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Travel – Mayaguana – an unspoilt island in the Bahamas

Traveller — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:41:25 +0000

Mayaguana is an unspoilt island of Bahamas, located on the easterly side of the Bahamas; it is a district of Bahamas. The place retains its Lucayan name. The population of Mayaguana is approximately about 312 with the area being approximately 110 square miles (280 km2). This island is halfway between South Florida and Puerto Rico and is about 450 nautical miles off Palm Beach, Florida. It is 60 miles (9 7 km) to the north of Inagua and 350 miles (560 km) to the south of the capital of Nassau. This island was first inhabited by Lucayans and later by Spanish. This island was uninhabited until 1812. Later people migrated from the Turks and Caicos Islands (located 60 miles (97 km) to the southeast). The uninhabited areas of Mayaguan are the Upper Point (north shore), Northeast Point, and Southeast Point and these are largely inaccessible by road. English is the official language of the place.
People living here make their living by fishing and farming majorly. Because of its fertile land and woody terrain, farming is major for its economy. The Fauna of Mayaguana includes the Bahamian Hutia, a rodent thought to be extinct, American Flamingoes, Bartsch’s Iguanas, plovers, terns, and Osprey, Nesting sea turtles and Brown Booby colonies.
The main islands included are Abraham’s Bay, Pirates Well and Betsy Bay. This island is undeveloped. Abraham Bay is a good harbor and Betsy bay is lost and secluded and there are sun-worn cottages here with hummingbirds and wild corn spread. Pirate’s Well is another place which was once occupied by buccaneers. Mayaguana passage is viewed at its best from Pirates Well and Betsy Bay.
Fishing is the best activity of the island and winters are ideal here. This island is also known as the great outback and Wild West of the Bahamas. The environment around is rugged and salty. Sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and walking are other main activities along with viewing and enjoying. One can watch for Flamingos, Iguanas and Pristine reef system which have tropical fish and larger, pelagic species lingering in deep water. One can see thousands of conch littering shallow portions of the bays.

Attractions:
• Abraham’s Bay: One can explore the reef that protects the bay. Swimming with the reef fish and around the coral heads that are huge is a great attraction. Diving gives great views of the deep water and reef system.
• Betsy bay: This bay is secluded, with sun-worn cottages here with hummingbirds and wild corn spread.
• Pirate’s well is another place which was once occupied by buccaneers.
• Mayaguana Passage: This is a beautiful, multi-hued waterway between Mayaguana and Acklins. One can view it best from Betsy Bay and Pirate’s Well.
• Curtis Creek: Swimming or paddling a canoe through the creek is enjoyable. One can watch for baby barracuda, bone fish, sharks, sea turtles, rays, trumpet fish, etc living in the tidal zone through the mangroves. The biodiversity is worth it.
• North Beaches: These North Beaches has the typical Bahamian beach atmosphere. These are white sand beaches over crystal clear water and the reef break.
• Bone Fishing – This Island is a spot for excellent bone fishing.

Major events of Mayaguana:
• There are weekly parties every Saturday afternoon at the airport. There are many varieties of local food, you can listen to a little reggae, and play some dominoes.
• Bahamas International Film Festival: 1 – 5 Dec (annual): An event where 80 international films are screened at the Atlantis theatre and other venues.
• Powerboat Adventures (Daily) – Nassau: This is an aquatic activity; a Powerboat, state-of-the-art 1000-horsepower capacity which takes off to view the Exuma Cays.
• National Art Gallery of the Bahamas Daily; (not Mon or Sun) at National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, Nassau: This holds Contemporary Bahamian art and landscapes, sculptures and textiles and ceramics.
• Pirates of Nassau: Daily at Pirates of Nassau, Nassau: This is like going back to the Golden Age of Piracy (1690-1720) which is actually about the pirate ship Revenge.

Best time to visit / climate:
In summer and early autumn, temperatures can soar beyond 100°F (38°C). Winters are not cold and hence the best time to visit the place. Sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and walking are other main activities along with viewing and enjoying.

Location on Google Maps:

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Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mayaguana,+Bahamas&sll=23.61926,-75.969546&sspn=2.249585,3.521118&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mayaguana,+Pirates+Well+Settlement,+Mayaguana,+The+Bahamas&ll=22.400872,-73.064575&spn=2.269992,3.521118&z=8

How to get there:

• By Plane: Bahamas Air flies to the island from Nassau which operates three times per week that is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• By Boat: Charter a ride or take the mail boat to travel by boat.
• Get around: Many hiking, diving, and fishing destinations are too spread out reaching on foot. Car rentals are an informal affair as the locals simply rent out their private vehicles.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Mayaguana#Sleep
• http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mayaguanaisland/H49817.html
• Tripadvisor
• http://iguide.travel/Mayaguana
• http://www.planetware.com/bahamas/mayaguana-island-bah-ma-ma.htm

Blogs / Sites about Mayaguana
• http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-city/Bahamas/Mayaguana/tpod.html
• mhaze.net
• http://homes.point2.com/BS/Mayaguana-Real-Estate.aspx

Images and photos of Mayaguana

• Google Search
• http://iguide.travel/Mayaguana/Activities
• http://www.bahamas4u.com/mayaguanaphotos.html
• igougo.com

Videos about Mayaguana (Bahamas) on Youtube:

Our trip with Brass Anchor Scuba on the Nekton Rorqual liveaboard to Mayaguana, Bahamas

BAHAMAS FILM CHALLENGE: 3rd Place – Mayaguana: Mark Drake ‘Blue Movie’

Shark! SCUBA Dive Mayaguana Island, Bahamas

The Best of Mayaguana with SingleDivers

Annals of Mayaguana, Part I

Annals of Mayaguana, Part II

Annals of Mayaguana Part IV

Travel – New Providence – A Caribbean island

Traveller — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:54:33 +0000

New Providence Island is dominated by the capital Nassau and is a Caribbean island, being the most populated island in Bahamas. Its best attractions are the small vessel harbors in the Caribbean.
The Spanish were the first to deport slaves to this place, and as a result, a small English colony was formed. This island was a nest for pirates as it was close to New Providence harbor and they attacked ships returning to Spain laden with wealth, gold and silver. Now, the Americans have taken over with tourism and two-third of the Bahamas population is housed here.
The cities of New Providence include Nassau, which is the capital, and is on the eastern side of the island. New Providence is 21 miles in length and 7 miles in width. Paradise Island is located to its north and both are linked by two bridges.

