
Temperatures
Month

Average High
( Fahrenheit)

January

68

February

67

March

68

April

71

May

75

June

80

July

85

August

86

September

84

October

79

November

74

December

70

Historical Background
Centuries ago these islands were known as the Isles of Devils, as
hundreds of Spanish galleons and British ships were destroyed on the
rocks, reefs, and shoals that surround Bermuda. Shakespeare made use
of the islands infamy when he wrote The Tempest; his shipwrecked
characters wash up on an island modeled after Bermuda.
In keeping with form, the islands first colonists were shipwrecked passengers of the Sea Venture; the ship was headed for Virginia when it
foundered at sea during a storm in 1609. Though most of them
continued on to Virginia the following year (their history and that of
the Jamestown colony are intertwined), two stayed on and welcomed
60 English settlers in 1612. Later in the century, African slaves, North
American Indians, and Scottish and Irish prisoners were brought in.
Bermudians became well-to-do as plantation owners, as privateers during the American Civil War, and by being in the forefront of travel and
tourism for a century and a half. The Hamilton Hotel opened in 1863.
Mark Twain is reputed to be Bermudas first modern American tourist.
Bermudians helped introduce golf, tennis, and yacht-racing not only to
their own island but also to North America.
Bermuda received the right to self-government in 1684. As such, it is
the oldest British colony with a popularly elected House of Assembly.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Bermuda actually consists of 181 small islands, about 20 of which are
inhabited. However, the seven main islands are closely clustered and are
connected by bridges and causeways; together they create one contiguous island that we refer to as the destination of Bermuda. Few of the
other islands are ever visited.
In geographic terms, Bermuda is one of the most remote islands in the
world (similar to Hawaii in the Pacific), and no humans had ever been
present on the island until the 1500s. However, Bermuda is only 750
miles from New York City and barely more than an hour and a half by
plane. Nonstop flights from North America arrive from New York,
Newark, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, St. Louis,
Toronto, and Halifax.
The islands 21-mile length means that nothing is too far.
Accommodations can be found on any part of the island, but they tend
to congregate around Hamilton and along the South Shore.

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Local Transportation
Bermudas transportation program is different from that of any other
destination in this book. Visitors are not permitted to rent cars. Even
Bermudian households are limited to one car. Instead, an excellent
system of public transportation and plenty of taxis are available to get
around the islands 21 square miles. Mopeds, bicycles, and walking are
other popular modes of transportation.
To get to their hotel from the airport, arriving visitors can take a taxi or
one of the airport buses and minivans (which carry 6 to 26 passengers);
the buses and minivans make a sweep of a number of lodging locales.
Once settled in a hotel, visitors often find that many sights, restaurants,
and activities are within walking distance. When they wish to see more
of the island, they can do so independently or take a tour. Bus tours of
the island are available year-round; taxi tours are another option.
For independent sightseers, Bermudas bus system is efficient and comprehensive, and covers all major routes on the island (tell clients to look
for the pink buses with blue stripes). If you look at a map of Bermuda,
you will understand why the bus system is supplemented by a ferry system. Ferries allow travelers to quickly get from one end of the fishhook to the other, avoiding long bus rides. The islands are divided into
14 bus zones. Exact change is necessary, but most tourists will want to
purchase tokens, books of bus tickets, or passes valid for several days.
The small ferries are good buys for both transportation and a seagoing
sightseeing experience.
Bikes and mopeds are other transportation options for an independent
tour of the island; they can be rented by the hour, day, or week. A
drivers license is not required for mopeds, but renters must be at least
16 years old. As mentioned in the Introduction, those renting mopeds
should be advised to exercise cautionroads are narrow, many are lined
by rock walls, traffic is heavy, and driving is on the left. Counselors
should also be cautious in recommending this mode of transport for
liability reasons. However, Bermuda is one of the most pleasant islands
for sightseeing by moped, especially for those who usually rent a car.
Operators are required to offer instructions, and renters should be
confident they know how to operate the motorbike before leaving.
Pedal bikes can be taken on ferries at no charge; mopeds will incur a fee.
Horse-drawn carriages are a pleasant and romantic way to see parts of
the island. Most of them congregate on Front Street in Hamilton near
the cruise-ship docks.

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The Atlantic: Bermuda

67

Around the Island: Attractions


Bermuda is only one and three-quarter miles wide at its broadest point
and is usually less than a mile wide. Therefore, visitors exploring the
island will never be far from breathtaking views of sea and shore. The
main roads going from east to west are crisscrossed by smaller ones
leading to one coast or the other. Short causeways and bridges link the
islands. A 32-inch drawbridge, which opens to allow sailing masts
through, is the smallest drawbridge in the world.
Bermudas sights include dozens of forts, batteries, and a naval
dockyard. The first fort was built by English settlers soon after they
arrived in 1612; construction of others went on for three centuries.
The forts are the oldest stone buildings in Bermuda and earned the
island the name Gibraltar of the West for a time.
Forty parks and nature areas contain hundreds of species of flowering
plants and ferns, most of which were brought to the island from the
mainland of North America or the West Indies. Bermudas beaches are
usually found in bays, coves, and small strips, rather than stretching for
miles along the shore. The beaches on the south shore have the fine
pink-tinted sand that the island is famous for. Bluffs form the backdrops for these idyllic strands, and the waves are rough except where
sheltered by reefs or coves.

Tourism
partment of
Bermuda De
of
sy
te
ur
Co

Each of Bermudas nine parishes is packed with historic sights, art galleries, import shops, and scenic views of harbors, beaches, and pastelcolored cottages. Bermuda has a wealth of sights for an island its size.
We will touch on some of the highlights of the nine parishes, from
west to east.

hthouse
Hill Lig
s
b
ib
G

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Sandys Parish: quiet lands, many bays, harbors, and


sheltered islands; shops and quaint inns at Somerset
Village; the old plantation house of Springfield; old
dockyards on Ireland Island and at the Royal Naval
Dockyard, now meticulously restored as an entertainment and shopping complex; Bermuda Arts Centre
and Bermuda Maritime Museum, which includes
artifacts from the original Sea Venture.
Southampton Parish: Horseshoe Bay Beach, one of
the most photographed beaches in the world; Gibbs
Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the
world (built in 1846); the 600-room Southampton
Princess Hotel, whose 100 acres cross the width of the
island from ocean to harbor; the 403-room Sonesta
Beach Hotel & Spa, surrounding three natural bays.

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Warwick Parish: two fine golf courses; site of Bermudas first airport,
where seaplanes brought visitors from New York in the 1930s; cliffs
and beaches lining the south shore.
Paget Parish: the most desirable residential area (across the bay facing the capital); Botanical Gardens, one of Bermudas prime attractions, with an orchid house, fruit groves, formal gardens, and
Camden, the official residence of Bermudas premier; the forests and
swamps of Paget Marsh nature reserve; the many hotels along the
parishs posh south shore, including the 250-room Elbow Beach
Hotel, part high-rise and part cottage colony.
Pembroke Parish: Hamilton, the capital and the seat of island
government at Sessions House; City Hall, seat of city government,
with a theater, exhibition hall, and art gallery; Hamilton Harbor,
with its ferries, cargo liners, and cruise ships; the 443-room
Hamilton Princess resort, overlooking the harbor; the Birdcage,
where policemen choreograph the flow of traffic; Fort Hamilton;
the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, which sponsors the Newport-toBermuda race every other year.
Devonshire Parish: with Ariel Sands oceanfront cottage colony,
owned by actor Michael Douglas.
Smiths Parish: charming Flatts Village; Verdmont, a gracious
example of an original colonial Bermuda home.
Hamilton Parish: the Bermuda Aquarium, one of the islands top
tourist attractions; Blue Hole Hill, where Bermuda pottery is made;
the extensive cave systems of Crystal Caves; the 201-room Grotto
Bay Beach Resort and Tennis Club; the Swizzle Inn (see Island
Secret later).
St. Georges Parish: Kings Square in the city of St. George; the
forts surrounding St. George, the islands first capital; St. Peters
Church (originally built in 1617), the oldest Anglican church in the
Western Hemisphere; the Bermuda Trust Museum; the former
U.S. Naval Air Station; Lighthouse Hill; the Natural Arches;
Tuckers Town.

Whats Special about Bermuda?


Yachting and wreck-diving are two sports that take on a special aspect
in Bermuda. The Newport-to-Bermuda race every even year attracts
international interest. The race begins in Newport, Rhode Island, and
finishes at St. Davids Head, the easternmost part of Bermuda.

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The Atlantic: Bermuda

69

Did you know?

Bermuda has more


sights within a small
parcel of land than perhaps any other island.
Because of this abundance, Bermuda has
recently issued a new
Heritage Passport. For
one price, tourists are
entitled to unlimited
admission to eight of
the islands top sights:
Bermuda
Underwater
Exploration
Institute
(see next page)
Maritime Museum
National Gallery
Bermuda
Aquarium,
Museum, and Zoo
Fort St. Catherine
Tucker House
Museum
Bermuda National
Trust Museum
Verdmont
In addition, a series of
unique Explorer
Experiences has been
created, such as the
one in which participants perform zookeepers duties at the zoo.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

The waters around Bermuda are one of the islands most fascinating
sights. For almost 500 years, there have been shipwrecks off the island,
resulting in an undersea treasure of nautical history without equal. The
island offers the Bermuda Shipwreck Certificate Program whereby
clients dive with any of the islands five dive operators to one of 18
designated shipwreck sites and are awarded a certificate documenting
their dive.
Helmet diving, during which participants walk along the sandy bottom
about 15 feet deep and are fed air through their helmet, is popular.
Plenty of island cruises and glass-bottom boats navigate on top of the
water as well, and some visit a private island for picnics.
Golf, too, is special here. With eight golf courses, the island offers
more golf per square mile than any other island on earth. Golfers
shirts must have collars and sleeves; cut-off jeans and gym shorts are
prohibited, but Bermuda shorts are acceptable. With 80-plus tennis
courts, Bermuda gives tennis enthusiasts more than the average
opportunity for their sport.
Another special activity is hiking the Railway Trail. Bermuda once had
a railway running between St. Georges Parish on the eastern end of
the island and the village of Somerset to the west. Opened in 1931, it
had the reputation for being the most costly railway, per mile, ever
built and the slowest in construction, averaging two and a half miles
per year. Visitors loved the railway, with its first-class wicker chairs and
second-class benches from which they could view the entire island.
However, heavy use during World War II put it in dire condition. With
the coming of automobiles and buses to the island, the railway was dismantled and sold to Guyana.
In 1984 the government dedicated the lands of the old railway to the
public by formally opening the Railway Trail. Some of Bermudas
loveliest sightseeing can now be enjoyed from the deserted route. It
is usually a short walk from the trail to most of the sights mentioned
in Around the Island: Attractions. The trail follows the old railroad
track bed across the entire island except for one three-mile section
that has become a major road in Hamilton Parish. There are access
points for walkers, and parts of the trail can be used by those on
bicycles and motorbikes.
Bermudas accommodations can be special too. Besides the islands
largest resorts and its varied selection of inns, apartments, and guesthouses, it has an accommodation style that is uniquely Bermudian.
Cottage colonies consist of a main clubhouse with dining room,
lounge, and bar surrounded by cottage units spread over landscaped

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grounds. Most have a kitchenette for beverages or snacks, but not for
complete meal preparation. These complexes all have a beach and/or a
pool and are considered in the first-class to luxury category.
Some of Bermudas most famed smaller posh resorts offer jazz
brunches, kayaking off their beaches, saunas, English pubs, verandahs
overlooking the water or gardens, and exquisitely groomed grounds.
These amenities, while certainly not unique to Bermuda, set a different
tone compared to most islands. Bermuda also has two private clubs in
the luxury category; both require introduction by a member in order
to stay there or use the facilities.

Visiting Bermuda is more like visiting a European culture, one that has
a lot in common with that of the United States. The sports, foods,
language, and even religious practices of Bermudians coincide closely
with what travelers experience during their stay. Although Bermudians
are aware of the paramount importance of tourism to their economy,
they act as equals in the exchange. They have refused to compromise
traditional values, tried-and-true customs, or the beauty of their island
for the sake of financial gain. Nonetheless, visitors are treated to the
natural friendliness of their Bermudian hosts.

When American travelers visit England or France, to a great extent they


participate in the culture of those nations. When they visit many of the
islands in the Caribbean, they may touch upon the local culture peripherally, but often tend to separate themselves from it and enjoy an
American lifestyle transplanted to a tropical isle.

Island Culture

Did you know?

One of Bermudas
newest sights is the
Bermuda Underwater
Exploration Institute,
which opened in July
1997. Wreck artifacts
and a magnificent shell
collection can be seen
along with exciting
exhibits that plumb the
mysteries of the ocean.

Bermudian culture retains many British customsEnglish pubs, afternoon tea, a good cricket match. Although dress during the day is casual, it is usually neat. Evening wear can be a bit dressier than Americans
are used to; men wear jackets and ties at most good restaurants.
Topless or nude bathing is neither legal nor tolerated. Visitors should
wear swimsuits and shorts only at the pool or beach, and should cover
up in hotel lobbies and local stores. Besides strong British and African
heritages, North American Indians, Portuguese, and other European
groups have influenced the culture. Caribbean styles, such as reggae
and calypso music, are also popular.
Seafood is the biggest influence on Bermudian cuisine. Rockfish, which
is similar to the ubiquitous grouper found in the Caribbean, is on most
menus, along with conch fritters, fish chowder (often laced with black
rum), and fish stew.

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The Atlantic: Bermuda

71

Bermuda onions were once an island staple. However, once American


farmers found the right soil and techniques for growing these onions,
U.S. production surpassed that of Bermuda.

Did you know?

Notwithstanding
Bermudas somewhat
strict customs regarding beachwear, in the
summer it is not at all
unusual to see police,
mail carriers, and business people wearing
shortsBermuda
shorts, of course. They
must be no shorter
than a couple of inches
above the knee. British
troops are believed to
have begun the custom
100 years ago when
they arrived on the
island in summer.

A Bermuda breakfast traditionally features salted codfish. But in many


places in the Western Hemisphere, the term Bermuda breakfast has
come to mean a full breakfast that is included in the room price.

Celebrations and Special Events


Bermuda goes to great lengths to provide cultural events of high
quality to attract visitors to the island during the off-season. In January
and February the Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts features
offerings such as concerts by well-known jazz musicians and opera
stars, ballet with stars of the Bolshoi, performances by the English
Chamber Orchestra, and theater presentations. The schedule of events
is different every year, and the festival draws Bermudians and visitors
alike. There is even a Festival Fringe at which almost any local artist
can perform.
February is also Golden Rendezvous Month, dedicated to visitors
over the age of 50. Free bonuses, special events, and various activities
are offered for mature travelers. At the other end of the spectrum, in
March and April the tourist office sponsors Spring Break Sports and
Spring Break Arts competitions for visiting students.
In May Bermuda Heritage Month features various cultural and
sporting activities, culminating in Bermuda Day. A number of British
holidays are celebrated in Bermuda, such as the Queens Birthday in
June. Cup Match and Somers Day are celebrated in August. A cricket
match pits the east end of the island against the west. For Bermudians,
this is a very serious match; visitors may need a local to help them
brush up on their cricket rules.

Dining and Entertainment


There is little difference between island cuisine that Bermudians eat
and what is served in many of the restaurants, although Continental,
Italian, French, American, and Asian cuisines are also available. A number of restaurants have won international acclaim from noted authorities such as AAA and Wine Spectator. Seafood is king and is found in
many special dishes. In addition to those mentioned under Island
Culture, lobster, guinea chick (a cross between a crayfish and a
prawn), and mussel pies are also popular.

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Despite Bermudas lack of casinos or lavish revues, it does have a bustling


nightlife. In the evening, visitors can enjoy party cruises, outdoor
festivals, live music at pubs, limbo dancers and steel-drum bands,
discothques, and ballroom dancing. The larger resort hotels have shows
and cabarets in their lounges. Two of Hamiltons best nightclubs are
open until 3 A.M.
During the winter months, nighttime activities at many hotels are curtailed, and visitors will have to be a bit more proactive in finding out
where entertainment is being held. They can do this by consulting free
weekly listings. Those who enjoy culture can choose among the
Philharmonic, the National Dance Theatre, the Civic Ballet, and
community theaters.
The better nightclubs and restaurants on the island ask that men wear
jacket and tie for dinner, although these places also have casual
evenings periodically. When making reservations, visitors should inquire
about the dress code.

Cruise Call
Bermudas location and tourism policies make it a cruise port different
from any other in this text. Cruises generally depart from New York City
from April to October, spending a day at sea in each direction and four
or five days in Bermuda. Most ships dock at Hamilton, and may spend
some additional time at St. George on the eastern end of the island. This
gives clients plenty of time to see the many sights on the island, compared with what they see at most cruise ports. They have the time to
explore using any of the modes of transport mentioned in this chapter.
Bermuda allows a maximum of three or four ships in port at one time so
as not to distort the islands ambiance and strain its infrastructure.

Selling Bermuda
Bermuda can be a good sale year-roundif the right clients are chosen
for the right time of the year. The conventional warm-weather beachvacationer is best advised to visit during the summer season (May
through October). The pleasant spring-like temperatures during the
rest of the year are ideal for golf, tennis, hiking, and other activities.
The island holds themed events and cultural activities of a high caliber
during the cooler winter season, and hotel rates are discounted at the
very time they are at their peak in the Caribbean. In March and April,
Bermuda becomes a popular spring-break destination for thousands of
young people from the East Coast. The special events conducted by the

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The Atlantic: Bermuda

73

tourism industry, close monitoring of activities, and Bermudas typically


more affluent clientele tend to keep spring-break season under reasonably good control. However, not every client will want to go at this
time, and hotel choice may be more critical than usual.
For a number of reasons, a vacation in Bermuda is different from one
on other islands. This affluent and well-developed island is more a
combination of a Caribbean island, Cape Cod, and the coast of
England. Sophisticated clients interested in a safe, clean, pretty,
no-hassle environment usually love Bermuda.
Most destinations have trade-offs. Its hard to see where Bermuda has
any negatives, except for the cost factor vis--vis some clients travel
budgets. The island is hundreds of miles from any landfall and
agriculture only comprises a few hundred acres, so foodstuffs and
goods of all types must be imported. Clients who are prepared to pay
for the excellent value they receive will seldom be disappointed.
Packages, off-season rates, guesthouse stays, and careful planning can
help those who are more cost-conscious. One way to economize is with
a weekly bus and ferry pass; for $34, most sights, beaches, restaurants,
and activities will be within the reach of every client.
Bermuda helps sell its off-season (November 1 through March 31) by
highlighting the special activities that occur every day of the week in
different parishes: these include golf tournaments, nature tours, performances of the Gombey dancers, cooking demonstrations, historical
reenactments, talks, and teas.

Island Secret
The rum swizzle is the drink to order while in Bermuda. Tradition says
it was invented at the Swizzle Inn. Tourists keen on made-in-Bermuda
products can purchase a bottle of Goslings Black Seal Rum and come
home with a recipe for the rum swizzle to evoke memories of their trip.
The same rum when mixed with ginger beer creates the Dark and
Stormy, a favorite drink throughout the island.

Key Points about Bermuda


Located in the Atlantic
Sophisticated lifestyle, crosscultural heritage
Hamilton and St. George
Pink beaches, pink buses with blue stripes, pastel cottages

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Diving, yachting, golf, tennis

Courtesy of
Bermuda De
partment of
Tourism

Reverse seasons from most of the Caribbean


Historic and natural sights

For More Information


Bermuda, Department of Tourism
205 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 800-223-6106 (ext. 252 for fax facts) or
212-818-9800
Fax: 212-983-5289
E-mail: travel@bermudatourism.com
Web site: www.bermudatourism.com

St. Pet

ers Ch

urch

Bermuda has its own Bermuda Specialist program, which includes onisland training, seven of The Travel Institutes Continuing Education
Units, consumer referrals, and much more.

My Contact Information

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Paradise Island
Cable Beach
West End

East End
Lucayan National Park

Nassau

Bay St.

Freeport

Lucaya

Grand Bahama Island


1 inch = 26 mi., 41.8 km.
New Providence Island
1 inch = 13.7 mi., 22 km.

Walkers Cay
Little Abaco Island
Green Turtle Cay
Treasure Cay

Man-O-War Cay
Marsh Harbour
Hopetown
Elbow
Cay

Grand
Bahama Island

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Great Abaco Island


THE BAHAMAS

Bimini Islands
Spanish Wells

Berry Islands

Harbour Island
Dunmore Town

Glass Window
Governors Harbour

New
Providence
Island

Eleuthera

Rock Sound
Cat Island

Exuma Cays National


Land and Sea Park

Sampson Cay
Staniel Cay
Great Guana Cay

Exuma Cays
Great Exuma Island

George Town
ATLANTIC OCEAN

San Salvador

Stocking Island

Andros
Island

Cat Cay

Long Island

Little Exuma Island

Crooked Island

The Bahamas

Mayaguana
Island

Acklins Island

Little Inagua Island

Great Inagua Island

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Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

76.5

Kilometers 123

The Travel Institute

The Bahamas
T

he Islands of the Bahamas (buh HAH muhz) are perhaps unlike


any other destination in the DS Caribbean course. They are closer
to the United States and more familiar to Americans than any other
islands, but at the same time many of the islands are somewhat remote
and unknown. When travelers think of the Bahamas, they conjure up a
mental image of only one or two of the islands more visited by tourists;
the smaller islands remain hidden gems. However, the Bahamas offer
great diversity and will appeal to a broad spectrum of clients.

Fast Facts

The Bahamas are actually an archipelago of islands, 15 to 20 of which


are populated and receive tourists. The islands have a wide range of features: the glitter of a Las Vegasstyle revue in Freeport; a New England
colonial-style village on Harbour Island; the nightlife of Nassau; a ban
on alcohol sales in the Abacos, whose residents are descendants of
Puritans; gambling on Paradise Island; sailing, diving, swimming, and
seeing giant iguanas in the Exumas.

Capital
Nassau, New Providence Island

In some ways, the Islands of the Bahamas are a microcosm of the entire
Caribbean, a mini-Caribbean of their own. Although the Bahamas
dont have strong French, Dutch, and Spanish heritages and dont have
huge volcanoes and mountain ranges, they are quite diverse in other
ways: they sport almost every water and beach activity; and visitors will
quickly discern differences in culture, language, and lifestyle on many
of the islands. Each island exudes its own personality: some islands have
strong African roots, while others show American cultural influences;
on some islands, the inhabitants are the descendants of New England
settlers, while others have Haitian immigrants who have been present
for little more than a decade. The Bahamas have some of the areas
biggest and most famous resorts, as well as quiet and peaceful islands
where visitors can room with a local family.

Drive on
Left

Land Area
5,380 square miles of land (100,000
square miles of land and water), divided
among 700 islands
Population
300,000

Languages
English
Time Zone
UTC -5 or Eastern Standard Time (EST).
They do observe daylight-saving time.

Currency
Bahamian dollar (equal to the U.S.
dollar)
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as the
U.S.

Historical Background
Most historians agree that it was a Bahamian island (probably San
Salvador) that one of Columbus sailors first saw on October 12,
1492. Columbus was captivated by its peaceful Lucayan peoples,
unending miles of beaches, and shallow, azure waters; however, he
soon left because the islands did not hold the gold and spices he was

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Did you know?

Columbus (or some say


Ponce de Len) is
believed to have looked
at the shallow sea surrounding the first land
he saw in the New
World and said baja
mar (meaning low
water or shallow sea),
thus giving the name to
these 700-plus islands
of low-lying land and
shallow sea. The
Spanish paid little
attention to these
islands after discovering them, but the name
stuck.

seeking. Later Spanish conquerors took little more than a quarter of a


century to decimate the islands and leave them virtually unpopulated
for 150 years. Few ships purposely stopped at these flat islands, but
many were accidentally detained forever on its shallow shoals and
rocks, providing future divers and booty-hunters with innumerable
sites for exploration.
Puritans, coming both directly from Great Britain and indirectly via
Bermuda, colonized the islands in the last half of the 1600s. In the
early 1700s, these settlers vied with pirates for control until Britain
made it a colony and brought some stability. Substantial numbers of
British Loyalists emigrated during and after the American
Revolutionary War, and many brought their slaves. A number of key
islands and towns reflect the character of those emigrants and their
religious and commercial backgrounds.
Though the islands are British culturally, the Bahamas have always
been strongly influenced by their powerful next-door neighbor, the
United States. The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, two World Wars,
and the era of Prohibition were boons to the islands economy and
also provided influxes of new residents and citizens. In between these
events, the economy often sagged, but tourism has provided a
moderate stability to the country. Today the tourist industry accounts
for almost two-thirds of the countrys gross national product.
The Islands of the Bahamas gained independence from Great Britain
on July 10, 1973, but the nation remains a loyal member of the
British Commonwealth.

Arrival and Location Briefing


More than 1.3 million Americans make the short hop to these very flat
islands by plane, cruise ship, jetfoil, ferry, private yacht, sailboat, or
even speedboat; the islands attract more American tourists than any
other place in the Caribbean/Atlantic region. Two destinations draw
most of them: Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island, which is 70
miles from Palm Beach, Florida; and Nassau/Paradise Island, lying
somewhat deeper among the islands, but still a short flight from Miami
or Ft. Lauderdale. Nassau is actually located on New Providence Island,
though this name is seldom used in stateside advertising. Two bridges
connect it to Paradise Island.
The other Bahamian islands are referred to collectively as either the
Out Islands or the Family Islands, but each has its own individual
name. The islands extend in an almost 700-mile arc from a line extend-

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ing north of Palm Beach to the eastern tip of Cuba. The most
well-known of these islands are: (1) Abaco, which has its own smaller
islands; (2) Bimini, just 48 miles from Ft. Lauderdale; (3) Eleuthera
and Harbour Island; (4) Andros, larger than all but four other islands
in the Caribbean, but less visited; and (5) Exuma, divided into two
major islands and more than 300 tiny cays and islets. Three of these
island-entities are also referred to in the plural (the Abacos, the
Exumas, and the Biminis) when one wishes to put emphasis on the
many islands that make up a group.
Travel counselors should become familiar with these and other Out
Islands, assuming they are already familiar with Freeport and Nassau.
Many clients have heard of the big two but may know little of the
special places on the other islands.
Grand Bahama Island and Nassau/Paradise Island welcome the big jets
from colder climes, while many of the major Out Islands have flights
from various Florida cities and the others have flights from Nassau.
Ocean travel from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama was afforded by a jetfoil service at the time of writing; the trip takes two hours each way
with two departures daily in each direction. Other ship lines have connected Miami and Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama in the past. Be sure
to check at the time of booking.

Local Transportation
The two major destinations and all of the Out Islands have service from
Nassau on Bahamasair. However, clients who are visiting more than one
Out Island will most likely have to use Nassau as a hub. Depending on
the number of clients and their budget, charter planes are an option.
Private and charter aircraft are common means of transport.
The other method of public transportation between islands is by mail
boat. Mail boats primarily transport mail and cargo to the smaller islands
of the country, but they also provide Bahamians a means of transportation that is less expensive than flying. They are not built for passenger
comfort. Trips last from 4 to 18 hours, and the majority are overnight.
A cabin bunk costs only $5 to $10 extra, but many travelers prefer to lie
on deck. Crossings can be rough and the schedule is subject to change;
mail boats are for adventurous clients who have flexible plans and a
strong constitution. Mail boats generally leave from Nassau once a week.
Usually the traveler must return through Nassau, though there are a few
routes that make multiple stops at the southernmost islands.
Mail boats should not be confused with the small ferries and taxi-boats

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that take people for short trips between nearby islands. The most popular are between
Nassau dock and Paradise Island. The trip takes just a couple of minutes and is most convenient for those who dont want to walk all the
way to the bridges or take a taxi.
Harbour Island and the northern tip of Eleuthera.
Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay on Great Abaco and Elbow Cay,
Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, and Green Turtle Cay.
The schedules of other ferries and taxi-boats are more informal, on an
as-needed basis.
Bus service runs the length of Grand Bahama Island but is somewhat
limited to and from the East End. Service between Freeport and
Lucaya is frequent. Jitneys serve all of New Providence Island and run
very frequently between Cable Beach and Nassau. On the Out Islands,
bus service is very limited and most travel is done by taxi, though bikes
and mopeds are other options on the Out Islands with less traffic. (See
further transportation notes under Selling the Bahamas.)

