San Juan, Puerto Rico - St. Thomas

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.
• Culebra Island
  

  Culebra Island is an island-municipality located 17 miles east of the mainland of Puerto Rico. It is an archipelago comprised of 23 smaller islands alongside the main island of Culebra. Isla Culebra translates to “Snake Island,” and it is the least populated municipality in Puerto Rico. Most of its revenue is generated from tourism and construction, but historically, it was known for a wide variety of agricultural exports such as wood, tobacco, livestock, cotton, mangrove bark, garlic, yams, and more. Culebra is also nicknamed Isla Chiquita, meaning “Little Island,” and the Ultima Virgen, meaning “Last Virgin,” for its placement along the Virgin Islands. Culebra Island has one of the consistently top-ranked beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach, ranked #13 for 2017 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards and 2nd by Discovery Channel. Archaeological evidence suggests the Taino and Arawak people were the original inhabitants of the Island. Varied sources claim that Christopher Columbus was the first from Europe to come to Isla Culebra, presumably during his second voyage in 1493. The Carib Indians who lived on the island then joined forces with the Taino Indians to rebel against the colonization of the island. For centuries, the island was abandoned, and pirates sought refuge on the island - which in the 18th century was named Isla Pasaje. This lasted until the Vieques government under the Spanish crown appointed a black Englishman named Stevens as the governor to protect the island’s fishing industry. Don Cayetano Escudero then began colonization in 1880, and the first settlement was named after the Bishop of Toledo, San Ildefonso de la Culebra, which is now occupied by the Department of Natural Resources. Culebra began to flourish and once the Spanish-American War ended in 1898, the United States had gained control over Puerto Rico as per the Paris Treaty under Article 1. From 1901 to 1975, The US Military used San Ildefonso as a firing and bombing range. Points of interest on the island include the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, and many beaches which include Flamenco Beach, Tamarindo Beach and Tortuga Beach. Culebra is popular as a scuba diving destination, and hiking is encouraged on the smaller islands that are all considered nature reserves. Camping is allowed on Playa Flamenco, however not on the reserves. Culebra has several lagoons, Corcho, Flamenco, and Zoni, and on Culebrita Island there is Molino. Unplug from the world and enjoy the Calypso vibe, sea turtles, and intimate nature of the hotel and store chain-free island.
• 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.
• 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.
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• Peter Island
  

  Peter Island is the largest private island in the BVI and is only accessible by boat. The beaches face the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea where SeaDream occasionally offers an unforgettable day with signature Champagne and Caviar Splash™.
• North Sound, Virgin Gorda
  

  Nearly every publication written about Virgin Gorda lists “The Baths” –as a must see! SeaDream generally arrives early and anchor’s 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 dolphins. After our short “technical stop” to dispatch land adventures and clearance with the officials, SeaDream navigates scenically up the coast and arrives at North Sound to anchor just off the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here we offer water sports, land adventures, hiking options with the officers and tenders to the Bitter End!
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
  

  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.