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A brief description of the unique features of each of the shores of the island of O`ahu, Hawai`i and links to its guarded beaches are provided. Read More…

Trinidad and Tobago are islands in the Caribbean Sea so there are myriad opportunities for kayaking. However for those who do not want to contend with large waves, ocean swells and ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a choice of sheltered saltwater and freshwater kayaking opportunities. In this article we will explore some of these kayaking areas. Nariva River, Manzanilla, Trinidad Nariva, on the east coast of Trinidad, is Trinidad and Tobago’s largest wetland with some 32 square miles of fresh-water herbaceous swamp. It combines four major wetland types (mangrove swamp forest, palm forest, swamp wood and freshwater marsh) and has been formally designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The bulk of the water from the area drains into the Atlantic through the short tidal Nariva River. The Nariva River provides a year round opportunity for kayaking and empties into the sea at Manzanilla Bay. There are two easily accessible entry points; at the river mouth and at the bridge along the Manzanilla/Mayaro Road that spans the river. When entering or exiting the river at the river mouth during low tide care should be exercised to ensure that you are not swept out to sea, as the flow out of the river can be quite strong. Along the river it is possible to see basking caimans, while tarpon (known locally as grande ecaille) are sometimes seen near the surface of the water. The Nariva Swamp is home to an incredibly diverse range of reptiles, mammals and birds, some of which are rare and endangered. There are over 171 species of birds in Nariva, including manakins, tanagers, antbirds, caracara and woodcreepers. There are 5 species of Parrots (including Macaws), 2 species of owls, 2 species of trogons, 11 species of hummingbirds, potoos, toucans and limpkins. It is within Nariva that the blue and gold macaws have been reintroduced to Trinidad. There are 59 species of mammals that can be found in Nariva including red howler and capuchin ( Cebus albifrons) monkeys, deer, porcupine, three-toed and silky anteaters and opossums. Trinidad’s last surviving colony of the West Indian Manatee are located within Nariva. Also to be found in Nariva are various reptiles that include giant anaconda, the fer-de-lance snake and caiman. Ortoire River, Trinidad At the southern end of Manzanilla Bay, the Ortoire River empties into the sea and it is also provides a year round opportunity for kayaking. Apart from the entry point at the river mouth, another easy entry point to the Ortoire River is alongside the bridge that spans the Rio Claro/Mayaro Road on the outskirts of Mayaro. Godineau River, Trinidad The Godineau river is also known as the South Oropouche River. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangrove swamp to fresh water marshland to partially cultivated areas. A variety of birdlife can be seen on these kayak trips including Scarlet Ibis, Southern Lapwing, Osprey, Savannah Hawk , Wattled Jacana, Cattle Egret, Yellow-hooded Blackbird , Lesser Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and a variety of migrating ducks (during the northern winter). The Godineau River is one of the rivers in Trinidad that provides a year round kayaking opportunity as the water level is always sufficient. This kayak trip can be started either from the sea along the area known as the Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area. Marianne River, Blanchissuesse, Trinidad The Marianne River empties into the sea at Blanchisseuse and it is easiest to begin your paddle from the river mouth. This is not an extended kayak trip for most kayakers as upriver there is an area known as Three Pools that results in a somewhat difficult portage. Kayaking in this area is best towards the end of the rainy season as the water level is high enough to allow paddling for the entire trip. During the dry season there are parts of the river where the low water level requires walking the kayaks. At the river mouth freshwater marsh vegetation exists along the banks of the river while freshwater swamp forest exists further inland with towering stands of bamboo. As you kayak along the river a variety of bird life can be seen including spotted sandpipers, kingfishers, gray kingbirds and striated herons. At the river mouth, kayaks are available for rental every day, all year. Fullarton, Cedros, Trinidad The entire Cedros peninsula is a bird watching experience. The Fullarton Swamp is ideal for the armchair birdwatcher. The road from Fullarton Village to Icacos Village runs through the center of the Swamp and so it is possible to literally view the birds without leaving your vehicle. Greater enjoyment however comes from parking the vehicle and entering the water, allowing you to see many of the smaller birds that may be perched in the mangrove. The presence of the roadway makes entering and exiting the water very easy. In this area among the birds that can be seen are Greater Egret, Scarlet Ibis, Black Skimmer, Black-necked Stilt, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow Chinned Spine tail, Common Moorhen, Snowy Egret. Chagaramas, Trinidad Williams Bay, Chagaramas provides kayaking opportunities in relatively sheltered ocean waters. In the bays on the coastline opposite the Military museum it is sometimes possible to see marine iguanas on the rocks and in the sea and capuchin monkeys in the trees. Kayak Rentals are available every day all year from the Kayak Center. Another kayaking opportunity in the Chagaramas area begins in the area of the Almoorings Fishing Depot/Crews Inn Marina. From this starting point it is possible to kayak along the coast to the Bocas or turn south and paddle to Centipede island and then across the channel to Gasparee island. When paddling in this area one should be alert to the various power boats that are entering and departing from the various marinas, particularly on weekends. Charlotteville, Tobago Charlotteville is located at the end of the Windward road in Tobago, this small quaint village lies in a bay with Tobago’s best deep water harbor. It is bordered by the lush greenery of high mountains on one side and the sparkling blue waters of Man-O-War bay on the other. This wide deep bay was once an anchorage for English fighting ships, as the name implies. Today it is used as a sheltered anchorage by visiting yachts. The northern part of the bay is called Pirates Bay, which gives an indication of its past. Several fringing reefs are found in this bay providing the sheltered anchorage. Kayaks are available for rental at the bay. This bay is a turtle nesting site. Buccoo Bay, Tobago The azure waters of Buccoo Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon are sheltered by the offshore Buccoo reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing Mangrove swamps of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white sand beaches along Pigeon Point and at the center of Buccoo bay. The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent Milford Bay, allowing one to kayak to the south-east from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point and into Milford Bay or vice-versa. When next you are considering your vacation activities, consider the kayaking opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Brian Ramsey operates the web site, Outdoors Trinidad and is the author of the CD, Discovering the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Learn More…

