Spanish & British Caribbean Delight

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.
• Culebra
  

  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, 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.
• Prickly Pear
  

  A stunning island situated in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda and got its name because of the large flowering cactus all over the island. The island was declared a National Park in 1988 meaning the 180 acres will have no further development, just an island filled with natural beauty. Breathtaking hiking trails start from the main beach Vixen Point, winds around the island filled with salt ponds heading to the north shore which has two other amazing secluded beaches.
• Sandy Ground
  

  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.
• 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.
• Sint Eustatius
  

  Unveil the Caribbean’s hidden treasure, a small island discovered in the 1700s named Sint Eustatius. Originally a trading hub for sugar and cotton, the island has now become a must-see landscape. This castaway-like frontier hosts a range of natural jewels including dazzling reefs, brimming marine life, and historical wrecks of the island’s capital, Oranjestad, which is now mostly submerged.
• Falmouth Bay
  

  Falmouth Bay is a short walk from Nelson's Dockyard and the English Harbour. Historic buildings and mills surround it. This harbor and the quiet village has plenty of shops, restaurants and the yacht club. Historic sites, tasty cuisine and a lively cultural scene can all be found on Antigua. But most often it's the beauty and versatility of the island's 365 beaches that draw travelers from afar. Land Adventure possibilities include a helicopter ride over Montserrat, a jeep and snorkel safari and a St. John’s City and shopping exploration.
• Philipsburg
  

  Philipsburg is the main town on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The town is situated on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Philipsburg was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy. The settlement soon became a center for international trade. The main shopping district is located on Front Street and is in the heart of the city. Many consider Philipsburg to be the best shopping opportunity in the Caribbean. Depending on the traffic, SeaDream has the option to anchor or dock alongside. One of the highlight activities may be to participate in the America’s Cup 12 Metre Regatta.