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Eleuthera Island of the Bahamas could be said to be the first among many. While that phrase could certainly be used to describe its many watery charms, it is also a phrase to be used quite literally. For, Eleuthera was the very first of the many islands that make up the Bahamas to have a permanent settlement. Those early colonizers arrived in 1648, pursuing their vision of religious freedom, a concept held within the name they gave the island. Eleuthera is a Greek word meaning freedom.

Those who enjoy nature’s many wonders will have a lot to admire on and around Eluthera Island. There are caves, and underwater geological formations and reefs that attract divers and snorkelers from all over. The beaches are beautiful and the fishing is outstanding.

The caves draw many visitors. However, for safety’s sake, it is better to use a guide in the mile long Hatchet Bay Cave. In addition to a variety of other cave-dwelling wildlife, Hatchet Bay Cave is home to many bats. Preacher’s Cave, which is found on the northern part of the island, has a church-like size. Other geological sites of interest include Glass Window, which is a rock formation that frames a spectacular marine view.

The Current Cut is one of the more popular snorkeling sites, due to the reef area, which serves as a haven to a variety of marine life. The Devil’s backbone is another favorite reef area, shallow enough for easy exploration. Divers favor Ocean’s Hole, a diving site popularized by unique rock formations and other interesting sights.

The beaches of Eleuthera are simply superb, nature at its best and most natural. Pink Sands Beach is a favorite for diving and snorkeling, as well as wide open views of surf and sky. Gualding’s Cay is an isolated mile long beach with glistening white sand, surrounded by fragrant pines. The snorkeling is great, but its privacy lends a special enjoyment to swimming and sunbathing.

There are several resort communities on the island. These include Bannerman Town, which boasts an impressive view of Mt. Alvernia from its pristine beach. Rock Sound is the classic picture-postcard perfect seaside town, with well kept, richly hued cottages and homes, accented by very green gardens and very bright tropical flowers.

The food is good on the island. Jack’s Outback serves Bahamian cuisine at its finest from a very clean little establishment. Prices are reasonable, and meals are served every day from 9am to 10pm. Sammy’s Place is a must experience eatery, as much for the local crowd it attracts as the excellent food it serves. Located in Rock Sound on Albury’s Lane, Sammy’s Place serves a variety of fare, some Bahamian food, some Creole influenced dishes, some just plain good eatin’ and is open daily, from 7:30am to 10pm.

As a vacation destination, Eleuthera Island is aptly named. This is a location in which visitors have the freedom to be at peace and the freedom to enjoy the perfect atmosphere for recreation and relaxation.

Fishing in Jamaica is part of a dream vacation for many. There are many excellent fishing spots, as is evidenced by Jamaica’s international popularity as a fishing destination and tournament site. Deep-sea fishing trips are easily chartered, as are fishing tours of the region. As an island nation, fishing is important to the local economy, a part of the local culture. Thus, the savvy visitor may be able to arrange to do his fishing outside of the usual tourist spots, and instead enjoy a few of the places known and loved by local fishers.

Suzie-Q Deep Sea Fishing Charters operates out of Falmouth, which is close to Montego Bay, offers both 8-hour and 4-hour charters for up to 12 people. There are a wide variety of fish available in the fishing region, including blue marlin, white marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, black-finned tuna, yellow-finned tuna, skipjack, kingfish, mackerel, and sailfish. Reservation must be made 48 hours in advance, and rates are $500 for 4 hours with up to 8 people, $900 for 8 hours. $30 per extra person, up to a total of 14, will be charged.

Jamaica Deep Sea Adventures, found at the Port Antonio marina, prides itself on the fine equipment it provides for its fishers. One of the special items is a chair designed specifically for supporting the fisher while he is struggling with large fish. Fishers can expect to be dropping their lines up to 6,000 feet into the beautiful salt waters that are home to numerous species of fish, including barracuda, tuna, and marlin.

Montego Bay is home to No Problem Fishing Charters. They offer half day charters for $360 and full day charters for $690. Also in Montego Bay are Pier One Marina, where chartered fishing excursions can be arranged, and North Coast Marine Charters, which operates out of Half Moon Hotel and Wynham Rose Hall Hotel.

Families will enjoy using Salty Angler Fishing Charters of Montego Bay, because children are welcomed and beginner’s lessons are readily available. It should be noted, however, that this is catch and release fishing only. They have a variety of fishing experiences available, including open water fishing, coastal fishing, night fishing, fly fishing and light tackle fishing.