Around the Island: Attractions


Freeport/Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is a planned tourist and industrial development.
Fifty years ago, it was little more than a 100-mile-long, six-mile-wide
forested and very lightly populated sandbar. Today it is second only to
Nassau in importance. Freeport is best known as the main downtown
area complete with resorts, while Lucaya, a few miles away, is referred
to as the garden city, an easy blend of residential and developed tourist
facilities. Lucayas hotels are on or near the beach, while Freeports
hotels are near shopping and golf courses and are a short drive from
the beach.
Freeports International Bazaar and Port Lucaya shopping centers
are two of the islands prime attractions. Four major golf courses and
one major gambling casino are big draws for many visitors. A second
casino was scheduled to open at the time of writing. The beach, golf,
shopping, a bit of outdoor music at a plaza in one of the shopping
malls, and perhaps a visit to the casino round out most visitors days.
West End gives a bit of the flavor of the islands predevelopment
history. Visitors taking a tour or drive of the area will see island homes,

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a road lined with conch shells, blowholes, and the yachts and schooners
sailing to and from Florida. The East End of the island is a much
longer section. Here the nature lover can indulge in hikes, caves, and
deserted beaches at Lucayan National Park or travel to the far tip of
the island and offshore cays. Those who enjoy botany will want to visit
the Garden of the Groves and the Rand Nature Center, which are
closer to Freeport. One operator conducts an adventure-safari tour of
the East End.

Most travelers stay in one of two major resort areas: Cable Beach, on
New Providence Island, and Paradise Island. Cable Beach begins
about three miles west of Nassau. This three-mile-long beach contains
five luxury-class, self-contained resorts, including the Crystal Palace
Casino, and a handful of other first-class to moderate hotels at its
fringe. Breezes and Sandals (the most deluxe resort in its chain) are two
all-inclusive resorts along Cable Beach, while the Marriott, Radisson,
and others are interconnected or within easy reach of one another, creating one continuous vacation strip. The airport is only minutes away
from the Cable Beach area.

The Bahamas prime attractions are its capital, Nassau, which was
founded in the late 1600s, connected by bridge to dazzling Paradise
Island, which was converted from a small island of backwater farms
into a tourist paradise. Nassau/Paradise Island boasts beaches, resorts,
casinos, shopping, and nightlife; but it also has historical attractions,
stately mansions, and colonial government buildings with an island
flavor (the Parliament Building is pink.).

Nassau/Paradise Island

Did you know?

For years the island off


Nassaus coast was
used strictly for agriculture and was called Hog
Island. The owner of the
island, Huntington
Hartford, millionaire
A&P supermarket
owner, changed its
name to Paradise
Island when he decided
to develop it into a
resort island for tourists.

Known as Hog Island until development began in the 1950s, Paradise


Island is a four-mile-long, 685-acre island developed almost exclusively
as a vacation mecca. It lies 600 feet off the northern shore of Nassau
and is connected by bridge. High-rise resorts, beautiful beaches, and
lush foliage form a Disneyesque atmosphere of cultivated luxury.
Among its 10-plus hotels are a Club Med (tennis is a specialty), an allinclusive, and the Ocean Club, one of the most luxurious and exclusive
properties in the Bahamas.
Dominating Paradise Island and all of its hotel properties is the
Atlantis, which is not only a 2,300-room megaresort but also one of
Nassau/Paradise Islands biggest tourist sights, even for those not staying here. It contains 38 restaurants and lounges, the largest ballroom
and casino (brand new) in the Caribbean, and numerous swimming
pools and lagoons, capped off by Waterscape, one of the largest tropical
marine habitats in the world. Waterscape consists of 11 exhibit lagoons,

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including those with sharks, predators, stingrays, turtles, and 50,000


individual animals and fish. Other outdoor land-based exhibits are set on
the grounds. The Atlantis seems more like a theme park than a hotel.
Most first-time visitors will want to see this destination, even those staying on Cable Beach.
Everyone will want to see the major cultural sight on Paradise Island,
The Cloisters, a little bit of medieval Europe in Paradise. This 13thcentury structure was built in France by Augustinian monks. It was disassembled and shipped to the United States in the 1920s; when
Paradise Island was being developed in the 1960s, it was reconstructed
there. The Dolphin Experience can be enjoyed on a boat excursion to
a cay on Paradise Island. Visitors can opt to swim with the bottle-nosed
dolphins or play with them in shallow water.
The Bahamas heart and hub, Nassau, lies in between Paradise Island and
Cable Beach. It is both the governmental and commercial center of the
country and holds most of the historic and cultural tourist sights. Nassau
can easily be toured on foot. Prince Georges Wharf, where the cruise
ships dock, and Bay Street, the main thoroughfare and shopping street,
are a good beginning. The Straw Market burned and is being rebuilt.
The British influence on Nassaus past is evident in Rawson Square and
Parliament Square, where strollers can see the colorful flamingo-pink
government buildings, the octagonal Public Library that was once a
prison, and the imposing Government House. A surrey or horse-drawn
carriage is a time-honored way to clip-clop through the city streets.
Almost everyone walks up the 66 steps of the Queens Staircase to
Fort Fincastle, shaped like the bow of a ship, and its 125-foot water
tower, which affords great views from the highest spot on the island.
Another major cultural sight is Fort Charlotte, by far the largest fort
in the Bahamas. (Visitors will probably want to take a taxi rather than
walk to it.) Its dungeons, underground passageways, and cannons create an eerie experience when seen in relative solitude, but its location
aloneon a hill commanding a view of the harbor, the town, and
Paradise Islandmakes it worth the trip. Those staying on the island a
week will want to make at least two major trips to Nassau, spending
half the day sightseeing, shopping, and lunching and spending the
other half at the beach or a pool. The town is so accessible that some
will stop in daily.
Nassau is also the third major hotel location. It caters primarily to those
who like to be in the cultural center of a destination, to those who
eschew large resorts, or to those on a tight budget. Built long before
the other resorts, the stately and recently renovated British Colonial
Hilton is ideal for business travelers. It is at the edge of town and has

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been a mainstay for decades. A Holiday Inn has recently opened. Other
small budget properties and one or two very upscale hotels dot the side
streets and the shore leading toward Cable Beach.
A circle tour of New Providence takes about two hours (not counting
stops), but clients will want to make a leisurely day of it. Among the
most recognizable sights from videos and brochures are the marching
flamingos and lush foliage at Ardastra Gardens. Other botanical gardens, stately colonial homes, and beachscapes make for a beautiful
drive. A handful of other hotels, some very private and luxurious, are
situated around the island.

The Abacos
The Abacos, directly east of Palm Beach, Florida, are the northernmost
of the Out Islands. This 100-mile chain is ideal for most water sports,
but especially for sailing and yachting. The islands most special attributes, however, are the gem-like towns and differing histories of the little
islands off Great Abaco (AB uh ko) Island, the largest island. Some
islanders are still boatbuilders, following the tradition of the first settlers.
Because the islands are at the same latitude as southern Florida, you must
remember that they can get somewhat cool in the middle of winter.
Two of the three commercial airports are on Great Abaco, and one is
on Walkers Cay, a smaller cay at the northern tip of the chain.
Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco receives the most air traffic and is
the major sailing harbor in the islands. It can also be a base from which
to explore the marshes, bird and turtle habitats, and tiny fishing villages of the southern part of the island, as well as the towns and shores
of the northern part of the island and the highway bridge that leads to
Little Abaco Island. Hotels in Marsh Harbour tend to be small,
except for one or two, and are geared toward yachtsmen and the marina set. Beaches do not compare with others in the Bahamas, and the
town has a commercial feel, similar to a Florida town of 50 years ago.
Treasure Cay is 27 miles north of Marsh Harbour and also receives
flights from Nassau and Florida. Years ago, a natural sand bridge
connected Treasure Cay to Great Abaco, so it is not actually a separate island. It has one large resortTreasure Cay Hotel Resort &
Marinaand a few houses and commercial establishments. Treasure
Cay can also be used as a base to see the island or as a jumping-off
point to nearby cays. For some time, the resort complex boasted the
only major golf course in the Out Islands. There is now another
course at the new five-star resort on Exuma.

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Walkers Cay, at the very northern tip of the Abacos, is not


connected by road to any other island. Most flights arrive here
directly from Florida for fishing vacations.
Most people come to the Abacos to experience the fairy-tale settings
of the barrier cays off the eastern shore of Great Abaco. Motor
launches go to these cays daily, sometimes twice or three times a day.
The trip takes 20 to 60 minutes. The islands can be visited on day
trips, but staying for three or four nights can transport the visitor
back in time. There are four major barrier cays.
Elbow Cay has a candy-cane striped lighthouse, an almost landlocked
harbor, and the colonial mini-village of Hope Town. Colonial here
harkens back to picturesque New England villages of 200 years ago,
when Loyalists left America to find a new life in the Bahamas. Elbow
Cay is sometimes called Nantucket under the palms. The island has
no cars, except for a few emergency vehicles. Those staying overnight
can choose from charming small hotels, cottages, or villas.

Great Guana Cay also has a tiny population descended from New
Englanders, and its houses, stores, and churches reflect their influence. The main attraction is its seven-mile-long beach,
which is used as a picnic getaway by day visitors from
Great Abaco and passing cruise ships as well. The cay has
two small resort hotels.

of the
Courtesy of The Islands

Tourism
Bahamas Ministry of

Man-O-War Cay is smaller in population and has fewer hotels than


Elbow. During the Revolutionary War, it also attracted Loyalists, but
they had more of a strict Puritan bent. Alcohol is not sold on the
island, and modesty in dress and bathing attire is observed. As the
leading boat-building center in the islands, Man-O-War Cay is
quite prosperous.

eet in New
Parliament Str

Plymouth

Green Turtle Cay vies with Elbow Cay as the most popular.
The town of New Plymouth has New England houses, pastel cottages, and colorful flower gardens with white picket
fences. The ambiance has an aesthetic serenity that has
changed little during the past 50 years; it reminds many visitors of the Key West of decades past. The Green Turtle Club
is one of the most well-known hostelries in the Bahamas;
there are also other inns and cottages. Closest access is by
ferry from Treasure Cay rather than Marsh Harbour.

Eleuthera
Eleuthera (ih LOO thuh ruh) is one island divided into three major

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destinations: Harbour Island, Governours Harbour, and Rock Sound.


Throughout the day, taxi-boats travel among them; the trip takes only 5
to 10 minutes. Much of what was said about the colonial cays of the
Abacos is also true of Harbour Island. Dunmore Town, with its pastel-colored houses and old churches, is best described as a Bahamian
Cape Cod. It also boasts magnificent pink-sand beaches and hotels that
are like resorts but still small enough to provide the personal touch.
Harbour Islands beach has the most resort accommodations of any
location in the Out Islands. Most travel is done on foot or by golf cart.
Harbour Island has no airport. Visitors usually fly into the North
Eleuthera airport and take a boat from there.
Eleuthera is a 100-mile-long, two- to three-mile-wide strip of deserted
beaches, steep cliffs, and tiny towns. Hotels are mostly small and are
sprinkled the length of the island rather than concentrated in one area.
The feel is real Caribbean, the way it may have been 50 years ago.
At the northern tip of the island, away from Harbour Island, is a small
cay, Spanish Wells. It is populated almost solely by the prosperous and
very private descendants of the settlers who came more than 200 years
ago. One or two small lodgings are available; taxi-boats connect the cay
with the main island.
A few miles south of Eleutheras northern tip on the Queens Highway
is the Glass Window, the islands most beautiful natural sight. Here
the land narrows so that the two sides of the ocean almost converge.
Adding to the spectacular show is the contrast of the dark blue crashing
waves of the Atlantic on the east and the calm waters and fluorescent
greenish hue of the inner sea just a few feet away.
Governors Harbour at mid-island is the major town and historical
center of Eleuthera; this is where the original colonists shipwrecked at
Cupids Cay in the 1600s. The Governors Harbour airport is seven
miles to the north. Southern Eleutheras airport is at the town of Rock
Sound. A few upscale and secluded resorts, tiny artist colonies, and
fishing villages dot the southern half of the island.

The Exumas
The Exumas, an archipelago of 365 islands, begin less than 40 miles
southeast of Nassau and stretch for 130 miles. Great Exuma
(eks ZOO muh) Island and Little Exuma Island, which are
connected by bridge, are accessible by flights into the capital, George
Town. Across from the capital is elongated Stocking Island. The protected water creates one of the Caribbeans most perfect harbors.

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All other cays in the Exumas are visited by private vessels and tour
boats. The Exumas boast the natural enchantment of uninhabited isles,
wild beaches, secluded coves and harbors, and giant iguanas and exotic
birds, especially in Exuma Cays National Land and Sea Park. Besides
George Town, the two major islands have sleepy little towns that have
not lost their South Seas island character. The new Four Seasons
Resort, scheduled to open November 2001, is likely to rank as one of
the best in the Bahamas and perhaps all of the Caribbean. Staniel Cay
and Sampson Cay halfway up the archipelago have secluded hotel
resorts accessible only by boat and private aircraft.

Did you know?

George Washington,
who called the
Bahamas the isles of
perpetual June, was
one of the thousands
of prominent American
visitors to first enjoy
the islands His description stuck for many
years, and the islands
were often called the
Isles of June.
Almost 200 years later,
Ernest Hemingway
found a temporary
home in these islands
in the (Gulf) Stream,
. . . with the green
light of water over the
floury white sand
Bimini.

Andros Island
Andros (AN dross), the fifth-largest island in the Caribbean, lies just 30
miles west of Nassau and little more than 100 miles from Miami. It is
by far the largest of the Bahamian islands100 miles long and 40 miles
widebut much of it is unexplored. Deep channels cut the island into
three or four sections, and four airports support scheduled and private
or charter aircraft. The 140-mile-long Andros Barrier Reef is one of
the worlds largest and is popular almost exclusively with divers and
fishermen. The reef wall drops off thousands of feet into the TOTO
(Tongue of the Ocean) between the islands. Jacques Cousteau led a
major expedition to explore the islands unique geological formation of
underwater cave systems, called blue holes.
Many consider Andros the bonefishing capital of the world, though
other Bahamian islands might argue with that designation. Towns are
scattered along its east coast, while the interior and west coast are
largely forest and mangroves, lakes, and creeks. Adventurous travelers
will want to search for rare plants, animals, unexplored blue holes,
caves, and buried pirate treasure. Stops to see the creations at the
Androsia Batik Works and the unique straw basket crafts of the
Seminole Indians are also a must.

Bimini Islands
One of the smallest of the major Out Islands groups, the Biminis
(BIH mih neez) are also the closest to the United States, lying 50 miles
due east of Miami. Flight arrivals come mainly from Florida rather than
the rest of the Bahamas, but many visitors come by boat. Big-game
fishing in the Gulf Stream between Florida and the Bahamas provides
the island with its reputation as one of the prime fishing capitals of the
world. Many championship fishing tournaments are held during the
year. Another of the Biminis attractions is the cottage of Ernest
Hemingway, who made this his outpost in the 1930s; his memorabilia
are on display.

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The Other Out Islands/Family Islands


As you head south, the islands tend to become less populated and less
frequently visited. In the north, the islands tend to get more rain and
be more lush; in the south, they are drier and almost desert-like in
places. Like all of the Out Islands, they tend to be very flat, but on
some of them occasional cliffs rise along the sea. From north to south,
the islands include the following.
The Berry Islands are a string of small cays northwest of Nassau.
Some are privately owned; some are owned by cruise lines for their
private island picnics; others are wildlife sanctuaries; still others are
open for picnicking by passing yachts.
Cat Island is a relatively undiscovered sliver of barrier island much
like its neighbors; it is 50 miles long and two miles wide. Ruined
plantations, tiny towns, and churches with surprising histories are
ready for exploration. However, the island primarily appeals to divers
and water lovers.
San Salvadors shape is somewhat unique among the Out Islands in
that it is more circular than elongated. A circle trip allows visitors to
see all the key spots on the island. These include the Columbus
Monument, the Olympic Games Monument (marking the spot
where the flame arrived in the Americas for the 1968 Olympics in
Mexico City), the Chicago Herald Monument (erected by a
Chicago newspaper for the Columbian Exposition in 1892), and
ruins of plantations and lighthouses. Most experts agree that
Columbuss first landfall in the New World was at San Salvador;
needless to say, this is a keystone of the islands fame. Discovery
Day, on October 12, is the islands major holiday and celebration.
There are few accommodations here, but a Club Med brings in most
of the islands hotel stays.
Long Island is 60 miles long and averages one and a half miles in
width. It has two particularly fine resorts and other scattered
lodgings. Devotees feel that its diving, fishing, and beaches are
better than anywhere else. Cliffs on one side of the island add a bit
of different topography.
Great Inagua Island and Little Inagua Island are the southernmost
islands in the chain. Their principal lure is Inagua National Park and
its ecosystem, though they do have their share of shipwrecks and blue
holes for divers to explore. Tens of thousands of pink flamingos, wild
horses and donkeys, and rare species of green turtles are some of the
Inaguas fauna. The other main attraction is Great Inaguas salt ponds

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and salt mountains, which enable the Morton Company to supply a


good part of North America. A few guesthouses provide lodging.
A few other inhabited cays and islets in the region offer a rare guesthouse or family that puts up adventurous recluses who show up on
their shores.

Whats Special about the Bahamas?


The Bahamas diversity makes it a special destination. The two big
islands have some of the best golf courses, casinos, resorts, and
nightlife in the Caribbean, and they also provide opportunities for
good diving, snorkeling, and beachcombing. The Out Islandswhich
compete with their neighboring islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands
and the Cayman Islands, for some of the best diving in North
Americaare havens for those desiring peace and tranquillity.
Swimming with dolphins is an attraction off Paradise Island; the
Dolphin Experience, run by UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society),
is offered in Grand Bahama. The full-day safari-adventure tour of the
East End of Grand Bahama, which combines jeep travel, boating,
caving, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking through forest and beach,
reaches remote parts of the island.
The range of destinations in the Bahamas is extensive. Some Out
Islands have the proverbial stranded on a desert island feel; others
resemble colonial towns on Cape Cod. At the same time, most of them
will make Americans feel right at home. Theyre close to the United
States, and the people are accustomed to visitors.

Island Culture
The people of the Bahamas are a mixture of descendants of 18th-century
American Loyalists, Bermudian pilgrims, and disenfranchised African
slaves and freemen. More than 98 percent of Bahamians are literate. The
proximity of the country to the United States has lent itself to important
economic, historical, and tourist ties between the two countries.
Bahamian people have an air of sophistication.
The Bahamian language is English, and the countrys British ties are
reflected in its architecture, in sports such as cricket, and in its dress,
religion, and customs. Bush medicine, much of it derived from
African traditions, is practiced on most islands. Use of indigenous
plants, such as aloe vera, has been shown to remedy many ailments.

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In the realm of seafood, conch is king and comes in conch salads,


conch chowder, cracked conch (batter fried), and conch burgers.
Grouper and rock lobster are also favorites. Peas and rice is the ubiquitous accompanying dish, and local vegetables such as cassava, okra, and
sweet potato often join it. The local beer is Kalik.
A number of artists and craftspeople, both foreign and local, have galleries and shops on the two major islands. The artisans scattered about
on the Out Islands tend to be nonconformists who may even be the
highlight of a trip. The Junkanoo spirit and Goombay music (see
Celebrations and Special Events) can be found whenever there is a
celebration or party.
Clients interested in local culture should be informed of the People to
People Program, in which local Bahamians host visitors for a chat, a
meal, or an event, as time and interest permits.

Celebrations and Special Events


Junkanoo is a Bahamian word that spells all-out-fun. Junkanoo celebrates the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. In
Nassau, traditional parades begin at 2 A.M. on December 26 (Boxing
Day) and on New Years Day; they continue all day, pulsing to an
African beat. Cowbells, goatskin drums, whistles, bells, bugles, and
horns accompany the parade of elaborately costumed participants,
rushin (a two-step-forward, one-step-back movement) through the
streets of downtown Nassau.
Like Rios Carnaval competition, prizes are awarded each year for the
most elaborate or unusual Junkanoo costumes, the best music, and the
best performances. Competition is fierce and some locals work on their
costumes year-round. Freeports Junkanoo festival begins on New
Years Day at 6:00 P.M. Smaller but no less exuberant parades are held
on Bimini, Eleuthera, and Abaco.
Each Out Island has its own special events, including:
the Pineapple Festival in Eleuthera (June)
the Crab Festival in Andros (June)
numerous fishing tournaments and Regatta Time in the Abacos (July)
the National Out Island and Cruising Regattas in the Exumas
fishing tournaments in the Biminis

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Dining and Entertainment


Restaurants in the Bahamas include quite a variety: top-of-the-line
emporiums, mostly found in the big hotels; atmospheric and upscale
local spots, most of which are members of the Real-Taste-of-the-Bahamas
program (which ensures that they use local ingredients and meet
standards in food and service); fast-food spots on the two main islands;
and local diners on the Out Islands. The Graycliff in Nassau is one of the
most renowned restaurants in the Bahamas and in all of the Caribbean.
Grand Bahama Island and Nassau/Paradise Island, in particular, rank
with the leading nightlife capitals of the Caribbean. Lavish Vegas-class
shows, numerous discothques and bars catering to tourists and
Bahamians alike, and plenty of outdoor entertainment fill the night
hours, to say nothing of the two major casinos on each island. On the
Out Islands, the story is quite different. The larger tourist settlements
at Harbour Island, Marsh Harbour, and Green Turtle Cay have popular
bars and hangouts. In other locations, most of the nightlife is what visitors themselves devise, including star-gazing (of the heavenly, rather
than Hollywood, variety).

Cruise Call
Nassau/Paradise Island is the most visited cruise port in the
Caribbean/Atlantic area. Several three- and four-day cruises out of
south Florida make it an overnight stop, adding to its carnival-like
atmosphere and great variety of shops, tours, and services.
Many longer-itinerary ships also stop here. Arrivals can walk
from the dock to almost all of Nassaus historic sites, the straw
market, and Bay Street shops. A taxi-boat takes them in
minutes to Paradise Island, where they can walk to the
Atlantis Hotel and Casino and to paradisiacal beaches.
Jitneys take them to the Cable Beach area.

urism
inistry of To
Bahamas M
e
th
of
s
The Island
ma
Courtesy of
d Baha

Gran
Marina,

Grand Bahama Island also gets a number of cruise calls,


almost exclusively from the three- to four-day market.
Most arrivals are content to shop, gamble, and enjoy the
entertainment of Freeport/Lucaya, but trips to the
remote parts of the island, dolphin-watching tours, and
other sea activities are also popular.

Selling the Bahamas


There are two Bahamas: the Bahamas of the casinos, high-rise
resorts, and nightlife of Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama

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Island; and the Bahamas of the Out Islands, with deserted beaches,
gingerbread buildings, and peaceful fishing settlements where the
arrival of the mail boat is the big event of the day.
Timid clients who are making their first trip into international waters will
feel quite at home on Cable Beach, Paradise Island, or Freeport/ Lucaya.
Classic honeymooners (including those on second honeymoons or
anniversary trips) will be in ecstasy at the right hotel on romantic
Harbour Island. However, many honeymooners dont fit the popular
image and will prefer the action of Nassau and Grand Bahama.
Nature lovers can find bird sanctuaries and national parks. About
the only travelers who should not be sent to the Bahamas are those
who have been there, done that and want something more exotic
(and refuse to consider the Out Islands), and those who want
mountain landscapes.
There are a number of islands in the Bahamas, but they are easily accessible. Clients staying on Paradise Island may appreciate your arranging a
seaplane flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Paradise Island if Ft. Lauderdale is
convenient. This avoids the longer transfer (sometimes in busy traffic) to
Paradise Island from Nassau International airport, and your clients will
feel as though they are landing in the backyard of their hotel. This flight
will launch a trip with the right touch, especially for long weekenders.
Check for services from other Florida cities at the time of booking.
The flight from Florida to North Eleuthera, taxi transfer to the dock,
taxi-boat to Harbour Island, and transfer to the hotel may sound like a
lot of movement, but it is all accomplished in minutes. The same can be
said for the Abacos with the right planning. Clients do not have to wait
for the scheduled ferrymany hotels will pick them up at the dock.

Island Secrets
The Islands of the Bahamas are alive with hidden gemscays to be
explored by rented boat; nature areas and bird sanctuaries; artists and
individualists who long ago shunned the busy commercialism of the big
city for a simpler, Gauguinesque life among the palms and local populace. One such person is Gloria Patience, the Shark Lady, who in her
early 80s was still welcoming visitors to her home in the Exumas. Her
home is an informal museum of island memorabilia, china, and miscellany made from the remains of the hundreds of sharks she has caught.
On the last Friday of each month, from January to August, the
Governor Generals wife hosts a People to People Tea Party at

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Government House in Nassau. Guests chat with volunteers and enjoy


sweet cakes and tea, while local artists often present entertainment. Any
visitor interested in local culture and people is invited to attend.

Key Points about the Bahamas


Nassau/Paradise Island
Historic sights

1.
2.
3.
4.

Cable Beach
Atlantis Hotel

Freeport/Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island


Casino and golf
Island shopping markets

Out Islands
The Abacos: two major islands and five important cays
Harbour Island/Eleuthera
The Exumas
Andros Island
The Biminis
Other Out Islands
For those who want to be specialists in the Islands of the Bahamas, a
self-study guide and program are available. Call the Bahamas Tourism
Institute at 1-888-BTI-DESK for information.

For More Information


Bahamas Tourist Office
150 E. 52nd Street28th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 1-800-4BAHAMAS or 800-422-4262 for travel agents
brochure requests
1-800-224-2627 for consumer brochure requests and information
1-800-823-3136 or 212-758-2777 other inquiries
Fax: 212-753-6531
E-Mail: Call to get specific e-mail addresses of personnel or see Web.
Web site: www.bahamas.com

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My Contact Information

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North
Caicos
Parrot Cay
ATLANTIC OCEAN

Pine Cay
Providenciales
(Provo)

Middle Caicos

East Caicos
West Caicos

CO
LU
MB
US

PA
SS
AG
E

CAICOS ISLANDS

South Caicos

Grand Turk
Cockburn Town

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Salt Cay

TURKS ISLANDS

Turks and
Caicos Islands

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Capital
City or town
Attraction

Miles

15

Kilometers

24

The Travel Institute

Turks and
Caicos Islands
G

eographically, the Turks and Caicos (KAY kos) Islands (TCI) can
be considered an eastern extension of the chain of the Islands of
the Bahamas. They form a string of more than 40 islands and cays. The
islands ambiance and attitude are also an extension of the relaxed,
get-away-from-it-all mood of their neighbors, the Bahamian Out
Islands. However, thats where the similarities end. The Turks and
Caicos Islands have a different history, some very special, secluded
luxury resorts, and easy accessibility from Miami.

