San Salvador & Rum Cay

San Salvador Island is set on the Atlantic side of the Bahamas and is about 200 miles southeast of Nassau. Its only 12 miles long by 5 miles wide, this island has miles of secluded powder white beaches with turquoise blue waters.  It mostly has dune ridges, sparkling lakes which make up about half of the interior of the island, its surrounded by reefs that protect the island.

On this island you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, travel back and discover archaeological evidence of the Lucayan Indians, its been recognized, with much debate, that it was Christopher Columbus  first landfall in the New World in 1492!

San Salvador’s smaller and more remote sister island, Rum Cay, is located 20 miles southwest. It is a relatively flat island with a few rolling hills, the highest of which reaches an altitude of about 120 feet.

Rum Cay was a former pirates haven with its deep reefs and drop-offs. In the north there are caves containing drawings, carvings and artifacts, believed to be from the Arawak Indians! Yes this is the the little island with some history!

The name Rum Cay is believed to have acquired its modern name from a shipwrecked cargo of rum!!

“So for any couple that likes a little history, secluded beaches, beautiful clear water and some island hopping, check this area out, we think you will fall in love all over again.”

San Salvador & Rum Cay
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Long Island in the Bahamas

Long Island is known as the most scenic out-island in all the Bahamas!

Its about 80 miles long by about 4 miles wide, and is located 165 miles southeast of Nassau.

The northeast side of the island is dramatic with steep and rocky cliffs with mysterious caves, this is where you will find Dean’s blue hole, which is the world’s deepest known blue hole, Long Island in the Bahamas - Dean Blue Holeplunging 663 feet deep.  

This island is definitely a divers dream, they also have astounding underwater wrecks and shark feeding for the adventurer at heart!

On the southwest side of the island, they are blessed with soft white sand beaches with crystal clear blue water, great for snorkeling or just being a beach bum.

Long Island in the Bahamas - Snorklers with Starfish
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Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama is the fourth largest of the islands in the Bahamas and furthest north and only 56 miles from Florida, making it the the closest Bahama island to the United States.

This island measures approximately 93 miles long and 12 miles wide.

There are three main destinations on this island, Freeport/Lucaya, East End and West End, they all offer amazing unique experiences.

Located on the south side of the island, you will find the miles of the most beautiful softest beaches you have ever seen!

Some good sights to check out, the marketplace at Port Lucaya, as well as their National park’s caves and highly recommend taking a picnic and your snorkel gear out to Peterson Cay. 

For some memorable meals, check out Luciano’s and Sabor’s Restaurants and Smith’s Point there is a good fish fry and live entertainment!

Grand Bahama island seems to have it all, with a mix of modern appeal yet historic and with a twist of ecological wonders, like the underwater cave system and endless plush beaches with clear turquoise waters, add on the 3 national parks and a quaint small town, with beautiful resorts and you can call this island a complete honeymoon destination!

Grand Bahama Island - HoneymoonFind your Perfect Honeymoon Match on www.VirtualHoneymoon.com

 

 

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Eleuthera and Harbour Island in the Bahamas made our list of Island Hoppers Dream!Eleuthera & Harbour Island - Bahamas Beach

Eleuthera Island is just 50 miles east of Nassau and just 110 miles long and in some places just a mile wide, making it a long narrow island. 

Its sophisticated yet casual island and home to endless pineapple fields and white and pink sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise water with massive coral reefs and home to secluded coves. 

Harbour Island was once the capital of The Bahamas and in 2005 was ranked by Travel and Leisure as the best little Island in the Caribbean!

This island is filled with lush tropical greenery and over 35 miles of stunning soft pink sand beaches, it has made the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean numerous times and should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Eleuthera & Harbour Island - Pink Sand

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the main island of Eleuthera, you can rent a car to get around, unlike Harbour Island where you will find Golf carts and bicycles are the main source of transportation.

Both amazing island getaways, the locals are super friendly and happy to help visitors in anyway they can, so be prepared to make some new friends!

“There are so many little islands to chose from in the Bahamas, continue to follow us on our blogs to discover all this island hoppers paradise has to offer!”

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Andros Island

Andros Island is the largest of all the Bahamian islands, at 2,300 square miles, with a area greater than all the other 700 Bahamian islands combined. The land area of Andros consists of hundreds of small islets and cays connected by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamp lands, together with three major islands, Mangrove Cay, North Andros and South Andros.