Next time you are planning a truly relaxing vacation trip, you should put some serious consideration into the Bahamas. The capital city is Nassau, which is located on the island New Providence, though Andros Island is the largest in the group. The Bahamas main industry is tourism, with the island being a massive tourist spot for most western countries. The 700 Islands of the Bahamas form a 500 mile archipelago, and every one of them is a reason to take the family to this island paradise. The Bahamas are only a short distance from South Florida, and offer many affordable opportunities for an island adventure. There were Eleutheran Adventurers, persecuted by their local church and they gave Eleuthera island its name. The largest island is Andros Island. It’s believed that Christopher Columbus first landed on the island of San Salvador in the southeastern Bahamas and exchanged gifts with the Amerindians, (Taino, also known as Lucayan). For vacationers, the Bahamas offers crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather — a vacation in the Bahamas is heavenly. So whether you’re making an investment or buying a vacation home, the Bahamas will welcome you with open arms. Because of its colonial heritage, you will find that the official language of the islands is still English and because it is widely spoken throughout the islands still it has been a key factor in helping the country to flourish and so become a favorite with the many people who travel to it. If you prefer a vacation that is offering comfort then it is suggested that you take your vacation on one of the bigger islands in the Bahamas and if you want something with a bit more adventure then try one of the smaller ones. If you are going on a trip to the Bahamas, then you will obviously need and want to know where the best places are for you to stay; one of the best places without a doubt is the Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas. The Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas is located on Paradise Island, near Nassau in the formerly British Bahamas and just a hop from Florida. Located on New Providence Island, the word “resort” barely does it justice; Atlantis is a combination of amusement park, water park, casino, spa, beach all rolled into one sparkling and gigantic package. In 1940, clairvoyant (a person with abnormal power of seeing in the mind what is happening or what exists a distance) Edgar Cayce predicted that the lost continent of Atlantis would start to rise again in the vicinity of The Bahamas in 1968 or 1969. Despite the fact that water-related activities are the most apparent enticements, these tranquil and welcoming islands also offer an assortment of rainy-day options, above all in Nassau and on neighboring Paradise Island. The Bahamian Islands cover 100,000-square-miles of tropical paradise that comprises over 650 islands and 2400 cays and located a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast. The endless stretch of spectacular sand and sea, the Bahamas is a beach lover’s paradise that should not be missed. You can meet up with dolphins in shallow waters on the Blue Lagoon Island, just 20 minutes from Paradise Island, Nassau. It’s impossible to get past that first impression of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and you’ll be reminded of it everywhere you go in the resort. These shark dives are available in both Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. The warm sunshine, attractive beaches and laid-back lifestyle attract large numbers of tourists to Nassau and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. There is very little industry apart from an oil refinery at Freeport and a rum distillery on New Providence. One is at the Port Lucaya area located on the south shore of island and the other is near downtown Freeport which is more inland. I have traveled to Freeport twice and stayed in the Port Lucaya area both times. Every travel agency has its own selection of Bahamas honeymoon packages, so it is worthwhile to shop around and find the one that reaches your highest expectations. A passport and visa may be required, so verify with your travel agent exactly what paperwork you should bring to stay out of trouble. If you don’t already have one, note that it can take 6-8 weeks or more these days to get a passport. While the beaches of the Bahamas are the premier tourist attraction, there are many more things to do if you travel inland. The Bahamas is also a popular stop on many cruise ships, that spend anywhere from 1 day to 3 days in port so their cruise ship passengers can experience the Bahamas. Consider a Bhamas vacation for one of the most relaxing vacations you have ever taken in a location that is just south of paradise.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas cruise and a Bahamas vacation at his web site at http://www.about-bahamas.com/ Learn More…

Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, Southern California Destination, Southern California Vacations, Newport Beach, Newport Beach Shopping, … More Info…

Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) Playa del Carmen is part of the Mayan World. Located on the crystal blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean, Playa del Carmen is just 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancun. Playa, as it is known as to locals, is the perfect spot from which to explore the fascinating sites of The Mayan Riviera. Playa del Carmen is known for its miles of white sandy beaches, phosphorescent Caribbean waters, and its laid back attitude. Playa del Carmen is a place for those in search of a unique visit, vibrant people, amazing Mayan culture, and an overall travel experience that you will never forget. So come and enjoy everything Playa del Carmen and The Riviera Maya has to offer; you will not be disappointed The once quiet seaside village of Playa del Carmen has doubled in population over the past few years, mainly due to foreigners such as Europeans, South Americans, Americans and Canadians who have discovered this little slice of paradise. Playa del Carmen is a place to enjoy amazing beaches, and the famous cenotes by day and trendy eateries, bars, and restaurants by night. The eclectic mix of backpackers, archeological experts, dive junkies, and young hipsters makes Playa del Carmen an incredibly unique and interesting place.

Due to its location, Playa del Carmen, is a veritable hub to outer lying ruins, dive spots, and the concept of “La Ruta Maya”. You will not find La Ruta Maya on your travel map or even in your travel guide because it is not a set route but a concept. Originally the Ruta Maya was to be a new idea in traveling: a specific mapped out area connecting major Mayan archaeological sites and nature preserves throughout southern Mexico and some Central American countries. In reality La Ruta Maya has become to include the Mexican states of Chiapas, Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo, all of Belize and Guatemala and parts of Honduras. Now travelers who are hoping to experience these amazing parts of Mexico and Central America flock to Playa del Carmen as their window into the Mayan World. Because of where Playa is located there are bus routes through out Mexico and Central America that originate in the area. So, many people come to the area and use Playa del Carmen as their “home base” while they travel onto Palenque, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, or some other far reaching destination.

The amazing archeological sites sprinkled through out the region such as Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam, and Chichen Nitza are major attractions to people coming to visit the area. Bringing archeologist’s, graduate students, and self proclaimed archeological buffs from all over the world. Visiting one, or several, of the ruin sites is a MUST DO when visiting the area. The area is so rich in history and culture it would be a real shame to miss out on learning a bit about where you are. In addition to amazing archeological sites, there are multiple natural wonders scattered through out the Riviera Maya. For example the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve near Tulum. Sian Kaan is an ecotourism and educational center, and it serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. They offer tours and accommodations which in turn fund their research. So if you want to check it out, it is worth looking into and it is an incredible project to support.

There is also Xel-Ha and Xcaret, ecotourism theme parks both of which are located between Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. They offer both fun in the sun, and wildlife conservation which in turn is a great combination. Crococun is a Park and Regional Zoo located north of Playa del Carmen. Originally designed to farm crocodiles to create a sustainable resource it is now a conservationist park. The kids are sure to love it with its crazy monkeys, beautiful parrots, rare Mayan dogs, local deer, and of course tons of crocodiles! Another must see while in the area is Aktun Chen where you will have a chance to learn about local flora and fauna, and our famous cenote system, with a specialized guide.

There are countless attractions both large and small through out the area that will appeal to all levels of travelers and visitors. Long before Playa del Carmen became a hotspot vacation destination the area was known around the world to dive aficionados as a truly top notch location for under water exploration. They discovered years ago that under the watchful eyes of the ancient Maya in the warm Caribbean waters off the Yucatan Peninsula exists a truly amazing underwater world: where divers can explore the reefs of the Riviera Maya swimming with turtles and schools of Tarpon. They drift along the coral covered walls of famous Cozumel Island named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best dive spots in the world. And they discover the incredible serenity of daylight cavern diving in the famous Mexican Cenotes - the worlds largest fresh water system formed over tens of thousands of years ago. So if you are certified dive “junkie” or if you want to join the onslaught of underwater explorers we suggest you contact some of the best divers in the area. If diving isn’t your thing, and you would prefer to float on top of the water looking down, there are countless snorkel spots that are truly exceptional.