Fast Facts

The population is small, cruise ships dont call, and high-rises are
banned. Miles of sand and secluded beaches, coves, and cays,
surrounded by one of the longest coral reefs in the world, delight
adventuresome beachcombers, diving enthusiasts, and jet-setters alike.

Capital
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk

Historical Background
Recent theories and the pattern of Atlantic currents have fostered the
notion that it may have been one of the Turks and Caicos Islands that
Columbus first sighted in 1492. Regardless, the islands history was
similar to that of the Bahamas for the first few hundred years after
discovery. The islands were left alone except for the occasional Spanish
galleon, wrecked supply ship, or marauding pirate vessel. British
subjects, by way of Bermuda, began to colonize the islands in the late
1600s, bringing slaves to work the salt plantations and other
enterprises. As in the Bahamas, British Loyalists emigrated to the
islands during the American Revolution.

Land Area
166 square miles, divided among 5
major islands, 3 minor ones, and 40
small cays
Population
23,000

Languages
English
Time Zone
UTC -5 or EST. They do observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Left
Currency
U.S. dollar
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as the
U.S.

Unlike the Bahamas, however, the Turks and Caicos Islands endured
Spanish and French invasions until finally coming under British control
permanently in the late 1700s. They were made part of the Bahamas
and remained so for decades, but the government in Nassau rankled
these independent islanders, who felt little connection to their larger
and faraway neighbor. Because the Turks and Caicos Islands were on
the regular shipping route between Great Britain and Jamaica, Grand
Turk was often the first stop sailors made after their long Atlantic

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95

voyage. This gave the islands more of an allegiance to Jamaica, and the
British eventually placed them under that islands jurisdiction in 1874.
When Jamaica became independent in 1962, the islands were put back
under loose Bahamian administration. But when the Bahamas gained
independence, TCI opted to remain a British Crown colony and later
became a dependent territory. The country is ruled by both a governor
appointed by the queen and its own elected constitutional ministers.
Tourism has only really begun to burgeon in the last few years, but the
islands hope to keep it under careful control.

Arrival and Location Briefing


The Turks consist of a major island, Grand Turk, which holds the
countrys capital, Cockburn Town (KO burn town), and the largest
population, and Salt Cay, a smaller and much quieter island to the
south. The 22-mile-wide, 7,000-foot-deep Columbus Passage separates
the Turks from the Caicos group of islands to the west.
The Turks have a handful of hotels, but most tourists visit the major
Caicos island of Providenciales (prah vih den see AH lis) (known locally as
Provo [PRO vo]) and the small cays off its shores. Provo has the largest
airport, which accepts wide-body jets, and receives the bulk of international traffic. Of the other islands of the Caicos (North Caicos, South Caicos,
East Caicos, West Caicos, and Middle Caicos), only North Caicos, near
Provo, has substantial numbers of hotel rooms. Some islands are uninhabited and are very popular for day sails to totally secluded beaches.
There are two flights a day from Miami to Provo, which bring most of
the northerners to the islands. The airlines of nearby island countries
also have occasional flights. In season, charters operate from selected
cities in the Northeast. Local airlines operate among the islands, with
an occasional flight to Fort Lauderdale. Each island has its own landing
strip for local flights or charters.

Local Transportation
Though a few private bus lines operate, most travel is done by taxi,
rental car, motor scooter, or bike. The taxi fare from the airport to
hotels along the main beach is about $15. Private ferries sometimes run
between islands, but schedules change and clients will have to check
upon arrival. Otherwise, they will need to hire a private boat.
InterIsland, SkyKing, and Turks & Caicos Airways offer island-hopping
programs, which allow travelers to stop among the six major islands
overnight or even for a few hours at a much lower rate than if they paid
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for individual flights. As in the Bahamas, air charters go to neighboring


islands or offer flightseeing for families and small groups. Prices are relatively reasonable.

Around the Islands: Attractions


Providenciales (Provo)
Provo contains 40 percent (6,000) of the population of the Turks and
Caicos Islands and is the countrys main tourist destination. All jet
flights land here. Most tourist activities and hotels run along the miles
of beach northeast of the airport and the populated area in the center
of the island. Even though Provo is the main hub of the Turks and
Caicos Islands, it remains a relaxing and peaceful place.
The first large and inclusive resorts only began opening in the early
1990s, with the exception of Club Med Turkoise, considered a jewel of
the chains North American clubs for almost two decades now. Nearby
is the elite Ocean Club. The all-inclusive Beaches (a Sandals hotel)
opened in 1999. Other resorts will be opening in the near future along
the 12 miles of white-sand beaches that ring Provos northeast coast.
Snorkeling, beachcombing, water sports, and sheer relaxation are the
order of the day, but first-timers usually drop in at the JoJo Dolphin
Project and the worlds only conch farm at the Island Sea Center. A
casino operates at the Allegro, the islands other large facility, and the
Provo Golf Clubs 72-hole course is one of the Caribbeans newest.
The islands scattered towns are still genuine Caribbean villages, their
ambiance having changed little, even as tourism begins to grow.
A number of tiny cays between Provo and North Caicos are privately
owned; two in particular, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay, hold very exclusive and secluded resorts.

The Other Caicos


Of the five other major islands in the Caicos chain, two are uninhabited
(East and West Caicos), but their secluded beaches and coves make for
great day trips. North, Middle, and South Caicos tend to have beautiful
beaches on their northern sides and tidal flats to the south.
North Caicos (population 1,300) is the closest major island to Provo
and is the lushest island in the group. It has a smattering of accommodations, including one with 28 rooms. Visitors will want to raft out to the
Crab Farm and see the flock of flamingos. Other bird refuges, Indian
artifacts, and the ruins of plantations can be seen on a tour of the island.

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Middle Caicos, the largest island of TCI, has the most dramatic
scenery; but it is one of the least developed (with only 10 hotel rooms)
and least visited, with a population of just 275. However, many
consider it a worthy day trip just to see the Arawak and Lucayan
Indian artifacts and remains of huge Indian settlements. One recently
excavated site contains a Lucayan ball court, unknown elsewhere in the
islands. Visitors will also want to see the remains of Loyalist
plantations and numerous marshes and inlets that serve as havens for
tropical birds. Limestone cliffs and large caves wait to be explored.
South Caicos offers some of the best diving and snorkeling, as well as
miles of deserted and idyllic beaches. The island is the fishing capital of
TCI, with the harvesting of conch, lobster, and other seafood as its main
industry. Three lodgings, one with 24 rooms, offer accommodations.

The Turks
Grand Turk contains the capital, Cockburn Town, and as such is the
commercial and historical center of the islands. It has the secondhighest population after Provo. A number of 18th- and 19th-century
landmark buildings recall the architecture of the Bermudians who came
here during the 1700s. Artifacts of the original Indians also lie scattered about the island. Hundreds of donkeys once roamed the island,
causing amusing havoc. Most are now in an animal refuge, but some
are still free to uphold the old traditions. A dozen small hotels, guesthouses, and apartments cater mainly to the diving crowd, rather than
the conventional resort vacationer.
Salt Cay, just south of Grand Turk, once produced the mainstay of the
countrys economy, salt. A handful of two- to eight-room inns are
available for real getaways.

Whats Special about the Turks


and Caicos?
Though much smaller in available accommodations and facilities, the
Turks and Caicos Islands can hold their own with the Cayman Islands,
Bonaire, and other top Caribbean destinations for diving and
snorkeling. Underwater visibility often reaches 200 feet, and the islands
are surrounded by one of the worlds largest coral reef systems. The
aquatic environment is in relatively pristine condition, and the government is striving to keep it intact.
Above water, nature lovers will enjoy the flamingos and giant iguanas that
now mainly inhabit offshore cays, having been driven off the major islands.

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In 1992 the government set aside 33 specific protected areas covering 325
square miles of land and sea, including turtle breeding grounds, seabird
sanctuaries, and ecologically essential wetlands. From January to March,
thousands of humpback whales cross the Columbus Passage between the
two island groups. Deep-sea fishing and bonefishing are excellent.
Visitors can tour the main islands by boat or taxi and can tour the
uninhabited cays by catamaran or other boat. Most would consider a
stay on Provo incomplete without one or two boat trips to nearby islets.

The islands lifestyle is quite casual, so this is one destination where


wearing shorts in town is considered appropriate, even by local
residents. However, the lifestyle defined by visitors is casual-chic, as
these are islands generally discovered only by the well traveled.
The music, food, and culture of TCI are similar to neighboring islands.
Besides tourism, the country is developing its banking and financial
industries, similar to what the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas
have done.

Celebrations and Special Events

Many of the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands are descendants of
Africans brought here by Bermudian salt-rakers. More recently,
American, British, and European tourists are discovering the islands.
Cross-cultural influences are evident: driving is on the left, but the official
currency is the U.S. dollar.

Island Culture

Did you know?

Sometimes the origin of


place-names deserves a
bit of explanation.
Original settlers of the
Turks and Caicos
Islands thought that the
red flowering head of
the islands cactus
reminded them of the
red fez worn by Turkish
men; hence the name
Turks. Caicos is a
derivation of the
Spanish word cayos,
meaning small islands.

A Sailing Regatta is held the last weekend in May, and the Cactus Fest
takes place late August/early September.

Dining and Entertainment


Almost all foodstuffs are imported except for seafood; therefore, dining
tends to be expensive. Locally caught or farmed conch and lobster are
specialties. A selection of pasta places, a Chinese restaurant, Mexican
eateries, and even a New Yorkstyle deli with espresso and cappuccino
create some variety among the top Caribbean/Continental-French
establishments. One restaurant offers Pacific Northweststyle seafood
with Caribbean flair, while others sport names such as Hemingways
on the Beach, the Gecko Grille, and Sharkbite Bar & Grill.
Entertainment focuses on small local island bands that play at major

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hotels and bars and at the Allegro hotel casino. Those who want more
action can pay to play (and eat and drink) for an evening at the allinclusive Breezes or Club Med.

Cruise Call
Major cruise ships do not call at TCI, which suits the country just fine.
However, a number of live-aboard dive boats are headquartered at
Grand Turk and Providenciales. Accommodating 14 to 20 passengers,
they spend a week cruising the islands and offer up to five dives a day.

Selling the Turks and Caicos Islands


The small size of TCI, its lesser renown, and its smaller tourist numbers
should not in any way lessen the image of this destination in your
mind. These islands (and also the Grenadines) appeal to a particular
niche market: specifically, those looking for exclusivity and luxurious
accommodations with utter privacy (unless you have clients so famous
that the paparazzi will find them anywhere). DS Caribbean emphasizes
the more popular attractions and accommodations (although in TCI,
even these places have the air of something special). But if you dig
deeper, you will find villas and private retreats in out-of-the-way parts
of the eight major islands and on small islets and cays. The tourist
office can help you with your research.
Two of the most exclusive spots lie between Provo and North Caicos:
Parrot Cay and Pine Cay, an 800-acre private resort. They may be just
the place for that actress who was recently nominated for an Oscar or
the techno-whiz who just went public with his dot-com stock.
However, less-affluent adventurers who want both privacy and relaxation, or those who prefer to do a lot of socializing at one of the allinclusives, will also be ecstatic with a stay in TCI. And, of course, divers
will be in heaven. Those who get bored can hop one of the twice-daily
flights to Miami.

Island Secret
The Turks and Caicos Islands are loaded with hideaways that the
average traveler does not know about. This is, in a sense, the essence of
the destinationfinding a spot away from it all. Salt Cay provides perhaps one of the most interesting links to a simpler time. Salt production was halted only in the early 1960s when Jamaican ties were severed. When the industry stopped, everything was left as it was, frozen

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in time. Windmills lie motionless among the Bermudian-style homes


that are still neatly kept. The landmark White House is still owned by
the descendants of salt-rakers and contains original antique furniture.
Salt Cay has been nominated for inclusion in the list of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites.

Key Points about the


Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales (Provo)
Grand Turk
Private cays and secluded resorts

1.
2.
3.
4.

Diving
Peace, relaxation, exclusivity

For More Information


Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board
2715 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Phone: 800-241-0824 or 954-568-6588
Fax: 954-568-6586
E-mail: tcitrsm@bellsouth.net
Web site: www.turksandcaicostourism.com

My Contact Information

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THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

JAMAICA

CARIBBEAN SEA

HAITI

Destination Specialist Caribbean


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

AT L A N T I C O C E A N

PUERTO
RICO

U.S. VIRGIN
ISLANDS

BRITISH VIRGIN
ISLANDS

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN

102

Miles

152

Kilometers 245

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Northern Caribbean
The northern Caribbean is close to the southern part of the United States
and easy to get to. It consists of the four major islands of the Greater Antilles
and two nearby smaller island groups. Cuba is not covered in the main part
of the text, but general information is given in the last unit.
Seven-day cruises from Florida ports often stop at these islands. Many cruise
lines add an itinerary with the designation Western Caribbean, which usually
combines the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and one other port of call with the
Yucatn Coast of Mexico (Cancn or Cozumel). This course, however, places
the Cayman Islands and Jamaica in this Northern Caribbean section, and
Cancn and Cozumel, Mexico, in the last section called Western Caribbean
and the Coast of Latin America.
From west to east, the island chapters are

The Travel Institute

Cayman Islands

Jamaica

Haiti

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

U.S. Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

Northern Caribbean

103

The Bluff

Cayman Brac

CARIBBEAN SEA

Little Cayman

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Grand Cayman

CARIBBEAN SEA
Turtle Farm
Hell

Seven

Grand Cayman

Mile
Beach

East End

George Town

Queen Elizabeths
Botanic Park

Old Isaac Village


Savannah

Pedro St. James National Historic Site

CARIBBEAN SEA

Caymans

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Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

3.6

Kilometers 5.8

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Cayman Islands
T

ranslucent water, abundant marine life, fascinating shipwrecks, winding sea tunnels, and a brilliantly colored reef wall plunging to depths
of 6,000 feet make the Cayman Islands an underwater paradise, one that
woos and challenges experienced divers and beginners alike. A sophisticated tourism and diving infrastructure adds to the islands appeal. In
fact, the Caymans are one of the Caribbeans top diving destinations,
with one-third of the arrivals being underwater devotees. But the islands
perfect beaches, the availability of every type of water and sand sport, and
their modern, first-class resorts bring plenty of other visitors.

Note: For post-September


2004 Hurricane Ivan
recovery effort updates in the
Cayman Islands, see the
Cayman Islands Department
of Tourism Web site,
www.caymanislands.ky

And then there are the banks, 571 of them at last count. Trusts
handling American, Canadian, and worldwide financial operations for
more than 45,000 companies and individuals flourish due to the
islands permissive tax and regulatory policies. The islands rank in the
top 10 among the worlds financial centers. This translates into a large
amount of travel being done for business purposes, though its usually
combined with pleasure as well. More important to the leisure traveler
is that the islands high standard of living also means high standards of
service and amenitieswith prices to match. The Cayman Islands are
not geared to the budget traveler.

Land Area
103 square miles
Grand Cayman: 78 square miles
Cayman Brac: 15 square miles
Little Cayman: 10 square miles

Cayman Islanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and
crime is very low (on the two smaller islands it is almost nonexistent).
Using the same common sense they would at home, visitors can walk
about at almost any time of day or night and feel safe. The great
disparity of rich and poor found in many other places is far less noticeable here. Lifestyles are akin to that of an affluent Florida key or the
suburb of a big American cityincluding satellite dishes and cell
phoneswith the added bonuses of a seven-mile-long beach and
turquoise waters.

Languages
English

Historical Background
Due to the Cayman Islands relatively small size and somewhat isolated
location, they were uninhabited when Columbus first arrived, and were
not deemed as important as other islands. The vast numbers of turtles
in surrounding waters led the Discoverer to first name the islands Las
Tortugas (the Turtles). Great plantations were not established, and

The Travel Institute

Fast Facts

Population
40,000
Capital
George Town, Grand Cayman

Time Zone
UTC -5 or EST. They do not observe
daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Left
Currency
Cayman dollar. The Cayman dollar is
worth approximately $1.25 in U.S.
dollars (USD). Turning that around,
$1.00 USD is worth 80 Cayman cents.
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Northern Caribbean: Cayman Islands

105

thousands of slaves were not brought here because of lack of good agricultural land. Deserters from Cromwells army in England, shipwrecked
and marooned sailors, pirates, and escaped slaves from Jamaica made up
the early population. Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Neal
Walker were among the famous pirate visitors. Rumors persist that
pirate treasure is still buried in the caves on Cayman Brac.
Spain ceded the islands to England in 1670 at the same time as
Jamaica, and in 1863 they were annexed to Jamaica. When Jamaica
sought its independence in 1962, the Cayman Islands separated from it
and decided to remain a Crown colony of Great Britain.

Did you know?

One of the most significant events in the


islands history was the
wreck of the ten sails
in 1794. On one dark
night the lead ship of a
convoy of merchant
ships bound for
England struck the reef
at East End, Grand
Cayman, and gave a
signal to warn off the
other ships. However,
the signal was mistaken
for the order to close
up, and the other nine
ships struck the reef
one after another. The
residents of East End
showed such heroism
in rescuing the crew
members that only
eight lives were lost.
Legend has it that
England rewarded the
island with tax-free
status in perpetuity.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Excluding Cuba, the Cayman Islands are the closest destination in the
Caribbean to Miami (since the Bahamas are actually outside the
Caribbean). All international flights go into Grand Cayman; from there,
Cayman Airways and Island Air fly to the other two islands. Cayman
Airways flies directly from Miami, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa; four
U.S. scheduled carriers and a number of charters also operate directly.
There are up to 70 nonstop flights weekly from Miami.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are approximately 90 miles
east-northeast of Grand Cayman. All three islands have great diving.
Serious scuba fans will want to go to these two smaller and
less-developed islands often. Those seeking solitude will also enjoy
these quiet islands.

Local Transportation
A scheduled minibus service goes up and down the beach and to the
East End of Grand Cayman. Those renting cars are charged a fee
(about $7.50 in the past) for a Cayman drivers license, in addition to
the regular rental fees and taxes. Renting motor scooters and bikes may
be safer here than at other destinations. The 150-passenger Rum
Pointer Ferry operates several times daily from the dock of the Hyatt
Regency on Seven Mile Beach to Rum Point, which is midpoint on the
north coast.
Island Air has three flights a day from Grand Cayman to Little
Cayman and Cayman Brac, a 40-minute trip. Check for schedules on
Cayman Airways also. The flight between the two small islands takes
about 10 minutes.

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Around the Islands: Attractions


Grand Cayman
George Town, the capital, is at the southern end of the islands famed
Seven Mile Beach (in actuality it is less than six miles long). The shape
of the island is somewhat like a persons arm, bent at the elbow.
George Town is just above the elbow, and the beach reaches all the way
up the forearm. The larger, but less visited, upper arm of the island
extends eastward from the capital.
Most vacationers spend their time on the beach or in the water during
the day, engaging in water sports, lunching at their resort, or doing a
bit of shopping. On the standard tour, visitors see the town,
stop at the Turtle Farm, and then visit Hell.
At the Turtle Farm, visitors can observe turtles in every stage of
development at the only commercial sea turtle farm in the
world. Turtles once thrived in the Caymans until being almost
wiped out by the thousands of ships that harvested them since
the 1500s. The Turtle Farm is saving them from nearextinction. Circular cement tanks of various sizes house thousands of turtles from six ounces to 600 pounds. At a snack
bar and restaurant, visitors can sample delicious turtle dishes.
Approximately 4,000 turtles are used annually for local
consumption, but an average of 1,500 turtles are released
into the natural environment.

Courtesy of
Cayman Isla
nds

Turtle F
a

Departmen
t of Tourism

rm

Hell is a jagged piece of ironshore rock at the north end of Seven


Mile Beach. This famous landmark does indeed resemble the charred
remains of a hellfire. A boardwalk, which sits behind the post office and
the shops that sell local crafts, provides better viewing of this
fascinating formation. Tourists ensure that the post office does a
bustling business in cards postmarked from Hell.
Those spending more than a few days on the island will want to
explore the parts of the island that day-trippers, dive fanatics, and
beach-partiers miss. Visitors going to the East End will pass by a
number of blowholes and evidence of wrecked ships on their way to
Old Isaac Village, near the end of the islands east cape. An area of
mangroves and woods on the large east side of the island has a twomile hiking trail.
Toward the middle of the coastal road is the town of Savannah and
Pedro St. James National Historic Site, a historically accurate

The Travel Institute

Northern Caribbean: Cayman Islands

107

t of Tourism
Departmen
nds
Cayman Isla
Courtesy of

restoration of an early 19th-century great house (construction


was completed in December 1998). It was one of the few such
houses in the Cayman Islands. This historic site was also the
birthplace of democracy for the islands, housing their first
elected meeting in 1831. The house has won awards as one
of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Farther east is Queen
Elizabeth Botanic Park, a 65-acre reserve featuring
gardens, trails, and nature reserves. The islands blue
iguanas are a highlight.

Seven Mile Beach harbors more than 50 hotels and condominiums, ranging from the Marriott, Westin, Hyatt
s
t. Jame
Pedro S
Regency, and Treasure Island resorts (each in the neighborhood of 300 rooms) to two- and three-unit villas.
More intimate and deluxe properties also share the beach. Almost half
of the islands rooms are villas or condominiums, which are perfect for
families, those on a budget, or those who are staying for a week or
more. Many of the hotels offer dive packages. Lodgings off the beach,
near or in George Town, cater to divers on a limited budget.

Courtesy of
Cayman Isla
nds

Cayman Brac, the second-largest


island of the group, is 81 miles
east-northeast of Grand
Cayman. It measures 12 miles
long and 2.2 miles at its widest
point. On Cayman Brac (brac
is Gaelic for bluff), the
bluffs are the major attraction. The Bluff at the
eastern end of the island is a
towering limestone plateau
that soars to 140 feet
above sea level; it is the most
spectacular sight to see on the islands.

Departmen
t of Tourism

Cayman Brac

The Blu
ff

New nature sites, unveiled in the late 1990s and early 2000s, include
hiking trails, woodland walks, boardwalks out to wetlands, panoramic
overviews, and pristine beach locations. Adventurers can explore the
many caves that honeycomb the limestone by climbing over jagged
rocks. There are no actual towns on the Brac (population
approximately 1,600), but the islanders do congregate in two island
communities. Most visitors come to enjoy the water sports, relax, hike
the beaches, and bird-watch.

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Little Cayman

Diving is the special activity in the Cayman Islands. Dramatic underwater


walls, great visibility, a wealth of marine life, topnotch diving facilities that
pioneered diving in the Caribbean, and easy access (some dives do not
require a boatyou can just walk out from shore) are major reasons for
the Caymans renown. Special activities include diving with stingrays (see
below) and ample opportunities to practice underwater photography.
Snorkelers can often see fantastic sights just a short distance from shore.
For more information, see Selling the Cayman Islands, or refer to the
diving section in the course Introduction. If you visit the Cayman Islands
Department of Tourisms Web site and click on all diving links, youll
come up with a list of 25 Qualities That Make Cayman One of the
Worlds Best Dive Destinations. One of these links also allows websurfers to take virtual dives.
Besides the usual full array of beach and water activities, the Cayman
Islands pioneered a swimming-with-stingrays program at Stingray City. A
group of tame stingrays seems to enjoy the program as much as those who
pay for the privilege, as they curl in and out among snorkelers and those
merely wading in the water. Called by some the worlds best 12-foot
dive, Stingray City ranks as one of the countrys most famous attractions.
Even nondivers can enjoy the Caymans underwater beauty. Visitors can
take an Atlantis submarine excursion to see marine life, and its glassbottom-boat trips are among the best. For the more adventurous, two
research submarines take two passengers and a pilot on dives of 800 to
1,000 feet to view sea life along a steep, sloping wall. Passengers also
can view the wreck of the Kirk Pride, a cargo ship that sank in 1976
and lodged on a rock ledge at 800 feet.

Whats Special about the Caymans?

Lying about five miles west of Cayman Brac, Little Cayman is the
smaller of the two. Its few small hotels and population of about 120
provide an even more intimate atmosphere than Cayman Brac, if that is
possible. The only bars and restaurants are at the islands hotels.
Isolated beaches and lagoons and a large natural bird sanctuary are
Little Caymans main attractions, besides its legendary diving.

Did you know?

Scuba Diving magazine


rated five dive
operations of Cayman
Brac and Little Cayman
as the best in the
business, scoring them
with straight As in
service, facilities, boats,
and value.
Little Cayman also took
first-place awards in
1999 for the best wall
diving, best fish life,
best advanced diving,
healthiest marine
environment, and best
overall diving destination. Cayman Brac
ranked just after it in
marine environment and
advanced diving, while
the Cayman Islands as a
whole were named
Destination of the
Decade by the leading
dive marketing
association.

Because they lie toward the northern part of the Caribbean and close
to the large shoals around Cuba, the Cayman Islands have become a
great sportfishing area in the last few years; this activity will no doubt
continue to grow in popularity. In the spring, a fishing tournament
offers six-figure rewards for expert (and lucky) anglers. Grand Cayman
also boasts three major golf courses, one designed by Jack Nicklaus.

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Northern Caribbean: Cayman Islands

109

Island Culture
The indigenous population is of Scottish, Welsh, English, and AfricanJamaican descent, but a third of all residents are now noncitizens who
originate from all over the world. The lilt of the local English dialect
reflects this ethnic mixture. British cultural proclivities have always
dominated, but North American influences have become considerable
and have been increasing each year.
Turtle soup, stew, and steak are the islands most well-known special dishes, though they may not be available at all times of the year.
The original Caymanians lacked the export income to pay for
imported foods, because the plantation system was never very
strong here. Gastronomically, this was fortunate in that they did not
rely on European meats; instead they ate more local foods than
most Caribbean islanders and thereby developed a diverse cuisine.
Seafood and conch are served plain or Cayman style, with peppers,
onions, and tomatoes.
By asking around, diners will occasionally find traditional dishes such as
fish tea (a type of bouillabaisse), accompaniments such as breadfruit
and yams, and cassava, which goes into both stews and cakes. If you
look closely, youll notice the spices and jerk influence of Jamaican
cooking on the cuisine of these islands. Diners can feast on a meal of
coconut shrimp or conch chowder, followed by turtle steak or jerked
meat and vegetable, and finished off with heavy cake. All this can be
accompanied by a Stingray Beer from the local brewery.

Celebrations and Special Events


Pirates Week, held the last week of October, is the Caymans major
festival. The celebration pays tribute to the nations past and cultural
heritage with parades, regattas, fishing tournaments, and other swashbuckling events. Batabano, Grand Caymans costume parade, takes
place in George Town in early May.
The Queens Birthday is celebrated in mid-June with a full-dressuniform parade. During April and May, sailors participate in the Round
the Island Regatta, and the International Fishing Tournament
draws anglers from around the world for its prizes. The Taste of
Cayman takes place in July. Check a schedule for the exact dates of all
these festivals.

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However, there is no shortage of more adventurous fare for those who


seek it out. Imported chefs prepare seafood in a variety of innovative
ways using local fruits, curries, chutneys, coconut, yams, and breadfruit.
Local dishes that have been specialties for the past 200 years are harder
to find. Look for them at local festivals or on holidays (especially the
Taste of Cayman in July). American fast-food outlets are represented.
Although Grand Cayman is not a hotspot for Caribbean nightlife, it is
active enough to satisfy most visitors. Entertainment is usually linked to
the hotels. A few smaller clubs host local bands, with an occasional
concert by internationally known reggae and pop groups. Music lovers
might want to bring home CDs of the legendary George Nowak, the
Barefoot Man, who performed for decades at the Holiday Inn on
Seven Mile Beach. At the time of writing, he was still playing on
Monday and Friday evenings at Rum Point Restaurant.

