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Eleuthera Island of the Bahamas

Adam Bryner — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:00:05 +0000

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

Adam Bryner — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:00:03 +0000

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.

River Sights And Tours In Jamaica

Adam Bryner — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:59:54 +0000

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.

Explore The Caves and Caverns of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas

Adam Bryner — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:00:03 +0000

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.

Natural Wonders In Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Adam Bryner — Fri, 04 May 2007 23:59:59 +0000

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 On Bahamas’ Long Island

Adam Bryner — Fri, 04 May 2007 12:00:05 +0000

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.

River Sights And Tours In Jamaica

Adam Bryner — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:59:58 +0000

Reggae History Attractions In Jamaica

Adam Bryner — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:00:04 +0000

While there are many things that Jamaica is known for, it is perhaps best known internationally for its association with the very roots of reggae music. Kingston, Jamaica, is known the world over for being home to some of the biggest names in reggae history. The best known of all, of course, is Bob Marley, whose music continues to be heard around the globe, not only via personal collections and radio play, but also in mainstream commercial advertisements, which is a testament to the effect Bob Marley had on music and culture.

The Bob Marley Museum is a favorite tourist attraction. Located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, the museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30am to 4pm. Admission prices are just over $8 for adults, just under $7 for people 13 to 18 and a little over $3 for children 4 to 12. The museum is housed in what was once Bob Marley’s home and recording studio, and is brightly painted in the traditional Rastafarian hues of red, yellow and green.

Among the featured attractions there are a mural by Jah Bobby, which is an artistic representation of the life of Bob Marley, beginning with his birth and including highlights from his life and musical career. Visitors can see his living space, view a short documentary about his life and enjoy wandering through a nearby medicinal herb garden. Also on site is the Queen of Sheba restaurant. The building itself is remarkable in that it preserves many architectural details from earlier periods, such as latticework and moldings, an arched doorway and even includes rear servant’s quarters.

Another important historical reggae related site, officially opened in 1999 as Trench Town Culture Yard, as Jamaica’s first site dedicated to the urban culture that saw the blossoming of reggae music. Prince Charles of England was among those who attended the February 6 opening.

Located in Kingston, Jamaica, at the lower end of First Street, in the midst of what was once government housing projects, and where Bob Marley and many other reggae greats - including Peter Tosh, The Wailing Souls, and Toots and the Maytals - found inspiration for the songs they wrote, as well as gave public performances, this cultural center celebrates the history of reggae. There are many artistic and cultural displays, including sculptures, murals, and other works of art. There is also a small museum on site and a gift shop. Guided tours are available.

Island Car Rentals, of Kingston, offers what they call a Bob Marley Tour, for which they charge $48 per person. They require at least two people to sign up for the tour, and then their knowledgeable tour guides pick up the tourists at their hotel and take them through the various Kingston spots associated with Bob Marley’s life and history.

Reggae music has touched countless lives throughout the world. The historical sites associated with the beginning of the reggae musical and cultural movements attract an international blend of tourists seeking to pay their respects to those who’ve meant so much to them.

Horseback Riding in Jamaica

Adam Bryner — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 01:59:59 +0000

Jamaica is a beautiful island with just so much to take in. There is an abundance of wildlife, able to claim the broad expanses of terrain that has been neither developed nor commercialized as home. There are mountains and beaches, forests and wetlands. Traveling by car moves too fast to be able to really see the countryside, to really be able to appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer. The best way to explore natural Jamaica is by horseback, riding the numerous nature trails.

Horseback riding opportunities are widely available throughout Jamaica, simply because it really is the best way to view the flora and fauna. Rocky Point Stables in Montego Bay is one of many such establishments operating on the island. This one specializes in offering tours of local mountain forests.

