Spanish Caribbean Delight

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.

An 11-square-mile island off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra is also home to the small adjacent uninhabited islands of Culebrita and Cayo Norte to the east and Luis Peña to the west. Culebra’s breathtaking beautiful Flamenco Beach regularly appears on lists of the “World’s Best Beaches.” Following your day exploring Culebra, that evening we invite you to Vieques Island, where you can kayak in bioluminescent waters filled with glittering sea organisms.

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.

This British Overseas Territory is becoming more popular due to the incredible resort options as well as world recognized beaches and amazing golf. SeaDream offers an opportunity to tee off, snorkel, or, for the energetic, bike around the island with the Club Director. Naturally, we will also offer water sports while we are anchored off Sandy Ground.

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.

Nevis is one of our favorite islands, and we encourage you to explore Nevis beyond the small town to make the most of your visit! We offer several excellent and varied options for you to do so and still leave you with plenty of time on your own for the beach. Less commercial and laidback than its large neighbor St. Kitts, Nevis, at first glimpse, offers a stunning approach with dramatic views of the potentially active volcanic Nevis Peak (3,232 feet/985 meters). Your SeaDream tender will bring you within a few steps of the small town center. Charlestown does not offer too many sightseeing or shopping opportunities though the house where American statesman Alexander Hamilton was born is only a short walk away along the waterfront (now the Museum of Nevis History). To enjoy Nevis to its full potential, we recommend that you divide your day into Morning, Lunch/Afternoon and Evening activities. Morning - Start your day by exploring the island, above or under water, on one of our fun optional Land Adventures. They are all enjoyable & exciting, and you will also support the local community. The Four Seasons Resort still offers incredible golf options as well as beautiful beach and dining facilities. Another option for lunch is the L'Escale French Caribbean-style bistro, just down the road near the Oualie Pier. Evening - For a romantic sunset with cocktails and a snack or dinner, we like to take the short drive to see Gillian, the owner of the charming Bananas Restaurant, which offers lovely views surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Of course, there is also Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill, home of the famous "Killer Bee" Caribbean rum drink. We hope that the above recommendations allow you to plan your special day on Nevis. Now, all you have to do is to decide which of the optional morning activities to join.

Nearly every publication written about Virgin Gorda will emphasize the need to visit “The Baths” – don’t miss it! SeaDream generally arrives early and anchors off Spanish Town to give guests an early start to view The Baths before all of the tourists arrive from the neighboring Islands. You may also consider excellent scuba diving options or an opportunity to swim with the dolphins. SeaDream navigates scenically up the coast and arrives in North Sound to anchor just off the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here we offer watersports, land adventures, hiking options with the crew and tenders to the Bitter End! Depending on the voyage, you may also visit Prickly Pear Island for another signature Champagne & Caviar Splash® option with an incredible setting.

Enjoy the welcoming Caribbean breeze and the famous Baths located nearby. Other attractions include the Coppermine Ruins and Gorda Peak National Park. Of course, snorkeling is popular as are the sandy white beaches.

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!

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.