Cruise Call
On average, two to three cruise ships a day call at Grand Cayman during
the high season. To ensure that the greater George Town area is not
adversely affected, the island allows only 5,500 to 6,000 cruise-ship
passengers to visit per day. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the
busiest. Most ships tenders take passengers to George Town; from
there, they can easily walk around the town or go shopping. The standard island tour covers Seven Mile Beach, Hell, the Turtle Farm, and
perhaps one or two other highlights mentioned previously. Other trips
visit Stingray City or challenging dive spots. The islands many hotels,
welcoming attitude, snorkeling and diving opportunities, and advanced
infrastructure (shops, taxis, minivans, good roads) make it quite popular.
Because Grand Cayman has short distances and reliable taxis, visitors
can hire a driver and do their own tour. Many arrivals will want to
enjoy Seven Mile Beach and the facilities of one of the resort hotels.
Diving, snorkeling, submarine, and glass-bottom-boat tours complete
the offerings. Those who want an ecological hike or wish to partake of
the old island atmosphere should head for the East End.

The Travel Institute

Guests tend to take most of their meals at the many hotels along Seven
Mile Beach, but a variety of other restaurants offer somewhat more
adventurous island and ethnic fare. Dining establishments try to gear
their cuisines to standard American and European tastes, with numerous local touches and flavors. Diners can also find Italian dishes, fajitas,
and British pub-style food.

Dining and Entertainment

Did you know?

The Caymans are not


one of the Caribbeans
major hiking
destinations, but each
island offers its own hike
for nature lovers. Brac
Parrot Reserve is the
prime location on
Cayman Brac, while the
Red-Footed Booby
Bird Nature Reserve is
the choice on Little
Cayman. On Grand
Cayman, Nature
Walking Tours
organizes a somewhat
rugged two-mile trek
through a nature reserve
of mangrove swamp and
ancient rocky woodlands.
Experts believe that the
red earth on the
northern part of the
Mastic Trail, as it is
known, is sand that has
traveled all the way from
the Sahara Desert.
Apparently, high-altitude
winds that blow in the
opposite direction of the
trade winds scooped up
the sand from North
Africa and deposited it
here.

Northern Caribbean: Cayman Islands

111

Selling the Cayman Islands

Did you know?

Travel counselors who


have established themselves as bona fide specialists in selling dive
trips may become eligible for the Cayman
Islands annual dive fam
trips. Dubbed
SCUBABOWL in the
year 2000, such trips
consist of site inspections, boat dives, and
evening social events, as
well as interaction with
local dive operators.

If you want to cater to the niche market of serious divers, you need to
learn a bit more about this specialty. Review the scuba-diving
information under Specialty Niches in the Introduction. Ask the
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism for special brochures,
particularly Snorkeling Guide and Dive Guide. For divers on a
budget, look for groups formed to share condominiums and
apartments; this will bring down the cost.
For clients who have never dived before, the Caymans are one of the
best places to learn this activity. If you learn along with them, you will
keep them coming back in the future. The Cayman Islands Department
of Tourism likes to make the point that scuba-diving is no longer just
the province of the young and strong; entire families now participate in
this water sport.
Obviously, divers are one of the major Cayman market segments. But
keep in mind that a majority of arrivals are not divers. The Cayman
Islands are a quintessentially Caribbean destination, with sand, sun, and
sea and little or no hassle. Vacationers looking for beaches and water
sports, and who want a clean Caribbean environment to relax in,
unmarred by poverty or vendors at every turn, will enjoy these islands.
Less confident vacationers, who perhaps should be warned off some of
the poorer, more culturally diverse islands, will probably feel quite
comfortable here. Visitors will find quality hotel entertainment and fine
dining (at a substantial price). Besides the diving and deep-sea fishing,
seclusion is the watchword for the two smaller islands.
Those who prefer an exotic island culture, who need a more varied
landscape, or who become bored with the beach-resort culture after a
few days (and who do not dive) may get restless; however, they can
visit Cayman Brac for a look at a slightly different topography.

Island Secret
Those who truly want to get away from it all might enjoy a picnic on
Owen Island, which lies a few hundred yards off already secluded Little
Cayman. A rowboat available on Little Cayman will get them to this
islet. Another secluded spot on the littlest Cayman is South Hole Sound
Lagoon, where swimmers can often take a dip all by themselves.

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Key Points about the Cayman Islands


Top diving location in Caribbean
Banking center
High standard of living

1.
2.
3.
4.

Famed Seven Mile Beach and resorts/condominiums


Stingray City
Cayman Brac
Little Cayman

For More Information


Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2733
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 800-346-3313 or 212-682-5582
Fax: 212-986-5123
E-mail: info-usa@caymanislands.ky
Web sites: www.caymanislands.ky (for all three islands)
www.sisterislands.com (for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman)
www.divecayman.ky

My Contact Information

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113

CARIBBEAN SEA
Rose Hall Plantation

Falmouth

Doctors Cave Beach

Greenwood

Montego Bay
Seven Mile Beach

Negril

Runaway Bay

Cockpit
Country

Dunns River Falls


Goldeneye
Firefly
Ocho Rios
Fern Gully

Blue M
ounta
ins
Kingston

de

Spanish Town

n
Gra
Rio

Mandeville

Port Antonio

Port Royal

JAMAICA

CARIBBEAN SEA

Jamaica

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

27.2

Kilometers 43.8

The Travel Institute

Jamaica
C

risscrossing up a 600-foot, shallow waterfall in a human chain from


a white-sand beach or reclining on a two-person wooden raft
being poled down a riverthese are just two of the images of Jamaica
(juh MAY kuh) that delight visitors imaginations. Jamaica is one place
in which reality fulfills expectations. The foliage-covered mountains,
soft breezes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful flowers make Jamaica a
tropical paradise, one of the most popular destinations in the
Caribbean. Its vital culture matches its physical attributes and may be
the strongest in the region. Jamaican music is known the world over;
its religions permeate other islands; its politics are studied and observed
by the region.

Fast Facts

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and almost the size
of Connecticut. Jamaica offers the visitor a wide variety of vacation
options, and the right choice can make all the difference: the colonial
affluence of Port Antonio, the lushness of Ocho Rios, the variety of
Montego Bay, and the hedonism of Negril, to name some of the more
popular choices. The ecotraveler and the culture buff can venture farther
into the interior.

Time Zone
UTC -5 or EST. It does not observe daylight-saving time.

Historical Background

Land Area
4,411 square miles
Population
2.5 million
Capital
Kingston
Languages
English, Jamaican Creole

Drive on
Left
Currency
Jamaican dollar
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

In 1494, on his second voyage, Christopher Columbus called on


Jamaica, ushering in 150 years of Spanish rule from Spanish Town, still
one of the islands main cities. Jamaica was not as important to the
Spanish conquerors as the larger islands of Hispaniola and Cuba, which
they fortified more strongly. When the English failed in their attempt to
take these larger islands, they invaded sparsely settled Jamaica instead.
The weaker Spanish forces and authorities fled the island or otherwise
dispersed. At the same time, the Africans that the Spanish had kept as
slaves escaped into the mountains and formed groups called Maroons.
Some went over to the English side early on in the fight against the
Spanish, but most fought the English, who wanted to re-enslave
them. These early guerrilla fighters were never really conquered and
eventually forced the English to sign treaties granting them rights of
self-government. Their descendants still live in the hilly Cockpit
Country of western Jamaica.

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Northern Caribbean: Jamaica

115

The British allowed buccaneers and pirates such as Henry Morgan to


wreak havoc on Spanish ships for almost a century. Eventually, the
English gained complete control and by the mid-1700s began to
achieve great wealth and prosperity through sugar production and the
slave trade. This situation lasted until the abolition of slavery in 1834.
Jamaica has struggled to reach some type of economic stability ever
since. Agriculture and mining, primarily of bauxite (from which aluminum is made), are two of its major industries, but tourism is now its
largest and fastest-growing industry.
In 1962 Jamaica became an independent country and remains a part of
the British Commonwealth. The queen of England is head of state in
name only; the prime minister and both houses of parliament are
elected by the people.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Jamaicas two major international airports are located at Montego Bay
on the north coast and at Kingston on the south coast. Scheduled
direct and nonstop flights operate out of New York, Newark,
Baltimore/Washington, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale,
Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Tampa. Charters provide
additional nonstop service from other cities. The vast majority of
resort-hotels, resort-towns, good beaches, and all the activities that go
with them are located on the north coast. Americans going to Kingston
will generally be business people, those connecting to flights to other
Caribbean islands, and special-interest travelers.
Jamaica provides visitors with an abundance of resort areas and sightseeing opportunities. The vast majority of tourists choose a location on
the islands beach-lined north coast, but there is plenty to see and do in
the interior as well. From west to east, the three largest resort areas on
the north coast are:
Negril
Montego Bay
Ocho Rios
The smaller area of Runaway Bay is between Montego Bay and Ocho
Rios, while Port Antonio is east of all three. Each resort area has its
adherents, and a careful reading of their descriptions here and in guidebooks can help you decide which is best for a particular client. Many
visitors prefer lusher Ocho Rios or more relaxed Negril, but make sure
they are prepared for the one-and-a-half- to two-hour transfer upon
arrival. Those who dont want to transfer by land can take one of the
small commuter flights that connect the resorts.
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Local Transportation
Most U.S. visitors dont tour Jamaica. Its too big. They get a transfer (usually by minivan or small bus) that is provided in their package
or can easily be arranged ahead of time, and then stay put at their
chosen resort area. From there they take local tours, raft trips, or the
Appleton Express tourist train trip at Montego Bay, or rent a bike
(especially in Negril). Otherwise they can taxi into town and back
fares are set from point to point but should be agreed upon in advance.
Renting a car to see the interior or southern parts of the island is for
the more adventurous: driving is on the left; roads are in different
stages of repair and are winding and narrow in the mountains; travel
times can be relatively long; and gasoline is expensive. However, the
experience is quite fascinating for the right traveler, as the people are
very gregarious and the culture, exceptional.
The cost of a car rental is quite high. Some clients (especially two
couples) may prefer a weeks car rental if they want to make extensive
excursions along the northern coast or into the interior. If they are
staying outside of the Montego Bay area, the cost savings of transfers
to and from Negril, Ocho Rios or other resorts can pay for a good part
of the rental. Most travelers, however, tend to stay at one resort and
are better off with transfers and taxis; this is particularly true for those
staying at all-inclusives.

Around the Island: Attractions


Negril
Once the counterculture capital of Jamaica, for both Americans and
Jamaicans, Negril (neh GRIHL) still retains the casual, hedonistic
appeal that brought it fame 25 years ago. Clothing optional beaches,
liberal attitudes toward marijuana use, and rumors of wild parties at the
all-inclusive resorts keep this reputation intact; however, there are also
intimate hideaway resorts and guesthouses for those who want to be
away from the partying of other vacationers, experience Jamaican culture (this is probably the best resort area to do so), or have a relaxing
vacation on their own terms.
A prime draw is Negrils Seven-Mile Beach, where most of the major
resorts are located. To the south are a series of rocky coves, cliffs, and
promontories, along with private homes, the smaller hotels and guesthouses, and a number of bustling bistros and discothques.
Negril is a two-hour transfer by minivan from Montego Bay airport.

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117

For some, this drive can be a long, hot, and bumpy start to a vacation;
but for most of those headed for Negril, the music, free rum drinks at
the airport, and the tropical atmosphere make the ride worth the trip.
Larger resorts have their own vans, while other services meet all flights.
Those traveling independently should arrange for their return to the
airport ahead of time.
The closest thing to a tourist sight in Negril, besides the Seven-Mile
Beach, is Ricks Caf, for years the in place to watch the sun set over
a rum drink or Jamaican Red Stripe beer. Nightlife is divided between
the shows and parties of the all-inclusive compounds and the simpler
local bars, discothques, and outdoor reggae clubs, some of which are
near the beach.
All-inclusives receive the bulk of visitors. Hedonism II was one of the
first in the area with the concept. Today some of the other big names
are the deluxe Grand Lido, Swept Away, Sandals Negril, and Beaches
Negril. Those who like the concept, but prefer vacationing with 60
rather than 600 fellow guests, can choose among a few smaller allinclusive hotels (30 rooms or so). Be sure to check whether a particular
all-inclusive caters to singles or is for couples only. The names of some
of the more intimate hotels such as Tree House and Rock Cliff reflect
their locations and atmosphere.

Montego Bay

urist Board
Jamaica To
Courtesy of

Montego Bay (or MoBay, as it is locally known), is Jamaicas leading


tourist center. Tourism has made it the countrys second-largest city. It
is alive with restaurants, sightseeing spots, nightlife, shops, beaches, and
sports facilities. For travelers who want to be where the action is and
have a variety of things to see and do, this is the choice. An added plus
is that Sangster Airport is just two miles from town; vacationers
can be at their hotels or on the beach within minutes of arrival,
especially important to note for short-stay visitors.

tation
all Plan
Rose H

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

The key sight in the area is Rose Hall Plantation, the most
well-known great house in Jamaica and one of the best known
in the Caribbean. It was built by a wealthy British planter,
John Palmer, in the late 1770s. The plantation has been the
subject of legends and tales of witchcraft. One such story
involves Palmers descendant, Annie Palmer, who supposedly
took slaves as lovers and husbands, all of whom were mysteriously murdered soon after Annie tired of them. Rose Hall
has been the setting for a number of gothic novels and
remains haunted, according to many reports. Greenwood
is an even more elegant plantation house, lying on a hillside

The Travel Institute

Montego Bay offers the largest diversity of hotels in Jamaica. The main
decision to make here is hotel location and how much urban environment and atmosphere your clients might enjoy. Some hotels are on
beautiful beaches a few miles out of town. Others are on Doctors Cave
Beach in the heart of both tourist and local action. Some villas and small
hotels are on hills overlooking the shoreline or city. A sample of accommodation choices includes all-inclusives such as Sandals (there are three
in the area) and Breezes; exclusive resorts such as Round Hill and Tryall,
situated on former plantation land near the sea; and the new 430-room
Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, which opened in 2000.

Between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios


Beautiful beaches line much of the coast along this 60-mile stretch.
Small resorts, a few all-inclusives, and other smaller hostelries dot the
shoreline, especially at Falmouth and Runaway Bay. Trelawny Beach,
Jamaica Jamaica, and F.D.R. Pebbles Resort are some of the tried-andtrue names. These locations might be perfect for vacationers who want
to be away from the bigger towns and yet have access to them for a day
or two. A new Hedonism III opened in 1999 at Runaway Bay. It features a waterscape theme with three pools and two beaches; one of the
pools and one of the beaches are for au naturel bathing. The resort not
only has a swim-up bar but also some swim-up rooms.

The Appleton Estate Express is an air-conditioned diesel railcar that


takes visitors through the hills and countryside around Montego Bay. It
stops at the Appleton Rum Distillery, the Ipswich caves, a riverbank for
a picnic, and a fabric market.

14 miles east of Montego Bay. It was originally owned by Richard


Barrett, a cousin of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Greenwood is filled
with rare books dating back to 1697, as well as paintings, Wedgwood
china, and a rare exhibit of musical instruments.

Did you know?

The $20 million


Aquasol Theme Park,
a water and sports park
in Montego Bay,
opened in 1998, one of
the first of its kind in
the Caribbean. The park
features a giant
waterslide, go-cart
track, nightclub,
cosmopolitan
restaurant, and sports
bar (with 42 big-screen
televisions). Game
courts for tennis,
soccer, volleyball, and
netball, as well as
fashion shows and
dance parties, are part
of the fun that brings a
new dimension to
Caribbean attractions.

Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios (O cho REE os) is about a two-hour drive from Montego Bay.
As travelers approach the area, the Jamaican countryside becomes more
and more lush. Hills overlook beautiful Turtle Bay, which is surrounded
by reefs. Even the hotels in the heart of the city are on lovely beaches.
Nevertheless, other hotels, condominiums, and villas are spread out
along beaches farther east for those who want more seclusion.
Brochure photographs hardly do justice to the stunning sight of
Dunns River Falls. Few people come away disappointed with the falls
of cold, clear mountain water splashing over stone ledges and steps into

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119

Hayes
Dannielle B.
Courtesy of

the warm Caribbean. It is one of the islands most famous


attractions.
Although the 600-foot climb to the top is not for everyone,
most people make it up easily and consider it a highlight of
their trip. Guides lead the way and help those needing an
extra hand. Visitors can dip into cool pools between the cascades of water. An old pair of battered tennis shoes is the
best footwear for the climb.

People in varying kinds of physical shape climb the falls.


However, although walking up Dunns River Falls is not
er Falls
iv
R
s
n
an adventure hike, do not present the climb as a
Dun
recommended or must-do activity. Slips on the rocks
do occur, limbs can be broken, and you dont want to be liable. At any
time during their climb, visitors can opt to switch to a stairway path
next to the falls.
A drive winding up 700 feet through Fern Gully and the surrounding
rain forest is also part of the Ocho Rios experience. The forest has
more varieties of ferns than anywhere else in the world. Nature lovers
can also pay a visit to Shaw Park Gardens on a hill above the town.
Great houses and working plantations are other lovely sights. Farther
east are Goldeneye, the former residence of author Ian Fleming (the
creator of James Bond), and Firefly, once the home of noted British
author-actor Noel Coward. Guests at Firefly have included a few
luminaries, such as Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, and Winston
Churchill. The home is now owned by the Jamaica National Trust and
is open to the public.
The high-rise Jamaica Grande resort overlooks Turtle Beach in the
heart of Ocho Rios, and a few other smaller hotels are on the beach
just steps away from town and the local markets. Outside of town some
of the all-inclusives are Boscobel Beach, which caters to families;
Couples, which is for couples only; and two Sandals properties, which
are also couples-only. A number of more sophisticated resorts such as
Sans Souci and Plantation Inn exude the elegance of old Jamaica.
Minivans and larger buses transfer arrivals from MoBay to Ocho Rios;
they often stop at an outdoor bar and jerk chicken stand along the way.

Port Antonio
Accessibility, or lack of it, helps define the appeal of Port Antonio. It lies
on the northeastern coast, an hour and a half from Ocho Rios, and is
built around two harbors. Port Antonio is actually closer to Kingston

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than to Montego Bay; however, for the average visitor, the transfer from
either is too long. Thus, Port Antonio, which began as a mecca of
wealthy royalty and Hollywood superstars such as Errol Flynn, retains its
exclusive appeal today. Most visitors fly in from Kingston by TransJamaican, the interisland carrier, or come by private jet or helicopter. The
town itself is much more peaceful than its sister resort towns to the west.
Port Antonio will appeal to travelers who want a special and more private
location and are willing to spend some time and money to get there.
A must-do activity, especially for those on a secluded honeymoon, is a
raft trip down the Rio Grande. The bamboo rafts, originally used to
transport bananas, are fitted with seats for two (supposedly the idea came
from Errol Flynn). A raftsman poles the craft down the river on a threehour trip, while water splashes and cascades over the passengers, who can
either sit or lie on the raft; when the sun becomes too hot, they can even
slip over the side into the cool river. The raftsman will make stops for a
swim, photographs, or a picnic. Those staying in Ocho Rios can visit
Port Antonio for a day to take the raft trip as well as explore the town.
Port Antonio has fewer hotels than other resort areas, but there is at
least one in each category, including the elegant Trident Villas and the
very private Fern Hill Club, which evokes the Jamaica of a century ago
(with a clubhouse, villas, and no air-conditioning). Many of the wealthiest visitors have their own villas.

Kingston and the Interior of Jamaica


Few conventional vacationers go to the capital of Kingston or to the
interior of the island. But the number of visitors to these less-touristed
areas is rising. Anyone who wants to experience the islands rich culture
in any real depth, or is interested in ecotravel, will want to visit the capital, other towns, and the lush, mountainous interior.
Kingston, on the southeastern coast, is the largest English-speaking city
in the Caribbean with 1 million residents and is the center of political
and business activity. It is on one of the Caribbeans best harbors. Across
from it is Port Royal (a 30-minute ferry ride), which was once the main
trading center and a pirate stronghold; however, that prominence ended
in 1672, when an earthquake and tidal wave devastated it. Today Port
Royal is mostly occupied by a naval base. Devon House, built in 1881
by one of the first black millionaires in the Caribbean, is one of the
more popular attractions, as are Jamaica House (residence of the prime
minister), Kings House (residence of the British governor-general),
and Hope Botanical Gardens. Just outside of town is the islands most
well-known tourist sight, the Bob Marley Museum, situated in the former home of this internationally known reggae singer.

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Top Kingston hotels have many resort amenities, but beaches are a
good distance away. Visitors will need to ask which sections of the city
are unsafe, especially at night.
Travelers can gain further insight into the nation by visiting smaller and
more manageable cities, such as Spanish Town (the original capital)
and Mandeville. Journeys into Cockpit Country to see the remaining
towns of the Maroons and into the Blue Mountains will reward
travelers with some of the best coffee in the world, cave tours, lush
flora and birds, and challenging hikes.

Whats Special about Jamaica?


Jamaica has developed the all-inclusive concept to a greater degree
than any other island. Resort marketing frequently points out that
there are all-inclusives for every stage of life: resorts where one can
meet or marry a spouse, honeymoon, return as a couple, or vacation
with the family. Each of the major resort areas has a selection of them.
Some of the resorts (not just the all-inclusives) have nanny services,
enhancing the islands appeal as a family destination. Golfers can enjoy
excellent golf courses from Montego Bay to Port Antonio.
Jamaican culture pervades the entire Caribbean, and many visitors will
come principally to partake of it. At the same time, the islands interior
is one of the Caribbeans prime ecotourism destinations, featuring
7,402-foot Blue Mountain Peak, forest reserves, and mangrove and
mahogany forests. Mountain inns, eco-lodges, camping sites, safari
tours, and eco-guides bring visitors close to exotic birds, manatees,
indigenous crocodiles, and unending assortments of flora.

Island Culture
Jamaicas cultural influences are as strong as any in the Caribbean. In
terms of music, only Trinidad rivals Jamaica. Reggae music originated
in Jamaica and is known throughout the world; its icon, Bob Marley,
who died in 1981, is still one of the most internationally famous names
in popular music. But reggae is not Jamaicas only claim to fame. Many
styles, such as calypso and soca (a combination of soul and calypso),
first took off in Trinidad and then influenced Jamaican music,
developing into rock steady, ska, and finally reggae.
Reggae embodies more than just music. Its lyrics are almost always
political and religious in nature. Bob Marley and many other reggae
musicians were or are Rastafarians, a religious sect that evokes a

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strong pride in Jamaicas African roots. Rastafarians African clothing


and dreadlocks make them easily identifiable. Less than 5 percent of
Jamaicans are Rastafarians, but they help define Jamaican culture to
many non-Jamaicans.
Rastafarianism itself is divided into different sects. Some of its adherents
believe that smoking ganja (marijuana), the sacred weed, makes them
better able to commune with their religion. It is, nevertheless, illegal.
Visitors should be careful to know what they are doing and with whom
they are doing it. They might believe that there is a relaxed attitude
toward marijuana use, but at no time should they think that the
authorities will overlook it.
Jamaican art, straw-weaving, and woodworking are excellent, and
galleries are found throughout the cities and tourist enclaves.
Jamaican food is a distinct cuisine, with many interesting dishes made
with a rich array of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Specialties include:
Curried goat, which is often found at the buffet table at
all-inclusives.
Jerk chicken or pork. Jerk meat is heavily spiced and cooked on coals
or wood. Tourists will find it at roadside stands or jerk shacks.
Stamp-and-go. A main ingredient of these patties is salt cod.
Ackee rice and salt fish, the national dish.
Pepperpot and callaloo soup, found throughout the Caribbean, are
popular. Vegetarians can feast on Jamaicas abundant variety of fruits
and vegetables.
Jamaicas libations are perhaps even more famed than its food. A fancy
island drink of fruit juices and Appleton Rum is a popular aperitif.
Locally produced Red Stripe beer is sold throughout the island and the
Caribbean, and in the United States; it is often enjoyed with spicy food.
Diners can top off an evening meal with a Tia Maria coffee liqueur or
some Blue Mountain coffee.
Culture enthusiasts may want to consider Jamaicas popular Meet the
People program in order to experience firsthand the islands motto,
Out of Many, One People.

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Celebrations and Special Events

Did you know?

Jamaica has been the


setting for at least
three films: The Mighty
Quinn, a commercially
popular murder-mystery
starring Denzel
Washington; the reggae
movie classic, The
Harder They Come,
featuring Jimmy Cliff;
and Cool Runnings, a
popular B-grade
comedy about the
Jamaican bobsled team
that went to the Winter
Olympics.

As you might expect, many of the islands top events center around
reggae and other musical forms. A sampling includes the Air Jamaica
Jazz and Blues Festival in January, an island-wide Celebrating Bob
Marley festival in February, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in June, and
the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay in August.
Carnival is not a centuries-old tradition as on other islands but has
only come into its own in the last ten years. Held in Kingston and
Ocho Rios around Easter, Carnival features some of the best bands
from Jamaica, Trinidad, and other islands, and even some of the costumes from Trinidads famous Carnival.
Other events capitalize on Jamaicas popularity with the physically fit: an
annual marathon (in Kingston), a triathlon (at Treasure Beach), and a
mountain-bike festival (in Negril). One of the top historic events is the
Accompong Maroon Festival, which dates back to the 19th century.

Dining and Entertainment


Vacationers may experiment with curried goat, jerk chicken and pork,
and the spicy sauces that accompany fish and other dishes. An adequate
array of Continental, American, and other ethnic dining choices are
available at the major resort areas; however, there are not nearly as
many as one would expect, given the large numbers of visitors (most of
whom eat at their all-inclusives). Negrils independent restaurants
highlight Jamaican cuisine and ambiance, luring some vacationers from
their resorts. Fast-food chains are available in Montego Bay and Ocho
Rios and are enjoyed by Jamaicans and visitors alike.
Jamaicas nightlife motivates some vacationers to leave their
compounds sheltered environment, but, again, most of them prefer to
enjoy the entertainment that the resort provides. The more adventurous can find plenty of local spots in Montego Bay and Negril. Jamaica
has a rich musical heritage that vacationers will enjoy immensely.

Cruise Call
Both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are ports of call for Caribbean
cruises. In the past 10 years, a larger number of ships have gravitated to
Ocho Rios. Montego Bay proper is a short taxi ride from the cruise
dock, while Ocho Rioss main area and beaches are a short walk from
the dock.

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Pampered cruise passengers who suddenly step into a culture they are
not familiar with may misunderstand vendors aggressive sales
techniques. Hawkers will vigorously try to sell arrivals anything
Jamaican, and a few things that arent. Some pretrip discussion of what
to expect will help to prepare travelers. Many cruisegoers will prefer an
organized tour to Dunns River Falls near Ocho Rios, rafting on the
Martha Brae River in Montego Bay, or visiting one of the plantation
great houses, rather than wandering the town or touring on their own.
More experienced travelers can shop on their own or go to the beaches
of the main hotels at Ocho Rios or Doctors Cave Beach at Montego
Bay. Cruisegoers who want to enjoy the beaches or facilities at the
all-inclusives should call ahead.