Bahamas Attractions

• Power boat Adventures: This is in the capital Nassau. One can enjoy stingray and shark encounters, with the iguanas and have a good lunch. It is scary for some of the tourists as the wave might cause the boat to shake around.
• Bacardi Distillery: This distillery was established in 1962. This is a production house for rum that is sold on the island. One can take a tour and taste sample cocktails and buy them at the store. Its gift shop is still in running mode but the distillery was closed in 2008.
• Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters: This is an exciting tour and cruising through Nassau Harbor on large, high-speed catamarans to the beautiful private island, giving a just perfect trip. Dolphin Encounters also offers a close encounter with California sea lions along with Dolphin swim.
• Daq shack: This is a local flavor to Cable Beach. It is situated direct from the Wyndham and Sheraton. The local straw market, food and cigar vendors are part of the shack. One can enjoy Caribbean music and have fun.
• Arawak cay: This is a cay which is known for its Fish fry. The local flavor of fish can be tasted here. Other Bahamian cuisines are also available.
• Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas: This is a notch, swimming with sharks and diving expeditions are available.
• Nassau: This is the capital of the Bahamas and is on New Providence Island. This is a colonial Caribbean city which has modern American culture. It is a combination of old and new in its facilities with an old-world charm. Many of the town’s buildings are dated back to 18th century.
• Junkanoo: This is known to be the biggest event in the Bahamian calendar. This is a street carnival which is held on December 26 which is also known as the Boxing Day. On New Year’s Day Junkanoo groups rush all through the town. Nassau town is the centre of this festival. Junakanoo music is played which has African rhythms and medley on cacophony. Every year the costumes are made from the scratch.
• Dolphin Encounters: Dolphin encounters are where one gets to swim with dolphins. One can also watch from the side. This is located on Salt cay.
• Bahamas Historical Museum: This museum is housed in Nassau and exhibits the pre Columbian times to present times, around 50 years of the history of Bahamas. It has interesting historical artifacts.
• Pirate Museum: This is a tour which takes us to a journey to the heart of downtown Nassau and back to 1716. There is a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” which can be boarded and seen from the inside.
• Aqua venture at Atlantis Paradise Island: The Atlantis resort that is located on Pirate island houses the largest water park of the world and is spread on a 97-acre Park. There are many waterslides and river rides with special effects that are great fun.
• Bimini Islands: These islands are a group in the Bahamas with an underwater cave system. It is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and has an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island of North Bimini, is seven miles long (11km).
• Paradise Island: This Island is connected to the New Providence Island by two bridges. This island has a variety of beaches and hotels and resorts. Cable beach is the popular one.
• Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island: This Island has white beaches and aquamarine seas and is fifty miles, that is, 80 km, east of Miami. Free port is an inland which is preferred by visitors for stay or they choose Lucaya which is a seaside suburb.
• Andros Island: This is the largest island in Bahamas. This island is ideal for scuba divers and fisherman. This island is not that developed but tourist enjoy on the island.
• Exumas Islands: The Exumas comprises of a myriad set of islands and cays. They are spread over hundreds of miles. There are two parts of the islands, the largest is the Great Exuma and the little is the Little Exuma.
• Long Island: This Island hosts one of the main events of Bahamas, a yachting race called Long Island Regatta. It is held in the town of Salt Pond every may. People from all over the world come here to watch it. It is one of the unspoilt islands of the Bahamas.
• Eleuthera Island: This Island has no hotels nor cruise ships and hence not very crowded. It is spread almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Harbor Island is considered to be its satellite island.
• Hartley’s Undersea Walk: One can take a walk along the oceanic floor here. Diving is popular and is easy with the use of undersea botanical helmet which is useful for a normal breathing experience and dry hair.
• Pine tree Stables: Here people are taken on a two hour Bahamian horse back ride. This ride starts from Freeport and through the Pine Tree forest, through a castle and then to the dunes and along the beach.

Best time to visit / climate:

This island has a tropical marine climate and the waters of Gulf Stream are warm. The place is attacked by hurricanes and tropical storms and floods. The hurricane season lasts (officially) from June to November. The hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period from mid-December to mid-April and are the peak period for touring. Late summer or summer is the best time to visit the place.

Location on Google Maps:

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http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=New+Providence,+Nassau,+Bahamas&sll=25.06,-77.345&sspn=0.264352,0.44014&gl=uk&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Nassau,+The+Bahamas&ll=25.060099,-77.345123&spn=0.279903,0.44014&z=11

How to get there:
Visitors from US, Canada, EU and Japan do not need an advance visa for stays of up to three months.
By plane: the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and Freeport, on Grand Bahamas are the largest airports of Bahamas. There are smaller airports in other places.
By boat: The capital, Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports, and is served by ships that originate from Florida, Freeport on Grand Bahamas Island.
Getting around: One can go by Bahamasair from Nassau or take bus services from Nassau/New Providence or take a taxi or rent a car to go around the place. Mail boats are served in almost all islands in Bahamas and are the cheapest mode of transport.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Tripadvisor (hotel, restaurant)
• Wheretostay
• Caribbean.com
• Bahamas-travel.info

Blogs / Sites about New Providence:

• Travelpod.com
• http://www.newprovidenceblog.com/
• nj.com
• Travelbuddy.com

Images and photos of New Providence:

• Google Search
• Trekearth.com
• Tripadvisor.com
• pbase.com

Videos on youtube:

Destiny’s Day of Paradise and New Providence

Nassau – Bahamas New Providence Island – by Esther Borbas

Snorkeling Southwest Reef, New Providence, Bahamas

Travel – Isla Palenque Chiriquí, an island in the Gulf of Chiriquí in Panama

Traveller — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:53:12 +0000

Isla Palenque is an island located in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is island is given this name due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times. The island is situated off the western Pacific shore and near the Costa Rica border. To its north is Boca Brava and is linked to it by a narrow bridge. This island is about 400 acres (1.6 km2), with approx. 5 miles (8.0 km) of coastline and over 1-mile (1.6 km) of beaches. The island is mostly full of ecosystems of tropical forest that have mangroves, lagoons, and littoral forest and is home for many species of plants, flowers, animals and birds.
Families of Howler monkeys, Northern Tamandua Anteater, the Nine-banded Armadillo, White-nosed Coati, Crab-eating Raccoon, Agouti, Woolly Opossum, and the Mexican Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, kinds of rabbits, squirrels and mice all exist here. Among the large reptiles are the Emerald Basilisk, Black ctenosaur, Green Iguana, and Spectacled Caiman along with multiple species of frogs, salamander, lizards and snakes. Among the birds are Toucans, Parrots, Woodpeckers, Frigate birds, Hawks, and Owls along with multiple varieties of Hummingbirds.
This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Attractions of Islas Palenques, Chiriquí, Panama
Wildlife:
• Whale watching: One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year as these are migratory whales. This archipelago displays their acrobatic behavior with leviathans of deep travel of miles on icy waters and winter feeding at the poles.
• Bird Watching: The Frigate bird colony on Coco Island at Islas Secas Resort is worth watching and a beautiful experience as one can watch many species of birds on the archipelago.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a location for political prisoners and a penal colony for criminals in Panama. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui and is an island. The word Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. This island is full of fish life; divers can see many varieties of fish species like King Angelfish, Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Wrasse, Gobies, Blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can view species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse species are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities that tourists do are scuba diving (with a visibility of 30-80 meters) and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Islas Secas is located in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is an island. This island, Islas Secas, is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The visibility is good in dry months and right for sport fishing as the fish flock from corals and rock to form schools. One can also see White-tip sharks, rays and turtles along with moray eels, lobster and nudi branchs and Humpback whales. One can watch the humpback whales only once in a particular time of the year.
• Diving: The Secas Archipelago with its neighboring island groups like Ladrones, Paredas and the Coiba National Park and the park being an UNESCO World Heritage site gives us the best adventure diving in the world. This island is governed by five oceanic currents and is rich in eco-regions. The Tropical Eastern Pacific, the islands of the Gulf of ChiriquÌ and the marine biodiverse life and habitat is unique here and is not there in other islands like the Galapagos and Coco Islands, Costa Rica. One can watch about 800 species of fish which include about thirty-three species of shark including the Reef White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Bull, Tiger, and the bizarre Guitar shark.
• Kayaking – Sailing – Surfing: There are hidden coves, reefs, beaches along with mangrove forests which is a biggest attraction of this island. One can go through an all Kayaking safari. There is a blow hole which is also known as Buffona which is a natural phenomenon on Isla Cavada. One can do the best surfing from April through October.
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was found in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadows with forests and white sand with temperate air and weather. This has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.