At the Lost Beach Resort, located in Negril, a different sort of fishing trip can be arranged. For a fee, a trip with a local fisherman can be set up. Fishers will accompany the local fisherman in his wooden skiff and fish by line or by pot. It is a fascinating experience and a wonderful way to learn a bit about the local culture.

Near Treasure Beach and also around Port Antonio, small wooden boats can be chartered or rented for hand-line fishing. As with most fishing expeditions in Jamaica, the local hotels can help to locate and arrange the most suitable fishing experience.

Jamaica has a broad range of fishing opportunities, from adventurous and exciting to relaxing and peaceful. Tours and charters are not only for the sports fisherman, but also can be enjoyed safely by families. Jamaican waters draw fishers from all over the world, and for good reason. Each fishing day has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Water is a major feature of the lovely island nation of Jamaica. While most well known for the joys of its amazing beaches, Jamaica is also home to a number of equally amazing rivers. With river activities that range from peacefully gliding along by boat, taking in sights of the widely varied flora and fauna, to the exciting and exhilarating experience of white water rafting, a vacation to Jamaica is not complete without a visit to one or more of its fine rivers. Tours are widely available and easy to arrange.

Operating out of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari offers an unforgettable experience of the largest river in Jamaica, the Black River. Traveling upriver for six miles, through wetlands that are home to more than 100 species of birds, visitors will see a wide variety of wildlife, including an endangered species of crocodile that has chosen to make this special river area its home. The plant life is varied, with all three of Jamaica’s mangrove types in abundance, along with a couple varieties of palm trees and other natural forest vegetation. A delightful highlight of the tour is a visit to one of the most natural waterfalls in Jamaica, the Y.S. Waterfalls, which have been unmarred by tourist industry excesses. The experienced guide will provide detailed information on the flora and fauna, as well as the local history.

Chukka Cove Adventure Tours, located a short distance outside of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers a variety of adventure and tour packages. Among these many fascination exploration opportunities is the River Tubing Safari. Adults and children over 6 years of age can enjoy a three-mile long trip down the White River in a tube. This trip is preceded by a tubing and water safety presentation and takes a little under four hours to complete. There are many sights to be seen along the river’s banks, including coconut plantations, bamboo groves and other lush and natural riverbank vegetation. Guides are knowledgeable and well-trained, parents can feel confident in the safety of the tour, but, of course, should exercise common sense and caution.

For a more relaxing river tour, in Port Antonio a delightful tour by raft of the Rio Grande can be arranged at reasonable rates. For $40, two people can enjoy a three-hour journey by bamboo raft, and will be accompanied by a local guide to steer the raft along. A perfect setting for an afternoon picnic, the rafting trip will pass through a variety of sights with a local flavor, drifting through beautiful, tropical rural areas.

There are many guided river tours available throughout Jamaica. While some are meant for the casual tourist looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience, there are many geared for those with an interest in eco-tourism, seeking a serous look at the flora and fauna of Jamaica, which is known for several rare species of plant and animal life. There are also a variety of tours that are meant for those whose taste runs towards the more extreme water sport adventures. Local tourist information stations and hotel staff are able to provide information on the best tours for you.

The Bahamas are a wonderful place for cave exploration. The caves found on Grand Bahama Island offer a variety of caving experiences, ranging from those that are suitable only for very experienced divers and spelunkers to those that are readily accessible to explorers of all skill levels. Each and every cave has its own special beauty and is worth visiting, especially for those with a special interest in geology.

Lucayan Nation Park is home to a vast network of underwater caves and caverns. It is, as of yet, not completely mapped, but many experts believe that this geological marvel could well be the largest network of its type, not only in the Bahamas, but also in the world. Of the caves and caverns that have been mapped, there are a few tourist favorites that stand out from the rest. Though, it should be noted that dedicated spelunkers and divers may well find the less traveled caves and caverns to have many characteristics and qualities that place them above those that the tourists have made well known.

In the park’s Burial Mound Cave, remains of the island’s original inhabitants, the Lucayas, were found. Scuba divers are able to view stalagmites and stalactites, in addition to many eye-catching rack formations. Ben’s Cave is the only cave where diving is still permitted, and is only open to experience and well trained divers. The Mermaid’s is a popular underwater cavern suitable for exploration by skilled scuba divers. It is definitely not a place for beginners.