Selling Jamaica
The all-inclusive is king in Jamaica. These resorts draw clients during
various stages of their lives. Some clubs cater to singles, others to couples, and still others to families with children. They will even be glad to
host a wedding (presumably at one of the couples-only clubs). Resorts
range from moderate to deluxe in price and amenities.
From the agents standpoint, selling an all-inclusive is similar to selling
a cruise. One package price includes almost everything, and its all
commissionable. However, unlike cruise ships, the price for allinclusives usually covers all beverages, which are therefore commissionable. Prices at all-inclusives do average slightly more than the average
cruise because there isnt as much discounting. Just as the cruise lines
have long advertised themselves as floating resorts, the all-inclusives
have turned the tables and advertised themselves as land-based cruises.
Paradoxically, clients who avoid all-inclusives are also prime candidates
for Jamaica. Travelers who want to be part of a vibrant local scene will
find few other islands better suited to them. Furthermore, it is good to
remember that Jamaica was welcoming tourists long before most other
islands were. It still has elegant lodgings in lush settings that attracted
special travelers even before the days of Noel Coward and Ian Fleming.
At the same time, Jamaica remains one of the Caribbeans most controversial destinations. Strong educational and informational programs
have been established to demonstrate the economic importance of
tourism to the island; but petty hassles, aggressive vendors, and widespread soft drugs lead to fear on the part of less-experienced tourists
and an intense dislike for the country on the part of some conservative
travelers. Some cruise passengers do not bother to alight at Jamaican
ports; and some guests at all-inclusives venture out of their compounds
once and vow not to do so again.

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Few visitors are neutral about their experiences here. Jamaica gives
many travelers rewards that can be matched by few other Caribbean
destinations. It welcomes almost as many American tourists annually as
the Bahamas or Puerto Rico, and receives far more American visitors
than Bermuda, Aruba, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, sending
the wrong client to Jamaica can also be a bigger mistake here than
anywhere else.
Young, fashionable, urban Americans; middle-class suburbanites who
follow urban trends; young to middle-aged couples desiring the pursuit
of pleasure with a touch of the exotic; those who are just graduating to
the next step beyond the college spring-break experience; middle-class
to affluent families with small children, who want activities for the kids
while the parents dance and dine nearbythese are just some of the
markets for Jamaica.
Demanding clients who want everything to run like clockwork, and
conservative clients who are easily annoyed by street vendors and
inquisitive locals, might not be good candidates for Jamaica.

Island Secret
H.E.A.R.T. (Human Employment and Resort Training) Academy is a
20-room inn-resort on a hill overlooking Runaway Bay on the
Caribbean. The inn and its restaurant are staffed by students who will
enter Jamaicas hotel and tourism industry, as well as their professional
instructors. Rates are very reasonable, the staff is eager to please, and the
cuisine is exceptional. Unlimited complimentary golf at a nearby course
is one of its listed amenities. Any vacationing travel industry or hotel
employee will definitely want to visit H.E.A.R.T., but for the right
client, it may also be just the spot for a few days of relaxation. Be sure to
reserve ahead for a meal if clients are not staying as overnight guests.

Key Points about Jamaica


Kingston

1.
2.
3.
4.

Montego Bay
Ocho Rios
Negril
Port Antonio
Culture and music
All-inclusive resorts

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For More Information


Jamaica Tourist Board
801 Second Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 800-233-4582 or 212-856-9727
Fax: 212-856-9730
E-mail: jamaicatrv@aol.com
Web site: www.visitjamaica.com

My Contact Information

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ATLANTIC OCEAN
le de la Tortue

Cap
Hatien

Milot

Citadelle/
Sans Souci
Cte des Arcadins

HAITI

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Port-au-Prince

le de la Gonve

Ptionville
Jacmel

CARIBBEAN SEA

Haiti

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

Miles

59

Kilometers

95

The Travel Institute

Haiti
H

aiti (HAY tee), the third-largest country in the Caribbean islands


(after Cuba and the Dominican Republic), is almost the size of
Maryland. It is the third most populous country in the Caribbean.
Even before its renewed political troubles in the early 1990s (which
culminated in an invasion by U.S. and Caribbean forces), Haitis
tourism industry had had major ups and downs. Tourism had been
declining in the 1980s due to increasing economic and political
turmoil. Today the country is beginning to recover, and tourism is
slowly growing, after having stopped almost completely.
Haiti will not leave visitors with a neutral response. Its religion and art
are unmatched in the region. Its sense of history, casual resort atmosphere, French cuisine, low room prices, and air of mystery all have
appeal. However, its poverty is staggering. Visitors need a philosophy of
travel that overcomes these circumstances and a desire to experience the
Caribbeans most fascinating culture. Staying in a resort complex here
can be as relaxing as anywhere; touring in the cities or countryside,
though richly rewarding, requires patience and a sense of adventure.
At the time this is written, Haiti is not for the conventional Caribbean
vacationer. Crime used to be very low, even though Haiti was the
poorest country in the Western Hemisphere; now it is high, and there
is still the possibility of an outbreak of political violence. But the country is becoming more and more stable, and visitors are beginning to
return. Haiti is for those adventurous travelers who would appreciate its
rich culture and not be put off by its sometimes grinding poverty. Even
so, travelers or their agents should check with U.S. State Department
consular reports (see the course Introduction) for the latest situation at
the time they book and just before they leave. There is little doubt that
the situation will have changed by the time you read this, most
probably for the better, but possibly for the worse.

Fast Facts
Land Area
10,714 square miles
Population
7.5 million
Capital
Port-au-Prince
Languages
French, Creole
Time Zone
UTC -5 or EST. It does not observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Right
Currency
Gourde (G)
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Historical Background
The Spanish controlled Hispaniola from the moment Columbus landed
on his first voyage. However, after their more lucrative conquests in
Mexico and Peru, they neglected it, allowing French pirates and eventually Louis XIV, king of France, to place the territory under French
control. For a while it was the richest colony in Frances empire.

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In 1789, when news of the French Revolution reached Haiti,


demonstrations, riots, and revolution racked the island. Slavery was
abolished by the slaves own rebellion, and battles were fought against
French troops until 1804, when Haiti became the Caribbeans first
independent country. Seven years later Henri Christophe crowned
himself King Henri I and established a court after the European model.
During his reign, King Henri ordered the construction of Sans Souci
Palace and the Citadelle. Although he established stability, his
dictatorial powers created dissatisfaction. According to legend, he killed
himself with a silver bullet in 1820.
In the next few decades, Haiti conquered the eastern portion of
Hispaniola, but by 1844 this part of the island broke away to become
the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, from 1844 to the present day,
Haiti has been beset with economic and political strife to greater or
lesser degrees. Agriculture was never well organized. Small plots of land
were used to grow only enough crops for a familys subsistence. This
meant that nothing was left to export or trade for other goods. When
the land became depleted, forests were chopped down to seek new
farmland. Today much of the once lush landscape is bare.
Political instability led to a U.S. intervention in 1915 and an occupation that lasted for almost 20 years. In 1957 Franois (Papa Doc)
Duvalier, one of the Caribbeans worst dictators, was elected president;
soon after, he named himself to the position for life. When he died, his
son, Jean Claude (Baby Doc), took over. He was finally driven from
the country in 1986 and sought refuge in France. Rumor has it that he
took a large portion of the countrys treasury with him.
In the late 1980s, Haiti established a new constitution and moved
toward democracy. However, the elected president, Jean Aristide, was
thrown out of power by the military, and the new leadership did little
to stop the murders and violence that soon ensued. In late 1994, the
United States, at the head of a multinational force, forced the military
junta to give up power and stayed to help the country establish order.
Today the country is edging toward political democracy and stability.
In the late 1990s, almost 75 percent of Haitians were said to be living
below the poverty line, with 60 percent unemployed. Tourism is one of
Haitis hopes for a better economic future.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Haiti comprises the western third of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it
with the larger Dominican Republic. International flights land at the
airport near Port-au-Prince, the capital and largest city, which is located
on the west coast.

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Even in the 1970s and early 1980s, when there were more visitors,
tourism tended to be in small enclaves or self-contained resorts,
primarily because much of Haiti had little infrastructure. Nonetheless,
excursions to the rest of the country were fascinating and rewarding, as
well as safe. Visitors could enjoy excellent French-Creole cuisine,
spectacularly colorful artwork and crafts, an exotic culture, and the
friendly nature of the Haitian people.
Much of the interior of Haiti is rugged and mountainous. On the
whole, Haitis beaches do not compare with those on other islands.
Many have dark volcanic sand. But there are nice ones scattered along
the south coast, the southern peninsula, along the coast north of
Port-au-Prince, and along the north coast; and it takes only one nice
beach to make a vacation. An admission fee is charged at those owned
by a hotel or developed by a cruise ship company.
Port-au-Prince and its pretty suburb, Ptionville, are the islands major
destination and international gateway. Labadie, near Cap Hatien on the
north coast, was once a charter destination and popular cruise port.
Nearby are Sans Souci and the Citadelle, two of the islands major tourist
sights. Jacmel, on the south coast, has some of Haitis best beaches.

Local Transportation
The tap-tap is Haitis most common form of transportation, and such
a colorful one that every tourist will want a picture of at least one of
them. Tap-taps are the countrys buses; but they are usually converted pickup trucks fitted out with board seats, or old school buses. They
are painted with colorful murals and are even given names. As
multicolored and picturesque as the tap-taps are, their comfort leaves
something to be desired. Although they tend to be crowded, a short
trip on one gives the tourist an opportunity to experience the Haitian
culture and people.
City public transportation depends on publiques (shared taxis), though
tap-taps are available for longer routes or for trips to the suburbs.
Those who wish to rent a car to see the countryside and travel between
major destinations should know that the road infrastructure is
inadequate. The major highway between Port-au-Prince and Cap
Hatien is decently paved; anything else is likely to be an adventure of
potholes and dirt roads for a good portion of the way. If clients are
going anywhere off the beaten track, a four-wheel-drive vehicle (available from most major rental companies) is advisable. Driving in

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Port-au-Prince is neither recommended nor necessary; sights are within


easy walking distance or an inexpensive taxi ride from one another.
There is daily air service between Port-au-Prince and Cap Hatien.
Planes are small and fill up quickly. Service sometimes operates to
Jacmel and one or two other points.

Around the Island: Attractions


Port-au-Prince/Ptionville
Gingerbread houses, art galleries, voodoo shops, the Iron Market, the
Presidential Palace, Sainte Trinit Episcopal Cathedral, the
National Museum, and hordes of people make up the frenzied
mlange that is Port-au-Prince. After a day in dynamic Port-au-Prince,
with its congestion and activity besieging the senses at every turn, travelers will know if they are ready for the rest of Haiti or should retreat
to the lovely confines of their hotel and its amenities.
Those who are hesitant to stay in the city can stay in the foothills of the
mountains in the outskirts of the city. The suburb of Ptionville, Portau-Princes more sophisticated and better-groomed sister, features some
of the countrys nicer residences, mansions, and shops, and a number
of better hotels. Travelers can then take tours into the capital.
Those visiting on their own would be wise to hire a guide to fend off
vendors, beggars, and others beseeching to be
their guide. Guides will know the current situation in the country and can help keep the traveler
away from any potential safety hazards. One of
the key themes many visitors focus on is Haitian
art, which can be seen in the primitivist-style
murals on the Cathedral walls, at the Museum
of Haitian Art, and at numerous galleries and
market stalls.
Both Port-au-Prince and Ptionville have firstclass hotels. The 22-room Oloffson, which
Tourism of Haiti
Courtesy of Ministry of
dates from 1890, is the capitals most historic
ts
is
tour
favorite among
a
k
or
tw
ar
l
hostelry. It was the setting of a Graham Greene
Colorfu
novel and is the place to stay for journalists and expatriates. The hotel
has great character, but it has seen better days.
However, more is available in Ptionville, such as the 100-room El
Rancho, a resort in a residential section of a mountainous area; the

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colonial-style Montana, situated on a hillside with spectacular views;


and the elegant resort of Villa Crole.

Outside the Capital


The Cte des Arcadins, a strip of coast between the mountains and
the sea, begins 10 or 15 miles north of the capital. It is home to Club
Meds Magic Haiti and a number of other resorts. Someday this coast
may become much more widely developed for tourism.
Jacmel, on the south coast, is a two-hour drive from the capital. This
former coffee export center has some of the islands best beaches and
some medium-priced and inexpensive hotels. Its rundown atmosphere
still retains the islands best French-colonial architecture, and its location on a hill overlooking a bay adds to its charm. Those staying in the
capital area for most of their trip may wish to spend a day or two here.
Cap Hatien, on the north coast, was once a rich French outpost. Today it is the islands second-largest city and retains
more character than Port-au-Prince. The trip from the capital
to Cap Hatien takes about 40 minutes by plane or four to five
hours by car. What makes Cap Hatien particularly attractive is
its proximity to Haitis two greatest man-made sights: Sans
Souci Palace and the Citadelle, a UNESCO-classified World
Heritage Site. These structures, close to the nearby town of
Milot, were built by Henri Christophe, self-crowned king
of northern Haiti from 1811 to 1820.
Courte

sy of Minis
try of Touris
Today not much remains of the palace of Sans Souci. It
m of Haiti
The Cit
a
d
e
ll
e
was destroyed by an earthquake in 1842, but even the
ruins are impressive. Christophe had hoped to emulate a
French palace, such as Versailles. Though he fell short, its extravagance
when compared to the lot of the common Haitian was as apparent then
as it is today.

The Citadelle is located on a clifftop 3,000 feet above Cap Hatien and
the Caribbean Sea. This fortress was supposedly built to protect the
king and his minions from invasions that never came. Its construction
required the labor of 200,000 conscripted former slaves. The Citadelle
can be reached by a long uphill walk or a horse or mule ride. Visitors
should wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes for either the walk
or the ride.
Clients staying at Le Cap, as Cap Hatien is known locally, will of
course visit these two sites. Those staying in Port-au-Prince or
Ptionville must decide whether they want to make the trip, which usually entails at least one overnight in the Cap Hatien area. Whether they

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133

should fly or take a long, tiring road trip is another consideration. The
road trip will enable them to see the Haitian countryside and people up
close, whereas the flight will give them a birds-eye view of the mountainous terrain.

Whats Special about Haiti?

Did you know?

In the early 1940s,


Dewitt Peters, an
American professor, fell
under the spell of
Haitian naif painting
and founded a showcase where artists could
display their works. The
Centre dArt drew collectors from around the
world and inspired
artists who put Haitian
art on the international
map.

Haitis languid yet cosmopolitan French-West Indian ambiance once


made it a gem of the Caribbean: that atmosphere can still be savored
by those who look for it. Its people and its culture have always been
what made this country extraordinary, and so it is today. Art, religion,
food, language, dance, music, and almost every other aspect of culture
are expressed vibrantly and are deeply felt in Haiti, and await the discerning traveler.

Island Culture
Haiti attracts visitors for many reasons other than sun, sand, and fun.
Its mixture of French and African culture is one of the most fascinating
and unique in the Western Hemisphere. The dynamic colors of its
primitif paintings make its art preeminent in the Caribbean.
Though 70 percent of Haitians are Catholic and 30 percent are
Protestant, it is estimated that half of them practice voodoo. Voodooism
profoundly influences the lives of Haitians with its belief in ancestor
worship and communication by trance with the deities. Elements of
magic, dance, music and drumming, and possession of the body by spirits are all part of the cult. Actual voodoo ceremonies are authentic religious events not meant for tourists. This does not mean that visitors
cannot or would not ever be invited to attend; but an invitation is rare
and comes only to those deemed to have the capacity to participate to
some degree, if only as observers. It is not something for visitors
amusement or even their education. Replicas of voodoo dances and
music are occasionally performed at shows for tourists, but they should
not be confused with the real thing.
The French-inspired Haitian cuisine is one of the pleasures of the country. Local specialties include lambi (conch), homard and langouste (of
the lobster family), griots (pork marinated in lemon and salt, fried, and
served with a hot spicy sauce), and rice and beans (found just about
everywhere). These dishes are almost always accompanied by fried
bananas, breadfruit, yams, or some other type of carbohydrate.

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Celebrations and Special Events


Carnival is the main celebration in Haiti. The primary festivities occur
on the three days before Ash Wednesday. Typical of other Caribbean
carnivals, there are floats, dancers, and much merriment. Other celebrations include January 1, which is Haitian Independence Day, plus each
towns or citys patron-saint-day observances.

Most first-time visitors will want to see one of the fairly authentic recreations of a voodoo ceremony. Otherwise, nightlife centers around
the large hotels, especially those with casinos. The Ptionville hotels
and bars are closest to what would be considered the in scene in
Port-au-Prince.

Cruise Call
Haitis rich culture and art made it a popular port of call in the past.
Ships are beginning to return, after a hiatus during the civil unrest of
the early 1990s. Both Port-au-Prince, the islands stimulating capital,
and Cap Hatien, near Sans Souci and the Citadelle, may be used regularly as ports again in the future.
In the past 15 years, the most frequently used port has been the small
town and beach location of Labadie, just west of Cap Hatien. Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line uses it mainly as a beach-picnic stop, though
tours to Sans Souci, the Citadelle, and Cap Hatien are also available if
conditions warrant.

Most visitors will choose to have lunch amid the bustle of downtown
Port-au-Prince and dinner in Ptionville, where most fine dining establishments are located. If visitors are staying downtown, they may wish
to do the reverse. Top restaurants generally feature French and/or
Creole cuisine, but plenty of other ethnic cuisines are represented as
well. Eating at one of the better hotel restaurants can be an excellent
choice here.

Dining and Entertainment

Did you know?

Haitians prepare meat


in a somewhat unusual
manner. All types of
meatpork, beef,
turkey, goatare dried
in the sun (often on the
roof) for 24 hours,
marinated, and then
grilled. For carnivores,
this Haitian specialty is
a must-try.
Another tasty tradition
is a visit to the
Barbancourt Distillery
to sample its rums,
known as some of the
best in the Caribbean.
Barbancourt can be
reached easily from
the capital, but
prospective visitors
should inquire first to
make sure it is open.

Selling Haiti
Haiti will appeal to those who long for a place imbued with spiritual
meaning and who enjoy a genuinely open, friendly, and soulful people.
Culture enthusiasts and those who want a firsthand look at unfolding
international politics are other markets. Artists, art collectors, and art

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135

dealers are prime candidates to see the local scene. They might be
joined by gourmands who relish the opportunity to enjoy creative fare
at moderate prices. Haiti is not for those who want a conventional
beach vacation without anything marring their peace of mind.
Haiti is not a dangerous country for those who plan their trips well.
But conventional travelers will have difficulty dealing with the obvious
poverty of such a sizable portion of the population. Check the current
situation and reserve with trusted operators or hotels that will provide
guides or guidance for the traveler.
Being the first to offer Haiti as it emerges from its recent past could be
a well-appreciated service to appropriate clients. Its art, religion, and
cuisine will amaze them; they would have to go to Brazil or Africa to
find a culture equal to Haitis.

Island Secret
Haiti has two smaller islands off its shores. Those who want to see a
location before tourism changes its character can visit le de la Tortue
(Tortuga Island or Turtle Island). It lies off the northern peninsula and
has a number of nice beaches and a rugged interior. Plans are afoot to
develop le de la Tortue as a future destination, though it may not happen overnight. Currently, there are no organized hotels, so the island is
best seen on a day trip by ferry or rented boat. le de la Gonve
(Gonve Island) is off the Cte des Arcadins. This impoverished island
is densely populated and has a rugged, deforested, mountainous
interior. It is much larger than La Tortue, but it too has no accommodations at present. (Tourists can usually find room with a local family if
they wish to stay.)

Key Points about Haiti


Port-au-Prince

1.
2.
3.
4.

Strong culture
Cap Hatien and Labadie
Sans Souci Palace and the Citadelle
Political challenges
Shares island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic

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For More Information


Consulate of Haiti
271 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-697-9767
Fax: 212-681-6991
Secretary of Tourism in Haiti
4 Rue Lgitime
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Phone: (011) 509-232-143
E-mail: tourisme@set-haiti-org
Web site: www.haititourisme.com

My Contact Information

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ATLANTIC OCEAN

Puerto
Plata

Playa Dorada
Cabarete
Saman Peninsula
Sosa
Playa
Santiago
Grande

Mt. Isabel
de Torres

Saman
Pico Duarte

Los
Haitses

Santo Domingo

Constanza

Bay of Saman

El Macao
San Pedro
De Macors Higuey

Bvaro
Punta
Cana
La Romana/
Casa de Campo

HAITI

Jarabacoa

Boca Chica
Guyacanes

Barahona

Isla Saona

Juan Dolio

Isla Cabritos

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Isla Catalina

Lake Enriquillo

CARIBBEAN SEA

Dominican
Republic

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

76.7

Kilometers 123.4

The Travel Institute

Dominican
Republic
T

he Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic occupies the eastern twothirds of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it with Haiti. This Latin
country ranks among the top three in the Caribbean in numbers of air
passengers to and from the United States. Much of this traffic is due to
the countrys large population, the second largest in the Caribbean. Also
there are many Dominican U.S. residents and citizens of Dominican
descent. But its tourism infrastructure is also one of the largest in the
Caribbean. It has more hotel rooms than any other Caribbean island,
more than 40,000 as of the year 2000 and growing rapidly.
The Dominican Republics size, about twice that of New Hampshire,
lends itself to a wide choice of sightseeing and activities. It has vast natural beauty in its forests and mountains (including the highest mountain
in the Caribbean), colonial architecture in its Spanish cities, and great
beaches on all three of its coasts. Casinos and a Latin-inspired nightlife
add to the mix. Some of its lavish resorts are world famous, and yet this
is one of the only places in the Caribbean where a budget traveler can
find comfortable accommodations, often on or near a beautiful beach,
and sometimes even in high season.

Historical Background

Fast Facts
Land Area
19,120 square miles
Population
9 million
Capital
Santo Domingo
Languages
Spanish, some English
Time Zone
UTC -4 or AST (EST +1). It does not
observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Right
Currency
Dominican peso
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Columbus landed on Hispaniola on his first voyage, established a fort


on the north coast, and left men to protect it. When he returned in
1493, he found that his men had been killed by the Indians and the
fort had been destroyed. In 1496 he chose the south coast to establish
Santo Domingo, giving it the distinction of being the oldest European
town in the Western Hemisphere.
When the Spanish realized that the island was not filled with the gold
and riches that they sought, they lost interest and allowed the French
to take over the western third of the island (now Haiti). The French
colony prospered, but the Spanish section suffered from neglect. In
the 1700s and 1800s, Haiti attempted to take over the entire island a
number of times (and succeeded for short durations), but each time
the heavily Spanish population retained or regained its separateness

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139

from Haiti. Eventually, in 1844, the Dominican Republic achieved


complete independence, making it the second-oldest independent
nation in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republics people saw little freedom in the first half of the
1900s. The military dictator, Rafael Trujillo, was assassinated in 1961 after
30 years in power. The political and social turmoil that ensued prompted
the United States to send marines in for the second time in the 20th
century, to help establish the conditions for peace. Today the Dominican
Republic has a freely elected government and is one of the fastest-growing
tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Tens of millions of dollars have been
invested in the countrys tourism infrastructure. In terms of available hotel
rooms, the Dominican Republic ranks number one in the region; in terms
of overnight stays in U.S. tourist arrivals, it ranks fourth.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Major airports are located in the three strategic tourist areas: Santo
Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata. Santo Domingos Airport is
16 miles east of the city.
The airport at La Romana, between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana,
also receives daily flights from Miami. Those spending all their time at
the Casa de Campo resort will appreciate a flight into La Romana
instead of the longer transfer from the airport at Santo Domingo.
Santiago, Barahona, and Saman have airports for internal flights and
are expanding for international arrivals as well. When booking clients,
be sure to check these airports current status; as tourism grows, so too
will your choice of airports.
The size of the Dominican Republic means that your clients can enjoy
several destinations in one. The choices are numerousfor example, a
big-city vacation, with occasional day excursions to the beach; an
all-inclusive resort, from moderate to luxury category; a small hotel or
inn on the beach, with a rental car to explore nearby sights and beaches. No vacationer will see all of the island in just one trip.
Hotels tend to be concentrated in three major locations, though there
are plenty of smaller lodgings scattered in between and in the interior.
Though roads and transportation are very good in the Dominican
Republic (in marked contrast with its Hispaniolan sister, Haiti), the vast
majority of visitors will spend their entire vacation in one of three areas:
1. Santo Domingo and the south coast
2. Punta Cana and the east coast
3. Puerto Plata and the north coast

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All three locations have major airports receiving direct flights from the
United States, Canada, and Europe. Ecotravelers and outdoor
adventurers may try the Barahona area in the southwest or Pico Duarte
and other mountainous areas in the interior.
Because of its size and large tourism infrastructure, the Dominican
Republic has one of the widest arrays of sports activities in the entire
Caribbean. In particular, it is a golfers paradise, with numerous courses
around the island. Three of the most famous courses are at the Casa de
Campo resort. The Dominican Republic is one of the leading
windsurfing locations in the region and boasts the highest mountain in
the Caribbean (which can be reached via a two-day trek). Visitors can
also indulge in mountain-biking, canyoning, and whitewater-rafting
sports options that few (if any) other Caribbean destinations offer.

Local Transportation
Most vacationers get along fine with transfers to their resort and
occasional buses, minivans, and taxis for travel along the coast or into
the interior. However, renting a car is a good option for those who
want to see a lot of the countryside beyond their resort area, or who
want the convenience of traveling up and down the coasts sampling
other beaches, restaurants, and nightspots. Roads are excellent in most
places, in marked contrast with those in Haiti.
Major buses with regular routes, gua-guas (minibuses, vans, or buses
that operate whenever they can put together a full load), and shared
taxis circulate the entire country. The in-town versions of gua-guas and
shared taxis are called publicos and carros, respectively. Taxi-motorcycles
are another option. The passenger just hops on the back and hangs on
to the driver.

Around the Island: Attractions


Santo Domingo, La Capital
Santo Domingo, while not a resort area, is a cosmopolitan mix of
museums, boutiques, historic sites, and evening activities, including
casinos and discothques. It combines Old World charm in its colonial
section, modern sophistication in its fashionable new center, and Latin
appeal day and night.
The Colonial City, with more than two square miles of Spanish
architecture, is one of the most striking Spanish districts in the Western
Hemisphere. This is where the colonizers erected the New Worlds first

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141

Republic
Dominican
Courtesy of

e
Tourist Offic

monastery, cathedral, hospital, and fortress. Today this compact area is


still a vibrant, living part of the town. Many of its buildings are
museums that document the Caribbeans earliest history, both Indian
and European. The Colonial City has been declared a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO.
Among the sights to see are the Cathedral of Santa Mara in
Menor, where Columbus remains lay until October 1992. Upon
the 500th anniversary of his discovery of the New World, they
were transferred to the Columbus Lighthouse. The lighthouse,
which has 149 searchlights, has a unique architectureit is built
in the shape of a pyramid cross. It is both a tourist attraction
and a cultural center. First planned in the early 1920s, the lighthouse was finally completed for the anniversary in 1992.

The old city holds numerous other streets and plazas, where
the ladies of court promenaded; Casa Coln, the castlehouse where Colombus son Diego lived and which today is
se
ighthou
L
s
u
b
a museum; and the ruins of San Francisco Monastery,
Colum
which is floodlit at night. The colonial and the modern
areas of the city come together in Independence Park where the ruins
of the colonial wall run beside the mausoleum of the fathers of the
modern state. Suggest that clients take a walking tour of the old town
starting with El Conde, the main pedestrian walking mall.
The modern section of the city should not be missed either. An
impressive cultural area, the Plaza de la Cultura, holds the Museum of
Dominican Man, the National Theater, the National Library, the
Museum of Natural History, and the Gallery of Modern Art. Few
places in the Caribbean have as much art and culture as do the colonial
and modern sections of the Dominican capital. A three-mile Malecn
(seaside promenade) of tall palms, tourist hotels, and sea breezes stretches along the Caribbean Sea. A huge botanical garden and a zoo are other
attractions in this city, whose metropolitan population tops 3 million.
Mid-rise, resort-style, top-of-the-line hotels are located along the
Malecn and in the center of the city. Many have business, convention,
and large meeting facilities, though there are even larger resorts
elsewhere on the island. The colonial district holds a small selection of
smaller, atmospheric hostelries in historic edifices, as well as a number
of budget choices.