Best time to visit / climate:
Isla Palenque’s temperatures are consistent year round but the dry season is from December through April and the rainy season is from May through November. So the best time for visiting this island is December through April.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
From David’s Enrique Malek International Airport, the island of Isla Palenque can be accessed by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica which is just about 5 miles from Isla Palenque over water. This takes about one hour or less and from port of Pedregal it is a 50 minute scenic ride.
To get around electric GEM bikes and cars are available for the resort residents.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://iguide.travel/Isla_Palenque
• Tripadvisor (link1, link2)
• http://www.boutiquehotelcalamia.com/hotelcalamiapanama.html

Blogs / Sites about Islas Palenque Chiriquí, Panama:

• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/
• http://adamspictureblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/isla-palenque.html
• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/2010/03/furniture-finds-in-panama/

Images and photos of Islas Palenque Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Search
• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/2009/12/scale/
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Palenque.aspx
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isla-Palenque/103250256395958?sk=wall

Videos of the island “Isla Palenque Chiriquí” from Youtube:

Isla Palenque by Chopper

Isla Palenque Shoreline

Whales and Dolphins off the Coast of Isla Palenque

Travel – Hamilton (Bermuda) – the administrative centre of Bermuda

Traveller — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:05:39 +0000

Hamilton is in Pembroke Parish and is the administrative centre of Bermuda. It is known to be the largest city and the present capital of Bermuda after St. George. This city has a large number of museums, some fine buildings and some great architecture, along with a fine Anglican cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. There are many forts, fortifications and bits of Royal Naval heritage and a modern blend of cinemas, along with a variety of shops, bars, hotels and restaurants. Apart from these this city has markets, gardens, stalls, beaches, squares and plazas with wide streets, boulevards and walkways.

The main attractions in Hamilton are:
- Anglican Cathedral of The Most Holy Trinity
- Barr’s Bay Park
- Bermuda Farmers market
- Bermuda Historical Society Museum
- Bermuda National Gallery
- Bermuda National Library
- Bermudiana Arcade
- Cabinet Building and Cenotaph
- Canon’s Court
- Cathedral of St. Theresa
- City Hall
- Law courts
- Par-la-Ville Park
- Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
- Sessions House
- Victoria Park
- Washington Mall

Few of the popular attractions are:
• Bermuda Forts: There are large forts and smaller batteries on the island. They were built from 1612 to 1957. Almost 100 fortifications are built on this island. The larger ones are restored while some are on displays. Some can only be reached by boat.
• Fort Hamilton: This is a Victorian fort and has a view of Hamilton Harbor. The fortification dates back to mid-19th century. It was the times of rift between Britain and the USA. The ramparts are mounted with 18-ton artillery pieces (to date unused) capable of firing 400-pound (181kg) cannonballs through iron-hulled vessels. There is a small beach nearby known as Clarence Cove. There is a house known to be the residence of Royal Navy’s regional commander and the house is dated from the early 19th century.
• Harrington Sound: This is a big inland sea that is five miles (8km) northeast of Hamilton. The sound is associated to the changing tides and water rush below the bridge connecting. One side is Flatts village on north side and the other side is south side.
• Crystal Caves: The caves are on the land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbor. One can see stalactites and stalagmites formations. There is a lake known as Cahow Lake which is at a depth of 55ft (17m). Palm garden is another attraction nearby. Further located are Leamington caves which has underground pools.
• Bermuda Maritime Museum, Pender Rd., and Royal Naval Dockyard: One can go for 1/2 a day to the Royal Naval Dockyard. During the American Revolutionary War, the island had naval bases. This island had been the base of the British Royal Navy which relocated the headquarters of its Atlantic Fleet here from 1812 to 1957. The tourist attractions include the old limestone storage buildings, fortresses which were redeveloped by the Bermuda Government. There are shopping centers too.
• Bermuda Perfumery & Gardens: These gardens are for nature lover. There is horticulture and jungle spread with flora like hibiscus, passion flowers, Easter lilies, thumbergia, night-blooming cerus and other flowers. This is known to be the oldest and best perfume shop which also shows how the scents are made. The perfumery is in an old farmhouse that was built around 250 years ago.
• Hamilton City Hall, Repton, Church St, Repton: This hall is known to be built in 1960. It has two galleries and a theatre. The Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts take place here, and others like the magical Evening of Jazz concert etc. are performed in this hall.
• Scuba Look, Hamilton, 11 Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton: This is on the east side of Bermuda and at Grotto Bay Beach Hotel. It is the only dive operator.
• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, 40 North Shore Road, Flatts Village: This aquarium has a centerpiece of a 140,000 gallon replica coral reef which is special and there are Over three hundred birds, reptiles and mammals and 200 species of fish housed in this centre.
• Devil’s Hole Aquarium, Harrington Sound Road, Hamilton: It is a small aquarium but one has to look for reef fish and turtles with bait.
• Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, 40 Crow Lane, East Broadway, Pembroke: This is just outside Hamilton which takes tourists to an underwater expedition.
• John Smith’s Bay Beach, Hamilton Parish: This is another nice pink sand beach.
• Shelly Bay, North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish: This bay has lots of shallow water. It also has a large playground ideal for families with small kids. It is not far from Flatts Village and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo are also nearby. This bay also has Restrooms, beach rentals, food concession.
• Bermuda Railway Trail: This trail was dismantled after 17 years in 1948. It is now a public walking trail from St. George Town in the east end, through Pembroke Parish near the City of Hamilton and on toward Somerset Village in the west end. On the way one can find trestle houses, station houses and railway ties and views of the island and waters.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate of Hamilton is sub-tropical, the weather being sunny and hot all year round. July, August and September are hot enough. The best time to visit Bermuda is from spring through to autumn. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream give it a quasi-tropical atmosphere. Overall, Bermuda has a mild, humid subtropical maritime climate; strong winds are common in winter. The hurricane season is from June to November. It is best to avoid this time of the year.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Hamilton is accessible from all parts of Bermuda.
By plane: Bermuda International Airport is the airport operating in Bermuda and is located in St. George’s parish which is beside Castle Harbor. This airport serves daily flights from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington, together with less frequent flights from other US and Canadian cities. British Airways fly from London (Gatwick) to Bermuda.
By boat/yacht: The cruise ships operate from the ports of Baltimore, Boston, Bayonne, New York, Norfolk, Miami/Ft Lauderdale, and Philadelphia on the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Get around: All locations in and around Hamilton are easily accessible by foot.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Wikitravel.org
• Tripreport.com
• Tripadvisor
• Travel at Yahoo

