Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from

anyone else except they cannot hear or hear well. Because

the deaf culture consists of mainly deaf people who hang around

each other simply because of communication, finding a cruise that

caters to the deaf is a true blessing. A deaf cruise provides deaf

people with an opportunity to enjoy the same things as a hearing person

but in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Many

times, you will discover deaf people appearing shy when in

fact they are merely protective over themselves and other

deaf people. Because a deaf cruise is designed

specifically for deaf people, there is a sense of security.

With a deaf cruise, many things are modified to

accommodate. For

example, there are certified interpreters onboard who can

guide the

passengers through the cruise, answering questions and

just being

there to provide service. In addition, the ships are equipped

with TDDs

or TTYs (telephone/computer systems used by the deaf),

flashing

doorbells and wakeup alarms, and so on.

The one thing deaf people agree on is that these types of

cruises provide

a wonderful opportunity to meet other deaf friends from

around the

country, if not world. The staff is very helpful and goes out of

their way

to make the cruise a pleasant experience. With such

demand for deaf

cruises, you now find many of the top cruise lines meeting

this demand

head on.

For example, a wonderful cruise to Alaska can be booked

through

Hibiscus Travel. The Princess Cruise Line has some

amazing

opportunities for the deaf, providing ASL interpreters to

make every

passenger's experience top notch. In addition, this deaf

cruise is

affordable, costing around $1,400 for 10 full nights, which

includes

fabulous meals, entertainment, the interpreter service, and

fees and

taxes.

Another incredible deaf cruise is through Carnival Cruise

Lines where

every fall, a special cruise sails to the Western Caribbean

islands.

This five-day cruise also includes interpreter services and

all the

fantastic amenities you would expect from a top cruise line.

Royal

Caribbean also has an incredible four-night/five-day cruise

that

takes off from Miami. This cruise is a little more affordable,

starting

around $300. In addition, Royal Caribbean has the largest

cruise ship

in the world called the "Freedom of the Seas." This ship is

used for the

Deaf Freedom Cruise whereby people come to have an

incredible time. For

this cruise, not only does the price include all the meals but

also

entertainers and performers who are themselves deaf.

Southern Caribbean Deaf Group Cruise is a deaf cruise

enjoyed by

hundreds of people. For around $800, you can enjoy seven

full days

traveling the Caribbean islands. Finally, the Carnival Spirit,

which

is operated by Sunset Cruise Agency has a wonderful deaf

cruise called

"The Deaf Awareness Cruise."

The great thing about deaf cruises is that they are not

limited to

destinations. Therefore, if you are deaf and want to enjoy

taking a deaf

cruise, you will discover that you have a multitude of choices

such as

Tahiti, London, Copenhagen, eastern Mediterranean,

Alaska, Hawaii,

the Caribbean, Bahamas, Panama Canal, and more. If you

have avoided

taking a cruise simply because you did not feel comfortable,

know that

these unique cruises are geared toward your lifestyle and

special

needs. You will not feel like an outcast but as just another

passenger

having the time of your life while visiting amazing places.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about southern caribbean cruises may 2010:

Southern Caribbean Cruise Jan 2010

Bahia Honda State Park has something very unusual for the Florida Keys.

It has a beach. And a really nice one too.

Although the Florida Keys are islands, natural beaches are very rare indeed. Why? Mainly because the waters surrounding the Keys are so calm, the sand doesn't get a chance to build up. Bahia Honda has the best beach in the Florida Keys, and possibly the best in Florida.

Things to Do and See

Swimming is a popular activity at Bahia Honda. The turquoise waters are warm, in the upper 70's to the 80's most of the year, and very clear. Although the beach faces out to the Atlantic Ocean, unless there is a storm out to sea, the waters are calm.

Along with swimming, snorkeling is a big draw to Bahia Honda. The same calm, clear waters that invite swimming are excellent for exploring the underwater world. And if you really want a treat, take a snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda out to Looe Key and visit the coral reef.