Of all the Bahamian islands, Andros is the king, with its beautiful natural surroundings, and the world’s third largest barrier reef, mesmerizing blue holes,  and numerous species of flora and fauna. This is a adventurers dream come true!

With a mix of the perfect combination of kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing or just bird watching and then add in miles of the perfect deserted beaches and fresh water lakes, this is a vacationers dream come true!

Andros is also home to the highest concentration of blue holes, that have many unusual and unique cave fish and invertebrates, some not found anywhere else in the world!!

Island hoppers and adventure seekers, this is your true Bahamian island getaway!

Andos Island - Pirates Beach
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Acklins Island

Acklins Island in the Bahamas, are charming more remote island, but very accessible for the island hoppers at heart.

With just 92 square miles and four miles across at its widest point, this island offers warm crystal clear blue water, perfect for snorkelers, divers and fisherman.

You’ve heard it said that all good things come in small packages, well this describes Acklins island well!

It is home to a small but famous lagoon for amazing snorkeling and breathtaking secluded exotic beaches, with more than 1000 feet of shallow waters.

This little island is on our island hoppers list for those couples that want to feel like they have their own island paradise, with secluded coves and beaches to get lost and fall in love all over again!

Acklins Island - Secluded Beach
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The Exumas Chain of Glory!

The Exumas in the Bahamas are astounding!!!!!

From a point just southeast of New Providence. Exumas, is located southeast from New Providence, are a chain of 365 islands and cays that cover approximately 95 miles of ocean.

The Exumas are spectacular natural beauty with  aquamarine and sapphire  water you’ve ever imagined. There are secluded inlets, tiny cays, desolate beaches with the best fishing, most are not inhabited, most of the population and resorts you will find on the southern part of the island chain, the Great Exuma has the most resorts with village shopping in George town and casual restaurants like Iva Bowes’, Big D’s Conch Shack, Eddie’s Edgewater and Peace & Plenty.The Exumas in the Bahamas

The northern end of the island chain and surrounding waters are protected within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a popular destination for day trips from Nassau by speedboat.

Many of the Exuma Cays are private, some are home to luxuriously exclusive private-island resorts and others the ultra-exclusive homes of such stars as Tim McGraw & Faith Hill.

Staniel Cay is the main hub with a Yacht Club with restaurant and bar where boaters like to hang out and there’s a landing strip that serves as the gateway to the northern stretch of Cays.

Also home to the famous Thunderball Cave, as seen on the movie Splash! This is where you can put  a mask on and snorkel and duck inside a small hollow cay that’s filled with friendly fish waiting to be hand fed!

The Exumas are the perfect destination for boating, fishing, snorkeling, diving and kayaking or just beach-bumming it! Its the ultimate escape for your dream honeymoon!
Until next time, happy island hopping, see you on the beach soon!!

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Nassau & Paradise Island

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is located on 21-mile-long New Providence, the Bahamas 11th largest island, its a bustling metropolitan hub with rich culture and modern twist, yet quaint & friendly feel.

Paradise Island is just north of Nassau, it protects Nassau’s main harbour. Paradise Island  is blessed with 185 acres of pure beauty and fun! With white sand beaches, beautiful luxurious resorts, scrumptious restaurants, fun shops, amazing nightlife, golf course and a outrageous aquarium located in Atlantis along with a super fun Casino, that just happens to be the biggest in all the Caribbean!

Speaking of Atlantis, this is a beautiful large playground for all ages and full of fun activities for everyone! They have a amazing underground aquarium with every sea creature you can imagine, a water slide that goes right through the shark tank (so it seems), a lazy river, you can even swim with the sharks, dolphins, stingrays, you name it, you can swim with it there!! If that’s not enough, the beaches are white, soft and perfect, the restaurants are award winning, and you can shop until your hearts content, whether you stay at the there or at one of the nearby resorts, you can get a day pass to Atlantis.

Whether you want to stay on Paradise Island or Nassau on Cable beach, this is where most of the nicer resorts are, from all-inclusive, adults only, luxury, moderate, something to fit everyone’s budget here!

“This truly is a island hoppers dream come true.”

