21-Day Southern & Eastern Caribbean: Abc Islands

Fort Lauderdale, located along the southeastern coast of Florida, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, diverse culture, and network of scenic canals that earned the city's nickname: “Venice of America.” The city is a gateway to the Everglades, where visitors can take airboat tours to see alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife. Fort Lauderdale Beach offers powdery sand and clear waters, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Visitors can stroll along the palm-lined promenade, enjoy beachfront dining, or partake in water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Lauderdale boasts a unique cultural scene. The historic Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, and NSU Art Museum.

One of Fort Lauderdale’s most unique features is its intricate canal system, which stretches over 300 miles. Visitors can take a water taxi or book a sunset cruise to explore the city from a different perspective.

Food lovers will find Fort Lauderdale to be a culinary haven. The city’s diverse dining options range from fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to international cuisine in Las Olas Boulevard’s eateries. Don’t miss trying a Florida staple like stone crab or Key lime pie!

St. Maarten, a dazzling island in the Caribbean, is renowned for its unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, reflecting its dual governance. The capital, Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, invites visitors with its vibrant Front Street, lined with duty-free shops, colorful markets, and charming eateries. The island’s cultural tapestry is further showcased in the Museum of Sint Maarten, where artifacts and exhibits illustrate the island's rich history and heritage.

On the French side, the town of Marigot exudes a sophisticated European flair with its chic boutiques and delectable French cuisine. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront of the Marigot Marina or savor local delights at the lively outdoor markets. A visit to the Fort Louis, offering panoramic views of Marigot Bay, adds a historical touch to your experience.

For beach enthusiasts, St. Maarten's pristine shores are a paradise. The island boasts renowned beaches like Maho Beach, famous for its dramatic airplane landings just above the sand. Orient Bay, on the French side, provides a quintessential Caribbean experience with its clear turquoise waters and vibrant beach bars.

A fun fact about St. Maarten is that it is home to the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, which is a haven for boating and water sports. To make the most of your visit, plan your trip between November and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for exploring the island's diverse offerings.

Barbados, an idyllic island in the Caribbean, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round warm climate, Barbados is a paradise for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The island’s western coast boasts the famous West Coast Beaches, including Payne’s Bay and Sandy Lane, where soft white sands and turquoise waters provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation or water sports. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Bathsheba Beach on the eastern coast offers dramatic rock formations and rolling waves, ideal for a scenic retreat.

Barbados's history is as captivating as its scenery. Visit Bridgetown, the island's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore colonial architecture and historic sites like St. Michael's Cathedral and The Garrison Savannah, once a British military base. The island's rich heritage is also celebrated at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, housed in a former military prison. Additionally, George Washington House, where the future U.S. president stayed in 1751, offers a glimpse into the island's intriguing past and its connections to American history.

The island's vibrant culture is showcased through its lively festivals and events. The annual Crop Over Festival celebrates Barbados’s rich heritage with colorful parades, music, and dance, culminating in a grand finale known as the Kadooment Day. Another cultural gem is the Oistins Fish Fry, a weekly event where locals and visitors gather to enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the island's culinary delights, from spicy flying fish to sweet Bajan rum cake.

Fun fact: Barbados is home to the world’s oldest rum, with Mount Gay Rum distillery dating back to 1703. A visit to the distillery offers a fascinating insight into rum production and the chance to sample some of the island's finest spirits. Plan your trip between December and April to enjoy the best weather and avoid the heavier tourist crowds. Discover the charm and warmth of Barbados, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience.

From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate.

A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest.

Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain.

Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms!

Fort Lauderdale, located along the southeastern coast of Florida, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, diverse culture, and network of scenic canals that earned the city's nickname: “Venice of America.” The city is a gateway to the Everglades, where visitors can take airboat tours to see alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife. Fort Lauderdale Beach offers powdery sand and clear waters, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Visitors can stroll along the palm-lined promenade, enjoy beachfront dining, or partake in water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Lauderdale boasts a unique cultural scene. The historic Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, and NSU Art Museum.

One of Fort Lauderdale’s most unique features is its intricate canal system, which stretches over 300 miles. Visitors can take a water taxi or book a sunset cruise to explore the city from a different perspective.

Food lovers will find Fort Lauderdale to be a culinary haven. The city’s diverse dining options range from fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to international cuisine in Las Olas Boulevard’s eateries. Don’t miss trying a Florida staple like stone crab or Key lime pie!

Curacao, a gem in the Caribbean Sea, offers a captivating blend of Dutch colonial charm and vibrant Caribbean culture. Its capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful 17th-century architecture and historic waterfront. The city's iconic Handelskade, lined with pastel-hued buildings, presents a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and waterfront dining. Don't miss the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which connects Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda districts and opens to allow ships to pass.

Beyond the historical allure, Curacao is famed for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island boasts some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, including Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa Cas Abao. These idyllic spots offer perfect settings for snorkeling, diving, and basking in the sun. The island’s marine life is a spectacle in itself, with colorful coral reefs and a diverse array of fish easily accessible from the shore.

Curacao's cultural richness is also reflected in its cuisine, which combines influences from Dutch, Spanish, and African traditions. The island’s culinary scene is a treat for the senses, with local specialties such as keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and stoba (beef stew) featured in many of its restaurants. Additionally, Curacao is known for its vibrant festivals and music, including the lively Carnival celebrations and various local music events throughout the year.

A fun fact about Curacao is that it is home to the famous Curacao liqueur, which is made from the dried peel of the laraha orange, native to the island. For the best experience, visit between January and April when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry, perfect for exploring and enjoying the island’s many offerings.

Fort Lauderdale, located along the southeastern coast of Florida, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, diverse culture, and network of scenic canals that earned the city's nickname: “Venice of America.” The city is a gateway to the Everglades, where visitors can take airboat tours to see alligators, exotic birds, and other wildlife. Fort Lauderdale Beach offers powdery sand and clear waters, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Visitors can stroll along the palm-lined promenade, enjoy beachfront dining, or partake in water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Beyond the beaches, Fort Lauderdale boasts a unique cultural scene. The historic Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, and NSU Art Museum.

One of Fort Lauderdale’s most unique features is its intricate canal system, which stretches over 300 miles. Visitors can take a water taxi or book a sunset cruise to explore the city from a different perspective.

Food lovers will find Fort Lauderdale to be a culinary haven. The city’s diverse dining options range from fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants to international cuisine in Las Olas Boulevard’s eateries. Don’t miss trying a Florida staple like stone crab or Key lime pie!