Kayaking and boating are also on the list of fun things at the park. There is a small marina and a boat ramp. If you have somehow misplaced your boat, you can rent a kayak from the park concession. The calm waters are great for exploring the nooks and crannies of the island, especially on the Gulf side.

Why Not Stay Awhile?

Let's not forget camping. From tents to RVs to renting one of their beach cabins, all kinds of camping are available. Here's a caveat: call ahead to reserve a camping spot or especially one of the cabins. As you might imagine, a beach cottage in paradise has a bit of a waiting list.

Bahia Honda State Park is located in the lower Florida Keys, just south and west of the Seven Mile Bridge. One visit and you'll understand why they call the Florida Keys the American Caribbean.

So come on down for a visit.

The weather is fine and the natives are friendly.

For more information on Bahia Honda State Park, you can visit http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/bahia-honda-state-park.html

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean island cape coral:

Tarpon Derby "SW Florida, Boca Grande, Sanibel, Captiva!"

Taking a cruise vacation is fun and their are ways of making it even more enjoyable with a bit of preparation and knowledge. Before booking your cruise their are things that you should know.

Are you going on a family vacation, a couples cruise or a singles cruise? Depending on the answer to this question, the type of cruise and cruise line that you choose will differ.

Families who do not gamble should seriously consider the Disney line. There are tons of things for the kids to do and there is a whole area for adults as well, as well as a spa area for relaxation. Every person that I talk to that took one of their cruises has said that their kids begged to be allowed to stay in the kids area. They were just having way too much fun to want to leave for even a minute.

There are also a ton of things to do together, like the Broadway style shows, amazing meals and on shore excursions.

Now if you are going on a family vacation and the adults want to gamble, try a Royal Caribbean Cruise. There is a kids area, as well as a kiddie pool but there is also a casino for the adults. On top of that you have excursions, as well, onboard shows, a spa, tons of activities and outstanding cuisine.

If you are more into the singles or even couples scene and you like to party a bit, go with Carnival cruise lines. They are typically less expensive and have a party atmosphere. You can lounge by the pool, dance in their clubs and mingle to your heart's content with hundreds of like minded individuals.

If upscale and quiet is more your speed go for the Princess Cruise line. In our opinion this is the least kid friendly. The kiddie pool on the two cruises that we went on began at 6 feet. This is a slightly older crowd that is being catered to. There are several amazing restaurants onboard like Sabatinis where for an extra $25 you get unlimited courses. There are pasta dishes, lobster, steaks, incredible desserts and more and you can have as many portions as you like. If you want to pamper yourself there is an onboard spa and an oasis which you can pay a small fee to reserve. Children are not allowed in this area and it is dedicated to peace and quiet. You can lounge by the pool certain that you will not be disturbed. Or you can go to one of the other pools and actually mingle and meet people.

All of these cruises offer treats like movie nights by the pool, snack bars throughout the ship, buffets, free classes, paid classes, spas, different dining plans depending on whether you want to eat with the same people night after night or if you prefer your own table and dining schedule. They all also offer onboard shows, art auctions, on shore excursions and more. Many even own or rent their own private island for you to enjoy.

Your first cruise vacation will amaze you and you will have fun. The only word of caution is to buy some Dramamine before hand just in case you hit slightly bumpy waters. It should help you feel great and enjoy your trip even more.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean cruises november 2010:

Shaklee Videos Imagine 2010.flv

When anyone is in need of a hotel, one of the first things noted on any website is the hotel name and the star rating. Star ratings can be confusing for some people as different countries often employ different criteria for the rating of hotels and resorts. A prime example of this is between North American properties and Caribbean resorts. Many people often think a 3 star hotel in Nassau is the same quality as a 3 star hotel in Toronto, however this is often not the case.

In order to fully understand the star rating system for any downtown hotel in North America, the following gives a brief explanation of the description of each, using downtown Toronto hotels as examples.