The South Coast


East of the capital along the south coast, white-sand beaches link major
resort areas that are little more than 15 miles apart. New highways
opened in 2000, connecting these resorts to Santo Domingo. Thus,

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those staying in La Capital can easily get to fabulous beach areas, while
those staying at beach resorts can reach the capitals sights, shops,
restaurants, and nighttime entertainment.

Did you know?

About ten miles east of Boca Chica are the more upscale beach towns
of Guayacanes and Juan Dolio. They are somewhat less frenetic than
Boca Chica, but boast twice as many resorts and hotels along their
miles of beaches. Farther east is San Pedro de Macors. This industrial
town has endowed the U.S. major leagues with numerous baseball
stars, including hometown hero Sammy Sosa. Its baseball stadium was
remodeled for the 2000 winter season.
The area around La Romana, another 30 miles east, contains exquisite
beaches and the offshore wildlife preserves of Catalina and Saona,
which are unspoiled islets of the National Park of the East. The areas
number-one claim to fame for visitors is Casa de Campo, the most
renowned resort in the country and one of the most well known in the
Caribbean. The resort boasts 150 luxury two- to four-bedroom villas,
10 international restaurants, two 18-hole championship golf courses,
polo grounds, and a shooting center. Casa de Campo is also known for
its horseback-riding.

Punta Cana and the East Coast


Though it is less than two hours northeast of La Romana, Punta Cana
is a separate destination and tourist zone. Twenty-five years ago this area
was an isolated paradise with 20 miles of pristine beach, but it received
few visitors. Today there are 30-plus resort complexes with more than
13,000 rooms. A number of the resorts are all-inclusives, including four
properties from the Spanish-based Sol Meli chain and a Club Med.
The Punta Cana International Airport receives more than 70 flights
weekly from a dozen European cities as well as Canada, the United
States, and South America. Most arrivals come to enjoy the many
facilities and activities of the resorts and the natural setting rather than
to visit the rest of the island. Hotels and beaches in the Bvaro and El
Macao area are an extension of the Punta Cana area.

Boca Chica, the first of these resort areas, is actually closer to Las
Americas International Airport than is Santo Domingo. Boca Chica,
once a picturesque fishing village, has a mixture of a very casual but
lively international travelers, many from Europe, and local beachgoers
in a classic tropical setting of swaying palms on an aquamarine bay. In
fact, Boca Chicas beach is the largest reef-protected lagoon in the
Caribbean. Three major resorts and a casino are located here.

Columbus allegedly lies


in state both in Seville,
Spain, and in Santo
Domingo, Dominican
Republic. According to
legend, the Discoverer
wanted to be buried in
Santo Domingos
cathedral, but because
it wasnt finished, he
was buried in the
cathedral in Seville. His
daughter-in-law then
supposedly brought his
remains back to Santo
Domingo for interment.
But in 1586 the city
was captured by Sir
Francis Drake, the
English buccaneer, and
the bishop ordered all
tomb inscriptions
removed to prevent
desecration. They
remained erased for
nearly three centuries.
But in 1877 workers
repairing the cathedral
discovered an urn with
the inscription, the
illustrious baron don
Cristbal Coln, first
admiral of America.

If vacationers want a bit of a break from the idyllic beaches, they can

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visit Manati Park Bvaro (an ecological and animal preserve), an


authentic replica of a Taino Indian village, or the interior. The town of
Higuey, lying midway between La Romana and Punta Cana, contains
Basilica Nuestra Seora de la Altagracia, where the islands patron
saint is honored.

Puerto Plata and the North Coast

Did you know?

In June 1999, a wellpublicized (and intentional) sinking of a


cargo ship off La
Romana created an
artificial reef habitat for
marine life and a new
attraction for scuba
divers. Tourists are also
able to view the underwater sanctuary and
colorful sea creatures
through glass-bottom
boats.

Sometimes called the Amber Coast because of the large deposits found
here, the north coast holds more than 17,000 of the countrys rooms.
The historic city of Puerto Plata was once a pirate lair and later a
thriving port. It is filled with lacy gingerbread houses of pastel colors,
giving it the romantic atmosphere of an earlier time. Most agree that
Puerto Plata is the countrys loveliest city. Tourists can take the
teleferico (sky lift) to the top of Mt. Isabel de Torres, 2,600 feet above
the city. They can also visit San Felipe Fort, shop at the amber market,
and see the Amber Museum. Otherwise, Puerto Plata is a peaceful
cityvisitors can enjoy the sand and sea nearby.
There are hotels within the city proper, but most are located to the
east, especially in the area of magnificent beaches of Playa Dorada.
This is the major tourist area of the north coast, with tennis courts, a
golf course, all-inclusives, all-suite resorts, horseback-riding, and full
vacation facilities.
A bit farther east is Sosa, home to German-Jewish settlers who fled
Europe before 1940. Sosa still has visible signs of its background;
German bakeries and dairies, and the area in general, seem to have
special appeal to Canadian and European vacationers. It has many small
hotels and villas, but the beaches around it have a good selection of
larger new resorts also. Another 15 minutes east of Sosa is Cabarete,
which is the windsurfing capital of the Dominican Republic and one of
this sports top locations in the Caribbean.

The Rest of the Island


Barahona, along the southwestern coast, is an ideal region for nature
and adventure travelers. Dense forests, sparkling rivers, and towering
green mountains await the few who venture here. The lowest point in
the Caribbean (a salt lake more than 100 feet below sea level) is in this
area. Visitors are few, and traditional village life has changed little. But
the beaches here are as irresistible as any, making it a special place for that
particular client who will appreciate its low-key atmosphere and beauty.
Santiago, south of Puerto Plata, is the countrys second-largest city,
but it is not a tourist destination. The town, along with its cigar and

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rum factories, can be visited from the coast. Farther south are the
Dominican Republics and the Caribbeans highest mountains. Pico
Duarte is the highest peak, at 10,417 feet (3,175 meters); it is located
between the mountain towns of Constanza and Jarabacoa. Hiking to
the top of the mountain is a real trek; hikers must spend one or two
nights at mountain huts and should wear proper clothing for cold
weather. A guide, permit, and supplies are needed before embarking on
the trail. There are other hiking trails nearby. Less athletic visitors
might want to stop at Constanza and Jarabacoa, which provide a pleasant, cooling alpine break from the coast.
The most prominent geographic feature on the countrys north coast is
the long thumb of the Saman Peninsula, which creates the Bay of
Saman. Somewhat isolated from the big tourist areas, it remains wild
and sparsely populated. More hardy visitors can enjoy patches of
tropical jungle, small villages, turquoise bays, and dream beaches. In
winter, the bay is home to hundreds of humpback whales. The city of
Saman was settled by two shiploads of freed American slaves, and
many residents still speak English as their first language.

Whats Special about the


Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republics size, Spanish heritage, and huge number of
hotels are some of the things that distinguish it from other islands in the
Caribbean. Casa de Campo is one of the largest and most famous resort
complexes in the Caribbean; other luxury-class hotel chains (such as Sol
Meli, which has six properties here) are growing rapidly. And yet the
Dominican Republic is perhaps the best choice in the Caribbean for those
on a modest budget as well. Its vast hotel stock includes budget choices,
not only in town but also close to or right on the beach in some areas.
Because the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola
with Haiti, adventurous travelers have an opportunity to visit two
destinations in one trip. However, few make the journey.
The famous golf courses at Casa de Campo and the numerous choices at
Playa Dorada, Juan Ocho, Playa Grande, and Punta Cana make the
Dominican Republic one of the leading golfing destinations in the
Caribbean. It is also a major destination for North American windsurfers.

Island Culture
The majority of Dominicans are of mixed-race heritage (European-West
Indian or European-African). The European ancestry is mostly Spanish.

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The Spanish that is spoken in the Dominican Republic is probably


closer to European Spanish than is the case with most of its Latin
neighbors. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. The
country has had its share of acclaimed writers, many of whom write on
political themes. One of the most accessible novels, easily found in the
United States, is In the Time of the Butterflies. Based on a true story, it
is set in the Dominican Republic during the time of the Trujillo
regime. The author is Dominican-born Julia Alvarez, who is now an
American citizen.
People often associate flamenco with Spain and the tango with
Argentina. The influence of merengue on Dominican life is as
important to their culture. The spirit of merengue infuses everyday
Dominican culture in all walks of society. Traditional merengue is more
of a folk music with an emphasis on the lyrics; in popular big-band
merengue, the rhythm and beat are the important elements. To prepare
for a trip to the Dominican Republic, visitors might want to listen to
merengue music and take a few dance lessons. Tapes and CDs of the
music make excellent purchases for personal memories or gifts.
With its diverse terrain and large size, the Dominican Republic can
offer a varied cuisine of completely homegrown foods, rather than
relying on imports. Dominican food specialties include two favorites,
either of which could be called the national dish:
La bandera (the flag), a combination of red beans, white rice, and
stewed beef
Sancocho, a thick stew made with as many as seven different meats
Fried plantains are common and arroz con pollo (rice and chicken) is
very popular, as are many other Latin-Caribbean specialties made with
pork or seafood. Meals are often topped off with a tasty cornmeal custard called majarete. The local rums are world class, and the coffee
rivals some of Jamaicas best.
The countrys sporting pastime, as in other Latin-Caribbean countries,
is baseball, called pelota locally. The most famous Dominican of the
past few years, both here and abroad, is the home-run-hitting slugger,
Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. Sosa, who (along with Mark
McGwire) surpassed the home-run records of Babe Ruth and Roger
Maris, is a national hero in the Dominican Republic. But he is only one
of 66 Dominicans who were playing in the U.S. major leagues during
the 2000 season. In the Dominican Republic, the baseball season runs
from October through January. Many future major leaguers, and some
current ones honing their skills, are sure to be playing.

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Shoppers will want to look for the colorful trays, hammocks, woven
bags, and baskets that are made locally. A tape or CD of merengue
music also makes a great gift or souvenir. Amber lovers will be in
ecstasy; the stone can be found in diverse sizes and shapes, with a great
variety of fossilized insects and plants caught within. It is the national
precious stone of the Dominican Republic.

Celebrations and Special Events


The countrys two premier events are Carnival (late February/early
March) and the lively Merengue Festival held annually in Santo
Domingo (late July/early August). In the Dominican Republic,
Carnival is not celebrated at exactly the same time as in other Catholic
countries; rather, it is celebrated the week before and after February 27,
to coincide with the countrys independence day. Check yearly for exact
dates. Every town also has a fiesta in honor of its patron saint.
The Dominican Republic has the distinction of being the site of the Pan
American Games in 2003; except for the Olympics, this is the numberone international multi-sports competition for U.S. athletes. The games
are held every four years, one year before the Summer Olympics, and all
of the countries in the Western Hemisphere are represented. The
countrys tourism infrastructure allows many visitors to witness the
games, which bring plenty of international publicity to the host country.

Dining and Entertainment


Though most of the nightlife is found in Santo Domingo and Puerto
Plata, every town or village has discothques and merengue clubs.
Dining times are later, similar to those in Spain. El Conde in the downtown colonial area of the capital is a good place to start. Disco-hopping
at nightspots that open after dinner, and stay open till dawn, is virtually
an after-dinner ritual.
Just about every coastal resort has its own nightlife venues, and they
feature samba, bossa nova, reggae, jazz, salsa, and other Latin rhythms.
A number of major resorts have their own casinos. Piano bars feature
vocalists and small musical groups playing various rhythms. Las Palmas,
a posh club with a terrace open to the sea, was decorated by the countrys most famous designer, Oscar de la Renta. The restaurant and
nightclub of Meson de la Cava are in an unusual setting: a natural cave
50 feet underground.

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Cruise Call
In the Dominican Republic, land-based vacationers will not be
inundated by thousands of cruise day-trippers. Santo Domingo is the
most popular port of call and can easily handle the influx. From the
port, taxis and tours visit the city, but a long walk (40 minutes or so)
will take tourists to Colonial City, where most of the interesting sights
are. Those opting to walk one way could always take a taxi back,
especially after indulging in some shopping on El Conde.
Other ships call at La Romana, also on the south coast. Passengers may
have a choice of using the facilities of a beachfront resort such as Casa
de Campo or having a picnic on a private island just offshore.
Ships occasionally stop at Puerto Plata, allowing arrivals to buy some
amber, visit Fort Felipe, or take the sky lift to Mt. Isabel.

Selling the Dominican Republic


The Dominican Republic has such variety that most Caribbean clients
can find an ideal spot somewhere. It has more budget hotels than
almost anywhere else but also has top-notch resorts in both first-class
and deluxe categories. Large charter groups from North America and
Europe are common, and many of the hotels and resorts tend to be
large. Some travelers might prefer a smaller island that they can sightsee
on one trip or one with more intimate accommodations.
Those who want to be close to Latin nightlife and a big city should opt
for a resort on the south coast. Those who are happy to stay at their
resort and need little excitement other than miles of beach and other
resorts can choose Punta Cana. The conventional tourist who wants
variety and a few other options might prefer the north coast. However,
these generalizations dont stand up for very long. Most vacationers
will be happy with any of the three locations, though the south coast
tends to be a little more specialized.
The large number of hotel rooms allows clients to take advantage of
great off-season bargains. Some of the major resorts, even Casa de
Campo, can be surprisingly affordable. The countrys mountains and
rivers add another marketing dimension to the Dominican Republic.

Island Secret
The Dominican Republics national parks provide numerous nature
travel opportunities. Isla Cabritos, an island in the middle of Lake

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Keys Points about the


Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo and the south coast
Punta Cana and the east coast
Puerto Plata and the north coast

Enriquillo, is a national park; it lies in the far southwestern section


of the country, near the Haitian border. The park has a semi-desert
environment and is home to the Western Hemispheres largest
collection of American crocodiles, along with various species of iguanas
and birds. Los Haitses, in the eastern part of the country opposite
Saman Peninsula, is a combination of mangrove swamps and tropical
forest. Jaragua Park is home to the countrys largest population of
flamingos, who share the park with many other bird species (10 are
endemic to the Dominican Republic).

Did you know?

One way to visit Haiti


(perhaps the easiest
way) is to take an
organized tour that
departs from the
Dominican Republic.
Tours cover most of the
key spots mentioned in
the chapter on Haiti,
from Cap Hatien to
Port-au-Prince.

Strong Spanish influence


Large selection of accommodations
Shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti

For More Information


Dominican Republic Tourist Office
136 East 57th Street, Suite 803
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 888-374-6361 or 212-588-1012
Fax: 212-588-1015
E-mail: dr.info@ix.netcom.com
Web site: www.dominicana.com.do

My Contact Information

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ATLANTIC OCEAN
El
Morro
Fort
Arecibo

Rio Camuy Cave Park/


Arecibo Observatory

Dorado
Beach

Dorado

Rio Abajo
Forest Reserve

Catao

Isla
Verde

PUERTO RICO

Mona

M OU N T AI N S

Culebra

El Yunque

Mayagez
CE NTRA L
Cabo Rojo
La Parguera

Luquillo
Fajardo

San Juan

Cayey

Ponce

Humacao
Yabucoa

Vieques

Bioluminescent
Guanica Dry Forest
Bay

CARIBBEAN SEA

Puerto Rico

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

Miles

28

Kilometers

45

The Travel Institute

Puerto Rico
L

ush, verdant Puerto Rico (PWAIR toh REE koh) is the smallest (midway between the size of Delaware and Connecticut) and easternmost
of the Greater Antilles, yet it looms largest on the tourism scene. Visitors
can choose from a wealth of experiences, natural sights, and man-made
pleasures. Resorts, high-rises, casinos, and lavish entertainment coexist
with rain forests, mountains, and magical lagoons of bioluminescent light.

Fast Facts

Puerto Rico contains 78 towns, many of which are on the islands 270
miles of beach. San Juan, the biggest of all, has 1 million residents and
is an amalgam of at least four different cities surrounded by a larger
metro area. Yet less than an hours drive away are rain forests and
mountains in nature reserves and national forests.

Capital
San Juan

Puerto Rico is multicultural as few other islands are: its Spanish


traditions and spirit are wedded to a West Indian past and thrive amid
a tropical Caribbean lifestyle, sometimes enveloped in a patina of
American commerce, finance, and custom.
San Juan is the hub of the Caribbean; the connecting point for almost
every island in this vast sea of tourism; and home port to more cruise
ships than any other city in the world except Miami.
Travel to and from the United States is boosted by the islands
commonwealth status, making all Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens. Travelers
can come and go between the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico without
documentation other than their usual picture identification card for
flights. Non-U.S. citizens will not have to show documentation to
travel (they should have it with them at all times, however, just as they
would traveling from state to state in the United States.)

Land Area
3,435 square miles
Population
3.8 million

Languages
Spanish, English
Time Zone
UTC -4 or AST (EST +1). It does not
observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Right
Currency
U.S. dollar
Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Historical Background
Borinquen, as the native Taino Indians called this land, was
romantically renamed Puerto Rico (rich port) by the Spanish soon
after conquest. However, their hope for gold and riches faded after a few
decades. But because of the islands size, Spain doggedly held onto it
throughout the next four centuries, unlike the many smaller Caribbean
islands that Spain quickly abandoned. The Spanish used the island as a
military outpost and built massive defenses such as the fortress of El

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Morro, which today is Old San Juans major sight. Juan Ponce de Len,
who later went to Florida to seek the Fountain of Youth, was the islands
first governor and is buried in San Juan Bautista Cathedral.
In the 1600s and 1700s, sugar plantations and other crops helped the
islands economy thrive, due in no small measure to the slave trade and
to Spains protection against Dutch, English, French, and pirate forces.
In 1809 Spain recognized Puerto Rico as an overseas province and
granted it the right to send representatives to the Spanish government.
As Spain began to lose its Latin American empire, loyal colonists
escaped to Puerto Rico and helped the island expand and prosper.
Puerto Ricos relative success and Spains weakened hand created a
cry for freedom on the island, and in 1897 Spain granted it limited
autonomy. In 1898 this same weakness led to U.S. intervention in
Cuba and to the Spanish-American War. Because Spain was still
nominally in control of Puerto Rico, the United States demanded that
Spain surrender it upon signing the peace treaty. The United States
installed a military government to administer the island and later
established it as an unincorporated territory.
In 1917 the U.S. Congress passed an act granting Puerto Ricans U.S.
citizenship. The islands economy soon began to strengthen as investment and federal development integrated it somewhat into the U.S.
economic sphere. By 1951 Puerto Rico acquired the right to establish
its own government and constitution, and the following year the island
was declared a semiautonomous commonwealth. Puerto Ricans receive
most of the benefits that come with U.S. citizenship; they are also subject to some obligations of citizenship, including, in the past, military
service. However, they do not pay federal income tax, do not vote for
president, and do not have direct representation in Congress.
At times loud and even violent debate has occurred as to whether Puerto
Rico should become independent, remain a commonwealth, or become
the 51st U.S. state. This discussion continues to the present day, but in
reality, a recent referendum has shown that only 3 percent of the population favors independence. Over the years, the balance of opinion has
shifted back and forth between those favoring the status quo and those
backing statehood. Exactly what the future holds for Puerto Rico in relation to the United States remains uncertain, but what does seem certain
is that it will continue its American connection in some form.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Accessibility to Puerto Rico is more akin to that of other major U.S.
regions rather than other Caribbean islands. Nearly two dozen U.S.

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cities have direct service to San Juans airport, the largest in the
Caribbean. From San Juan, visitors can reach almost every island in the
Caribbean, most by nonstop or direct flights. A ferry operates between
the western city of Mayagez and the Dominican Republic.
The San Juan area contains dozens of hotels, and location depends on a
clients travel motivation. Those seeking to be in the heart of the
actionbeaches, casinos, nightlifewill opt to stay at or near the
Condado Beach area. Pre- and post-cruisegoers, culture enthusiasts,
and more sedate types may prefer to stay in Old San Juan.
Those coming on business can stay in the Miramar district or other
areas closer to commercial enterprises, but in truth most will gravitate
toward Condado, where there is much more hotel selection and
activity. A second action-packed beach area, Isla Verde, is away from
the main part of the city but closer to the airport. Isla Verde has plenty
of large resorts, including a new Ritz-Carlton; many vacationers prefer
this area rather than Condado. Other candidates for Isla Verde are
those who want just a glimpse of San Juan or those who are really here
to explore the rest of the island rather than the big city.
The golf and country club set who want to be away from the bustle of
the city may fancy Dorado Beach, a very upscale area west of San Juan.
The more rugged eastern tip of the island, an hour or so from the
capital, is another choice; it houses one of the Caribbeans most famous
resorts and many newer ones. Both the northeastern and northwestern
corners of this rectangular island (which is about 100 miles long and
35 miles wide) have a good concentration of hotels, beaches, and resort
areas. Other accommodations are scattered along the northern and
southern coasts, and a parador system provides lodging in lessfrequented areas of the interior.

Local Transportation
Taxi rates from the airport to any location in San Juan are very reasonable, if visitors first obtain a chit to their destination at the Ground
Transportation Information desk. Shared minivans that serve specific
areas of the city from the airport charge only a few dollars.
Buses run along the strip from Isla Verde to Old San Juan, connecting
most of the major tourist areas of the city; guaguas (vehicles that run set
routes) cover most of the rest of the city. Fares are 25 to 50 cents. A free
trolley circulates through Old San Juan. A ferry service connects Old
San Juan (which is on a peninsula) with the industrial town of Catao,
across the bay. A metro train system is scheduled to open in 2001.

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Practically speaking, to see the rest of the island outside of San Juan,
the traveler has two choices: a rental car or a tour. Guaguas provide
public transportation to various towns or locations but are not conducive to exploring. Many rental car companies operate on the island.
Be sure to inform clients ahead of time that speed limits are in miles
per hour, distance markers are in kilometers, and gasoline is sold by the
liter. Major highways around the island are well maintained, but secondary roads can be narrow or steep, especially in the Central
Mountains. Nothing on the island is more than about two and a half
hours from San Juan. While staying in San Juan, most travelers will be
better off relying on taxis, buses, or guaguas.
Scheduled air service connects San Juan with the major cities of Ponce
and Mayagez as well as the islands of Vieques and Culebra. A busy
ferry service operates two or three times a day from Fajardo to Vieques
and Culebra.

Around the Island: Attractions


San Juan
A walking tour of Old San Juan
should be on every visitors
must-do list. The seven-squareblock area was chosen as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1983 and is one of the
hemispheres most fascinating
quarters. Founded in 1521,
the original city has more
than 400 buildings that have
Courtesy of
been restored in recent
PRTC/Len
Kaufman
S
a
n
Juan
times in an effort to preserve the citys history.
These include some fine examples
of 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial architecture. Narrow streets paved with stones are lined with graceful wroughtiron balconies decorated with lush hanging plants. Old San Juan is
filled with shops, homes, cafs, monuments, squares, plaques, and people. The area can be walked in a couple of hours, but at least one
whole dayor better, two half-daysis needed to fully experience the
sights. Following are some of the highlights:
Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, known as El Morro Fort, is a
dramatic fort rising 140 feet above the sea on a rocky promontory at

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the tip of Old San Juan. It is composed of six massive levels, containing ramps, barracks, dungeons, turrets, towers, and tunnels. Its
uppermost section affords a commanding view of the harbor.
La Fortaleza, a palace with lovely gardens, was built in 1540. It is the
oldest governors mansion used as such in the Western Hemisphere.

Plaza Coln, at the eastern entrance to the town, has a statue of


Christopher Columbus and is flanked by the former Puerto Rico
Casino, the Tapia Theater, and shops and cafs. Five other plazas
in the old town provide views of San Juan Bay and are lined with
colonial government buildings, shops, and residences.
Museums include Casa Blanca (the original home of Ponce de Len),
the Museum of the Indian, the Museum of the Americas, and the
Museum of Art and History. Casa del Libro, dedicated to the history of books and printing, is home to nearly 5,000 works, many predating 1500, and manuscripts signed by Ferdinand and Isabella.
Visitors can tour numerous other churches, historic buildings, and
three other forts or military buildings.

San Jose Plaza, a few blocks away, is lined with the Pablo Casals
Museum, which holds manuscripts, photographs, recordings, videotapes of concerts, and the masters favorite cellos; San Jose Church,
a splendid vaulted-ceiling church in the Spanish Gothic style; and the
Dominican Convent, now restored as the home of the Institute of
Puerto Rican Culture.

Fuerte San Cristbal, near the Plaza Coln, is an impressive


fortress built in 1678. It still dominates the east side of the old city.

Did you know?

The largest convention


center in Latin America
broke ground in March
2000. Phase I is
scheduled for
completion in October
2002, with more than
580,000 square feet of
developed space; two
more phases are also
planned. This three-part
development, called the
Americas World Trade
District, will be located
on the water near the
yacht harbor. Water
taxis will connect it with
Old San Juan and the
Condado district.

Outside of Old San Juan, one of the most popular visits is to the
Bacardi Rum Distillery, which produces 100,000 gallons of rum daily.
The Botanical Gardens and Museum of Contemporary Puerto
Rican Art are also worth a special trip.
The new Museum of Puerto Rican Art is the islands first world-class
museum with a five-acre sculpture garden and 130,000 square feet of
modern facilities. Exhibitions trace Puerto Ricos visual arts from
colonial times to the present. The museum is located in the Santurce
section of San Juan, adjacent to the important tourist area of Condado.

The Island Perimeter


Puerto Rico Tourism Company brochures mark out five different
routes for exploring the island by car. Some are day trips, while others

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Courtesy of PRTC/Len Kaufman

A waterfall
in El Yunque

on the east coast

Did you know?

Nature lovers will want


to stop at Las
Cabezas de San Juan
Nature Preserve
(known locally as El
Faro, after the parks
lighthouse). The
preserve is situated at
the tip or headland
(cabeza) of the
northeastern coast. In
just 316 acres, this
ecological area offers
the unique character of
seven different tropical
habitats. Only 230
visitors a day are
allowed in the park,
which they view on
board an open-air tram;
the tour is narrated by a
park ranger. The park
also contains Puerto
Ricos second-oldest
lighthouse and one of
the islands three
bioluminescent bays
(see other two
mentioned later).

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cross the entire length of the island and link up with other routes that
take a few days to complete. The following Around the Island:
Attractions proceed clockwise around the perimeter of the island, and
then move on to the interior and the offshore islands.
Except for San Juan itself, the coast east of San Juan has traditionally
been the most visited part of Puerto Rico, because it holds two of the
islands most diverse sights. About two-thirds of the way between the
capital and Fajardo is the Caribbean National Forest, known as El
Yunque. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, El Yunque is the only
tropical rain forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is one of the
most accessible and well-maintained rain forests in the world; visitors
can enjoy its waterfalls, orchids, ferns, and vistas from their car or by
hiking one of its 13 marked trails.
The mountain and forest of El Yunque get 240 inches of rain annually.
However, a few miles away, at the base of the mountain, is Luquillo
Beach. So, in less than an hour, visitors can go from dodging raindrops
on the mountain to lolling in the sun on the beach. Luquillo is Puerto
Ricos most famous and photographed beach, a curved wedge of
gleaming white sand and turquoise water, backed by an enormous
grove of coconut palms. It is also Puerto Ricos first full-access beach
and recreational facilities for wheelchair users.
The town of Fajardo is a jumping-off point for the islands of Culebra
and Vieques. Nearby is the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort &
Country Club, spectacularly situated atop cliffs just north of the city.

