If you’re planning a fishing trip this winter, check out some of these exciting fishing destinations in the Bahamas! Whether you’re looking to catch something the size of a toy car, or something the size of a real car, there is a fishing spot for you. In no particular order, here are some of the best places to find that trophy catch you’ve been dying for.

Treasure Cay

Fancy yourself a big game fisher? Then head on over to Treasure Cay where the big marlin are found in abundance. If you’re lucky, you might land one over 800lbs!

Bimini

A popular spot for vacationers travelling from the states due to it’s proximity to South Florida, this spot is only 50 miles from Miami. At this, one of the best fishing spots in the Bahamas, you can land yourself a wide variety of fish including bonefish and blue marlin.

Davis Harbour, Eleuthera Island

At Davis Harbour, on the west side of Eleuthera Island, is a wide variety of fish species from macherel, yelow fin, and jacks. Some of the biggest groupers to be found in the islands are in the area as well.

Chub Cay

Another great choice for big game hungers, Chub Cay lies on the base of the “tongue of the ocean”, a deep oceanic trench that begins in the Bahamas. The area is teeming with dolphin and marlin.

Rum Cay

A little less visited, Rum Cay is an excellent spot for catching the famous wahoo fish. The best months to go are between January and March, when you can catch yourself a wahoo weighing in around 100lbs. Fish as large as 150lbs have also been caught here.

As you can clearly see, the Bahamas has quite a lot to offer for your fishing needs. From Rum Cay to the famous Treasure Cay and Bimini, the variety and size of the species available in the Bahamas is breathtaking. Whether you’re just a budding fisherman taking an interest in the sport, or a grizzled veteran, there is a spot in the Bahamas for you. We hope that this helps you make a better choice for your next fishing trip. Make sure to take a picture of your big catch, or people might not believe you!

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

When people think of the Caribbean, they often think of sun and surf, delicious food, and interesting sites to see. Little do they know that the Caribbean has so much more to offer than that. In recent years, there has been a boom in casinos in the Caribbean, transforming it into a glitzy and glamorous place just like Las Vegas. What more could you ask for then sun drenched beaches, a virtually limitless supply of mixed drinks, laid back Caribbean atmosphere, and the excitement of Las Vegas?

Why you should visit the casinos in the Caribbean

There are quite a few hot spots and casinos in the Caribbean, all equipped with state of the art slot machines, poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and most other games. If you’re looking to add a little excitement and a few thrills to your Caribbean vacation, you can always plan around some of the islands which are known for their casinos. There are quite a few options available such as Aruba, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic being some of the most popular destinations.

Best Casinos in the Caribbean

Aruba

The birthplace of Caribbean stud poker, the Caribbean’s very own style of poker. There are quite a few good casinos in Aruba such as the Alhambra Casino, the Allegro Casino, and the Crystal Casino. In general, hours are limited but a few casinos such as the Crystal Casino are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that all gaming in Aruba is done with US currency.

The Bahamas

There are quite a few casinos in the Bahamas as they’ve been built specifically to cater to tourists (locals are not allowed to gamble). Without a doubt though, the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is the biggest, most state of the art on the island. Featuring 50,000 square feet of gaming fun, over 1000 slot machines, and nearly 100 gaming tables, the Atlantis is definitely the place to go in the Bahamas.

Dominican Republic

One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is also home to over 120 casinos in the Caribbean, the biggest of which is Casino Dominicus located on the grounds of the La Romana resort. All gaming is done in either local currency or in US currency.

As you can see, there is no shortage of exciting gaming destinations in the Caribbean, so if you fancy yourself a few rounds of poker or blackjack after a relaxing day in the sun, book your next trip soon!

Please visit Cheap all inclusive caribbean vacation for more reviews of casinos in the Caribbean.

Sustainable eco-tourism

The Fairmont hotel, often synonym to luxury and comfort, is going eco-green for the adventurous travelers who wants more to do more than to achieve the perfect tan by the beach or spend the full day drinking at the pool swim bar.

Collaborating with the National Geographic Society, Fairmont created The Global Explorer Series, a unique series of events and activities. The Global Explorer Series, which in its second year, has expanded the range of activities and events it has to offer. New chapters has been added to the program, such as the sea animal exhibition.

Among the many excursions available are snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, underwater photography, trips to UNESCO World’s Heritage Sites and many other live events.

For example, guests might meet guest speakers such as legendary oceanographe Sylvia Earle in Riviera Maya before heading to a guided tour of the largest archaeological site of the Maya civilization. Oceans cover over 70% of planet Earth, and it is important to increase awareness to our oceans, but also what garbage goes to our sewers and waters.