1 - 1 1/2 Star Level

These hotels/motels are often the most basic with no added amenities or services. Rooms are very basic and plain and do not offer guests much more than a place to sleep. In the case of Toronto there are no real properties of this level simply because persons coming to a large metropolitan area expect certain level of service and so there is no market for this level of hotel.

2 - 2 1/2 Star Level

These hotels offer guests basic rooms with limited services. Often these hotels will offer guests some amenities and services such as limited in room amenities, 24 hours front desk, and some many have an on-site restaurant or coffee shop. Rooms are clean, and housekeeping service is provided daily. An example of a property of this star rating in downtown Toronto would be the Econolodge or the Days Inn

3 - 3 1/2 Star Level

These hotels are offer guests rooms which are above the basic level and have more in terms of guest services and facilities. These hotels will have a restaurant on site, and will offer guests a wider array of services such as valet services, business services, conference facilities, gym, pool, and many other items. An example of a property of this star level in downtown Toronto would be the Best Western Primrose Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott

4 - 4 1/2 Star Level

These hotels offer guests superior rooms which often have enhanced in room amenities and a offer guests a far greater level of services and amenities. Additional services may include, personalized concierge services, a variety of fine dining restaurants, day spas, whirlpools, a variety of suites, and limousine services. Examples of this star level in downtown Toronto would be the Four Seasons or the Hyatt.

5 Star

These hotels are rare in any city, as the standard of services and facilities required to be ranked a 5 star hotel is almost unattainable. These hotels will arrange for their guests absolutely anything they wish. Personal butlers are assigned to ensure that the guest will want for nothing. Recently, downtown Toronto opened the first and only 5 star property in the city, the Hazelton Hotel, located in the trendy Yorkville district. 5 star properties are all about the best in service and luxury.

Book Smart!

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean island properties barbados:

Barbados Is

The Caribbean is an idyllic paradise that offers travelers the opportunity to soak up some sun, spend time on stunning beaches, enjoy water sports, and much more. Purchasing Caribbean vacation packages is typically the best and most affordable way to enjoy the region. It is not uncommon to find that a vacation package which includes airfare and hotel is cheaper than airfare alone. As such, the Caribbean is friendlier to package travelers than independent travelers, unlike other major vacation destinations.

A simple online search will yield a vast number of Caribbean vacation packages. However, to ensure that you get the best prices and the most value out of your trip, keep the following tips in mind.

Travel during the Off Season

May to mid-December is the best time to travel to the Caribbean. You can get discounts of up to 40 percent on standard hotel rates if you travel during the off season. Rock bottom prices can be had between June and August whereas May and September through December are considered the shoulder seasons.

Travel to Destinations Served by Multiple Airlines

When you travel to Caribbean destinations served by multiple airlines, you can get the best bargains. Some highly frequented destinations in the region that are served by multiple carriers include Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Nassau in the Bahamas.

Stay at All-Inclusive Resorts

By staying at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, you can avoid sticker shock. There are all-inclusive resorts ranging from modest to luxurious in the Caribbean. Activities like water sports and local tours are sometimes included in packages offered by all-inclusive resorts.

Choose Packages for Islands That Are Known for Their Bargains

Islands that have the reputation of being budget-friendly and delivering the most bang for your buck include the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Eat Like the Locals

Instead of eating in all of the overpriced tourist joints, go to independent local restaurants near tourist areas. You can also try different types of local specialties at roadside food stands.

Use Public Transportation

Taxis are expensive in the Caribbean. Use public buses in order to save when you go from place to place during your vacation.

Check Online for Travel Deals

Sign up for email alerts on travel deals sites as well as resort and hotel email newsletters to keep up with the latest online bargains being offered. Some hotel chains claim to offer the best rates on their own websites.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

First time traveler - what do you recommend?

My boyfriend and I want to go away for about five days. We are thinking Caribbean, and next winter - 2010.
I have never flown, or taken a vacation other than the Jersey shore.

We want an all inclusive package - we do not want to think about spending money (unless I am shopping).