Blogs / Sites about Hamilton (Bermuda):

• http://blog.laurellkhamilton.org/
• Travelblog.org
• Travelpod.com
• http://ca.loadedweb.com/cities/ontario/hamilton/blogs/
• http://www.travbuddy.com/Hamilton-travel-blogs-520444

Images and photos of Hamilton (Bermuda):

• Google Search
• Travel-tips
• dere-street
• Travelpost

Videos of Hamilton in Bermuda from Youtube:

Hamilton Bermuda, HD Video

Cruise ship, Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda

Bermuda Hamilton Harbor

Hamilton Harbor

Travel – Grand Turk – one of the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Traveller — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:49:20 +0000

Grand Turk is one of the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the largest island of the Turk islands and it also hosts the territory’s capital, Cockburn Town. Its land area is about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). The JAGS McCartney International Airport is also in Grand Turk. This island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial centre of the territory. Its population is approximately 3,720 people and is known to have the second largest population of the Turk Islands. Its name is derived from a species of cactus called Turk’s Cap Cactus. Christopher Columbus made the discovery of this island during his discovery of New World. One can visit even Providenciales which is another touring place.
Attractions of the Grand Turk Island:
• The Lighthouse: This lighthouse is built of local limestone blocks. This lighthouse guards ships from the treacherous Northeast reef which is usually the cause of many shipwrecks.
• Scuba Diving: These waters are rich with marine life and other amazing underwater spectacles. One can also enjoy swimming with the fish. Gorgeous reef structures, breathtaking coral walls, and an extensive aquatic ecosystem beneath the waves make the diving experience invaluable. There are rentals in the Dive shops and other places that offer scuba and snorkel gear rental. Almost 100 feet of visibility is available.
• Visit the Carnival Cruise Terminal: This is a village full of shops and restaurants. It has one of largest pools of the Caribbean and a beach that stretches to about 800 feet.
• Spa Anani : This is a spa and a diving spot. One can relax, rejuvenate and have Facials, Massages, Body Treatments, Waxing, and Ear Candling.
• Horseback Ride on the Beach: If you love a calm horseride, this is for you. This horse riding is full of leisure, giving you the pleasure of enjoying the natural winds and clear water of the beach. The breeze of the Atlantic Ocean is rejuvenating.
• 4×4 Off road Safari – This is a safari giving us insight of the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk. It ends near the town centre. One can walk down the Front Street which is rich in that century’s Bermudian style architecture.
• Snorkel at Governor’s Beach or Gibbs Cay: Gibb’s cay is a beach where one is surrounded by all sizes of stingrays. One can experience the white sand and crystal clear waters. This is right for snorkeling. Governor’s beach is really exciting and enjoyable.
• Salt Cay: Salt Cay is a small island which is the lower part of the chain of islands and it was known to be a thriving, salt producing island.
• Bicycle Tour: One can take this tour which is a ride up and down Front Street and to explore the styles of island homes that are a century old and into Cockburn Town.
• Turks & Caicos National Museum: This museum depicts the cultural history of the islands, the discovery and the impact of early European settlement, natural and political history, and the role played in 20th century space exploration.
• Stroll through Cockburn Town: One can walk through this town to take an insight of the history of the islands and the cannons and the landfall location of Christopher Columbus, many find this exciting.

Best time to visit / climate:

The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid. Grand Turk is part of Turk islands and hence the weather is same. In the winter the weather is generally in the 70 – 80°F range. The temperatures easily climb into the 90°F during the summer. The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Hence better to avoid or at least be careful during this time. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane:
Grand Turk is one of several islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands. To reach Grand Turk one has to fly into the island of Providenciales at Providenciales Airport and from Providenciales take a local flight to Grand Turk on Air Turks and Caicos Air Turks & Caicos.
American Airlines has schedules flights from many US cities to Providenciales International Airport. Other major carriers from the US include Spirit Airlines, US Airways and Delta. British Airways offers flights to London. WestJet Airlines and Air Canada offer flights to Toronto.
By boat: Many cruise ships stop at the Carnival Cruise Terminal which is to the south end of the island. One can take a boat from the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Cuba.
Get around: Taxis are accessible in Grand Turk. There are car rentals available and motorcycle rentals too on the island.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Grand_Turk
• Tripadvisor Hotel
• Tripadvisor restaurant
• Yahoo travel
• http://www.bohioresort.com/

Blogs / Sites about Grand Turk:

• http://www.bohioresort.com/
• http://en.wordpress.com/tag/grand-turk/
• Travelpost.com

Images and photos of Grand Turk:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor
• Turksandcaicos
• http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Grand+Turk

Videos from Grand Turk island on Youtube:

Grand Turk Island

Grand Turk – Port Introduction

Cruise – arriving at Grand Turk

Grand Turk Island Margaritaville!! Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk Slideshow

Travel – Freeport (Bahamas) – a city on the island of Grand Bahamas in the district of Bahamas

Traveller — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:07:46 +0000

Freeport is a city on the island of Grand Bahamas and in the district of Bahamas. It is located 100 miles (160 km) east-northeast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This city is part of a free trade zone of the Bahamas, operated by the Grand Bahamas Port Authority (GBPA). There was an agreement signed called the Hawksbill Creek Agreement in August 1955 declaring that the Bahamian Government agreed to businesses in the Freeport area and will pay no taxes before 2054. The Pine yard of Wallace Groves, a Virginian financier, was the first development of the economy of Freeport of Bahamas. He owned 50,000 acres (200 km2) of land of this area. After the capital of Nassau, City of Freeport is known to be the most populous city of Bahamas. The Grand Bahamas International Airport serves this place.
Freeport’s land area is about 230-square-mile (600 km2). It is off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida and about 65 miles (105 km) off the coast. Many international companies use Freeport as their business sites. Tourism topped the list for quite some time but from 2004, tourism has decreased tremendously due to hurricane hits.

Things to do:
There are plenty of beaches. Diving, water biking, surfing, Parasailing and underwater cave diving are different activities of the place.

