Cayo Levantado, is a little island in Samana Bay . The Bounty Hunters came in search of Paradise, and found it on Cayo Levantado. This jewel of a tiny island lies just off the Samaná Peninsula. The sand is white and powdery, the turquoise waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling or gentle swimming.

Cayo Levantado is a small stretch of land off the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic in Samaná Bay. The area offers the beauty of natural rainforest vegetation, marvellous white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Cayo Levantado, due to its location, is the perfect spot to see humpbacked whales in January, February, and March.

 

Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, it soon became a bustling center of international trade. Today it is as bustling as ever, with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels.

Two main roads cut across the length of Philipsburg--Front Street and, yes, Back Street. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with duty-free shops offering everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Narrow alleyways lead in either direction to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers. Visitors will also find examples of traditional West Indian architecture, including characteristic pastel-colored houses with second-story verandas looking out over the street.

 

Pre-ceramic Amerindians were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 BC. Later Arawak and Carib Amerindian tribes populated the islands. The island of Antigua was named Wadadli by these natives and is today called Wadadli by locals. Christopher Columbus landed on his second trip in 1493 and named the island Santa Maria de la Antigua after a church in Seville, Spain. Early settlement by the Spanish was replaced by English rule from 1632 (British rule from 1707 Acts of Union), with a French interlude in 1666. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834.

Antigua is a tropical paradise boasting 365 stunning palm fringed beaches, ranging from secluded coves to long white sandy stretches. Antigua's beaches and crystal clear waters are complemented by almost year round sunshine. Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands, a grouping of small volcanic islands in the northeast Caribbean, it is also the most popular and developed. English Harbour is particularly picturesque, with yachts moored in the historic bay that has been a staging post for centuries. On a holiday to Antigua a visit to the capital St Johns is very worthwhile as it is a colourful and lively place with a variety of good restaurants and shops. Having only gained independence in 1981 Antigua is steeped in colonial history.

Nassau (first established as Charles Town in 1666 and christened Nassau in 1695), wrecked ships became a livelihood for the city's less religious-minded settlers. If bad weather and poor maps didn't bring enough salvage ashore, the "citizens" of this outlaw settlement would put lights on the reefs to lure ships to their doom. None of this rogue activity was approved of by the faraway English government – but the English did put a seal of approval on the beginnings of piracy.

Prized for its sheltered harbour, the city made history and preserved it beautifully in Victorian mansions, cathedrals, 18th-century fortresses and a Queen's Staircase whose 66 steps lead to a view not to be missed. Nassau is home to weather-beaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; and fine local and international crafts and goods, from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant centre for entertainment as well as commerce.