I was thinking the Bahamas, but am not sure. We are looking to relax a lot. Eat, drink, swim and maybe do a few fun things.

How do you decide where to go and where to stay?

I go on cruises all the time. they are the best vacation. although on cruises you will have to pay for your alcohol, everything else is free. i always book my cruises on Cruises.com and they have awesome rates.

good luck and happy travels

Here's a Video about caribbean vacation all inclusive packages:

Bora Bora is a haven of wonderful nature that will inspire travelers from its incredible peaks of black rock to its verdant surroundings and the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Exploring nature in Bora Bora is truly an adventure that will bring you down to lush valleys, deeper still to crystal-clear waters and high up dramatic mountains.

A two-lane road circles the island so you can easily take a tour on your own but the ideal way to discover the inland beauty of Bora Bora is an island excursion with a knowledgeable tour guide. There are many reliable tour companies in Bora Bora that will be glad to show you the wonders of nature in this island.

The typical nature tour on the island is on a four-wheel drive. The tour will circle the entire island through towns and several cultural and historical sites. This is a thrilling jeep ride that will take you zooming down hills, around road curves, through muddy paths and trees. These island tours usually take 2 to 3 hours.

You can also enjoy the beauty of nature in Bora Bora by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can also rent a scooter and ride around the island or rent a helicopter for a spectacular bird's-eye view.

Many consider Bora Bora to be the most beautiful island of French Polynesia. The volcanic island has slightly steeper mountains than other islands in the region that makes a dramatic background to lush greeneries and bright tropical flowers.

But, of course, the most fascinating of Bora Bora's nature is its lagoon. You can join many of the lagoon excursions in Bora Bora or have a company arrange a customized lagoon sightseeing tour. A popular lagoon tour is on board a boat with a glass bottom that allows you to view the wonders of Bora Bora's marine life without having to swim at all.

A romantic way to enjoy the lagoon is to take a sunset cruise where you will sail around the island while enjoying the gorgeous sunset and sipping cocktails. Other fun ways to experience the lagoon aside from swimming is by snorkeling, windsurfing; jet skiing, scuba diving, or simply sunbathing on some of the world's finest white sand beaches.

So whether you are looking for a peaceful commune with nature or a thrilling adventure Bora Bora offers plenty of opportunities to do both whether on land, on air or water.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Here's a Video about caribbean islands map black and white:

Blackbeard's Rap

Summer is usually the ideal time to take a vacation since the weather is warm and the kids are out of school. The lure of a cruise can be hard to pass up especially since Caribbean cruises can be deeply discounted in summer. The Caribbean has a hurricane season from about early June to late November so before you purchase your dream holiday it is important to keep some things in mind.

Cruise ships are very safe but they aren't indestructible. There have been a few tragedies involving cruise ships in the last decade. This isn't meant to scare you but make you aware that Mother Nature dictates your holiday especially in the hurricane season. Cruise ships are equipped with technology that can forecast weather conditions so don't be unduly concerned.

Cruise lines will always but the safety of its passengers first and will never intentionally go through a storm. Cruise lines can skip or change a port of call with little or no compensation. If the weather is severe they may cancel a cruise all together in which case they will give you a voucher for another cruise at a future date. While understandable, a canceled trip can mean a missed vacation especially if your family's vacation time is limited and not flexible.

Check with the cruise line company or your travel agent for information on changes due to weather. You can also purchase travel insurance but make sure you read the fine print and understand what is covered; some cover none or very little in the case of acts of God.

A storm may not be enough to cancel a cruise and you can still have an enjoyable time. There are activities on the ship that are indoors including exercise classes and shows. Make sure you bring some books and consider bringing a portable DVD player and movies to keep the family occupied.

Make sure you bring sea sick pills. Even if the weather is nice, the waters are sure to be rough. If you get sea sick, head to the center of the ship where swaying is at a minimum.

