Spanish & British 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.

Two-thirds of St. John Island has been dedicated as a national park and is the most virgin of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is blessed with many beautiful beaches and bays, fine anchorages and verdant hills. Enjoy the day with snorkeling trip to Trunk Bay with its underwater guided trail, or join our kayaking land adventure. Ask your Club Director for a guided hike to Caneel Bay stopping at beautiful Honeymoon Beach for a quiet swim. Rental Cars are available should you want to explore on your own or you could borrow a SeaDream Mountain Bike for independent exploration. From Cruz Bay, we offer several Yachting Land Adventures specially created for SeaDream guests, including an exclusive experience at the Lovango Resort & Beach Club, tucked away on a private island just off St. John.

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.

The smallest island in the world is shared by two countries, the Netherlands (Sint Maarten) and France (St. Martin), giving each side of the island a distinctive culture and flair. Simpson Bay straddles the best of both worlds, delivering white-sand beaches, beautiful lagoons dotted with impressive yachts, and vibrant dining spots that take in the energy of the island.

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.

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.

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!

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 capital and largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has two ports of call for cruise vessels, Havensight and Crown Bay. SeaDream yachts are almost always docked at Crown Bay which is very close to the airport. In the event the yachts call to the island as a port of call rather than an embarkation point, you will find the yacht anchored in the bay and tendering downtown. The island has tons of history, beautiful beaches, a fantastic golf course and incredible shopping options.