San Juan - San Juan

Ports

• San Juan
  

  San Juan, founded in the 1520’s by Spanish settlers, is both the largest city and the capital city of Puerto Rico. A territory of the Unites States, Puerto Rico is comprised of the large main island as well as five smaller islands, including the popular islands of Vieques and Culebra (both ports of call on select SeaDream voyages). SeaDream docks in Old San Juan, the oldest part of the city. Parts of this historic port city are still surrounded by stone walls dating back to the 1500’s. Narrow cobblestone streets, small shops, and points of interest like Cathedral of San Juan Bautista make this charming city a great place to stroll. Guests sailing into or departing from San Juan will enjoy views of Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a mid- 1700’s Spanish fortress. San Juan Luiz Munoz Marin Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive to the port in Old San Juan. Currency in Puerto Rico is USD.
• Culebrita Island
  

  This tiny island is a NATURE LOVERS PARADISE and part of a wildlife refuge, located just about one mile east of the island of Culebra. Because of its special status, the only permanent structure you'll find on the island is the abandoned lighthouse high on the hill; for the energetic, the trail hike up there is well worth the views over the surrounding area (it is prohibited to enter the lighthouse!). The island's beaches are also nesting grounds for sea turtles, so please avoid any nesting areas " marked or unmarked; but do keep your eyes open, you just might spot one of them in the water. When coming ashore, wear your swimsuit, bring a towel, water and plenty of sun protection; then enjoy your day on this beautiful unspoiled and natural island, walk along the trails & beaches, snorkel amongst the reefs or swim in the clear blue waters. The local trees along the beach provide some shade, but there are no restrooms or changing facilities on the island. Kindly also leave the island unspoiled and free of litter.
• Esperanza, Vieques Island
  

  Esperanza is a charming “barrio” located on the south side of the island-municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico. It is known for El Malecon, which means “The Strip,” the fishing tradition, the fight against the US Navy, and Esperanza Beach, one of the only locations in Isla de Vieques with restaurants and restrooms close by. Children enjoy jumping off the pier at the beach, and for those who enjoy good food and local entertainment without the hustle and bustle of a busy nightlife, El Malecon in Esperanza is the place to be. The island’s name, Vieques, is said to mean “small island” in Taino, and its nickname is Isla Nena, meaning “Little Girl Island”. Puerto Rico’s little sister island - Vieques measures 55 square feet with under 10,000 inhabitants. Along with Culebra and other various small islands, the archipelago makes up the Spanish Virgin Islands, or “Passage Islands.” Vieques was also referred to as “Crab Island” by the British. English and Spanish are both recognized as official languages of the area. As with the other Puerto Rican islands, pre-Columbian history is limited in clarity. Archaeologists believe Vieques was home to Native Americans who migrated from the American continent between 3000 and 2000 BCE. A fragmented human skeleton named “El Hombre de Puerto Ferro” was discovered northwest of the popular Bioluminescent Bay, estimated to be from 1900 BCE. Best known as the people in later centuries of Puerto Rico, the Taino culture was comprised of groups from Venezuela, Cuba, and Hispaniola, who migrated in waves up to 1000 AD. The Taino flourished until Europeans discovered Vieques in the 15th century - often credited to Christopher Columbus. Vieques became the center of the Taino rebellion against Spain, which ultimately ended in the Taino downfall. Despite this, Spain did not colonize for many centuries and Vieques, along with Culebra, became a sanctuary for pirates and outlaws. The French, Danish, Scottish, and English all attempted to secure Vieques but failed - Spain permanently settled by 1811. When the Spanish-American War concluded in 1898, Spain turned the Puerto Rican islands over to the United States, which by the 1940’s (post-WWII) served as a firing range for the Navy. Up until 2003, a multitude of protests continued for decades, pressuring the United Stated Navy enough to withdraw from the islands. Vieques is now a National Wildlife Refuge and growing tourist destination. Because of the lack of human interference, most of the areas previously closed off to civilians by the Navy feature over 40 gorgeous beaches, and many natural ecotourism locations for exploration. Blue Beach features an excellent place for snorkeling, Bioluminescent Bay has quickly become a popular spot for its notorious glowing dinoflagellates, and the island is also known for free-roaming 'feral paso fino 'horses.
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• Saba
  

  This Caribbean paradise is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Due to this fact, Saba is actually the location of the tallest, or highest point/elevation of the Netherlands, even though it is a few thousand miles away from its European homeland. With an estimated local population of just over 2,000 people, Saba is now primarily supported by tourism, and is known for a concentration on “eco-tourism”. This includes diving, hiking, and climbing its mountainous terrain. The island is so small that there is only 1 main road, and its airport is well-known for having one of the shortest commercial runways in the world. The island’s intimate size, picturesque Red rooftops and lush vegetation make it a perfect port to call on during your special Caribbean yachting vacation.
• Gustavia
  

  Perhaps our most treasured destination in the Caribbean! This small island belonging to the French West Indies has so much to offer our SeaDream guests. Incredible shopping only steps away from the pier. Incredible beaches, resorts, restaurants and activities both day and night. SeaDream has created various land adventures for you to discover the island from sea or land. Ask one of the officers to take you on a hike or bike ride around the island. Another great activity here is to simply relax and watch all of the incredible yachts arriving and departing just off your SeaDream yacht.
• Soper's Hole, Tortola
  

  This marina on Tortola's West End retained its quaint charm while being a center of activity and voted the best marina in the BVIs. Soper's Hole imparts a great sense of place and physical intimacy and is considered one of the most picturesque marinas in the Caribbean. SeaDream is offering several land adventures including, snorkeling, scuba diving, land rover safari and swimming with the dolphins. For guests wanting some extra activity, ask the Captain or Club Director to set up a bike ride to Road Town along the coastal road. For guests wanting to simply shop or explore the marina, we suggest checking out Pusser’s Landing along with the cute boutiques.
• Norman Island
  

  Norman Island is located at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. It could very well be the very same island reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate novel Treasure Island. It is said that the island was named after a pirate who purchased it at some point during the early 18th century. The island is uninhabited and privately owned by Dr Henry Jarecki. Its area is about 600 acres (2.4 km²), and it is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. A large harbor is known as "The Bight" offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area. Guests will enjoy some great hiking opportunities as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. Another attractive option may be to check out the Willie T that is generally anchored in the harbor or simply have a beverage at the Pirates Bight Bar.
• White Bay, Jost van Dyke
  

  The BVI’s barefoot island and home of the "Painkiller" drink. Population depends on the month – typically 250-300. This is another SeaDream destination where you may be served Champagne & Caviar Splash® followed by a beach barbecue lunch. A hike is always offered to guests to visit the famous Foxy’s Bar at Great Harbour (hopefully, the boutique is open) or you can stroll a few meters down the beach to the Soggy Dollar Bar. Snorkeling equipment is provided as well as some of our water toys!