Also located in Montego Bay is Chukka Blue Horse Back Riding. The two and a half hour long tours bring riders through rainforest areas, the grounds of an old sugar mill and its 18th century ruins, a small agricultural town, and a beach. The horses are healthy and well cared for and seem to enjoy their part of the journey, meaning guilt-free pleasure for the riders as they enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

In Negril, there’s the Rhodes Hall Plantation, also offering tours by horseback. The tour guides know the area well and readily point out places and things of interests and know the local tales that go with them. New riders are treated with care and patience. Ocho Rios is the location of Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre. In addition to three hour long riding tours that include riding the beach, this stables has polo lessons available.

Hooves, found at 61 Windsor Road, Saint Anne’s Bay, is yet another place offering guided tours by horseback. They offer a wide variety of tour packages. Among these is the fascinating Bush Doctor Tour, which cost $55 per person and includes a variety of extras, such as transportation to and from the vacationer’s hotel.

Bush doctors, during the times of slavery, were the only medical care that the enslaved peoples had. These bush doctors were well versed in the arts of natural healing, and the medicinal uses of local herbs and plants. Even today, in many of the more rural areas, it is the bush doctor who cares for the people in times of illness. This tour brings the rider through beautiful terrain and explores, among other things, the places in which the plants important for health and healing are found.

The other guided tours available are the Rainforest Ride, the Beach Ride, and the Honeymoon Ride, each as unique and fascinating as the Bush Doctor Ride. Hooves also offers private rides and riding vacations. If you enjoy horseback riding or would like to try it out, this is a place that should not be missed.

Exploring Jamaica by horseback is an entirely different experience than doing so by motor vehicle. There’s a deeper connection made to the surroundings, a greater appreciation, born of slowing down and taking the time to really see the surroundings. That’s something far too few of us do in the hectic pace of our modern world, even while vacationing.

Dining On Bahamas’ Harbour Island

Adam Bryner — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:00:04 +0000

Bahamas vacation destination Harbour Island offers a wide variety of cuisines and quality dining experiences. International, Bahamian, and American cuisines are readily available throughout the island.

Angela’s Starfish Restaurant offers both classic and unique native dishes, Bahamian cuisine and some American foods. The native dishes truly have that authentic quality, and many of the customers seen in eating in the restaurant are local people enjoying the classic favorites. Many of these are based on seafood of various types and cracked conch. The setting is simple, small tables on the lawn with folding chairs, and the food is delicious. Credit cards are not accepted, so you’ll need to remember to come prepared to pay cash. The restaurant is open every day, from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

The Landing is well known for its fine Australian and international cuisines, Located on Bay Street, the eatery is housed in a beautiful antique building that adds ambiance to an already excellent dining experience. Because fresh ingredients are preferred by the chef, the menu varied with what is in season. House specialties include capellini with lobster, and a very special dish that consists of lobster wrapped in banana leaves, braised romaine, chili, and lime juice. The Landing also serves an excellent pesto sauce, rich in flavor and a delight to the nose. This establishment is open on Sundays, from 8am to 2pm, and Thursday through Tuesday, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Reservations are strongly suggested to secure a table for dinner at this quality restaurant.

On Court Street, Bahamian and Mediterranean cuisines are presented in their finest forms at Restaurant Sip Sip. It is truly an amazing restaurant. The menu varies, according to the current interest of the proprietors Jim Black and Julie Lightbourne. The menu most often contains dishes based upon Bahamian, Italian, French, Thai, or Pacific Rim cuisines, though the degree to which the focus rests upon any one of these culinary traditions
changes periodically. Occasionally you’ll see eggplant dishes from Lebanon, Mexican inspired cuisine with tropical flavors, and a variety of other culinary inspirations and fusions. This restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays through Mondays, from 11:30am to 4pm. This is a place that definitely should not be missed.

Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is located on Colebrook Street in a small wooden house of orange and yellow. The tiny restaurant is very clean and the food is simple and hearty Bahamian fare, a favorite among locals. It is a family own and operated establishment that does a brisk business all day long. Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is open every day between the hours of 6:30am and #pm and from 5:30 to 10pm.

There are numerous little dining spots featuring a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant fine dining to the simple charms to be found in house converted to a restaurant serving dishes made from grandmother’s oldest recipes. Harbor Island is a place to indulge the taste buds, rather than to worry about a waist line.