Places to see:
• The Rand Nature Centre: This Centre was named in the honor of James Rand.
• Rand Nature Centre – Bahamas National Trust, Freeport City: This is in the East Settlers Way in the Freeport City. One can take a guided tour through this tropical forest. This Centre has hanging vines, serene pools and unusual wild animals. This is the regional headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust. This centre is spread over 100-acre property. West Indian flamingoes flock to this centre.
• Petersons Cay: This is a small islet of about 300 yards off the Grand Bahamas shore.
• Lucayan National Park: This national park was found by Peter Barrat who was a former Architect. He was also the Freeport town planner. This park is spread to an area of about 40 acres (0.16 km2). This area includes five ecological zones which extend from south shore to the pine yard. There is an underwater cave beneath this park.
• Theo’s Wreck: This is the most popular diving site. This is actually a shipwreck of the ship named Theo Galanopoulos (228-foot cement hauler) which sank off the shore near Freeport in 1982. This is now laying at a depth of 100 feet right off the continental shelf. The marine life, including numerous moray eels have made their home here.
• Xanadu Beach, Freeport City: This is on the Southwest coast of Grand Bahamas Island in the Freeport City. This is a crowded beach. One can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy variety of fun things. Parasailing, banana boat rides and JetSkiing, enjoying tropical drinks and snacks are some of the things here. There is an international bazaar with countless eating, drinking and shopping.
• The Garden of the Groves, Freeport City: This is on the Magellan Drive in the Freeport City. This area has jungle and zoo in the 11-acre property. This garden has the most exotic wildlife. Macaws, alligators, pot-bellied pigs and pigmy goats and iguanas are few of them. There is a waterfall and tropical fruit trees all around.
• Pinetree Stables, Freeport: This is located at Little Crab Cay in Freeport city. One can gallop along the shoreline splashing in the Caribbean shores.
• Paradise Watersports, Freeport City: This is located in the Xanadu Beach in the Freeport City. One can enjoy many aquatic activities in this beachfront. Underwater marine life can be viewed by taking glass bottom boats. Reef-n-Wreck snorkeling and parasailing can also be done.
• Xanadu Underseas Adventures, Freeport City: This is located in Xanadu Marina in the Freeport City. Diving is the best here with amazing cave diving which is rare and shark diving is another attraction. One can dive in reefs, cave and tunnels.
• Grand Bahama Brewing Company, Freeport City: This is located in the Logwood Road in the Freeport City. This is a microbrewery in the Bahamas. One can taste the samples and buy too.

Best time to visit / climate:
Freeport enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters. The average temperatures range in the low to upper 80s, with water temperatures never below 72°. The winters are usually cold and dry while the summers are usually hot and wet. This can be considered as an all year visit site.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: There are many flights available from South Florida. American eagle offers daily flights from Miami. Bahamasair, Continental Connection, and Spirit Airlines all offer daily flights from Fort Lauderdale.
By Boat: There are quite a number of cruises departing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) that offer cheap tickets to Freeport and Nassau.

To get around: One can take rent a car to move around.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Yahoo travel
• Tripadvisor Hotels
• Tripadvisor Restaurants
• Hotelclub.com

Blogs / Sites about Freeport (Bahamas):

• Lonelyplanet
• Travelpod.com
• Loadweb.com

Images and photos of Freeport (Bahamas):

• Google Search
• Placesonline.com
• Tripadvisor
• Freeportusa.com
• fotosearch.com

Videos from youtube:

Freeport Bahamas

Tour of Freeport, Bahamas

Our Lucaya Beach, Freeport Bahamas

Bahamas Jeep Safari, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Freeport , Bahamas

Travel – Coiba National Marine Park Chiriquí, Panama

Traveller — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:30:12 +0000

Coiba National Marine Park is on the island of Coiba which is the largest island in Central America. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a political prisoner’s jail, and a penal colony for criminals in Panama. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This island is known for superior diving and known to be the best along the Pacific Coast from Columbia to Mexico. One can watch for the new marine species including whale and tiger sharks, sperm whales, sea turtles, angel rays and giant schools of fish and some of them are new to science. The crested eagle and several sub-species of agouti, possum and howler monkeys are housed here. It has been given the name of Garden of Eden and is known as the second largest coral reef in the Pacific.

Attractions of Coiba National Marine Park, Chiriquí, Panama:
• Diving: The Secas Archipelago with its neighboring island groups like Ladrones, Paredas and the Coiba National Park and the park being an UNESCO World Heritage site gives us the best adventure diving in the world. This island is governed by five oceanic currents and is rich in eco-regions. The Tropical Eastern Pacific, the islands of the Gulf of ChiriquÌ and the marine biodiverse life and habitat is unique here and is not there in other islands like the Galapagos and Coco Islands, Costa Rica. One can watch about 800 species of fish which include about thirty-three species of shark including the Reef White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Bull, Tiger, and the bizarre Guitar shark.
• Kayaking – Sailing – Surfing: There are hidden coves, reefs, beaches along with mangrove forests which is the biggest attraction of this island. One can go through all of these through a Kayaking safari. There is a blow hole which is also known as Buffona which is a natural phenomenon on Isla Cavada. One can do the best surfing from April through October.

Wildlife:
• Whale watching: One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year as these are migratory whales. This archipelago shows their acrobatic behavior as these leviathans of deep travel miles on icy waters, with winter feeding at the poles.
• Bird Watching: The Frigate bird colony on Coco Island at Islas Secas Resort is worth watching and a beautiful experience as one can watch many species of birds on the archipelago.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui. The word Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving. This island is full of fish life and divers can see many varieties of fish species like king angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant Manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks such as the white-tip, black-tip and nurse are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities are scuba diving and diving with a visibility of 30-80 meters and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Islas Secas is in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is an island. This island, Islas Secas is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The visibility is good in dry months and right for sport fishing as the fish flock from corals and rock to form schools. One can also see White-tip sharks, rays and turtles along with moray eels, lobster and nudi branches and Humpback whales. One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year.
• Isla Palenque: Isla Palenque is in Gulf of Chiriquí and is an island. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is given this name is due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times. It is situated off the western Pacific shore and near the Costa Rica border. To its north is Boca Brava and is linked by a narrow bridge. This island is about 400 acres (1.6 km2), with 5 miles (8.0 km) of coastline and over 1-mile (1.6 km) of beaches. The island is mostly full of ecosystems of tropical forest that have mangroves, lagoons, and littoral forest and is home for many species of plants, flowers, animals and birds. Families of howler monkeys, Northern Tamandua Anteater, the Nine-banded Armadillo, White-nosed Coati, Crab-eating Raccoon, Agouti, Woolly Opossum, and the Mexican Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, kinds of rabbits, squirrels and mice. Among large reptiles are the Emerald Basilisk, Black ctenosaur, Green Iguana, and Spectacled Caiman along with multiple species of frogs, salamander, lizards and snakes. Among the birds are Toucans, Parrots, Woodpeckers, Frigate birds, Hawks, and Owls along with multiple varieties of Hummingbirds.
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from the Enrique Malek International Airport located in David. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was found in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadows with forests and white sand with temperate air and weather. This has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), Hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be April through October. One can do the best surfing from April through October.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
This marine park is about an hour of boat ride from the town of Santa Catalina and about two hours from Boca Chica. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. Boca chica is about an hour from David’s Enrique Malek.
To go around, the archipelago can be rounded in the water by using a boat.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
• http://www.hotelislaseca.com/
• Tripadvisor
• Travelpod
• http://www.boutiquehotelcalamia.com/hotelcalamiapanama.html

Blogs / Sites about Coiba National Marine Park, Chiriquí, Panama:

• Panamainfo.com
• http://www.knightsbridgeinvest.com/realestateblog/coiba-national-park/
• http://islassecas.com/recreation/coiba/
• http://iguide.travel/Coiba_National_Marine_Park/Hotels_and_Accommodation

Images and photos of Coiba National Marine Park, Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor
• Tripwolf
• Superstock

Youtube videos:

INSIDE COIBA ISLAND, PANAMA PROTECTED PARK TOUR X VILLA MICHELLE PANAMA TRAVEL

Tito crocodile in Coiba Island (Panama)

PANAMA SURF COIBA ISLAND SURFING 2009

SANTA CATALINA AND COIBA ISLAND, ISLA DE PANAMA TOURS BY VILLA MICHELLE A TRAVEL

Fishing Coiba, and Montusa Panama

Coiba Nataional Park, Panama

ISLA COIBA PANAMA

Travel – Boca Brava Chiriquí, Panama

Traveller — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:49:25 +0000

Boca Brava is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. It is off the Pacific coast of Panama, in the Gulf of Chiriquí. There is also Bahia de Muertos which is a coral reef. This island and isla Palenque are connected with a land bridge that is narrow.

