CARB

Nestled at the foot of the world’s highest coastal mountain range, Santa Marta was founded in 1525 and is the oldest inhabited city in Colombia. Likewise, the city’s whitewashed cathedral claims to be the country’s oldest church. The Museo del Oro tells the even earlier history of the region’s indigenous people, who were skilled goldsmiths, as well as the story of Spanish colonization. The story continues with Simón Bolívar, the “Great Liberator,” who led Colombia and other South American countries to independence from Spain.

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is a big, energetic city with a vibrant urban culture. At its heart is the walled Zona Colonial, a compact district of cobblestone streets and graceful plazas lined with incredible heritage architecture, some dating to the early 1500s. Sights include the Catedral Primada de América, the ruins of the San Francisco monastery, and the original Spanish-built fortifications, as well as museums, shops and eateries.

Although Tobago straddles the border of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the island feels quintessentially Caribbean thanks to its laid-back, carefree vibe. In the capital of Scarborough, the locals may bustle through the central market and esplanade, which are worth a stroll to shop for authentic souvenirs, but just outside of town the pace of life relaxes. The golden, palm-lined beaches along the island’s many bays are perfect for sunning, swimming and “liming” – the local slang for relaxing with friends.

St. Lucia’s iconic landmarks – the towering volcanic peaks known as the Pitons – rise over the bay and over Soufrière, the original capital established under French rule. Less than two hours by car but a world apart from British-founded Castries, Soufrière is a small town replete with charming examples of tropical colonial architecture. Anchorage here provides easy access to St. Lucia’s leading natural attractions, like the Sulphur Springs that inspired the town’s name – the steaming crater of a “drive-in” volcano.

Grenada is the legendary Spice Isle, where nutmeg perfumes the air. Fort George guards the entrance to the colorful, pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George's. The 18th-century garrison and the hilltop Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception offer the best views of the city and its picturesque harbor, the Carenage. To the south of St. George’s is the wide expanse of Grand Anse Beach, the main resort area.

Les Saintes are a volcanic archipelago of two islands and seven uninhabited islets surrounded by thriving coral reefs and clear seas. Small at just over two square miles, Terre-de-Haut is the most developed of the group, thanks to an anchorage-rich coastline of scenic bays, natural harbors, quiet beaches and charmingly picturesque villages. The ambience is decidedly low-key, and days are devoted to beachgoing, hiking, snorkeling and diving.

The Tobago Cays are an eco-paradise of pristine, aquamarine waters, sparkling white beaches and amazing wildlife in the southern Grenadines. A cluster of five uninhabited cays and the surrounding barrier reefs protect seabirds, native plants, iguanas, sea turtles, colorful hard coral and tropical fish. Tobago Cays Marine Park can only be reached by a boat, which can anchor in a sandy-bottomed lagoon. From here, snorkeling and diving explorations reveal a vibrant underwater world. In the Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, get close to green and hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat.

The West End of Tortola is exactly that, the island’s western reaches. The verdant hills of both the bigger island of Tortola and tiny Frenchman’s Cay form a sheltered U-shaped harbor with beautiful views out to Great Thatch Island and Little Thatch Island. The scenic setting is complemented by a mix of the waterfront shops, restaurants, bars and casual eateries that cater to the nautical crowd, who laud it as a favored anchorage in the BVI. On the Tortola side of the harbour, a ferry terminal welcomes vessels from the islands of Jost Van Dyke, Saint John and Saint Thomas.