These types of experience and programs are becoming more and more popular in Caribbean high end hotels, who are becoming more than ever environmentally more conscious.

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

picture credit : ESTC 2008: Greening the Conference

Bonaire diving

picture by: kayla_10e20

For most of us, only a few hours flight separate us from the beautiful Caribbean sea, and of course, some of the world’s most spectacular diving sites. Here are the top 10 diving destinations of the Caribbean.

1. Honduras
Located in Honduras, the quiet archipelago of Islas de la Bahía or Bay Islands is known as one of the most popular diving sites in the Caribbean sea. Bay Islands alone has about 30 sites, reefs and wrecks, most of them are located in the shallower waters surrounding Roatan island.

2. Bonaire
Bonaire is a relative unknown island in the Caribbean sea that has dozens of spectacular sites, many of which can easily be access from the beach. The waters surrounding Bonaire are part of a national marine park, therefore the marine environment and reefs are protected. Highlights? Visibility often reaches 30m or 100 feet, which makes it ideal for beginners.

3. Belize
The barrier reef of this small central America country is the largest and the most beautiful of all in this hemisphere. The Great Blue Hole is a giant underwater sinkhole and measures 300 m (984 feet) across and 124 m (407 feet) deep. Jacque Cousteau, followed by many other divers have explored this gigantic sinkhole.

4. Cayman islands
Little Cayman, Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac has a panoply of diving sites for all tastes and all levels. Many of the more advanced diving sites here are deep, as deep as 1800m (5906 feet) in certain areas! You will also discover ancient wrecks, superb underwater caves, grottos, magnificent reefs, many of which are easily accessible from the shore.

5. Turks & Caicos
A few blocks away from Grace Bay beach, the marine park Princess Alexandra host dozen of marine species, including fishes and marine turtles in waters less than 5 meters deep, which makes it an exceptional diving site. A little bit further from there, an underwater cliff goes as deep as 2000 m (6562 feet) deep, and is home to many sharks and rays.

6. The Bahamas
This archipelago offers a large variety of diving sites : spectacular coral reefs, blue holes, and breathtaking underwater cliffs that disappear in the abyssal darkness… Divers will encounter during their diving trip big fishes, such as rays and hammer sharks and even dolphins.

7. Mexico
The coral barrier of Cozumel is easily accessible and spectacular. The huge network of caves and tunnels that make the Cenotes, located on the Yucatan coast, is a number one destination for divers of all levels. The crystal clear waters make it a perfect site for beginners.

8. Cuba
There are hundreds of excellent diving sites in Cuba, scattered all over the island. The touristic areas of Cayo Largo and Varadero are especially popular among beginners. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy coral reefs of the national park of Jardines de la Reina.

9. Saba
Only 1200 people live on this fairly unknown island of the Caribbean. However, diving there is rather spectacular. Comprised of an underwater park, the crystal clear waters of Saba welcomes a large and diversified marine animals and plants.

10. Florida Keys
This little cluster of 1700 islands is surrounded by great diving sites and coral reefs. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a large underwarter park located by the Key Largo. On top of an abundant number of marine species et wrecks, divers can see the Christ of the Abyss, a sculpture submerged in the water 7 meters (23 feet) high.

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

Suggested reading: Top 10 Snorkeling Destinations in the Caribbean.

What is it
Dolphin encounters or swimming with the dolphins are amazing and unique experiences that allows you to come in close proximity to these magnificent sea mammals. Each program begins with a brief orientation that will cover facts about dolphins, how they are trained, the conservation of the sea animals and much more. Then, depending on your package, you may be standing on a platform, water to the waist, and kiss your very first dolphin, or take the thrill of swimming, with one of them!

We picked here the top rated all inclusive resorts with dolphin encounters, but, your final search doesn’t have to stop here, as there as just so many great ones.

Top Rated All Inclusive Resorts with Dolphin Encounters – Couples
There are no doubt about this one, Sandals delights couples with their luxury packages, amazing resorts and service. The Sandals Carlyle, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers the best of two world : relaxation and plenty of activities to do in the area. Spend your first few days by the exquisite pools and then take a plunge in the crystal blue water sea.

But one of the most popular featured tours is probably the “Dolphin Encounters”, where you will not only learn about those truly unique mammals, but also get to swim, touch and even kiss one of these magnificent animals. And it can get any better than this as you will feel the thrill of riding a dolphin…

Other great activities in the area include a must-see trip at the majestic Dunn’s River Falls and if you can’t get enough excitement, the gravity-driven Jamaica Bobsled Tranopy will certainly do the job!