Attractions of Boca Brava and around:
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a political prisoners camp and a penal colony for criminals in Panama. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui and is an island. The word Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The waters off this island is heavy with fish life and divers can see many varieties of fish species like king angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on an year round basis one can see species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse species are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities are scuba diving and diving with a visibility of 30-80 meters; you can also do Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Isla Palenque: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is island is given the name due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was found in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares (36,400 acres). This area has coral reefs, mangrove swamps and marine meadows with forests and white sand and has temperate air and weather. This location has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.
• Diving: The Secas Archipelago with its neighboring island groups like Ladrones, Paredas and the Coiba National Park, and the UNESCO World Heritage site gives us the best adventure diving in the world. This island is governed by five oceanic currents and is rich in eco-regions, the Tropical Eastern Pacific, the islands of the Gulf of ChiriquÌ and the marine biodiverse life and habitat which are not in other islands like the Galapagos and Coco Islands, Costa Rica. One can watch about 800 species of fish which include about thirty-three species of shark including the Reef White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Bull, Tiger, and the bizarre Guitar shark.
• Kayaking – Sailing – Surfing: There are hidden coves, reefs, beaches along with mangrove forests which is one of the biggest attraction of this island. One can go through all of them on a Kayaking safari. There is a blow hole which is also known as Buffona which is a natural phenomenon on Isla Cavada. One can do the best surfing from April through October.

Wildlife:
• Whale watching: One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year as these are migratory whales. This archipelago shows their acrobatic behavior with these leviathans of the deep traveling miles in icy waters and winter feeding at the poles.
• Bird Watching: The Frigate bird colony on Coco Island at Islas Secas Resort is worth watching and a beautiful experience as one can watch many species of birds on the archipelago.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Boca+Brava,+Chiriqui,+Panama&sll=21.125498,81.914063&sspn=42.583198,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Isla+Boca+Brava,+Chiriqui,+Panama&z=12

How to get there:
One can access Boca Brava from Enrique Malek International Airport in the Panamanian city of David. Or, from Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. To go around, one can access Boca Brava by boat, water taxi or by foot.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Boca_Brava#Sleep
• http://www.hotelbocabrava.com/eng/location.php
• http://panamamotorcyclerentals.com/hotels/islaBocaBrava.htm
• Tripadvisor (link)
• http://www.enjoypanama.com/hotels/cala-mia.htm

Blogs / Sites about Boca Brava Chiriquí, Panama:

• Travelpod
• http://www.panama-sportfishing.com/
• Travelblog.org

Images and photos of Boca Brava Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Search
• http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/panama/isla_boca_brava/
• http://www.privateislandsonline.com/boca-brava.htm
• Tripadvisor

Videos from Youtube:

Jdhermann’s photos around Isla Boca Brava, Panama

Tuna Fishing off the Coast Of Boca Brava

Isla Boca Brava Panama

Island Property on Boca Brava, Panama

Sharm El Sheikh – the beautiful coastal city in Egypt

Traveller — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:56:43 +0000

If you think Egypt, what comes to mind ? Most people associate Egypt with the teeming bazaars and mosques of Cairo, or with Cleopatra, the pyramids, or the Sphinx. Yet more people think about a cruise on the Nile. It is a few (increasing hugely in number) who know about the incredible beach and diving experiences you get at Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula. A huge number of those who come here want to have the pleasure of coming again.

Brief update about the weather: Sharm El Sheikh promises some great weather throughout the year, with dry warm tropical weather providing reprieve from rain or cold in many parts of the world. However, it is hotter and drier in the summer (with temperatures between 25 Celsius and 35 Celsius).

Some amount of history of Sharm El Sheikh. Even a few centuries back, Sharam El Sheikh was shown on a map (showing up in 1762 on a Spanish map), but nothing significant happened here till a few decades back. Even till around 1968, it was nothing more than a quiet fishing community. When Israel took control of the Sinai Peninsula after the war, there were efforts put in to develop Sharam El Sheikh into a tourist destination. Even after Israel handed back the Sinai to Egypt under an agreement, the Egyptian Government continued with those efforts. As a result, Sharam El Sheikh is now known as one of Egypt’s best beach resorts, with many excellent and high class premium resorts opening up in the area. Other than these, you also have restaurants from around the world, ejoyable water sports and golf courses. As well as some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, and arguably the best in the world. In short, you can really relax and unwind on a trip over here.

Location of Sharam El Sheikh on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

Geography: If you decrease the view of the above map, you can see that Sharam el Sheik is situated on the Southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, being surrounded by some classic natural features, the Red Sea towards one side, the mountains of Mount Sinai on the other.
If you try to further break down the internal geography of Sharam El Sheikh, you will find that the reagion comprises of 3 main sections.

Na’ama Bay: First starting to become known in the 1980′s, this bay with long stretches of sand saw the first hotel appeared in the early eighties. With more effort spent on this area to make it more beautiful and appealing, one of the attractions is the shoreline of this bay, with a seafront comprising of a long beautiful paved walkway for leisurely walks, lined with flowers of all types such as bougainvillaea and oleander. You will find many more tourists at Na’ama Bay in the evenings. This is where you will find many shops, restaurants, bars and ‘Sheesha’ cafes.

Ras Um Sid Cliff: Located centrally between Na’ama Bay and the bay of Sharm El Maya (not being more than 5-10 minutes drive from each other), Ras Um Sid Cliff is essentialy famous for some very beautiful coral reefs, as well as a cliff top area where a number of hotels and resorts are located.

Sharm El Maya: The bay area of the older sections of Sharam El Sheikh. Why the bay area ? Well, it has a natural harbor, and you can view a large number of boats of all sizes in the water. And of couse, who can forget the beach, the reason to visit Sharam El Sheikh. The beach is surrounded and full of palm trees, and relaxing under these palm trees is what provides a beautiful green natural shade for the sun soakers. This area is starting to see more premium hotels coming up, and also provides easy access to the old town area.