The difference between a cave and cavern is that in a cavern, you can still see light and you can usually see the exit. Caves are deep and dark, extending often far beyond the entrance point and underwater cave exploration requires advanced diving skill. Zodiac Caverns can be explored by chartering a boat to bring you to their entrance.

One of the most well known cave and cavern tour providers is the Blue Holes Foundation. Stephanie Schwabe, one of the few female cave divers in the world, formed this non-profit organization, with her husband, the famous cave diver Rob Palmer, who passed away not too long ago, for the purpose of mapping and exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. The foundation offers a variety of tours to parties of up to ten people.

Safety is one of the most important concerns when exploring underwater caves and caverns. It is essential to make sure that you use quality equipment in good working order, and you’ll need to be experienced enough to be able to determine this for yourself. It is important not to overestimate your abilities and to stick to adventures and explorations that are within your skill level and comfort zone. Choose reliable and knowledgeable guides, using in-depth research to choose tour providers that are reputable and have a good safety record.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, you’ll be sure to have a positive and amazing experience exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. You’ll see rare and unusual marine life and geological formations. Cave and cavern exploration in this region is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

An island nation, Jamaica offers a wealth of natural beauty. Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to some of the most well-known of the island’s natural wonders, including a glistening waterfall that attracts visitors from all over and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Dunn’s River Falls offers a hiking experience that allows even the decidedly non-athletic to enjoy a beautiful view of the 600 foot high waterfalls. However, while the 900 foot climb to the top may seem like a cake walk to the experienced hiker, for those not accustomed to activities, caution should be taken and children should be monitored carefully to avoid injury.

With that being said, however, the experience is one not to be missed. The views alone are worth the walk. There are areas at the bottom and along the hiking path for wading and splashing in the cold and very clear mountain water.

At Dolphin Cove, visitors can enjoy up close and personal interaction with a family group of bottle nose dolphins. Located near Ocho Rios, at one of the most beautiful natural coves in Jamaica, the setting is lush and green, placed in the midst of 4 acres of rain forest.

There are three types of dolphin experience packages available, allowing visitors to choose the degree of interaction best suited to their comfort zone and experience. These include the opportunity to swim and interact with a group of dolphins, another that provides in water interaction with a single dolphin and another which is called a touch encounter package, which is best suited for non-swimmers and children. The traveler should make contact well in advance for individual package rates and to make reservations, as spots are limited.

Dolphin Cove also features other attractions, including a jungle walk trail, while not too physically challenging, offers a fascinating look at local flora and fauna. This is a particularly nice destination for children as there is ample opportunity to have an up close view of brightly colored birds and reptiles. Pristine beaches, perfect for those who enjoy the sun and sand, but not the crowds, and kayaking are also available to visitors, as well as a waterfall that is sure to be less crowded than Dunn’s River Falls.

At Cranbrook Flower Forest and Riverhead Adventure Trail, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm, tourists can explore the grounds of this restored water mill. Its greenhouses and grounds are home to many varieties of flowers, including numerous types of orchids. Horseback riding is available, and is the perfect way to enjoy traveling the trails. Admission for $6 and $3 for children under 12 and horseback riding rates are $30 for 2 hours.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is surrounded by surprising natural beauty. Surprising, in that so many of these natural wonders are found in the midst of the bustling businesses of the tourist industry. Yet, despite the large amount of commercialism, the natural beauty still remains, often seemingly undisturbed by the unceasing flow of visitors. That which has attracted adventurers and travelers for centuries remains readily apparent and truly remarkable.

Dining in the Bahamas always offers the possibility of a grand culinary adventure. This is particularly true in Long Island, where the strong influence of local culture shapes the cuisines offered there.

The Forest offers Bahamian cuisine and American casual fare in a rustic, simple sort of atmosphere, just outside of Clarence Town. Among the culinary offerings are a variety of finger foods, such as hot and spicy chicken wings, potato skins, cracked conch, barbecued chicken, and grouper fingers. There is a bar and pool table, an invitation to linger. Live music and dancing are a part of every other weekend’s festivities. Credit cards are not accepted, so you should remember to come prepared to pay in cash.