Nassau & Paradise Island
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Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize - Caye CartCaye Caulker, is known as the GO SLOW island, approximately one mile west of the Belize barrier reef, the island is about 4 miles long.

Caye Caulker, Belize - Belize Boat

It has a really relaxing fun atmosphere with white sand streets, no cars on this friendly little island, the only mode of transportation are golf carts, bikes, and your feet!

The dress there is extremely casual and shoes are not required! You can enjoy shopping, restaurants, sailing, diving, birding, jungle tours, fishing, and windsurfing in the crystal clear azure waters.

Our favorite casual restaurant that has amazing food and really fun place to hang out, complete with a deck over the water is Lizards Bar & Grill, where you can meet locals and just hang out all day if you want!Caye Caulker, Belize

This is a great day trip from Ambergris Caye, hire a friendly, fun local and boat over, spend the day, stroll the white sand streets, shop until you drop and enjoy great food & drinks…..love this little island!!!!!!Caye Caulker - Belize Driver
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Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, San Pedro is the only town on the island.
Ambergris Caye, Belize This is a friendly little island just 25 miles long and 1 mile wide, their main form of transportation is golf carts, bicycles and water taxis, which makes for a fun way to explore this quaint little island! 

Ambergris Caye is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, crystal clear waters, villages with cute shops, scrumptious restaurants, and friendly locals. Some of the main attractions from Ambergris Caye:

San Pedro Town- Picture postcard perfect little town, lots to explore, from small colorful bungalows to crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, quaint shops and fabulous restaurants.

Caye Caulker-  a small limestone island, about 4 miles long, it has a relaxing atmosphere with white sand streets, golf carts for transportation and casual dress with no shoes, enjoy sailing, diving, birding, jungle tours, fishing and windsurfing in the clear azure waters of the Caribbean.

Palapa Bar & Grill- Super quaint “over-water bungalow” restaurant, serving amazing food and drinks, friendly service, go for a meal or hangout in the inter-tube on the water and they will throw you down cold beer!Ambergris Caye, Belize - PalapasHol Chan Marine Reserve- Belize’s oldest marine reserve, Hol Chan Reserve and Shark Alley is about 4 miles south of San Pedro, experience amazing snorkeling and diving, even swimming with the sharks.

The Great Blue Hole- Belize’s famous sink hole is at the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Originally a cave where the roof collapsed as the sea level rose about 10,000 years ago, a challenge for experienced divers!    

If you want that “bungalow feel” you thought you could only get in French Polynesia, which may not be in your budget than think Belize….although the bungalows are called a different name here, known as “Casitas” they are quite amazing!!!!

Ambergris Caye, Belize - Amber Hm CabanaIsland hoppers dream!!!!!!
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San Ignacio, Belize

San Ignacio is located in Belize’s western region, set against the lush green hillside 70 miles west of Belize City and just 10 miles from the border of Guatemala.

Its loaded with culture with its historical sites, wooden buildings set against the green hillside, the area has a real country feel to it with its horseback riding, hiking trails, rivers, creeks and mysterious caves, this area of Belize is home to some of the best jungle lodges for that rustic but romantic feel. San Ignacio is a great area to catch excursions to a number of attractions like the Actun Tunichil Muknal and Mountain Pine Forest, Botanical Gardens, Butterfly farms, Barton & Chaa Creek and many ruin sites!San Ignacio - Belize Pyramids

Hardly a beach town, San Ignacio is more of a jungle, inland town but a short drive away from the beautiful beaches of Belize and close to the Mayan ruins, and close to caving, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.

This is home to some of our favorite resorts or should I say jungle cabanas and lodges!  It really gives you a feeling of being among the jungle and rainforest in one, is the best way to describe this area.
I love putting together honeymoon trips for couples to Belize, I always say that in Belize you really can have it all!
I will usually put our couples inland on the main island of Belize like San Ignacio area for a few days, then island hop them over to one of the outer islands like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker…….stay tuned for my blog on those areas, definitely a honeymooners dream paradise duo!
“If your a island hopper that loves adventure, Belize should be on your list of destinations.”
San Ignacio, Belize - Outdoor Porch
Its Un-Belizeable!!!!!!!
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Plancencia in Belize

If your a beach lover, you should check this area in beautiful Belize out!Plancencia in Belize - Beach

Plancencia is located in southern Belize. With sixteen miles of powder white sand, and turquoise blue waters for as for as your eyes can see!