For more details on what you can do there, and some of the great places to see.
I cannot forget to mention the beautiful underwater scenery (it can get truly amazing) you can get to see in the area located between Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park on the tip of the Southern Sinai. As with any great reef area, you can find crystal clear water, incredibly beautiful reefs, and an incredible variety of exotic fish amongst the colorful coral. If you are not a scuba diver, don’t worry, since you can even do short depth snorkelling (surface depth) and still catch sight of these incredible pleasures; and of course if you have come here for scuba diving, Sharam El Sheikh has an excellent reputation world-wide for scuba diving, providing access to some of the Red Sea’s most prominent and interesting dive sites.
One of these is a protected site, called Ras Mohamed. It was declared a protected site to ensure that the incredible beauty of this area does not get spoiled. Ras Mohamed is located to the south of Sharm, on the very tip of the Sinai.

What about attractions for others, those who do not know diving, or want more pleasure besides the water ? Now, you can enjoy many pleasures in Sharam El Sheikh; diving is only part of the attraction here, you can come here to soak in the sun, for adventure sports such as parasailing and windsurfing, or to explore the magical desert landscape of the southern Sinai. Since the mid-1980s, the Sharm el-Sheikh area has come into its own as a world-class resort destination, with the construction of a large number of hotels and resorts.

Back to the diving: It is accepted by many that the diving experience in Sharm-el-Sheikh is one of the best in the world. The variety and easy access of corals and the fish life astound every visitor to the area, even to those who have experience in snorkeling and diving. The corals can be found at shallow depths, starting from approx 1 meter from the surface and then going down into the depths. The fish life is all over the reef, allowing visitors the opportunity to view them from the surface, and with such colors, they are easily noticeable. You can see all kinds, from small fish, to the more exotic sharks and rays.

Some of the diving regions: If you already don’t know, the diving spots are spread from the Straits of Tiran in the North to the protected region of Ras Mohamed in the South. For diving, the usual experience is using medium size boats, around 20m. These are designed for divers, with a large dive deck and easy access in to the water and then a ladder out. And of course, if you are going with a diver but not stepping into the water, you will find a sun deck on the boat where you can soak in the sun.

And now to something that may not seem so obvious in all the talk about diving, cliffs, and water. Sharam Ek Sheikh is also now having a night life, , with many of the clubs and bars staying open all night, almost until dawn. There are some that operate at timings to attract the divers, while others are geared towards people who want to enjoy the night life. Then there are the ones that are restaurants during the day and converting to night clubs as the night progresses. Regionwise, Naama Bay is the place to be in if you are a night animal. As always, there are exceptions to such a rule, with one of them being El Fanar, which is at Ras um Sidd. This holds a beach party every Wednesday.

And there are also other natural beauties, such as the mountains of the Sinai. Sharam El Sheikh offers an insight into the beauty of the Sinai, with its majestic mountains and valleys, a number of national parks, as well as some well known nearby tourist attractions such as St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Details of water sports available at the Sharam El Sheikh. You can find a wide variety of water sports over here, as well as other pursuits such as four wheeling to go cart tracts, from horse riding to championship golf. Everything that goes to make the place a family vacation, one that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, for the more active, you have bungee jumping and, incredibly, ice skating.

Places to stay in Sharam El Sheikh / hotels / resorts:

1. Domina Hotel & Resort El Sultan (site)Contact details: P.O Box 74, Hadaba 46619 Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh, Phone: 069 3601610

2. Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula Hotel & Resort (site)
Peace Rd. PO Box 95, Um MArikha Bay Sharm EL Sheikh, South Sinai – Egypt
Phone +20 69 3604 200
The Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula Hotel & Resort is located at the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula 7kmto Naama Bay and 5km to the Sharms international airport.

3. Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort (link)
Um Marikha Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3603200

4. Sharm El-Sheikh Jolie Ville Resort & Casino (link)
Naama Bay, South Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3600100

5. Sheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort, Villas & Spa (link)
Al Pasha Coast, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3602070
Nestled on the east shore of the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula on one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. Located at Al Pasha Coast, four kilometers from the nightlife of Na’ama Bay and 10 minutes from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.

6. Beach Albatros Resort Sharm El Sheikh (link)
Ras Om El Sid Cliff, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3663923
069 3663924
This all inclusive resort is only 18 km from Sharm El Sheikh Airport and 10 km from the famous Naama-Bay.

7. Aqua Blu Sharm El Sheikh (link)
Photos (link)
Aqua Blu Sharm, Ras Om El Seid, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt
Tel: +20-69-3665993/7
Aqua Blu Sharm is only 18 km from Sharm El Sheikh Airport and 10 km from the famous Naama-Bay.

8. Royal Albatros Moderna Sharm El Sheikh (link)
Royal Albatros Moderna, P.O.Box 215, Nabq Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt
Tel: +20-69-3710401 to 8
This elegant all inclusive resort is only 12 km from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, and 20 km from the famous Naama-Bay.

9. Creative Badawia Sharm Resort (link)
Ras Om El Sid Cliff, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3663981

10. Creative Grand Sharm Resort (link)
Ras Om El Sid Cliff, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 366383

11. Creative Mexicana Sharm Resort (link)
Ras Om El Sid Cliff, Sharm El Sheikh
Phone: 069 3661490

12. Sultan Gardens Holiday Inn Hotel (link)
The resort is located in Shark’s Bay, just 5 kilometers from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport and 7 kilometers away from the Bazaars of the City Center.
Phone number: 002 069 360 21 30

13. Habiba Village (link)

14. Iberotle Palace (link)

Listing of hotels along with recommendations available at TripAdvisor (link)

Red Sea Diver’s Guide, Volume 2: From Sharm el Sheikh to Hurghada

Blogs / Sites about Sharam El Sheikh:

1. http://www.sharmelsheikh.com/: Some details about the location and various things you can do.
2. http://www.sharmguide.com/
3. http://www.sharm-el-sheikh.com/
4. Weather for Sharam El Sheikh (link)
5. Tips from the T list (link)

See the sun rise over the desert on an unforgettable visit to the place where Moses received the 10 Commandments. On this sunrise tour you will watch the sun rise over the Sinai Mountains, and retrace the footsteps of Moses when he climbed Mt. Sinai. On your journey back down the mountain you will stop at St. Catherine’s Monastery, built between 527 and 565 A.D.

6. TravBuddy (link)

So, I indulged, in true tourist style, in snorkelling (like, wow!), quad biking (whose idea was it for me to don the shades coming back across the desert when it was dark already?), clubbing (had to see the New Year in somehow), and generally lazing around the pool (temperatures could have benefitted from being just that little higher though, give the coldness of the pool’s water).

7. TravBuddy (link): Reports on diving and enjoying

For those of you who’ve dived the Sinai for the sake of form I’ll list some of the dives I was able to enjoy in my time there. Ras Katy and Temple in the Rastan Sea; Fiddle Garden or ‘Tony Blair Reef’as its occasionally called now owing to the condo the former Brit PM now owns on the shoreline.

8. Coastal vacation club blog (link)

Shark Bay is in the surrounding area and has a great diving centre for those tourists who are looking for some excitement from their holiday. Diving is great fun and Shark Bay is the ideal location for families as there is a very relaxed atmosphere and you will be diving with a dedicated crew with years of experience.

