San Juan to Charlotte Amalie, 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.
• Samana
  

  Lying on the northern coast of Samana Bay, Samana is one of the Dominican Republic’s lesser traveled exotic gems. Its natural wonders take the shape of coconut palms contouring the sea, tropical rainforests, brilliant, white-sand beaches hugging the coastline, and charming villages. Discover local markets, dine in seaview restaurants, and perhaps spot some humpback whales. Adventurers can explore the island via ATV tour or by ziplining in Samana Bay.
• Isla Saona
  

  Home to some of Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches, Isla Saona is part of the East National Park, or Parque Nacional Del Este. The island was discovered in the 1400s and remains untouched by time. A protected nature reserve by the government of Dominican Republic, Isla Saona has no major developments or structures, resulting in a truly pristine destination. The island is ideal for snorkeling as it is home to remarkable marine diversity and coral reef ecosystems.
• Caja de Muertos
  

  Puerto Rico’s mysterious Caja de Muertos remains a legendary and popular destination. Go on a hiking or snorkeling exploration and enjoy the gorgeous beaches at every corner. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the famous lighthouse or discover the old hidden pirate cave known for its mythical history. For aquatic adventures, spot sea creatures like stingrays, sea turtles, and distinct corals.
• 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.
• 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.
• White Bay, Jost van Dyke
  

  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!
• 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.