Top Rated All Inclusive Resorts with Dolphin Encounters – Family
If you are traveling with children, the most exciting adventure for them (and you!) is probably a dolphin encounter. And the best place to do it is with no doubt, is with the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounters. Either interact with the dolphins, or take the thrill of plunging in the water and swimming with them! Located just a ferry away from Nassau, the Blue Lagoon Dolphin will give you and them memories to talk about for years to come!

Top rated nearby all inclusive resorts for the family include Breezes Resort Bahamas (for teenagers 14 and over) and the luxurious Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to choose from, including sailing, golfing, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more!

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation now.

Dreaming of snorkeling in the Caribbean?

Check out our top 10 snorkeling destinations.

Cades Reef: Antigua/Barbuda

You’d be hard pressed to find a better snorkeling spot than around Antigua and Barbuda. These two Caribbean islands are completely surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, walls, and even a few shipwrecks, giving you some of the most spectacular underwater scenes in the Caribbean. In fact, many of the shipwrecks in the reefs surrounding Barbuda have yet to be explored, so you could be one of the first people to see them in hundreds of years.

With famous sites like Cades Reef and the wreck of the Andes, Antigua is definitely at the top of any list for top 10 snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean.

Hol Can Marine Reserve: Belize

Second on our top 10 snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean sea, this must-see destination is the Hol Chan Marine reserve, situated just off the coast of Belize, close to the Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. It’s a very large reserve, spanning some 4500 acres with protected coral reefs, and mangrove forest. Make sure to stop by Shark Ray Alley to see the nursing sharks, which can grow up to 6 feet long.

Stingray City: Cayman Islands

One of the most popular snorkeling destinations in the world, the Cayman islands boasts a huge number of beautiful coral reefs, along with a wide variety of sea life, all in calm waters. The most famous snorkeling spot is of course, Stingray City, where you can swim with and feed wild stingyrays.

Curaçao Underwater Marine Park: Curaçao

Like the Hol Can Marine reserve, the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park is an enormous park with some 20km of coastline along the southern coast of Curaçao. This park holds an incredible array of underwater life, including over 55 different types of coral reef in various stages of development, sea grass beds, mangroves, ship wrecks, and of course an abundance of sea life.

Bonaire Marine Park: Bonaire

This protected area is an exceptional snorkeling destination, with incredibly well preserved reefs and excellent underwater visibility. Many photographers travel to Bonaire to capture underwater photographs because of the exceptionally clear, calm, and silt-free water.

Anegada: British Virgin Islands

Like Antigua, there is an abundance of coral reefs surrounding the island here which makes it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving. Hundreds of ships have crashed into the reefs in the past, and you can observe the wrecks that were left behind.

Champagne Beach: Dominica

A longtime favorite snorkeling spot for tourists because of the small gas bubbles which continuougly rise from the sea floor. This non-stop volcanic activity is where “Champange Beach” got it’s name, and it produces some truly spectacular underwater scenery.

Tobago Cays: St. Vincent

The Tabago cays are a pristine, untouched location protected by a national marine park. The reefs encircle the island completely, and are teeming with fish and other underwater sea life. Lucky snorkelers can also catch a glimpse of turtles feeding in the area.

Bloody Bay Marine Park: Little Cayman

Located on the North Coast of the island, Bloody Bay is one of the most spectacular underwater reefs in the Caribbean. The most famous spot is Three Fathom Wall, a coral cliff which suddenly dropps from 18 ft to over 1000 ft deep in a short time.

Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve: Mexico

Located miles off shore, this popular atoll is 30 miles long and protected by the Mexican government. It’s the biggest atoll in the Caribbean, and boasts some of the richest marine life in the area. Snorkelers will find enormous elkhorn, and barrell sponges the size of golf-carts.

Soufriere Marine Management Area: St Lucia

Established in 1995, this marine park boasts some terrific snorkeling spots. Visitors can can often spot turtles and eels in the area.

Top 10 Snorkeling Destinations in the Caribbean – the list doesn’t stop here!

Have other Caribbean snorkeling spots to add to our top 10 snorkeling destinations list? Please email them to us, and we’ll gladly add it to the list!

Other readings : The Ultimate 10 Most Beautiful Diving Destinations Of The Caribbean

By Earl, author of Top 10 Snorkeling Destinations in the Caribbean – where dreams meet your reality and writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Cheap all-inclusive Caribbean vacation: stay active

Bird-watching, Trinidad and Tobago Boasting over 430 recorded species of bird, Trinidad and Tobago are among the top destinations for bird-watching. You’ll have to hike your way to rain forests and savannahs to watch them, but it’s well worth the effort.

Hiking the Quill, St. Eustatius The crater of this extinct, perfectly formed, 1968-ft (600-m) volcano is filled with a primeval rain forest and one of the island’s most popular hiking destinations. You’ll want to head here for the rich fauna and flora.