9. Akira Travel (link)

Sharm el- Sheikh was formerly a port, due to strict environmental laws introduced in 90s, commercial shipping was drastically reduced. After the development of civilian port there has been a huge raise in visitors to 5.1 million from 16,000, which invited business and star hotels.
The Sinai Peninsula and its luxury hotel resort areas are collectively called the Red Sea. It is a coast dotted with oases, mangrove forests, and habitat to many species of terrestrial and marine wildlife.

10. Amman adventures (link). Some good photos of a holiday.
11. Reasonpad.com (link)

All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.

12. Travel Suggestions Blog (link)

With Sharm el Sheikh being so well known for its activities you could be forgiven for thinking that history and culture have taken a back seat. However, visitors to the area are in a prime position to see one of Egypt’s most significant religious sites. St Catherine’s monastery – with the looming Mount Sinai beside it – is where Moses is said to have seen the burning bush before journeying up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments.

13. 2Articles.com (link)

For those who live to shop, then shopping in Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books.
Though there are two main seasons, as both of them are desert climates, where the weather is very hot and dry, do make sure to drink plenty of water and take enough protection from dehydration.

14. Elite diving school at the Red Sea (link)

Picture / Image gallery for Sharm El Sheikh:

1. Beach in Sharm Ek Sheikh (link)
2. Many photos (cliff, beach, ships, dive boats, topography) at RomanVirdi.com (link)
3. Huge number of photos at virtualtourist.com (link)
4. Great photos of diving, coral, and water at pbase.com (link)
5. Photos of Sharm Ek Sheikh at tripadvisor. in (link)
6. Photos of Sharm El Sheikh at flickr.com (link)

Videos of adventures at Sharm El Sheikh on Youtube:

1. Naama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh (link)

2. Snorkelling at Middle Garden Reef – Sharm El Sheik (link): Views of coral and colorful fish

3. Shark encounter while diving in the Red Sea October 2007 (link)

4. Dolphin Dive; Sharm el Sheikh (link)

Kadmat Island (in India) – Incredible scuba, snorkeling, white beach

Traveller — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:43:27 +0000

Kadmat is a beautiful Island, located in the Arabian Sea, as part of the Lakshadweep Islands. It is situated 407 kms. far from Kochi (Cochin) in the Indian state of Kerala(’11* 13*’ north latitude; ’72* 48*’ east longitude). One of the largest islands in the group of islands in the Lakshadweep, Kadmat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. Surrounded on the eastern and western side by a reef lagoon, Kadmat is the ideal heaven of solitude.
The beautiful shallow lagoons that surround Kadamat form an ideal spot for water sports activities. There is a very large lagoon on the western side abounding in coral growths and the associated colorful fish that frolic in such coral growths. This little island has an astonishing variety of marine flora and fauna. Out of these, the best attractions are the long sandy beaches and the sand banks on the southern tip that are ideal for a sunbath.

Location of Kadmat Island on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

The resort at Kadmat offers peace and solitude at the isolated South tip of the island. The rooms offer fantastic views of the encircling lagoons and waking up to Dolphins frolicking just beyond the reef at sunrise is part of the charm at Kadmat (however, be warned, sometimes the Dolphins don’t appear and you could get disappointed). A full-fledged water sports institute is functional at Kadmat which allows you deep sea scuba diving (as long as you are able to show your qualifications – if you have not done scuba diving, you can take a learners starter course, but it is not part of the package).
Kadmat woos its visitors with its long unending stretches of white sandy beaches and exceptional scuba diving facilities. Although Kadmat is among the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep, it’s population is quite low and is only around 5000. The water around the Kadmat islands are one of the most cleanest in Lakshadweep. The afternoons here are a little sultry and hot, but the nights are quite pleasant with cool breeze from the ocean soothing the environment. If you somehow miss the sunrise, do not forget to witness the sun setting behind the horizon. It lasts a little more than an hour curtaining the sky in a myriad of unbelievable hues. Without a doubt, the shores of Kadmat are one of the most irresistible in many sections of Asia.
Apart from the warm and clear waters, Scuba Diving is worth it for the awesome spread of coral reefs on the sea bed. The most appealing of them all is the red tinged coral that might just tempt you to pick them. However it is advised that you don’t do it as it is against the law to take corals from these islands. The tourists may indulge in the water sports like kayaking, yachting, boating and skiing on the water surface. In addition, you can do para-sailing with a rope tied to a speedboat (however, keep in mind that you should reach there early). There is also a glass bottom boat ride where you can see corals and fishes through a glass pane at the bottom of the boat. And then you can do snorkeling, lazily floating through the water with a small pipe getting you the required air to breathe. A person will show you the places with beautiful fish and corals.

Tourist Information:
Lakshadweep Tourism Resort provides both AC and non-AC accommodation with attached bathrooms, foyers and a porch. The huge resort has an office, a gymnasium, a conference room and bathing blocks for people coming after a swim in the sea. The meals here are served in buffet style. The Kerala cuisine are the most favored cuisine here. However, Lakshadweep specials can also be had here.
Kadmat can be reached from Agatti by taking a cruise. It can also be reached by taking up Lakshadweep Tourism departments Marine Wealth and Scuba Diving packages. Read more at this link. http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/
Learn and book for diving at this location: http://www.lacadives.com/

External articles / blogs:

1. Great Driving challenge (link to article):

The large variety of fish however, ensures that snorkeling is delightful at all times. You may even attempt snorkeling at night. But only if accompanied by a local expert. The experience is ethereal – Imagine – A solitary large star lighting up the sea with a starlight beam. The lagoon is dark and foreboding but for the canopy of little stars above and a world of luminous plankton lighting up the sea grass underwater and the fish swimming around the torchlight.

2. Scuba Diving news (link to article):

The remoteness of Kadmat Island really gives you a feeling of “getting away from it all” – but this comes at a price, either in terms of money or time. Staying on Kadmat Island and paying for the dives are not expensive (in fact, comparatively cheap), but getting to Kadmat is. The diving was truly spectacular, and Kadmat had a wonderfully comfortable, mellow island feel to it.

3. Reviews of the Kadmat Island Resort (link to review)
4. Wanderlust (link to article):

Once you get used to breathing in from your mouth and allow your nose the rest that it never gets, snorkelling and scuba diving is fun.It is like you are absorbed in a different world surrounded by fish big and small, beautiful coloured corals of numerous shapes and sizes and all you have to do is float about enjoying the spectacle.

5. GalBeanVie Leaves Home (link to article). Many photos on this blog also.

The island is a narrow strip of about 6km long with one single road running through the middle, covered in coconut trees and surrounded by the reef, heavenly! The ship stopped just outside the reef and then we had to climb down a rope ladder and get onto a small wooden boat for a 20 minute trip to reach the island. As there is nothing here but fish and coconuts it comes as no surprise to learn that there is a tiny desiccated coconut plant and coconut coir rope factory which we visited one morning.

Photo / Picture Galleries of Kadmat:

1. Ashish’s Gallery (link 1, link2)
2. Photo Gallery at lacadive.in (link)
3. Indiamike.com (link)
4. Photos at Kadmat on Flickr (link)