Once the exclusive domain of the ultra-rich and famous, including such illustrious names as the Kennedy, DuPont and Kellogg, the Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort has a fine restaurant that serves a variety of well prepared dishes, clearly influenced by the local cuisine. The seafood is fresh and plentiful and the broiled lobster and conch salad are especially good.

Max’s Conch Grill and Bar is simply fabulous, a must visit for both the quality of the food and the atmosphere. It’s a fun place, drawing as many, if not more, locals as tourists. Open from 9am to 9pm every day of the week, staying open later is there’s a good flow and vibe in the bar. The conch salad is exceptional, as are the conch burgers, and the conch dumplings tasty. Daily specials include baked ham or steamed pork. On site, there’s general store and a miniature golf course that is free to play.

Kooter’s offers simple food in a casual atmosphere, with daily specials that sometimes can be seafood, on other days, ribs. Conch burgers that are counted among the best of the island and club sandwiches, served with homemade French fries are popular favorites. They also serve ice cream. Most like to take their food and drink out on the deck, where there is a lovely view of Mangrove Bush Point.

Earlies Tavern, aside from being a popular nightspot among the locals, also serves excellent quality, simple tavern style food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, grouper, cracked conch, lobster and fish. Boxed lunches for picnic or just general take out orders are available upon request. This too, like many of the eating and drinking establishments, is a cash only operation. You’ll need to come prepared to pay cash.

At Chez Pierre Bahamas, at Millers Bay Beach, Chef Pierre does amazing things with his homegrown ingredients and fresh caught daily seafood. This small, ocean side restaurant is worth seeking out. The food is exquisite.

Jeraldine’s Jerk Pit, serving tradition jerk foods and conch salad, and Mario’s Blue Chip, serving among many other satisfying dishes, grouper fingers and fresh crayfish, are both popular roadside stands on Queens Highway.

The food on Long Island is clearly heavily influenced by local cultures and cuisine. It makes for a rich culinary exploration of the subtle qualities of Bahamian cuisine. Your meals here will be satisfying and memorable.

Water is a major feature of the lovely island nation of Jamaica. While most well known for the joys of its amazing beaches, Jamaica is also home to a number of equally amazing rivers. With river activities that range from peacefully gliding along by boat, taking in sights of the widely varied flora and fauna, to the exciting and exhilarating experience of white water rafting, a vacation to Jamaica is not complete without a visit to one or more of its fine rivers. Tours are widely available and easy to arrange.

Operating out of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari offers an unforgettable experience of the largest river in Jamaica, the Black River. Traveling upriver for six miles, through wetlands that are home to more than 100 species of birds, visitors will see a wide variety of wildlife, including an endangered species of crocodile that has chosen to make this special river area its home. The plant life is varied, with all three of Jamaica’s mangrove types in abundance, along with a couple varieties of palm trees and other natural forest vegetation. A delightful highlight of the tour is a visit to one of the most natural waterfalls in Jamaica, the Y.S. Waterfalls, which have been unmarred by tourist industry excesses. The experienced guide will provide detailed information on the flora and fauna, as well as the local history.

Chukka Cove Adventure Tours, located a short distance outside of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers a variety of adventure and tour packages. Among these many fascination exploration opportunities is the River Tubing Safari. Adults and children over 6 years of age can enjoy a three-mile long trip down the White River in a tube. This trip is preceded by a tubing and water safety presentation and takes a little under four hours to complete. There are many sights to be seen along the river’s banks, including coconut plantations, bamboo groves and other lush and natural riverbank vegetation. Guides are knowledgeable and well-trained, parents can feel confident in the safety of the tour, but, of course, should exercise common sense and caution.

For a more relaxing river tour, in Port Antonio a delightful tour by raft of the Rio Grande can be arranged at reasonable rates. For $40, two people can enjoy a three-hour journey by bamboo raft, and will be accompanied by a local guide to steer the raft along. A perfect setting for an afternoon picnic, the rafting trip will pass through a variety of sights with a local flavor, drifting through beautiful, tropical rural areas.

There are many guided river tours available throughout Jamaica. While some are meant for the casual tourist looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience, there are many geared for those with an interest in eco-tourism, seeking a serous look at the flora and fauna of Jamaica, which is known for several rare species of plant and animal life. There are also a variety of tours that are meant for those whose taste runs towards the more extreme water sport adventures. Local tourist information stations and hotel staff are able to provide information on the best tours for you.