The Travel Institute

South of Fajardo, the main road continues through Humacao, with


its sugarcane fields; and Yabucoa, nestled in the hills. From there,
visitors can take the faster road near the coast or the Panoramic
Route, which goes through the mountains to Cayey, down to the
coast, and then to Ponce (PON say).
Ponce, Puerto Ricos second city, is less than 90 minutes by car from
San Juan on the direct route. Since 1968, more than 500 of Ponces
historic buildings, many in neoclassic and Art Deco style, have been
meticulously restored. The Pearl of the South, as it is known, is a
charming city for walking and admiring architecture. Ponce is the
islands busiest commercial port, but fortunately the city itself lies
among the plains and foothills, a couple of miles from the waterfront.
Visitors will not want to miss the wildly colorful Ponce Firehouse
(dating from 1833), the Ponce Art Museum, and La Perla Theater,
which was originally built in 1864 and later destroyed by earthquake. A
new theater was reconstructed according to the original plans.
Near Ponce is Hacienda Buena Vista, a restored early-19th-century
plantation, and the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center, which was
excavated in 1975 and dates back to A.D. 700.
West of Ponce and near the town of La Parguera is one of Puerto
Ricos major sightseeing opportunities: Bioluminescent Bay. Boats
leave every half hour from dusk until about 10:30 P.M., taking visitors
to observe millions of microscopic luminescent dinoflagellates. These
fireflies of the sea, as some have called them, light up when they are
disturbed by the slightest movement. This phenomenon is quite rare
and is seen only on certain protected shorelines in tropical waters.
Midway on the west coast is the islands third-largest city, Mayagez.
Mayagez is more of a commercial and industrial city, but visitors traveling around the island will want to stop to see its lovely Plaza Coln,
its Art Deco Yagez Theater, and its historic Post Office building.
The principal attraction, however, is the Tropical Agriculture
Research Station. Situated on the grounds of a former plantation, the
research station displays tropical plants from around the world.
The northwestern tip of the island is another popular beach and resort
area. Almost halfway between this corner and San Juan is Arecibo, the
turning-off point for the Arecibo Observatory. Much closer to the
capital is Dorado Beach; it boasts two Hyatt resorts, the Hyatt Dorado
Beach and Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach; an Embassy Suites, due to
open by 2001; and five golf courses.

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The Interior and Offshore Islands

Although Puerto Rico has a high population density, there are still
rugged and remote places on the island. The Cordillera Central
(Central Mountains) run almost the length of the island, separating
the northern and southern regions. The area resembles the mountains
of Hawaii and is blanketed with a carpet of vegetation, trees, and
grasses, though much of it has been extensively logged and cleared at
least once. The mountains serve both as a natural divider (the southern
side is much drier and almost desert-like in places) and as a cultural
barrier (more-isolated towns have developed their own customs).

Did you know?

Puerto Rico and other


Caribbean islands
boast numerous rain
forests, but Gunica
Dry Forest is a unique
UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve. Its
9,200 acres contain
more than 700 species
of unusual plants and
animals, many of which
are endangered, and
some of which are
found nowhere else on
earth. The forest is
located west of Ponce.
Nature lovers will also
enjoy Cabo Rojo
Wildlife Refuge, in the
southwestern corner of
the island.

The northwestern corner of the island has its own natural phenomena,
typical of which is the area known as karst country. This world-renowned
topography is characterized by haystack-shaped hills and conical sinkholes. Few roads penetrate its thick forests and mazes of hills. Trails in
various states of repair meander through the areas forest reserves.
A number of the most well-known sights in this rugged interior can be
accessed on roads going south from Arecibo. The Rio Abajo Forest
Reserve is 5,700 acres of subtropical forest surrounded by rivers and
lakes. It is home to 162 plant species, 47 of which are endangered.
More famous and not to be missed is Rio Camuy Cave Park, the
third-largest underground river system in the world. Visitors board
trams that take them down to the mouth of Clara Cave as part of their
visit to the systems remarkable sinkholes, caves, and subterranean
streams. Another tram takes them to a platform overlooking the Tres
Pueblos Sinkhole, which is 650 feet wide and 400 feet deep.
Another must-see is the Arecibo Observatory, which houses the largest
radar/radio telescope in the world. The 600-ton platform, suspended
over a 20-acre dish, is set in a sinkhole 565 feet deep. Explanations of
how the telescope works and what it does are an education in the most
recent theories of astronomy and atmospheric science.
Puerto Ricos two major islands, located off its eastern shores, add one
more dimension to its variety as a destination. A large portion of the
smaller one, Culebra, was once used as a gunnery range for the U.S.
Navy. Today the island, with its Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, is
a nature reserve and home to many rare species of birds and fish. It is
also one of the most important turtle-nesting sites in the Caribbean.
Culebras unspoiled and arid beaches are a paradise for sun-worshippers
and still have only small-scale tourist development.
Vieques (vee AY kase) is the larger of the two islands and has a famous
Bioluminescent Bay. Its many fine beaches are even more popular, and
the lodging choices are more numerous. Viequess first major resort,

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the 286-room Martineau Bay, debuted at the end of 2000. (Early in


2000, some protesters demonstrated against military exercises on the
eastern and western sections of the island, which the U.S. Navy has
used for training and bombing runs for many years. At the time of
writing, negotiations for future use were ongoing, but the islands
beach areas are, and always have been, accessible to the public.) Other
small islands and cays lie near Culebra and Vieques and between them
and the east coast of Puerto Rico. They are uninhabited and used for
day trips and picnics.

Whats Special about Puerto Rico?


Puerto Rico has a very special affiliation with the United States that
makes it unique. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens whose main language
is Spanish and whose culture is Hispanic, though the majority of
them also speak English. Americans entering Puerto Rico do not
need any documents.
San Juan is a huge Latin American city, full of Latin American spirit; it
is different from other such cities in that it is truly Latin and American
at the same time. Fashionable beaches, high-rise resorts, glittering
casinos, and world-class golf courses give Puerto Rico a Miami
Beach/Las Vegas/Palm Springs atmosphere built on a foundation of
Spanish custom and culture.
Eighteen major golf courses and four other nine-hole courses combine
natural settings, championship design, few crowds, and reasonable
prices. Many of the top ones are along the north coast on either side of
San Juan.
Major hotels house the islands casinos. There are 11 in the immediate
San Juan area and another 11 around the island. Most are open
from noon to 4:00 A.M., but some are open 24 hours a day. Since
1997, alcohol has been allowed in casinos, and patrons must be 21
years of age.
Puerto Rico also has some of the Caribbeans most special accommodations. A host of large resorts lead the way: many are in or near San Juan,
but others are located in splendid settings around the islands coasts.
Recent construction has added more dimensions to an already large
hotel inventory. Besides the deluxe Martineau (which opened on
Vieques in 2000), the island will soon have its first all-inclusive: in the
spring of 2000, construction began on the 980-room twin hotels of
Paradisus Sol Meli, in northeastern Puerto Rico. In July 2001, the first
phase (with 314 rooms) of the Cayo Largo Intercontinental in Fajardo

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159

will open, while a second phase of 220 rooms gets underway. Other
properties are constructing new additions, and a number of smaller
hotel projects are underway around the main island and on Culebra.

Did you know?

One island resident said


that all visitors to Puerto
Rico remember is the
coqui (pronounced kokee), a tree frog whose
evening song is heard,
interminably, throughout
the island.

Those who desire intimate and personal lodgings also have a wide
choice. Few establishments anywhere can compare with the style and
tradition of Old San Juans El Convento, originally a Carmelite
convent. Puerto Rico has also adopted the system of paradores (a
concept first developed in Spain). There are currently 19 country inns,
ranging from centuries-old haciendas and plantations to small familyrun inns, which strive to showcase rural Puerto Rico. They must meet
exacting government standards to be part of the parador program.
Puerto Ricos sheer size and development make it stand out among its
neighbors and enable it to offer what it calls a magic mix of facilities
that few can match. They include the new convention center; several
facilities for deep-sea fishing, diving, and water sports; and many
marinas. The islands Spanish and Native Indian heritage and sites are
also unique. Puerto Ricos tropical rain forest (the only one in the
U.S. national forest system), cave networks, and bioluminescent bays
are some of the features that make it a leader in ecotourism as well.
There are many more natural sights that have not been mentioned in
the text, but you can research them for clients who enjoy nature travel.

Island Culture
Puerto Ricans exhibit many of the cultural attributes of other Latin
peoples. They are passionate in their beliefs, consider music an essential
part of any social gathering, regard food as mandatory when having
guests, and use lively hand and facial gestures when speaking.
Intergenerational ties are strong, and people of all ages easily attend the
same functions. The vast majority of Puerto Ricans are Catholic.
American and Puerto Rican cultures sometimes commingle, but more
often they exist side by side: a colorful Caribbean or colonial-style
wooden building might sit next to a hard-edged concrete structure;
diners in Old San Juan can enjoy asopao (traditional Puerto Rican stew
made with root vegetables and rice) at La Mallorquina (which opened
in 1848), while others partake of fajitas or a burger at the Hard Rock
Caf a block away; jibaros (rural people) often entertain their nuyorican
relatives, visiting from the Big Apple.
Spanish and English are the islands official languages, and both are
taught in school. English is spoken in major tourist areas and throughout the island, especially by younger people. However, many middle-

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aged and older people speak little English. Musical styles in the big
cities and resorts resemble other Latin countries, while the rural towns
still retain many of the original Spanish forms, sprinkled with Native
Indian and Caribbean influences.
Puerto Rican cuisine features many Caribbean dishes, but the island
also has its own distinctive Creole cuisine, a mixture of Indian, Spanish,
and African influences. Sofrito is a sauted base mixture used in soups
and stews. Most meats are cooked adobo, with a marinade of garlic and
oregano. Asopao, stews, and meat pies are popular main dishes. Arroz
con pollo (rice with chicken), lechon asado (roasted pork), a variety of
plantain dishes, and saffron are other fixtures. Popular finales to a meal
are fruit, cheeses, and flan. Coffee grown in the islands interior ranks
among the worlds best.
Among the many good buys on the island are coffee, ron (rum),
jewelry, and island crafts such as contemporary art, ceramic tiles,
santos (hand-carved wooden religious figurines), cuatros (hand-made
10-string guitars), and festival masks (especially from Ponce).

Celebrations and Special Events


True to their roots, all of Puerto Ricos 78 towns have festivals in
honor of their patron saint; many also celebrate pre-Lenten Carnivals.
Travelers who are exploring the island would do well to see which
towns have festivals that week. Most of these celebrations last seven to
nine days.
The Casals Festival, held at the Performing Arts Center in early June,
will appeal to those who appreciate classical music. The first Tuesday of
the month (February through May and September through December)
is Gallery Night in San Juan; art galleries open their doors to the
public from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Dining and Entertainment


San Juan and other tourist areas offer dining that is similar to that
found in most U.S. cities and resort areas. American-style, international, and ethnic restaurants abound, and the hotel restaurants cater
to American tastes. However, plenty of smaller restaurants and several
larger ones specialize in local cuisine.
Those who want to sample the culture in one of its most important
manifestationsthat is, through its foodwill be interested in the
islands Mesones Gastronmicos program. More than 30 restaurants

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161

across the island


participate
(although none in
the San Juan
area). To be
members, they
are required to
offer the best
local specialties,
unique to their
particular area,
at reasonable
prices, and
served with Puerto
Rican hospitality.

A night ou

t in Puerto

Courtesy of PRTC
/Len

Rico

Kaufman

Puerto Ricos entertainment, particularly in San Juan, runs the


gamutfrom hot, hot, hot to cool and jazzy. Casinos tend to be
dressy and grand, and Puerto Ricans tend to dress stylishly for weekend
nights out. The resort areas boast numerous shows, bars, and dance
clubs, but lots of the entertainment centers on the hotels. Those who
want quieter entertainment are best off heading out of San Juan to
other parts of the island.
If possible, visitors should try to attend a performance of the LeLoLai
program, a series of year-round performances celebrating the islands
multicultural heritage. Performances move from one hotel to another.
San Juans Centro de Bellas Artes is the largest performing arts center
in the Caribbean. It features a full schedule of plays and performances,
many with internationally acclaimed performers. La Casita Festival is
held every Saturday across from Pier 1 in Old San Juan.

Cruise Call
San Juan is second only to Miami as a departure point for cruises. Visits
to San Juan and Puerto Rico in conjunction with cruises are usually in
the form of pre- or post-cruise packages rather than as a cruise stop
(most clients prefer pre-cruise visits). Cruisegoers must decide how
much time to devote to the city and island. Those traveling overnight
to meet a cruise will have much of the day to see San Juan (if they feel
awake enough to do so). Those coming from the West Coast should
probably arrive at least a day before the cruise departs. They can then
spend much of the embarkation day seeing the city and be well rested
and ready to enjoy the cruise.

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Old San Juan is within walking distance of most ships at dock, but the
walk can be a bit long on a hot day. One solution is to take a taxi to
Old San Juan and then meander back.

Selling Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico satisfies a wide range of markets. Many travelers are not
aware of its wealth of ecotravel and cultural opportunities.
Golfers, gamblers, and resort-goers will have all the fun they can
handle. Nightlife, fine dining, and entertainment are first-class. Those
who like a Latin beat to their fun would be hard pressed to find a
better destination. Because Puerto Rico is both America and a very
different culture, vacationers can sample the familiar as well as the
foreign in one trip. Commercial-minded travelers, even when on
vacation, will find few negative factors or travel inhibitors in Puerto
Rico, which boasts economic progress, business opportunities, a good
standard of living, and a very advanced tourism infrastructure. The new
convention center and the facilities available at large hotels can
accommodate big groups.
Puerto Rico also appeals to culture enthusiasts and ecotravelers. They will
find historic sites, Spanish colonial architecture, and remnants of Native
Indian life around the island, but todays cultural amalgam is no less
interesting and rich. Those who have a cursory acquaintance with Puerto
Rico may have heard of El Yunque rain forest, but they may not know
about the islands large dry forest, its huge cave systems, or its bioluminescent bays (which in themselves can be a prime travel motivator).
Puerto Ricos infrastructure also contains top-grade tennis facilities
and all water-sports activities, most of which have not been highlighted
in this chapter, but which are additional travel motivators for
sports enthusiasts.
Puerto Ricos accessibility is another selling point. Nonstop flights from
the United States are frequent. Travelers heading for other Caribbean
islands, including those boarding cruises, are prime candidates for a
stopover in Puerto Rico. You can design a three-day package based on
each clients particular interests. For one client, a stopover might
include days of golf near Dorado Beach; another client might prefer
nights of salsa in San Juan; and yet another might enjoy stays at
paradores after a drive through the mountains.

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Island Secret
Mona is an unspoiled island refuge inhabited solely by giant iguanas,
three species of endangered sea turtles, red-footed boobies, and
countless other seabirds. This protected nature reserve, sometimes
called the Galapagos of the Caribbean, lies 50 miles off Puerto Ricos
western coast. Limestone cliffs 200 feet high overlook the islands coast
and its surrounding coral reefs, and a large marine-originated cave
system honeycombs it. Visitors can reach Mona by charter boat from
Mayagez. Snorkelers, spelunkers, biologists, and ecotourists can obtain
permission to camp on the island, but they must bring everything they
need, including water.

Key Points about Puerto Rico


San Juan: Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde

1.
2.
3.
4.

Dorado Beach
El Yunque and Luquillo Beach
Fajardo: gateway to Culebra and Vieques
Ponce
Bioluminescent bays
Mayagez
Arecibo and the interior

For More Information


Puerto Rico Tourism Company
666 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10103
Phone: 800-223-6530 (all U.S. offices: for both travel agent and consumer requests) or 212-586-6262
800-866-7827 (Puerto Rico office)
Fax: 212-586-1212
Web site: www.gotopuertorico.com
The Puerto Rico Travel Expert Program comes with the Puerto Rico
Sales Guide, a concise manual with excellent graphics and maps. The
program includes a familiarization visit to the island.

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My Contact Information

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165

Magens
Bay

ATLANTIC OCEAN
Frenchtown

Charlotte Amalie

St. Thomas

St. John

Red Hook

ST. THOMAS
1 inch = 6.2 mi., 10.1 km.

Annenberg Estate
Maho Bay
Cinnamon Bay
Trunk Bay

Caneel Bay

Virgin Islands
National Park

Coral Bay
Bordeaux
Mountain

Cruz Bay

ST. JOHN
1 inch = 6.2 mi., 10.1 km.

ST. CROIX

Buck Island Reef


National Monument

1 inch = 8.1 mi., 13.1 km.

Christiansted

Frederiksted

Hamms Bluff

St. Croix
Cruzan Rum Distillery

CARIBBEAN SEA

U.S. Virgin Islands

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Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

11.3

Kilometers 18.1

The Travel Institute

U.S. Virgin
Islands
T

he U.S. Virgin Islands are one of the most popular destinations in


the Caribbean for American visitors. Tourist facilities are well
developed, more cruise ships call here than at any other Caribbean
island, and shop until you drop is the motto on many visitors lips.
At the same time, the islands are an American paradise for divers,
yachtsmen, beach lovers, and naturalists.

Fast Facts
Land Area
St. Thomas: 32 square miles
St. John: 19 square miles
St. Croix: 84 square miles
Population
115,000 (in 1990 3,500 residents in St.
John, with the rest of the population
divided between St. Thomas and St.
Croix.)
Capital
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

The main townsCharlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Cruz Bay (St. John),
and Christiansted and Frederiksted (St. Croix)offer a surprising architecture and charm that bespeak their Danish heritage. The Virgin
Islands National Park and Buck Island Reef National Monument offer
underwater snorkeling trails, ideal for the first-timer, and the best
camping opportunities in the Caribbean. The islands are easily reached
by cruise ships out of southern Florida, as well as those that depart
from San Juan, and are about a 30-minute flight from Puerto Rico.
The islands climate is better than most, with trade winds keeping both
the humidity and temperatures moderate.

Languages
English; approximately 45 percent of St.
Croixs population speaks Spanish.

Historical Background

Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Like many of the smaller islands in the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands
were forgotten for a century after Columbus first landing. In the
1600s, the English and Dutch recognized their strategic importance
and in turn fought with the Spanish and the French, who sold the
islands to a religious order, the Knights of Malta. During periods in
which these countries were warring in Europe, Danish settlers assumed
control. After a succession of owners, Denmark declared the islands a
Danish Crown colony.
St. Thomas became a free port and flourished as an important trading
station (it still does, being recognized by most as the prime shopping
island in the Caribbean), while St. John and St. Croix became rich
sugar plantations. The free enterprise nature of the islands and the
turmoil that occurred between different regimes made them a magnet
for pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, whose legends live on.
At the height of World War I, the United States purchased the islands

The Travel Institute

Time Zone
UTC -4 or AST (EST +1). They do not
observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Left
Currency
U.S. dollar

Documents
Even though the U.S. Virgin Islands are
a U.S. territory, American citizens or
residents should carry proof of
citizenship or a residency card with
them when entering and leaving the
islands. Please review document
information in the course Introduction
to see what constitutes proof of
citizenship.

Northern Caribbean: U.S. Virgin Islands

167

from Denmark for $25 million in gold to protect its interests in the
Panama Canal. The islands remain a U.S. territory, and have one
delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives who is allowed to vote
in House sessions. All Virgin Islanders are citizens of the United States,
but they cannot vote in presidential elections.

Arrival and Location Briefing


Three major islands make up the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St.
John, and St. Croix. About four dozen other islets and cays, most of
which are uninhabited, are also part of the chain. St. Thomas has by far
the most air arrivals and accommodations. It is also the cruise capital of
the Caribbean, receiving more ships than any other island. (Nassau has
more cruise calls, with the same ships arriving twice in the same week
on three- or four-day sailings.)
St. John, only three miles off the eastern tip of St. Thomas, is the secluded
beauty of the trio. Three-quarters of the island consists of Virgin Islands
National Park. Although its main port has shops and development, and
there are luxury hotels on St. John, the islands main appeals are its forests,
crumbling plantations, and the pristine beaches of its protected areas.
St. Croix is 40 miles south of St. Thomas. Flights leave hourly between
the two islands. Even though it is larger, St. Croix is not as commercially developed as St. Thomas and has had to rebuild its infrastructure
in recent years after destructive hurricanes.
Major U.S. carriers have nonstop and direct flights into St. Thomas and
St. Croix from a number of eastern cities, such as Miami, New York,
Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, and Chicago, depending on the
time of year. Dozens of flights a day also connect the islands with San
Juan. St. John is reached by ferry or seaplane from St. Thomas.

Local Transportation
Visitors have three choices of public transportation on St. Thomas:
taxis, taxi-vans, and the Vitran bus system. Sharing a taxi-van cuts the
cost of a taxi trip, but passengers may go by an indirect route while
others are dropped off. Other taxis operate as jitneys on certain routes.
The convenient and inexpensive Vitran bus system covers most of the
12-mile length of the island, and buses stop within walking distance of
most spots. Renting a car is not as expensive as on many islands, but
most visitors probably will not need one for more than a day or two of
exploration, if that. Roads are narrow, hills are steep, and driving is on
the left side. Caution should be used on all three islands.

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Buses also run across much of St. Croix, but those who want to explore
the nooks and crannies of this larger island may need a rental car. On
St. Croix, secondary roads can be a challenge.
Those who are arriving in St. Thomas and plan to stay in St. John for
a while can take a taxi from the St. Thomas airport to either Charlotte
Amalie, situated mid-island, or to Red Hook on the eastern side of St.
Thomas. They can then take a ferry to St. John from either location.
Day-trippers to St. John and those with minimal luggage can take the
bus to Red Hook; from there, it is a quick boat ride to St. John (the
fare is just a few dollars). St. John has limited bus service and moderately priced taxi-surreys to a few key locations on the island. Those
wanting to explore coves and secluded parts of the national park at
their own pace may wish to rent a car or jeep. Open jeeps are fun for
sightseeing the island, but drivers should be cautious. Book in advance
during busy season because the number of vehicles is limited.

Around the Islands: Attractions


Charlotte Amalie (SHAR let uh MAHL yuh), the capital, is
the commercial and historic center of St. Thomas. Shoppers
can spend a few hours or a few days here, in the largest
duty-free emporium in the Caribbean. Every name brand is
represented and liquor-supermarkets deliver directly to the
ships. Visitors may bring a gallon of spirits plus one bottle
of locally made liquor per person duty-free into the
United States.

Courtesy of
U.S. Virgin
Islands Depa
rtment of To
urism

St. Thomas

Shoppin
g

Sightseers can stroll to Fort Christian, located near Kings Wharf at


the eastern end of the harbor. This landmark, dating from 1672, is the
islands oldest standing structure and has been everything from a governors residence to a jailindeed, pirates were hanged in its courtyard.
A few blocks farther is Government House, the administrative headquarters of the islands. On display in Government House are a few
small paintings of the famous Impressionist, Camille Pissarro, who was
born in St. Thomas. A few more blocks away is St. Thomas
Synagogue, the oldest synagogue under an American flag.
Even when not shopping, visitors can spend a lot of time in the
markets, stalls, and cafs between Main Street and the narrow, flowerbedecked alleyways that connect it to the waterfront. The sight of the
perfectly shaped harbor and the islets and cruise ships floating in its
midst is one that few will forget. Just west of the capital is Frenchtown,
where descendants of French colonists live and where some of the best
restaurants are found.

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The classic tour of the island includes Drakes Seat, high in the
mountains above Charlotte Amalie. It was the lookout point from
which Sir Francis Drake kept watch over his fleet and looked for enemy
ships of the Spanish. The panoramic view includes the British Virgin
Islands, Drakes Passage, and Magens Bay, the islands most popular
and famous beach. Visitors will definitely want to stop at Mountain
Top for a banana daiquiri (said to have been invented here). This
vantage point provides an even more spectacular view of the
surroundings. Garden lovers can stop at nearby Estate St. Peter
Greathouse and Botanical Gardens.
The islands number-one attraction, besides its capital and natural
setting, is Coral World. This four-and-a-half-acre marine park allows
visitors to its Underwater Observatory to go 15 feet below the sea
without getting wet. This is a natural environment, where fish and
other marine creatures are free to come and go as they please. The park
also includes an 80,000-gallon tank of exotic creatures and 21
aquariums. More underwater wonders can be experienced on a ride in
the Atlantis Submarine. Mahogany Run Golf Course has some of
the most beautifully situated holes in the Caribbean.
Magens Bay ranks among the top 10 beaches in many Caribbean
publications, and a lot of beachgoers agree. St. Thomas is surrounded
by hidden coves and secluded beaches for those who prefer a bit
more privacy.
Numerous luxury resorts as well as a healthy collection of atmospheric
inns, condominiums, and smaller hotels are distributed around the
islands shores. The newer Ritz-Carlton was created to resemble a
Venetian palazzo, while Marriott Frenchmans Reef has welcomed visitors for decades. The Inn at Bluebeards Castle is built around a 17thcentury tower on 20 hilltop acres. Hotel 1829 in Charlotte Amalie is an
Old Worldstyle inn that is a designated national historic site.

St. John
Although smaller than the other two U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is a
natural treasure. Virgin Islands National Park covers more than
three-quarters of the island. The park was created when Laurance
Rockefeller donated a large parcel of land to the United States. The
National Park Service protects both the wildlife and the coral gardens
surrounding the island.
Visitors by ferry will alight at Cruz Bay, the islands only real town. Hills
rise above the bay and overlook the harbor. This sleepy artist colony is just
beginning to bustle with cozy shops, information centers, and taxi drivers

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ready to help visitors explore the island. Small hotels and villa
complexes are nearby, and a large Westin is just over the hill.
The islands major road and best beaches are along the hilly
north coast: Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and
Maho Bay. Beaches here are idyllic, with hidden coves,
twisting palm trees growing to the waters edge, and rocks
and islets just off the coastand the entire environment is
surrounded by coral.
Co

urtesy of U.
S. Virgin Is
Trunk Bays underwater trail is perfect for novice
lands Depa
rtment of To
urism
C
ruz Bay
snorkelers. Submerged signs point to coral and other
features of the deep. The highly popular trail can be quite
crowded in high season, and the water is not always as clear as it
once was. Farther on, the partially restored Annenberg Plantation
depicts life as it was two or three centuries ago, while the ruins of other
sugar mills crumble forlornly amid the tropical foliage in the park. A
number of hiking paths lead to vistas throughout the park.

Two accommodations along the north coast could not be more


different in cost, service, and facilities, and yet they are curiously similar
in spirit. Caneel Bay Resort, originally built by Rockefeller, is one of
the most distinguished resorts in the Caribbean and is spread over 170
acres. Its secluded cottages are situated among the islands foliage and
fauna. They have panoramic views to the pristine sands of the bay, or
open directly onto the beach. Cinnamon Bay Campground has 113
of the most sought-after bare campsites, tent sites, and basic cottages in
the U.S. National Park system. This is one of the few locations in the
Caribbean where camping is highly encouraged. Maho Bay
Campground and nearby locations have eco-tents, tent cottages,
and ecologically sensitive rooms where guests can camp in comfort,
without harming the environment. They are among the most unique
and environmentally friendly rooms in the Caribbean. During high
season, reservations for any of these locations, which are on the beach
or overlook the shore, should be made as far in advance as possible.
Coral Bay on the east coast is the islands largest bay/harbor and is
filled with private yachts from around the world.

