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.

Tortola is at the heart of the British Virgin Island’s world-renowned sailing culture. Long, narrow and just over 21 square miles in area, the largest island of the BVI boasts a quintessentially Caribbean coastline of secluded white sand beaches, hidden coves and great natural anchorages. Inside a horseshoe-shaped harbor, the BVI capital of Road Town is the friendly, laid-back center for commerce, dining on fresh seafood and exploring nearby islets, tiny cays, reefs and dive sites.

Rugged mountains, rainforest, black sand beaches and natural wonders: this is Dominica, the Nature Island. Volcanoes forged the striking interior of high peaks, deep gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Geothermal forces are still at work, from roiling the waters of Boiling Lake to blowing bubbles at Champagne Reef. The dramatic underwater topography of boulders, plunging stone walls and ancient craters is filled with colorful tropical fish, making for great diving and snorkeling as well as whale watching.

The Samaná peninsula is the Dominican Republic’s natural treasure, a region of verdant mountains, waterfalls, a beautiful bay and miles of pristine beaches. The port town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná overlooks Samaná Bay, where the annual winter gathering of thousands of Atlantic humpback whales is the top attraction. At the bay’s western end, Los Haitises National Park preserves and protects a diverse collection of subtropical plants and birds amid the forests and mangroves. Samaná’s famous beaches are on the northern coast along the Atlantic.

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.