Its situated on a perfect stretch of beach surrounded by jungle rivers, luscious rainforests, lagoons and historic Mayan ruins!

So much to do in this area, whether your a beach lover, adrenaline junkie, or sports fanatic, you won’t be board unless you want to be!!

There are several beautiful resorts to chose from, whether you want that authentic bungalow feel in the jungle, or just a beautiful resort on the beach, there is something for every taste.

The temperature in this area is betweeen 75-85 degrees depending on the season, with sea breezes to keep you perfectly comfortable, the climate here is more tropical than northern Belize.

Make sure to spend some time at Plancencia village, charming & quaint feel with the pace being laid back until their annual events start up in February for their Sidewalk Arts & Music festival and in June for their Lobsterfest.

If you like nature and want a little adventure, I highly recommend taking a boat tour up Monkey river, check this out at  http://www.monkeyriverbelize.net/tours/monkey-river-tour

Belize is one of my favorite honeymoon spots for adventurous couples, I’ve been there and highly recommend splitting your time between the main island of Belize and outer island of Ambergris Caye.

watch for my next blog on Ambergris Caye, love this little island, feels like time stood still there until then!

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Robin Hawkey

Robin

 

 

 

 

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tortuguero is located in the northeastern part of the country of Limon Province of Costa Rica, which is a lush tropical jungle located about 55 miles northeast of San Jose, and only accessible by water or air!Tortuguero, Costa Rica - Boat Trip

Its a very remote part of the country, but the third-most visited park in Costa Rica. This is a very humid part of Costa Rica and gets up to 250 inches of rain each year.

This lush jungle is full of mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons, which attract monkeys, sloths, manatees, snakes, otters, toucans and other wildlife. Usually toured by boats or canoes, the park is best in the rainy season, which is August, you will see the green turtles there, when they lay their eggs. The national park ecosystem has more than 400 species of trees and about 2,200 species of other plants.

Sea turtle in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Talk about Eco-tourism, Costa Rica is top for this, there are great accommodations in this area, we recommend one of the many jungle lodges that are tucked away along the canals, so you can experience the green turtles, amongst the flora and fauna.

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Monteverde, Costa Rica

 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica, is one of the top attractions for nature lovers!Monteverde, Costa Rica
The reserve is located on the steep slopes of a mountain range which is 120 miles northwest of San Jose, which is home to rate wildlife, which includes jaguars & pumas!
Out of the 450 species of birds, are emerald toucaets and quetzal. The best time to go there to experience these birds is September to April.
Getting to Monteverde is not easy, you have to travel on bad roads, but its really worth the trek!
Founded in 1972, the reserve consists of over 26,000 acres of cloud forest, 90% of which are virgin forest. a high biodiversity of over 2,500 plant species, 100 mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptiles and thousands of insects!!!!!
Excellent area for birding, hiking and for you adrenaline junkies, some of the best zip-lining in all of Costa Rica!!!!!!!!
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Hawaii “Big Island”

Hawaii island is the youngest and the largest of all the Hawaiian islands and its still growing! Hawaii "Big Island" - Couple overlook Halemaumau Crater

The home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes and tallest sea mountain. From the green rainforest to the black sand beaches, this island is a natural wonder of unrivaled expression in the powers of nature at work!

“Hawaii made our top list of Island Hoppers dream, and also a wonderful place to spend a few days on your honeymoon”

Below is our top recommendations when visiting this amazing island:
Volcano National Park–  Home to Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Hapuna Beach–  Hawaii’s white sand beach and been rated on numerous international Top Ten lists and offers good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling.

Rainbow Falls–  My personal favorite! Luscious waterfalls, where you can hike behind and around, numerous picnic areas to chose from, perfect for a romantic picnic!

Kohala Coast- known as “South Kohala” – Nestled amongst the jet-black and rust-red lava rock fields amongst the breath-taking black sand beaches. Hawaii "Big Island" - Punaluu Black Sand Beach

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Kauai “The Garden Island”

Kauai "The Garden Island" - WaterfallKauai, known as the “Garden Island” is the island of discovery, with 50 miles of
breath taking beaches against the clear pacific ocean with its sparkling blue water to its lush tropical rainforest and cascading waterfalls with rushing rivers,
colorful valleys and quaint historic small towns, where no building is taller than a coconut tree.