So your holiday plans are not totally spoiled, have a backup plan in case the cruise is canceled. Plan your embarkation port as a fun city such as Orlando. If your cruise is canceled then you can still head to Orlando and your family can enjoy Disneyworld. Also consider some enjoyable road trip options if the airport at your port city is closed.

Lastly, if you travel in the hurricane season plan for inclement weather and don't get upset if it rains the entire time.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

cruise line internet?

i'm going on a royal caribbean cruise in august in the mediterranean sea. though i'm excited, i don't like being away from my girlfriend for so long. can anyone (who has experience) tell me how getting online is on royal caribbean? is there wireless? is it expensive? can you use a mac?

I have cruised on Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean and many other places and all of their ships do have internet service and WiFi hot spots. BUT, its very expensive at about $50 an hour. They do offer packages that are little less, but still expensive vs what you pay at home. I always suggest that cruiser wait until the ship gets to a port stop and look for an internet cafe. You can usually find one and the fees are in the range of $5. to $7 a hour. Ask a waiter or room steward where the internet may be as they know and go use it when they can get off the ship.

ThIs is from Royal Caribbean's web site:

"Is Internet access available from the ship?
A: Yes, depending on the ship there are two options for staying connected while onboard.

Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
There will be six designated *"Hot Spots" which vary from ship to ship.

To use our WI-FI access, you'll need:
A laptop
Windows operating system
802.11b Wireless networking capability

The cost for Wi-Fi access through your own laptop is:
Base rate is $.55 per minute or choose from one of our prepaid packages:
$28.00 for 60 minutes
$38.00 for 90 minutes
$55.00 for 150 minutes

All prices are subject to change without notice.

Here's a Video about caribbean cruises august:

Royal Caribbean Cruise August 2009: Learning to Dance, hip-hop Part 2

When people mention Caribbean, it refers to the region that consists of the Caribbean Sea, numerous islands within the area and the adjacent coasts. The Islands have a mixed influence and boasts of unique native influences. This includes, Indian, Spanish and Mexican. Home to reggae, Rasta, jazz, pop, white sandy beaches and warm waters, a Caribbean vacation proves to be popular amongst tourists. Apart from its cultural diversity Caribbean vacations prove to be a perfect blend of a rustic, wild and adventurous experience.

Apart from flight and cruise reservations, Caribbean vacation travel plans include other travel needs. Numerous undiscovered beaches, rainforests, diving locations and Caribbean cruises form the crux of Caribbean vacation travel. Tourists may opt for travel packages that offer a wide range of adventure sports. Numerous travel plans include introductory Scuba lessons and other water sports that are conducted by resorts and hotels. Caribbean vacation travel deals may be all inclusive packages or regular offers. It is possible to make direct reservations by contacting a selected hotel or resorts. Others may choose to hire travel agents who can plan and organize a Caribbean vacation from start to end for a service fee.

Caribbean vacations could revolve around secluded beaches, natural reserves and fun filled pubs and discos. Others may plan to enjoy snorkeling and tours of colorful and vibrant coral reefs. Before venturing out, tourists need to be attentive towards basic necessities of a Caribbean vacation. This information is widely available in guides, reviews and vacations tips provided by reputed tour operators and tourists. This includes passport and visa validation, currency usage, embassies and consulate specifications, time zone variations and acceptance of traveler's checks and credit cards. Caribbean travels plans are widely advertised online and through travel specials and deals. A continuous inflow of tourists proves to be a major source of revenue for the Caribbean government and considerable care is taken to safeguard the interest of travelers.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

What is best Resort or Cruise?

What is more cheaper, to go to a resort (ex.Sandal's Resort, Breezes, etc.) or a cruise line (ex. Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise, etc.)? Please help. Im planing my vacation but don't know and its only for two adults for honeymoon.

The cruise. It includes the stuff as an all-inclusive resort plus it goes to different places and can be far cheaper.
Go to vacationstogo.com and cruisedeals.com and search for the best price on any ship. Try to get one from a port you can drive to as it avoids the cost and hassle of flying. All the ships are good and you should not worry about where it goes. Have fun.

