San Juan to Marigot

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.
• Christiansted, St. Croix
  

  Christiansted is a charming port located on the largest Island of the USVI, Saint Croix. It is the former capital of the Danish West Indies and home of the Christiansted National Historic Trust. Christiansted has preserved the 18th-century Danish-style buildings constructed by the African slaves. Stone buildings in pastel colors with bright red tile roofs line the cobblestone sidewalks, adding a touch of 18th-century European style. As the town was constructed by African slaves, there are many African influences in Christiansted's design as well, making it one of the few "African-Danish" towns on the planet. SeaDream is thrilled to be the first commercial vessel to dock in the newly refurbished marina. Guests have the option to snorkel at Buck Island with the underwater trail system. Others can play a round of golf go horseback riding or take a ride on a SeaDream mountain bike
• 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.
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• Reggae Beach
  

  This very special evening anchorage location is ideal for evening beach party and bonfire festivities. Located on the southern tip of the island near Turtle Beach it is very close to the neighboring island of Nevis and offers peace and tranquility.
• Coconut Grove, Nevis
  

  This destination is another beach party location where we will serve champagne and caviar in the surf. The beach and facility are located amongst a coconut grove on the most beautiful beach in Nevis. The facility’s architecture of this recently built restaurant is truly unique, with its thatched roof of palms and rough timber structure and decorated with a Balinese theme. For guests wanting to explore before or after the “splash” can play golf at the Four Seasons, visit nearby Charlestown or participate in our custom designed land adventures.
• Marigot
  

  Marigot is the main town and capital on the French side of Saint Martin. The city of Marigot is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial houses stand beside cafés and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques, and in many ways, it looks just like any of the French market towns you might expect to find in Europe. At the southern end of town by the harbor is Marina Port la Royale. This area includes elegant stores with the latest in European designer fashion and fine jewelry, all duty and tax-free. The entire city is only four streets wide, so it is very easy to get around. Marigot was named the capital during the reign of King Louis XVI, who built Fort St. Louis on a hill near Marigot Bay. Today, that building is the most important in the city. SeaDream anchors off Marigot and offers several yachting land adventures as well as the possibility to play with the toys at the marina.