Some top areas we recommend exploring:
Wailua Falls- Known as “secret falls” 80 foot high, as seen on fantasy island. Kauai "The Garden Island" - Waimea Canyon
Napili Coast Take a boat tour along the scenic northshore to experience  colorful sea cliffs.
Waimea Canyon- Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Wailua River- Enjoy this scenic river, take in famous Fern Grotto.
Beautiful Beaches- Poipu on the “sunny” south shore  and Hanalei bay on the north shore, experience Kauai’s white sand beaches.
Spouting Horn- One of the most photographed spots, known as “blowhole.”

“Kauai is the island begging to be explored and Island hopper dream!”

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Maui “The Magic Isle”

Maui is the magic isle and second largest Hawaiian island, but with low population, making it very desirable with its diversity and attractions,Maui "The Magic Isle" - Couple walking along the beach with canoes in the foreground
there something for everyone here! From its heavenly beaches to its scenic wonders its no wonder why Maui has been voted best island several years now!

Some of our favorite areas to explore:
*Beautiful beaches- Kaanapali Beach on the west is Maui’s “famous beach” known for its powder white soft sand, and Makena Beach on the south,     known as Maui’s “Big” beach, the largest beach on Maui.
*Road to Hana- leads you through tropical rainforest, with dramatic scenery of flowing waterfalls and plunging pools, experience old HawaiiMaui "The Magic Isle" - Convertible going over a bridge on the road to Hana
*Haleakala National Park– Maui’s highest peaks 10,023 feet above sea level, morning sunrises are unforgettable
*Lahaina- Hot spot on the west, historic whalers village with shops, restaurants & marina, catch some great tours leaving from here.
*Molokini- A small island a few miles off of Maui’s southwestern coast, great for snorkelers and divers.
*Wailea- South shore of Maui, known for its world class golf courses and crescent-shaped beaches.
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, MexicoGet Lost and fall in love in Los Cabos!
Cabo San Lucas, known as “Cabo”  has been rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, scuba diving and marine life, shopping, clubs, restaurants, and numerous beachfront resorts, and last but not least, their waterfront marina, hosting some pretty impressive boats and yachts and lined with some of tCabo San Lucas, Mexico - Beachhe best restaurants with great prices. You can also takes some great tours right out of the marina, one of our favorites is to boat out to the famous “Arch” and lovers beach,
you can take a picnic and have them drop you off at lovers beach, for some relaxing beach time what feels like in the middle of no-where with breath-taking views!
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 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Tour Guide
“Chewy, our favorite tour guide, I’m sure you will spot him at the Marina, best boater out there, trust me there are some massive waves to maneuver!”

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico is located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. It is a major world-renowned tourist destination, located on the Caribbean Sea and one of the easternmost points in Mexico.Cancun, Mexico- Drink Waiter
Spicy as salsa roja, intoxicating as a shot of tequila,  famous for white-sand beaches and crystal clear water, ancient Mayan ruins and pristine ecological wonders to explore, as well as nature parks and amazing all-inclusive resorts with all the amenities.
Cancun tends to attract young travelers, its a great honeymoon spot for fun couples that like to be sociable and in the middle of all the activity, maybe a little more adventurous…..
you can pretty much find a party going on anywhere as well as some great restaurants, clubs, high-end shops and craft markets!
Its also close enough to some Mayan Ruins to fill that adventure historian in you!Cancun, Mexico - Mayan Ruin

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Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is a island located in the Caribbean Sea along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula about 56 miles south of Cancun and 6 miles from the mainland. The island is about 30 miles long and9 miles wide, it is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island.Cozumel, Mexico - Heart Couple

Cozumel is the biggest attraction is the Mesoamerica Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Reefs off the island’s shores are protected in a national marine park, and the diving and snorkeling are superb, they are blessed with as many as 250 different species of tropical fish including the queen angelfish and the illusive toadfish, seen nowhere else in the world, this island is covered with a beautiful jungle which has a lot of endemic animal species, it is a relatively flat island as well!

They have some beautiful resorts there as well as some great restaurants, shops etc……stay for your honeymoon or you can easily do a day trip from the main island, this is truly honeymooners dream come true.

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