Akumal is a great snorkel spot with the amazing Yal Kul Lagoon , and Half Moon Bay , both of which have had countless sea turtle sightings. Yal Kul Lagoon is a mixed water lagoon, with sweet water from the underground river system, and an inlet from the Caribbean allowing the sea water to mix with the sweet water. This creates a kind of shimmery oil effect that is rare to see, and in turn creates an eclectic variety of underwater creatures, and coral to check out. Half Moon Bay is located off of La Buena Vida, a perfect place to grab a bite, enjoy a happy hour libation, or lounge on the beach as you intermittently snorkel the reef in search of the famous Akumal turtles. In addition to these two amazing snorkel locations any dive shop, hotel, or tour company offers snorkeling excursions to more remote areas. One worth checking out is the Ocean Adventure Tour , which offers high speed F1 ocean transport, cenote exploration, snorkeling, local fare, and cocktails. It is a great way to enjoy an afternoon enabling you to experience a multitude of activities in a cool laid back way.

Fat Cat Catamaran Tour is another great way to check out the area, based out of Puerto Aventuras, Fat Cat offers a fun version of a “booze cruise”. With the tunes blasting, the beer flowing, and a brand new 50 foot luxury catamaran how can you go wrong? You can lounge on deck, kick back under the shaded area, take a turn on the boom net, and snorkel in hard to reach destinations. Not to mention the unbelievable beaches you will get to visit! For those of you who like to go motorized, one of the longest running tours in the area, ATV Explorer , is a total blast. Located in the jungle just West of the beach a few minutes south of Playa del Carmen, ATV Explorer offers a great introduction to the area. Blasting through the jungle on your own ATV you will see a Mayan ruin, experience local fauna and flora (keep you eyes peeled for the crazy monkeys on Monkey Loop), and dive into one of the freshest, deepest cenotes in the area. As you can see there are countless things to do and see while visiting Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya. From remote cave dives, to amazing archeological sights, not to mention the bright blue Caribbean and white sandy beaches, you are sure to take home memories that will last you a life time!

Sara Moen is a travel journalist and the editor of Playa Maya News located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, updated daily with local news, tours, real estate and hotels in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya. Read More…

The island of Mauritius finds itself as one of the most accessible islands in the Indian Ocean. Situated amid Reunion island and Rodrigues island, the island of Mauritius has gained the reputation, through the course of time of that of the ‘key and star’ of the Indian Ocean. Three major factors found in the island of Mauritius serve as attraction for many tourists. These are the sea, sun and sand. Many tourists visit Mauritius during the summer. Tourists come to Mauritius from England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. to benefit from the enjoyable, hot and sunny climate of the summer. Five star hotels such as Le Saint Gerant and Indian Resort among others offer a remarkable welcome and service to these tourists. Tour operators in Mauritius such as the White Sand Tours and Summertimes deliver an unmistakable hassle free journey to tourists from the Airport to their respective hotels. Once in Mauritius, tourists have a broad range of activities within their reach. Water sports such as swimming, surfing, beach combing, deep sea fishing and diving are all available for tourists to enjoy their stay in Mauritius. Other water activities such as undersea walk and submarine ventures also exist. These provide tourists visiting Mauritius with an immense opportunity to discover the wonderful undersea world of Mauritius. With around 140 km of white sand beaches in Mauritius, most tourists enjoy their stay better than ever in the island. Let’s now have a brief look at the history of Mauritius. French immigrants came to Mauritius in the year 1715. They came after the Dutch had made a brief settlement. The French then named Mauritius as ile de france. Afterwards they made the first road and harbour infrastructure. Gradually, the French also established the sugar industry under Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais. Then, slaves were brought from Madagascar and Africa to work in these sugarcane fields. Furthermore, in the year 1810, the British captured the island and by the year 1814 were given full rights on Mauritius by the Treaty of Paris. Afterwards, Indian immigrants arrived in Mauritius and the abolition of slavery followed in the year 1835. Mauritius then started to progress as more extensive sugar cane plantation were developed. More events succeeded as the economic instability of the price of sugar raised a lot of questions. It is important to remember that sugar cane had been the main crop throughout the first half of the 20th century. Therefore, political, administrative and economic reforms were created in Mauritius. As a matter of fact, Mauritius gained independence on the 12th of March 1968. Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam became the first Prime Minister of Mauritius and was called ‘father of the nation’. Moreover, the tropical island of Mauritius was often exposed to cyclones. The first most powerful cyclone that struck the island was Claudette in the year 1979. Most sugar cane fields were destroyed. In the year 1980, sugar prices fell and the government had no alternative than to step up for agricultural diversification. Emphasis was also put on the import and export market. Then in the year 1992, the relationship with Mauritius and Britain was formally terminated as Mauritius became a republic within the Commonwealth. ——-

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