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.

In the heart of Cabo Rojo, you’ll find an intimate and exclusive village known as Boquerón. Famous for having Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches, Boquerón prides itself on soft sands, sparkling clear waters, and an invigorating culture. Spot native birds amid tree canopies, step into rustic restaurants, and lounge under swaying palm trees while taking in the sun-kissed moment.

Located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, Salinas is defined by its rich fishing culture, breathtaking bay, and beautiful beaches. Piedras del Callado, a geological formation known to locals as Las Tetas de Cayey, is a designated nature reserve, perfect for hiking. Because Puerto Rico is an archipelago, it is surrounded by dozens of islets and cays, including Cayo Matías, a small mangrove island accessible by boat. Salinas is also home to the Olympic training center Albergue Olímpico, the Puerto Rican Museum of Sports, and a botanical garden. Known as the land of mojo isleño, its signature savory sauce used to marinate fish, Salinas is a gastronomic gem that’s bursting with bistros offering up fresh seafood dishes and traditional Puerto Rican fare. The Central Aguirre Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002. Today, over 400 cultural landmarks survive in various states of repair in Central Aguirre, including a sugar mill, plazas, wooden houses, and churches.

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.

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.

Norman Island is located at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. It could very well be the very same island reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate novel Treasure Island. It is said that the island was named after a pirate who purchased it at some point during the early 18th century. The island is uninhabited and privately owned by Dr Henry Jarecki. Its area is about 600 acres (2.4 km²), and it is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. A large harbor is known as "The Bight" offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area. Guests will enjoy some great hiking opportunities as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. Another attractive option may be to check out the Willie T that is generally anchored in the harbor or simply have a beverage at the Pirates Bight Bar.

Despite being a small island, Great Harbor has quite the personality. Aside from overly delicious bars and restaurants you can spot on a short walk, you’ll also be greeted by aromatic smells of multiple bakeries around the island. For aquatic getaways, make sure to go on a diving or snorkeling exploration in the stunning sun-kissed waters of Great Harbor.

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!

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.