Spend a morning relaxing on the sun decks or shady lounge areas of a catamaran as you sail along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic to the prestigious Casa de Campo Resort Marina, admiring the lush coastal scenery along the way.
Bordering the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is among the top five fishing areas in the world — especially off the coast of Catalina Island where waters teem with big game fish. Cruise out into the open ocean aboard a late-model 47-ft. Bertram, an exceptionally able and well- equipped sport fishing boat. Angle for a Blue Marlin or Sailfish under the warm Caribbean sun, trolling the lure while sipping a cold brew and taking in views of the open sea.
Travel by minibus to embark your boat at Castle Comfort Lodge. Following a briefing by your captain, enjoy a scenic glide along Dominica's southwestern shores to the Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve in beautiful Soufriere Bay. Situated in an extinct volcanic crater, the dive area is renowned for its volcanic rock formations brimming with colorful corals and sponges of all types. Possible sightings include green sea turtles, porcupinefish, frogfish, barracuda and much more. You will be at a maximum depth of 60 feet for approximately 40 minutes on your first dive.
Two of Dominica's must-see waterfalls, Trafalgar and Emerald Pool, are showcased on this guided adventure by air-conditioned minibus. Your scenic journey begins with a visit to Morne Bruce to enjoy panoramic views of the island from a 400-foot elevation, and then continues to the beautiful Botanical Gardens. This lush, 40-acre site is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna, including the island's endemic Sisserou and Jaco parrots. Your next stop is the village of Trafalgar where a guided, ten-minute trek leads you to a platform for viewing the town's spectacular twin waterfalls.
Staying within roughly seven miles of the coastline, your guided excursion begins shortly after leaving the dock, when the outriggers are deployed and lines are in the water. Depending on the season, keep your eye out for blue marlin, salt fish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, mackerel, kingfish, barracuda and more. Choose between artificial or fresh bait (when available). The boat follows a tag-and-release policy for all billfish and is an active member of the Billfish Foundation.
Set off on a short drive to the launch point of your tubing adventure at beautiful Layou River. Following a safety briefing, you'll be provided with a life vest, modified inner tube and paddle. Once all participants are in the water, embark on your scenic journey. Soak up the sun and the lush, green landscape as you spin and swirl in the gentle currents of this winding river. Your adventure pauses briefly so you can enjoy a popular Dominican pastime -- river bathing.
Enjoy a scenic catamaran glide along Dominica's southwest coastline to the Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve in Soufriere Bay. Along the way, marvel at a dramatic landscape of lush green mountains soaring to the clouds and quaint fishing villages scattered along the ocean's edge. Seabirds circle in the skies above and, sometimes, a sea turtle pops up for a quick peek at the boat.
An ostrich farm and a producer of Curacao’s signature liqueur are the focus of this island exploration. It’s a scenic drive from the capital of Willemstad to the farm, where you’ll hop aboard a safari truck for a narrated tour of the facility. Your guide and driver share interesting facts about the giant flightless birds, and you’ll have an opportunity to feed them by hand. At the farm’s restaurant, Zambezi, enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or a soft drink while sampling ostrich carpaccio on a baguette with pesto, ostrich satay, and an ostrich egg muffin.
Iconic and amazing colorful heritage architecture is the backdrop for this fascinating exploration of Curacao history. Relax on the scenic drive through Willemstad and the countryside en route to the island’s northern tip, site of the former Knip Plantation. Here in the late 18th century, a man named Tula declared himself free of bondage and led an anti-slavery revolt across the island. Hear his story and learn about his legacy at the Tula Museum, housed inside Landhuis Knip, the old plantation’s great house that dates to the 1700s.
Caribbean ambience and tropical libations after sunset are yours to enjoy at the Avila Beach Resort, one of Curacao’s most venerable luxury hotels. On the route from the yacht to the waterfront resort, your driver will share local history and lore while pointing out key sights and landmarks. Upon arrival at the Avila, the staff will hand you a tropical cocktail or a chilled coconut with an optional dash of rum.
