San Juan to Palm Beach

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.

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.

If we were to describe Turks and Caicos in just a few words, we would say exquisite beaches, and sun-kissed waters. For almost every activity there’s a dedicated beach for you to beach flop, kayak, or simply watch windsurfers. Spot stingrays, enjoy snorkeling and diving options, and bask in the scenic milieu of Turks and Caicos.

Providenciales is home to the world’s most magnificent shorelines and independent snorkeling. Visit the Island Fish Fry for great local dining, spend the day lounging across the turquoise waters, and take a dive in one of the most diverse underwater cosmos in Bohio Dive Resort. Indulge in every minute of this paradise.

Colorful coral reefs and serene beaches make Long Island a haven for snorkeling, diving, and bone fishing. Relax under the shade of pine trees at Gordon’s Beach, the southernmost white-sand beach on the island. Explore Long Island from the perspective two of its most impressive natural wonders, the Hamilton Caves, dripping with stalactites, and Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s second-deepest saltwater blue hole, surrounded by limestone bluffs. The island is also home to St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, a now-abandoned stone church constructed by the Spanish in the 1600s and reputed to be the oldest in the Bahamas.

Nestled in the southeast Turks and Caicos sits the 2-mile-long island of Salt Cay. With its stretch of white sands fringed by coconut palm trees and a lush rain forest, Blue Lagoon Island—or Salt Cay—offers an idyllic escape. With very few permanent residents and no paved roads, Salt Cay is the quintessential island that has been lost to time. Donkeys, the ancestors of which used to pull carts during the nineteenth century when the island was a main sea-salt producer, now roam freely all over the island. Bygones of the salt salinas, windmills, and old colonial architecture remains around Balfour Town and Dean’s Dock, including Harriott White House. With its rich history packed into a such a small space, the island has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The combination of urban centers and cultural treasures make Palm Beach the perfect getaway. Enter the heart of Africa by visiting the Panther Ridge Conservation Center or get up close and personal with manatees at the Manatee Lagoon. If you’re more into urban sightseeing, visit CityPlace for the top-rated dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.