St. Croix
St. Croix (saint KROI), the largest of the Virgin Islands, lies 40 miles
south of St. Thomas. The islands west end is lush with rain forests of
mahogany and mango trees, while its east end is arid and rocky. In
between, rolling hills and pastures dominate.
St. Croix has its share of lovely beaches, mostly along the north shore.

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It also has shopping that rivals that in St. Thomas. However, the
ambiance is much different, perhaps similar to that of St. Thomas 50
years ago. Fewer cruise ships arrive with swarms of shoppers and sightseers, and a more relaxed atmosphere prevails. Typical pastimes are
soaking up the historic architecture and sights, stopping at a beach for
a swim, and strolling along the waterfront of Christiansted or
Frederiksted. Both cities are on the U.S. National Historic Registry.
St. Croixs airport is a bit closer to Frederiksted than to Christiansted,
but the vast majority of accommodations are near the larger
Christiansted. Here visitors are charmed by cobblestoned streets, old
government houses, and well-maintained courtyards and gardens in the
old town. Government House, Customs House, and Steeple
Building are part of this National Historic Site, but perhaps the towns
most dramatic sight is the yellow Fort Christianvaern, built in 1749,
after the Danish took control.
Frederiksted is a smaller town. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1878
and has been devastated by hurricanes. Town leaders have restored
much of the former Danish grandeur to Frederiksted. Its gingerbread
architecture and historic sites can easily be seen on foot.
St. Croixs most well-known sight is Buck Island Reef National
Monument, with its legendary beach of coral sand and crystalline
water. Lying a mile and a half off the northeastern coast, Buck Island is
a 300-acre volcanic rock surrounded by 550 acres of underwater coral.
The inner reef ranges in depth from 12 to 15 feet and has marked trails
for snorkeling. More experienced divers have plenty to explore in the
labyrinth and grottoes of this enormous reef.
The Cruzan Rum Distillery and the islands ruined and restored sugar
plantations are St. Croixs other major sights. The Carambola Golf
Course, the best in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is located here.
The Buccaneer Inn, near Christiansted, is the islands most well-known
luxury resort, but newer resorts (one introducing the Virgin Islands first
casino) have opened or are near completion. An excellent selection of
villas, condominiums, smaller hotels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and
even campsites are available. Some are scattered along the coasts and near
Frederiksted, but the vast majority are near Christiansted.

Whats Special about the


U.S. Virgin Islands?
St. Thomas and St. Croix are the premier shopping destinations in
the Caribbean. Duty-free really means something here, although

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The U.S. and British Virgin Islands constitute one of the prime sailing
and yachting destinations in the Caribbean. Only the Grenadines and
the Bahamas begin to compete with the wealth of islands, coves, harbors, and sheltered waters that beckon sailors. They are never out of
sight of a safe anchorage or a white-sand beach. Every kind of watercraft
or boat is available in St. Thomas for independent day sailing or touring.
Windjammer cruises touch upon many of the islands. These are large
sailing vessels carrying 75 to 100 passengers on weeklong cruises where
informality is the rulethere are no lavish shows, casinos, or fancy dress.

Island Culture
Danish influence on island culture can best be seen in its architecture,
but otherwise little remains of this heritage. The language never really
took hold, and English soon supplanted it. French and Creole are spoken in some areas (a holdover from colonial days), and Spanish is spoken
by immigrants from nearby Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The somewhat relaxed attitude permeating these islands derives from
a mixture of American, African, and Caribbean heritages. Americans
may feel more at home in the U.S. Virgin Islands than in any other
destination described in this book, since the islands are part of the
United States.

Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is unique in the National Park
system and will attract nature lovers from all over the United States.
Campers can set up on St. John or St. Croix at a reasonable price.
Snorkeling trails, which were unique when they were first created, are a
treat for new snorkelers or youngsters; the concept was later adopted
by a handful of other islands. Hiking trails through the park pass by the
ruins of plantations among the hills and preserved tropical flora.

sometimes U.S. discount stores have better prices. In addition,


Americans receive a more generous duty-free allowance when they
return from the U.S. Virgin Islands: they may bring back twice as much
merchandise duty-free and four times the amount of liquor as from
other Caribbean locations.

Did you know?

A two-and-a-half-hour
guided kayak tour led
by experienced
naturalists and
biologists takes
ecotourists through St.
Thomass Marine
Sanctuary and
Mangrove Lagoon.
During this firsthand
educational experience,
participants can view
snowy egrets, great
barracudas, dwarf
herrings, spotted eagle
rays, jellyfish, mangrove
crabs, and even nurse
sharks in their natural
environment. Kayakers
can snorkel if they
wish; however, they are
not allowed to use fins,
which might disturb the
habitat.

Unique to St. Croix is the dancing of the imperial quadrille. Once


popular in 18th-century France, the quadrille can be graceful and
stately or lively and original. Many of the traditional calls are still made
in French. Popular island music is an eclectic mix of pan (steel drum),
reggae, calypso, newer rock beats, and just about every other
Caribbean sound.
Food tastes are Americanized in the most popular restaurants geared

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173

to visitors, but spicy Creole flavors seep into mainland dishes.


Caribbean specialties such as curries, stews, goat dishes, callaloo soup
(made with okra and taro leaves, similar to spinach), conch, and johnnycake (cornmeal bread) can be found wherever the locals eat. Bush
tea, an herbal tea made from aromatic plants indigenous to the islands,
can be drunk with your meal.

Did you know?

Impressionist painter
Camille Pissarro was
born in one of the
remaining French
neighborhoods of St.
Thomas in 1830. He
continued to live on the
island until the age of
25, and his house still
stands. Some of his
early sketches and
paintings, portraying
the Caribbean, were
discovered in the
house years later.
Pissarro is considered
a native son, even
though he spent most
of his life in France.

Celebrations and Special Events


Carnival in St. Thomas traces its roots back to African origins and is held
during the Easter season rather than before Lent. It features parades,
steel bands, and an elevated spirit who walks on 17-foot stilts and is
dressed in bright colors and mirrors. The mirrors of the spirit make him
appear partially invisible, while the viewers see only into themselves.
St. Croixs big annual celebration is the Crucian Christmas Fiesta. It
features parades, parties, and dances heralding the holiday season. St.
John has its own version of Carnival leading up to the 4th of July. The
islands also celebrate other American holidays, as well as local ones,
such as Transfer Day (when the islands became a U.S. territory).

Dining and Entertainment


Dining styles will be quite familiar to American tastes, though fish and
local produce are of course featured more than on the mainland.
Aficionados of McDonalds will have no trouble finding one in the
capital. Those for whom a vacation to an exotic island is not complete
without visiting a Hard Rock Caf will be equally pleased.
On St. Thomas, excellent dining can be found in both hotel restaurants
and individual establishments around the island. Diners can eat at their
hotel on some nights; on other nights, they can select restaurants
within walking distance. To reach a few specially chosen restaurants,
they can rent a car or take a short taxi ride. Diners at the best hotels
and restaurants can expect prices equal to or exceeding the best spots in
major U.S. cities.
St. Croixs restaurants are more concentrated around Christiansted and
tend to be more informal, with an outdoor backdrop of splashing surf,
a full moon, and swaying palm trees. Cuisines from around the world
are represented, usually with a local twist of spiciness. Dining on St.
John is even more casual, with simple fare often at reasonable prices in
Cruz Bay.
Cultural shows featuring steel bands, limbo shows, calypso music, fire-

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An average of four to five ships converge at St. Thomas every day,


though the number can go as high as seven ships and 14,000 people in
a day. In the late afternoon or just before sailing, traffic from Charlotte
Amalie back to the port is sometimes quite congested. Cruisegoers
whose ship docks directly at the port have the advantage of being able
to step on and off the ship at will; to reach the main part of town, they
can rent a cab or take a 15- to 20-minute walk. Passengers on ships
that anchor in the harbor must tender in, but they land right in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Shopping and sightseeing in town are within easy walking distance of
the waterfront. First-timers will want to take a taxi or a tour to Drakes
Seat, Mountain Top, and the Estate St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical
Gardens. Coral World is the other popular destination. Tours to St.
John are also available. Many of the shops will deliver goods directly to
ships and are reliable.

Cruise Call

eating, stilt-walk dancing, and broken-bottle dancing take place at many


of the big hotels. Rounding out the music scene are discothques at
these same hotels, piano bars, and small clubs with dance floors featuring the latest music, as well as jazz, rock, and karaoke. The local scene
on St. Thomas centers around Charlotte Amalie, Frenchtown, and Red
Hook. On St. Croix the action is in Christiansted and Frederiksted,
while St. Johns most popular night spots are near Cruz Bay and Coral
Bay. The Santa Cruz Brewery near Frederiksted offers eclectic entertainment; it features a brewery, restaurant, caf, museum, and theater
presenting a musical entitled The Legend of Don Santa Cruz.

Did you know?

In March 2000, the U.S.


Virgin Islands first
casino opened. It is
located at the Divi
Carina Bay Resort
near the eastern tip of
St. Croix, somewhat
away from other
properties on the
island. It is housed on
the second floor of a
two-story building,
whose ground floor is
occupied by 10,000
square feet of function
space.

In contrast, St. Croix averages less than one ship a day during high
season and maybe one a week between summer and fall. Big ships dock
at Frederiksted. From there, passengers have a choice of taking a tour
to Christiansted and seeing a good part of the island, or shopping in
Frederiksted, whose stores come to life when a ship is in. Otherwise
they can stroll the charming streets and relax in relative solitude.
St. John does not harbor conventional cruises, but tourists arriving at
St. Thomas can take a tour of the island.

Selling the U.S. Virgin Islands


The U.S. Virgin Islands are well known to many Americans and do a
substantial amount of advertising. More Americans have visited them

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175

on cruises than any other Caribbean destination (with the exception of


Nassau), and their language, currency, and many customs are familiar.
In this sense, the islands sell themselves. However, there are substantial
differences among the islands, so your clientele for each one may be
quite different. For example, those who want a peaceful week in the
national park on St. John may find St. Thomas a bit hectic.
Honeymooners, novice snorkelers and divers, amateur ecotourists,
national park enthusiasts, and shoppers are specific niche markets ideal
for the U.S. Virgin Islands. For those who are new to international
travel, these are good starter islands.
Unless your clients are totally jaded, anyone staying on St. Thomas will
be a good candidate for the short trip to St. John. In fact, this natural
islands lush hills and pristine beaches can be used as features to sell the
bigger island. In the same way, those staying on St. John may want to
spend a day of shopping on St. Thomas, after which they may be glad
to return to St. John. If your clients are staying on St. Thomas and
they dont like crowds, they should schedule their shopping trips for
the morning and avoid times when cruise ships arrive (cruise ship
schedules are readily available locally). Travelers who abhor commercial
development should try St. Croix or St. John.
A small minority of travelers staying on St. Thomas might want to visit
St. Croix on a day trip. Visitors who choose St. Croix for their entire
stay are usually repeat travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands or those
looking for a relaxing, more peaceful island.
For travel counselors who would like to build up a sailing clientele, the
U.S. Virgin Islands are a prime destination: novices can rent a boat
with crew or take a one-week live-aboard cruise during which they
learn to sail. As they gain experience, they can charter bareboats
without a crew and do all the sailing themselves.

Island Secret
The St. Croix Heritage Trail, which opened in the winter of 2000,
offers a 72-mile driving tour full of historical and cultural sites. Some
have been known for decades; others are hidden treasures such as
ruined estates and plantations, churches seldom visited by tourists, and
scenic Hamms Bluff. Runaway slaves (called Maroons) sought refuge
at Hamms Bluff and founded isolated villages where they could not be
found. Whether visitors follow the entire route or just sample a few
stops, the Heritage Trail adds another dimension to what St. Croix has
to offer.

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Key Points about the U.S. Virgin Islands


St. Thomas: Charlotte Amalie, shopping, Magens Bay, Drakes Seat,
Mountain Top, and Coral World; popular cruise stop

1.
2.
3.

St. John: Virgin Islands National Park; Cruz, Caneel, Trunk,


Cinnamon, and Maho Bays

4.

St. Croix: Christiansted and Frederiksted; Buck Island Reef National


Monument

For More Information


U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
P.O. Box 6400
St. Thomas, USVI 00804
Phone: 800-372-USVI (800-372-8784) or 340-774-8784
Fax: 340-774-4390
E-mail: tourism@usvi.org
Web sites:
www.usvi.org/tourism
www.st-thomas.com
www.st-johnusvi.com
www.st-croix.com

My Contact Information

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Northern Caribbean: U.S. Virgin Islands

177

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Anegada

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS


Prickly
Pear
Island

Road
Town
Cane Garden Bay
Long Bay

Little
Tobago

Great
Thatch
Island

Mosquito
Island

Necker
Island

The Dogs
Virgin Gorda Peak

Guana
Island

Great
Tobago

Jost
Van
Dyke

Little
Jost
Van
Dyke

Great
Camanoe
Island

Scrub
Island

Virgin Gorda
Spanish Town
The Baths

Beef Island

Ginger Island
Cooper Island

Tortola
Salt
Island

Sage Mountain
National Park

Pelican
Island

Peter Island

Norman Island

CARIBBEAN SEA

British Virgin
Islands

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Capital
City or town
Attraction

0
0

Miles

5.2

Kilometers 8.5

The Travel Institute

British Virgin
Islands
T

he 50 or so islands that make up the British Virgin Islands (BVIs)


lie about a mile from St. John and only a few miles farther from
St. Thomas at their closest point. In spirit and ambiance, however, they
are much farther apart. Mass tourism and high-rise development are
unknown here, and cruise ship arrivals are relatively few. No large airport brings in jets from the north.

Fast Facts

The islands are a paradise for the traveler who enjoys a quiet time
communing with the sea and sand, or sailing from one bay to the next.
The islands are favorite haunts of sailors, snorkelers, and divers; in fact,
the majority of visitors are on yachting vacations. Even the larger
islands are small enough to be seen in a day or two, leaving the rest of
the time for pure relaxation, sports, or visits to nearby islands. The
atmosphere and resorts are decidedly upscale yet quite unpretentious;
budget travelers can find moderately priced inns and camping locations.
Inns and restaurants are intimate, so you often know the owners
personal history by the time you leave.

Capital
Road Town, Tortola

Land Area
59 square miles, including all islands
Population
19,000

Languages
English
Time Zone
UTC -4 or AST (EST +1). They do not
observe daylight-saving time.
Drive on
Left
Currency
U.S. dollar

Historical Background
The British Virgin Islands experienced a similar history as their U.S.
counterparts, except that Denmark never got a foothold here. The
Spanish discovered the islands, then forgot about them. The Dutch took
control, fought with the Spanish, and eventually succumbed to the British.
In between, Blackbeard, Bluebeard, Captain Kidd, and other buccaneers
amassed as much booty as they could. Sugar, cotton, and the plantation
economy, based on slave labor, made the British colonists rich, but upon
abolition of slavery this estate economy crumbled and the islands were
relatively forgotten until tourists discovered them in the 1960s.

Electricity
110 volts, 60 cycles AC, same as U.S.

Arrival and Location Briefing


No direct flights link the United States and the British Virgin Islands.
Most tourists come by plane via San Juan or St. Thomas into Tortolas

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179

Beef Island airport or by ferry from St. Thomas. Smaller islands to the
south have local flights into Tortola.
The most visited island with the most accommodations is Tortola,
although Virgin Gorda is not far behind. Other islands such as
Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Peter Island tend to be frequented by
sailors. Landlubbers generally have a choice of one very special resort
on each island (three on Virgin Gorda) or small inns. Most of the
smaller islands are often owned by resorts.
Virgin Gorda and Tortola are mountainous, while Anegada is so flat
that sailors have difficulty seeing it on the horizon until they are almost
upon it. Some islands are lush and green, while others are fairly dry;
Virgin Gorda is a combination.

Local Transportation
Think of Tortola as the hub island, though sometimes you may be able
to get to other islands more directly from St. Thomas. From Tortola, ferries or short flights go to neighboring islands, and water taxis and private
craft will take you to islands too small to have regularly scheduled boats.
Hotels will usually make arrangements to pick up guests from the
airport or ferry dock. Otherwise, taxis almost always meet arriving
tourists. When booking, you should consult with the hotel about
transportation. Rental cars are available for those who want to explore
these small islands, but roads are often steep and narrow.
The majority of visitors come by either private or public boat. They can
explore the surroundings by renting a boat for the day or by hiring a
sailboat with crew for a full week. The islands are spectacular and
relaxing by land, but they are a sailors dream.

Around the Islands: Attractions


Tortola and Virgin Gorda
Tortola is the largest of the BVIs and Road Town is its capital, where
most of the population resides. The Virgin Islands Folk Museum has
a large collection of Arawak artifacts. The J. R. ONeal Botanic
Gardens sits on an impressive four acres and features hothouses of
orchids. Although Tortola is still uncommercialized compared with
many Caribbean destinations, modernity and development are creeping
in as islanders and new emigrants from colder climates begin building
larger houses and villas.

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The northern coast of Tortola has white-sand beaches fringed by lush


tropical vegetation. The southern coast is characterized by rugged
mountain peaks, rising to 1,780 feet in Sage Mountain National Park.
On the southern coast, the highway skirts the sea along the entire
length of the island and continues halfway up the northwest coast.
However, most of the tiny bays and coves along the rest of the
northern coast are best explored by boat or winding roads that lead up
and back to the main road, but do not follow the coastline. Beef
Island, connected to the east end of Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth
Bridge, has Tortolas airport. Toward the west end are the ruins of Fort
Recovery, which was built by the Dutch in 1660, and Mount Sage.
Most accommodations are situated on the northern coast of the west
end or near Road Town. Cane Garden Bay, on the northern coast, is
perhaps the busiest beach, whose beauty is often compared to Magens
Bay on St. Thomas. A number of hotels are located there.
At Road Town is the Moorings, one of the most well-known marina
operations in the world. Its owners helped open Tortola for tourism when
they established the marina in the 1960s. A 40-room inn, dive shop, and
complete yacht charter facilities are part of the complex. Nearby Prospect
Reef is the largest oceanfront resort village in the BVIs, with more than
125 rooms. Small inns and villas are scattered along the coast. Tortola also
has a campground, making the island one of the few in the Caribbean that
welcome those who like to sleep under canvas or are on a tight budget.

The southern tip of Virgin Gorda contains perhaps the most


famous natural sight in the British Virgin Islands. The Baths
are composed of giant boulders scattered on the beach and in
the sea. Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions eons
ago, they create grottoes of tranquil pools and caves lit by
sunshine filtering through crevices in the rock ceiling. The
Baths are amazing to explore by wading, swimming, or
snorkeling. Those staying on the island will want to avoid
visiting this very popular location on days when cruise ships
are in. Virgin Gorda Peak in the center of the northern
half of the island is the highest point at 1,359 feet.

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Courtesy of
British Virg
in Islands To
urist Board

Virgin Gorda, a few miles east of Beef Island, is the third largest of the
BVIs, but it ranks in importance with Tortola. It is long and irregularly
shaped, almost pinched into two or three islands at certain points. Its
main settlement, Spanish Town, on the southern third of the island,
is a village so small that it hardly qualifies as a town. It consists mainly
of a marina, some shops, car rental agencies, the ferry slip, and
the houses of the people who work at these facilities. The
airport is nearby.

Snorke
lers at
The Ba
ths

Northern Caribbean: British Virgin Islands

181

Located on the southwestern arm of amorphously shaped Virgin Gorda


is the casually elegant Little Dix Bay. Begun by Laurance Rockefeller in
the 1960s, it is the most famous resort in the BVIs, much like Caneel
Bay Plantation on St. John. The Bitter End Yacht Club and Biras Creek
Hotel (all suites) vie for top honors. Smaller hotels, villas, and inns also
offer accommodations.

Other British Virgin Islands

Did you know?

One of the most famous


dive sites in the
Caribbean contains the
wreck of the RMS (Royal
Mail Steamer) Rhone,
which went down in 1867
just a few dozen feet off
Salt Island, southeast of
Tortola. Titanic
enthusiasts who dive or
snorkel will not want to
miss this. It is one of the
oldest dive-wrecks, as it
was one of the first
ironclads (most older
ships were made of wood
and have since
deteriorated). Only one of
the 126 people on board
was saved from the illfated ship. The wreck
teems with marine life
and coral formations and
can be reached on tours
from Tortola or by private
boat. It was featured in
the movie The Deep.

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Destination Specialist Caribbean

Located about 16 miles north of Virgin Gorda, Anegada is the most


northerly and isolated of the island group and the second largest of the
islands. It has had more shipwrecks off its shores than it has inhabitants
(population 150), a testament to the shallow reef that surrounds it.
That same reef protects the waters around the island and makes them a
haven for snorkelers. It is popular with sailors as well. Anegada also
boasts miles of beach. This is an island that appeals to vacationers who
really want to get away from it all. There is one superior first-class
resort and a campground, but very few accommodations to choose
from in between those extremes.
Jost Van Dyke (the J is pronounced) lies just four miles off
Tortolas west end. It is a quiet island for beachcombing and snorkeling, and is a favorite of sailors, much like Anegada. Yachtsmen enjoy
the beach bars along Great Harbour.
Southeast of Tortola is Peter Island. This private island is home to the
exclusive Peter Island Resort and Yacht Harbour, which occupies its
1,800 acres. At least six other islands have secluded hotels that encompass all or most of their islands: Cooper Island, Guana Island, Little
Thatch, Necker Island, Marina Cay, and Mosquito Island. A few
have moderately priced accommodations (less than $100 a night in
summer); on others you rent the entire resort and island (more than
$12,000 a day).

Whats Special about the


British Virgin Islands?
Sailing, of course, is perhaps the biggest attraction of the BVIs. Few
places in the world are as ideal for exploring by boat, and only one or
two locations in the Caribbean can even compete. Sailing schools can
be found on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The BVIs have one of the
largest charter fleets anywhere in the world, and anything from bareboats to yachts with complete crews can be arranged. Those sleeping
on land can enjoy as many day sails as they like.

The Travel Institute

The BVIs are also for those who love relaxation and solitude, or who
like the ambiance of an earlier era, when the word tourist was little
used but traveler connoted a special bond between the visitor and
the environment.
Secluded placeswhether they be elegant resorts, charming inns, or
bare campsitesare characteristic of the BVIs. Even the most upscale
resorts gratify visitors needs and desires in an understated,
sophisticated manner. This is not to say that the BVIs are totally
undiscovered; after all, they are just a 60-minute ferry ride from St.
Thomas. And cruise ships do call, but only two or three a week.
Serenity is always just around the bend of the next hill or a few steps
farther down the beach.
The sheltered waters, reefs, and islets make for excellent diving,
snorkeling, and water sports of all types. Complete dive courses and
resort courses (see course Introduction) are given at a number of
locations by highly qualified instructors. The dive to the RMS Rhone
is one of the Caribbeans most famous. Most tennis courts are to be
found at the resorts.
The British Virgin Islands are not the first place hikers and campers
think of going, even if theyre considering the Caribbean, but Virgin
Gorda National Park, Sage Mountain National Park, and the campgrounds located on each of the major islands make for an unusual and
ideal hiking trip. Nature lovers may enjoy the flamingos that have been
reintroduced to Flamingo Pond on Anegada and the bird sanctuary on
Great Tobago Island off Jost Van Dyke.

Island Culture
Vestiges of English culture remain, and they have an African and
Caribbean overlay. American lifestyles and preferences, however, are just
as likely to prevail at most resorts, restaurants, and shops. Dress is casual,
but a jacket is preferred for dinner at some of the more elegant resorts
in the winter season. Though dress on the beach and at resorts is
extremely casual, a cover-up is necessary in town to meet island norms.

Celebrations and Special Events


The people of the British Virgin Islands observe holidays based on
English traditionsuch as Boxing Day and the Queens Birthdaybut
their most festive celebration occurs during the last week in July and
the first week in August, when everything stops for the Emancipation
Festival. Dancing and parades with floats take place along the water-

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183

front in Road Town, Tortola. The Spring Regatta, held each April in
Tortola, draws sailors from North America and the rest of the world.

Did you know?

This string of gems,


sparkling in the sea;
these dribs and drabs
and dollops of land that
are a mapmakers
nightmare; croutons
clustered together in a
warm soupthe BVIs
have challenged travel
writers to describe
them over the years.
But it was the original
settlers and pirates
who gave the individual
islands those Treasure
Island names,
regardless of which
one was the model for
the novel. Some of the
islands have names like
old friendsCooper and
Norman and Ginger
and Peterbut theyre
also joined by Mosquito
Island, Cockroach
Island, and The Dogs
(including George Dog,
Great Dog, and West
Dog). And then theres
Fallen Jerusalem and
Broken Jerusalem
spilling off the end of
Virgin Gorda (which
meansFat in Spanish).

Dining and Entertainment


Sailors often make dining reservations by VHF radio channel as they
head into the harbors. International cuisine prevails, with an emphasis
on seafood. There arent too many ethnic restaurants, and fast-food
chains have not yet arrived. Restaurant selection will depend on
location and mode of transport. Those staying near Road Town can
reach a number of choices. Those staying at other locations will
probably dine at their self-contained resorts or at one or two other
resorts nearby. Any other dining choices might be a trek. Lunch is a
good time to try out the beach bar-restaurants along the coast.
In keeping with the tranquillity of these islands, the nightlife is mostly
local. Steel bands and scratch bands, or fungi bands as they are known,
play regularly at the resorts. Casinos, late-night discothques, or floor
shows will not be found. But wherever yachts and sailing craft congregate, there will be lively bars that also entertain landlubbers (though they
sometimes may have to walk awhile along the beach to reach them).

Cruise Call
Although the BVIs are not one of the major cruise stops in the Caribbean, a new dock was built in Road Town, Tortola, to accommodate
two medium-sized ships at a time. The island is seeking to attract smaller upscale ships. A visit to The Baths on Virgin Gorda is high on most
cruisegoers lists, so it may be a good idea to reserve early while on
board ship. Otherwise, Tortola has plenty of pretty hill and sea vistas.

Selling the British Virgin Islands


The BVIs are the hideaway of the unpretentious rich-and-famous. They
may find themselves sharing the island with visitors who are less prosperous but who share the need for privacy and want to leave the
worlds cares behind. Flamboyance is out, understatement is in. Those
who appreciate the sun and sea and a quiet drink with friends before
dining under the stars will feel right at home.
The fact that these islands are not directly accessible and require connections or a ferry ride is a drawback to some. For clients suited to the
BVIs, you can turn this into a plus: because it takes more effort to get
to the BVIs, there are fewer tourists. The various transfers can be quite

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enjoyable: a ferry through the islands or a low-flying island-hopper is


part of the excitement of a trip to the BVIs.

Island Secret
Everyone visiting Virgin Gorda will want to swim through The Baths,
but adventurers also can go spelunking by rowing their dinghy into the
pirate caves on Norman Island, believed to be the inspiration for
Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Island. Nearby are Deadmans Cay
and Dead Chest Island.

Key Points about the


British Virgin Islands
Tortola and Virgin Gorda
The Baths
Anegada and Jost Van Dyke
Private or semiprivate islands and
resorts
Sailing and seclusion

For More
Information
British Virgin Islands Tourist Board
370 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 800-835-8530 or 212-696-0400
Fax: 212-949-8254
E-mail: bvitourb@surfbvi.com
Web site: www.bviwelcome.com

The ca
ves

Courtesy of

British Virg
in Islands To
on Nor
urist Board
man Isla
nd

My Contact Information

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