Tag Archives: diving

Maldives Islands

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The Maldives islands is a tropical wonderland in the exotic Indian Ocean made up of 1,190 coral islands, stretching some 575 miles north to south in the Indian Ocean. Of that number, only 202 are inhabited, and 120 are exclusive island resorts. The atolls are barely higher than sea level, coconut trees, sea cabbage and pandans grow in abundance.
Maldives islands are  the ideal setting for romance, a divers paradise, discover the sunny side of life.
Attracting romance with honeymooners, destination weddings, anniversary trips and more!

Maldives islands

In the Maldives Islands, you can stay on a tiny island that has a soft, sandy beach, a sparkling turquoise lagoon and only a single dwelling. And if you plunge beneath the surface of the lagoon, you’ll find extraordinary underwater scenery with an amazing variety of colorful reef fish.
The Maldives Islands also attracts lovers of the sea for diving, snorkeling and more.
Some of our top recommendation highlights in the Maldives:

  • Addu Atoll– The most southerly of the Maldives island groups, is definitely worth visiting for divers, the coral is the best in the country.
  • Hulhumalé Island– Ferry out to this man-made island and take a look to the future. A utopian town, Hulhumalé is set to become the new hub of the Maldives in decades to come as sea levels rise. At 2m above sea level, it is mountainous by local standards.
  • Island Hop- To a uninhabited island, spend the night by yourselves, its quite the experience to dream a bit.
  • Vilingili Island– Ferry out to the tranquil neighbouring island of Vilingili. Join locals at the beach, watch cricket matches in the park, and picnic under the multitude of gently-waving palm trees.
  • Dive Wreck- An unforgettable underwater experience for divers is the wreck of the merchant ship Maldives Victory, which lies 115 ft below the waves near Hulhule. Sinking in 1981, the ship has become an artificial reef, with coral, sponges and fish all making it their home.

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Dominican Republic- Romantic Caribbean Island!

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Dominican Republic – The Caribbean’s most geographically diverse country, showcasing everything from tropical rainforests and alpine ranges to mangrove swamps and desert expanses. These natural gifts offer superb adventure travel and eco-tourism options, catering for mountain-bikers, trekkers, water sport fanatics among other outdoor enthusiasts. With their almost perfect weather year round 78*-88* its natures tropical paradise, just waiting to be explored!

Dominican Republic

  • Punta Cana- Boasting a series of wide white beaches that stretch nearly uninterrupted for 35 miles, has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean.
  • Puerto Plata- The first beach destination developed for tourism in the Dominican Republic, it remains one of its most popular, with a long string of affordable beachfront resorts and a reputation as one of the best spots for windsurfing in the world. North Coast resorts, including laid-back
  • Cabarete- On the North Coast, Cabarete is famous for kite-boarding and also a well known snorkeling area.
  • Limon- A impressive waterfall, that is 52 meter high cascading into a amazing swimming hole.
  • Santo Domingo- One of the oldest city’s, where Christopher Columbus first landed! Stroll the cobblestone streets, shop Mercado Modelo handcraft market, experience some local food.

*Locals Secret:  Merengue Festival- held the last two weeks of July, the largest music festival in the country, most of the activity is on the Malecon but there are related events across the city of Santo Domingo.
*Hidden Gem:  Hoyo Azul, a chilly, neon-blue lagoon that’s perfect for diving into on a hot day.

Travel back in time, discover influences of the ancient Taino Indians, Spanish, African, Latin and European, sip a coconut drink, stroll the white sand beaches, the Dominican Republic has it all….Honeymoon or have your Destination Wedding in the Dominican Republic!”

 

  • To connect with a Dominican Republic Island Destination Specialists, and get your personalized travel album and up to $100 off one of our recommended resorts, visit us @ www.VirtualHoneymoon.com/DominicanRepublic

     

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Long Island in the Bahamas

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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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The Exumas Chain of Glory!

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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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Caye Caulker, Belize

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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

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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

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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

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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

 

 

 

 

Turks and Caicos

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Turks & Caicos Islands are located in the British West Indies. just 90 minute flight and 575 miles from Miami. With a warm dry climate, friendly people and natural beauty, the islands boast an unrivaled reef system and 193 square miles of pristine white sand beaches. An ideal location for romance, relaxation, diving, snorkeling. Turks & Caicos Islands

Some of our highly recommended areas:

*Middle & North Caicos-Its lush green woodlands, the biggest cave network in the Caribbean on Middle Caicos, cottage pond and flamingo pond in North Caicos and a vast range of plant life and bird life.

*Providenciales- an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. With a area of 38 miles. Providenciales was ranked the best beach destination in the world by TripAdvisor in 2011!
Most of the resorts are located primarily on Grace Bay, which is  5 miles long.

*South Caicos- The seventh largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, with a land area approximately 8 miles, known for excellent fishing, both deep sea and bone fishing, as well as scuba-diving. South Caicos was formerly a salt exporter, the island still hosts a network of salt pans as a reminder of the industry.

*Caicos Conch Farm- Explore the only conch farm in the world, where Caribbean on this web denpharma.com Queen conchs are raised from veliger to adult. Here you can watch how the process is done, enjoy a show with the two trained and very friendly conchs, see conch pearls and even purchase fresh conch for a fabulous conch salad.

Find Your Perfect Honeymoon Match on www.VirtualHoneymoon.comTurks & Caicos Islands - Beach