Here's a Video about best caribbean vacations for adults:

Before the thundering Boeings and Airbuses hit the skies and made the world a smaller place, ships were the primary source for not only transportation, but also exploration and fighting wars. The exact history of boats is difficult to pinpoint, but the Noah's Ark can be cited as an example of how long ago they existed.

Famous ships can be broadly categorized on the basis of historical significance, war participation, and catastrophic shipwrecks. From an American history point of view, the Mayflower is said to be the most significant, since it brought the "Pilgrims" to Plymouth, starting from Southampton, England, in 1620. Another famous ship was the Spanish ship Amistad, which had on board 53 slaves, who revolted and killed their captors on July 2, 1839. The ship's navigator was spared so he could take the ship to Africa, but the ship reached Long Island, New York instead. The slaves were acquitted after several trials and allowed a passage home to Africa.

The mighty Bismarck was the most powerful Nazi warship, which after being spotted by a reconnaissance aircraft, was engaged by the Prince of Wales and Hood. It sank the Hood in a matter of minutes and then escaped into the ocean, where it took a day and night of shelling by the three British ships, George V, the Rodney, and the Dorsetshire, to sink the German pride and joy. The latest famous ships include the Nimitz class nuclear powered aircraft carriers such as USS Truman that participated in the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina relief.

From an infamous shipwreck point-of-view, the "unsinkable" Titanic preceded all, which when sank on April 15,1912, and had only 705 survivors out of the total 2227 people on board. However, few remember the sinking of the steamship Sultana on April 27, 1865, which left 1500 dead. The worst irony was that it had hundreds of Union POWs returning home after the Civil War, on a ship that had no lifeboats or life jackets.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Cheapest/Best Cruise Deals?

I am planning on getting married in March, and we would like to take a cruise and just get married on the cruise, however everywhere I ook there is so many options. We would like to go Eastern Caribbean, but we are flexible to anywhere in the caribbean...where is a safe, reliable place to get the cheapest rates? Also, we were thinking about leaving from Fort Lauderdale, but really we could leave from anywhere on the east coast...where is a good place with the most options to depart from? Baltimore? New York? Please Help....any previous experiences with these would be great! Thanks! (:

Congratulations! My sister got married on a cruise ship and it was awesome! Here are some cruise lines that I have been on that I would recommend. Royal Caribbean and Carnival. THey are all great, However it all depends on you and your soon to be husband. If you are a younger couple looking for fun you should go on Carnival or if you have younger kids go on Carnival. Also if you don't mind waiting for three hours! However if you are a older couple or sometimes even a younger couple go on Royal Caribbean, or if you have older kids. Also if you don't like waiting all the time go on Royal Caribbean (they have to get everyone off and on the ship in three hours! Unlike Carnival you get there at 7 a.m and have to wait for hours to just get off the ship. So it all depends on if you are a younger couple with younger kids or and older couple with older kids, and if you don't like waiting or if you don't mind waiting.

All of the places in the Caribbean are awesome, however if you go to Jamaica don't shake any ones hands there or they might slip drugs in your hand and the police will catch you and you won't be able to get back on the cruise ship. But other then that it is very beautiful!

The best rates are on the websites royalcaribbeanvoyages.com, icruise.com, cruisecritic.com, cruisenow.com, cruise.com, vacationstogo.com, or if you have a travel agent you can go there.

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to leave out of, because you can also go to Disney World (if you are the kind of person who would like to do that kind of thing.) Also Galvestion is a good place to go out of (that's where we usualy leave from because we live in Texas. Plus it's a cheeper port to leave out of.)

Our experiences with Carnival hasn't been as good as Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is so much nicer and cleaner. The people are a lot nicer too!

~ Hope it helps and have fun! And Congratulations! (again!)

Here's a Video about cheap caribbean cruises from new york:

Norwegian Dawn cruise day 6

Bequia is the most civilized island in The Grenadines with

shops and restaurants on the water's edge in the main

harbor, Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay. Water taxi operators

greet each arriving boat to assist with mooring buoys and

offer the usual services such as bread, ice and taxi service.

