CARB

An ecological paradise of unbridled diversity, Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name, which means “rich coast.” The city of Puerto Limón has a few attractions, including the waterfront Parque Vargas and an interesting ethnohistory museum, but most visitors head to one of the many astounding national parks outside the city. A cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park offers the chance to observe endangered sea turtles, sloths, monkeys and even jaguars.

Progreso boasts the world's longest pier, which juts nearly five miles into the Gulf of Mexico and anchors to the oceanfront amidst a gorgeous beach with a promenade that itself stretches a mile. Standing sentry over it all is the 120-foot Faro de Progreso, an active lighthouse built in 1893. Progreso has a beach-town vibe, and the center is easily explored on foot. At the biological reserve of El Corchito, observe lush flora and fauna and take a dip in one of the Yucatán’s famous cenotes – collapsed caverns that created freshwater swimming holes.

For nearly 400 years, the Netherlands and France have shared the island known as St. Maarten on the Dutch side and St. Martin on the French. Home to 37 beaches and an array of tropical experiences, the island’s dual cultural profile sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations. Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, is a bustling port with a lively waterfront, colorful shopping district, casinos, and restaurants serving international fare. Water sports, like sailing, and rainforest explorations are all within easy reach of its docks.

Gorgeous beaches, aquamarine waters, abundant sunshine and cooling trade winds have long been Aruba’s calling card. This Dutch island captivates with diverse outdoor options – world-class golfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving – the distinctly bent divi-divi trees and striking geological formations. The desert-like landscapes and rugged coastline of Arikok National Park are the focus of eco-explorations.

Norman Island is vintage Caribbean paradise: small, privately owned, uninhabited except for wild goats, and accessible only by boat or helicopter. On Norman’s north shore is the sheltered bay known as the Bight, one of the greatest natural anchorages in the British Virgin Islands. At the bay’s entrance, sea caves are renowned for snorkeling. Just offshore, the rock formations known as the Indians are another premier snorkeling spot.

Numerous islands and hundreds of tiny cays form the nation of the Bahamas. Small at just 21 miles long and nearly seven miles wide, New Providence Island boasts numerous white sand beaches as well as the vibrant capital of Nassau. In the lively city center, the National Art Gallery and Junkanoo Museum showcase the fine art, unique traditions and colorful crafts of the local culture that melds African, English and West Indian influences.

No airport, few vehicles, one village, beautiful palm-lined beaches – tiny Mayreau, the only inhabited island within Tobago Cays Marine Park, represents Caribbean pleasure, pure and simple. On the northern coast, Salt Whistle Bay is the island’s most popular anchorage. Its calm, sheltered waters and soft sands are great for swimming, sunning and snorkeling. Around the island, smaller bays and hidden coves, many rarely visited, offer even greater tranquility. Mayreau’s best views are found at the hilltop Catholic church, a quaint stone building featuring lovely stained glass and art work.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Marigot became St. Martin's capital during the reign of Louis XVI, who built Fort Louis to defend the colonial settlement's harbor warehouses. The formidable walls and cannons of the ruins overlook Marigot Bay and are well worth the short hike up. The town itself charms visitors with winding streets and colorful buildings. Restored St. Martinoise-style houses are now boutiques for luxury goods, all duty-free, while Marigot Market is a melting pot for local foods, spices, art and crafts.

Montserrat represents a unique opportunity to experience the forces of nature that have forged the mountainous idylls of the Caribbean. The northern half has earned the title of the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean thanks in large part to its rugged and lush landscape with its forest-cloaked hills and valleys of ferns, but also to its rich Irish heritage that has been a significant part of the culture for centuries. On the coast, black and silver sand beaches strikingly contrast with the vibrant blues of the sea for a view that’s unique to the rest of the Caribbean.