Horseback Riding at Cukka Cove, Jamaica Based at Ocho Rios, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is the best horseback-riding operator in Jamaica. The company offers other activities as well, including canopy tours and river rafting.

Kayaking through Bahia Mosquito, Puerto Rico Kayaking Puerto Rico offers tours that let you explore Vieques’ bioluminescent bay by kayak, then dive into the water to see what’s under the sea.

Trekking to Boiling Lake, Dominica A guided two-to-four-hour hike will take you to this cauldron of bubbling, slate blue water. With water temperature ranging from180°F to 197°F (82°C-92 °C), this flooded fumarole is more suited for baking potatoes than swimming.

By Michael Young, writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Grenada Grenadians are known for their entrepreneurship, and at the local gift shops and supermarkets you’ll find excellent shopping opportunities. Interesting goods include chocolate candy bars, pain-relief spray, nutmeg jam and syrup, spice-scented soaps and body oils, and fruit-and-herb-flavored wine, rum, and liqueur. Be sure to bring a few baskets of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, bay leaves, cloves, turmeric, and ginger – back home, which are widely available for as little as $3 to $10.

Puerto Rico There is no shortage of great bargains in San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital, and items bought in Puerto Rico are duty-free for US citizens. The main shopping areas in San Juan are Calle San Francisco and Calle del Cristo, both located in the city’s Old Town, but you can also find good shopping opportunities in other tourist areas. There are plenty of interesting deals on T-shirts, books, artworks, jewellery, hats, and a variety of local handicrafts such as santos (small hand-carved religious figures), needlework, straw work, hammocks, guayaberas (fancy men’s shirts worn untucked), papier-mâché masks, and paintings and sculptures by local artists. You’ll find high-end fashions stores in Avenida Ashford, the heart of San Juan’s fashion district.

St. Barthélemy A duty-free port, St. Barths has more than 200 boutiques selling beachwear, accessories, jewellery, fashionable clothing, casual wear, and decorative items for the home, and is the definitive shopping spot in the Caribbean. The two main shopping areas are in Gustavia and St-Jean. Most stores and shops close for a long lunch from noon to 2, and many on Wednesday afternoon as well.

St. Maarten/St. Martin Sure, St. Maarten/St. Martin has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, but shoppers will be delighted by the island’s excellent, duty-free shops. US and Canadian citizens can save 15 % to 30 % on cameras, watches, liquor, cigars, and designer clothing. In Dutch Philipsburg, you’ll find a range of gift shops along Front Street and Back Street and their surroundings. In the much calmer French Marigot, you’ll find a wide selection of European merchandise such as French crystal, perfume, liqueur, jewellery, and fashion. While you can try your luck at smaller shops with a little bargaining, it is advised to stick to major stores that advertise in the tourist press in order to avoid fakes and replicas. Watch for idlers while shopping, as purse snatching is frequent on both sides of the island.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands St. Thomas is known for its great shopping opportunities – free of duty. Among the most interesting items in St. Thomas are liquor, linens, china, crystal, and jewellery. Native products include shell jewelry, carved calabash bowls, straw brooms, woven baskets, dolls, spice mixes, hot sauces, and tropical jams and jellies.

For other activities, why not read our Nightlife in the Caribbean article?

By Michael Young. For more information, visit Cheap All Caribbean Vacation now.

Best nightlife spots in:

Aruba Aruba has a rich nightlife, and unlike many islands, it isn’t confined to the tourist hotels or resorts. At the island’s many theatres and showrooms, you’ll be enthralled by the talented dancers moving to the vibrant Latin rythms. Enjoy a drink at a bar, or try your luck at one of Aruba’s 11 casinos. There an extravagantly painted bus called the Kukoo Kunuku that takes you to the island’s hot spots.

Jamaica The biggest music event in Jamaica is the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, held in Montego Bay between mid-July and August. Those who know and love jazz should go to the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, held in January at the Rose Hall Aqueduct. Another major music festival is the Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival, held each June in Ocho Rios. You party at Montego Bay’s Hip Strip and Negril’s Norman Manley Boulevard, which have a nice selection of bars and clubs.

Puerto Rico In the capital city of San Juan, you’ll find a range of bars and nightclubs, with jukeboxes playing Salsa music and revellers partying until 3 or 4 in the morning. While bars are usually casual, it is recommended to dress up before going out.

Trinidad With so many lively nightspots, there is always something to do in Port of Spain at night. The biggest event in Trinidad is Carnival, which is held two days before Ash Wednesday. Thousands of revellers come to the island for numerous cultural events and street parties.

By Michael Young. Michael Young is a writer for Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.