Daffodil Marine Services will answer a VHF call and come

out to your boat to bring ice, water for the tanks and even

pick up laundry to be cleaned, folded and brought back in a

matter of hours.

I think it's a good idea to accept a mooring buoy. The cost is

only $15 to $20 (U.S.) and it's likely to be in a better place

than where you might find to anchor. It's also easier getting

along with the water taxi operators (often called boat boys)

when they see you are spending into the local economy.

One of our boats anchored away from the others and found

upon returning from dinner ashore that the boat had been

entered and relieved of a couple hundred dollars in cash.

Compared to B.V.I., security is a greater issue down island.

It's important to lock shut all hatches when leaving and

even lock the dinghy and its engine with the cables and

locks provided. Violent crimes are uncommon. Burglary can

generally be avoided by making sure all the hatches are

properly latched and anchoring or mooring in the vicinity of

other cruisers instead of in isolated areas.

In the morning it was time for the sail to The Tobago Cays.

The passage (past Mustique and Canouan) of about 26

miles was a reach with 20 or so knots of wind. How sweet it

is with the temperature in the mid 80's and the water a deep

clear blue. We let Paul do most of the driving so he could

get used to a 46 foot boat. Later in the week he would have

to demonstrate proficiency in steering, man overboard drills,

anchoring, navigation and use of systems to complete the

on the water requirements for his certification. His

prerequisite courses were completed at Spinnaker Sailing

prior to the trip.

The front door to the Tobago Cays is entered from just north

of Mayreau Island along a range marked by the towers

located on two of the little Cays, Petit Rameau and Petit

Bateau. After following the range for over a mile, you pass

between the two cays to anchor in the lee of Horseshoe

Reef.

There are no stores, restaurants, or any establishments

ashore here, only 4 uninhabited cays. The anchorage is

protected by Horseshoe Reef from the seas generated by

the easterly trade winds. Water taxis provide the only

services; bringing out bread, ice, freshly caught fish,

tee-shirts, etc. They can also provide a fish barbecue on the

beach of one of the cays for you. Diving services are also

available and can be contacted via VHF. This is a place to

enjoy nature. The snorkeling on Horseshoe Reef is

fantastic. There are dinghy buoys over the reef so

snorkelers don't damage the reef with their dinghy anchors.

We got into the water as soon as we could after settling into

the anchorage. The coral was in good shape with lots and

lots of small fish. While snorkeling, Melinda saw a black tip

shark and tried to call our attention to it but we were only

paying attention to our own discoveries and missed the

shark.

We stayed in Tobago Cays two nights and had a fish

barbecue on the beach organized by one of the water taxi

operators. It was overpriced and we had to bring our own

plates and silverware but it was fun getting all of us ashore

together from the 4 boats. The barbecued fish was plentiful

and very good. They provided potato salad, rice and beer to

go with it. I don't even want to tell you what we paid but I will

say: Be sure you know what you're going to get when

negotiating a price with any of the water taxi operators.

We slipped out the southern Back door of the Tobago Cays

the next day to head directly to Clifton Harbor in Union

Island. Unless you're familiar with the area, this should only

be done when the sun is high because the gap through the

reef isn't marked. We probably wouldn't have gone that way

ourselves except for having seen the area the day before by

dive boat.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Is racism practiced on the islands of canouan & mustique?

They're tiny islands in the caribbean .I heard there are no black managers although it is a black country,is that true?I would feel guilty about visiting

I've never been, although i've been to Bequia which is just next to Mustique and the people say that Mustique is pretty exclusive. People like Mick Jagger have houses there. I never heard about racism but unfortunately the way the world is at the moment means that the highest ratio of rich people tend to be white men. Personally i wouldn't want to visit an island if there were no locals in management positions

Here's a Video about caribbean island mustique:

St Vincent & The Grenadines Travel Video