To help you plan for your upcoming winter vacation, in addition to a handy travel planning infographic and tips on how to pack within your baggage allowance limits, we’d like to share a few secret destinations that you may want to put on your radar.
Recently, travellers have taken the fantasy of the deserted island to new levels by seeking out remote islands off the coast of popular Caribbean gems like the Dominican Republic and Cuba, as well as other islands that flank mainland favourites like Mexico and Honduras. Each of these remote islands or peninsulas has its own completely authentic calling card. Take a look.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Overlooking Cancun’s coveted Hotel Zone, a short boat ride across the Caribbean Sea from Mexico’s mainland is Isla Mujeres, a cozy island with a great story to tell. Dedicated to the ancient Mayan Goddess of Love, Ixchel, worshippers would lay offerings along the sandy beaches in the form of female figures. Later on, Spanish conquerors would see these motifs, and offer the island its rightful name: Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). With girls making pilgrimages to the island as a right of passage to womanhood, Isla Mujeres has a special spot in the hearts of locals.
Blending Caribbean charm with Mexican history and culture, the island’s tiny downtown core is a great place to go souvenir shopping for handmade arts & crafts. If you are travelling between May and September, it’s possible to spot whale sharks and other large fish. To get a closer look at these magnificent creatures, a snorkelling adventure might be in order. There are various catamaran tours that incorporate a visit to the island and a snorkelling expedition in a single day excursion.
Another exciting attraction that packs a lot of punch on this tiny little island is a visit to the Dolphinarium for an encounter with dolphins, manatees and sharks. This once-in-a-lifetime affair is considered by many to be the highlight of any Mexico vacation.
Cayo Blanco, Cuba
Along the coast of Cuba’s Marea del Portillo, a couple of hours from Santiago de Cuba, Cayo Blanco is an islet within the borders of Desembarco del Granma National Park – a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in the Granma Province. The park takes its name from a special event in Cuban history. The yacht that took Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Raúl Castro, and 79 of their supporters from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 – commencing the Cuban Revolution – is why this island is etched in the rich heritage of the country.
This quaint islet, only accessible by boat, is an international treasure, and extremely unique. Why? Located in the western part of the Sierra Maestra Mountains, it features dramatic landscapes with sharp sea cliffs and vertical escarpments. However, it’s the marine terraces that really give the area its special status as a biosphere reserve. The above-water terraces soar to heights of 1,181 feet – as tall as a 109-floor skyscraper. Home to distinctive species of organisms and plants, this natural paradise is a must-see on your vacation in Cuba.
The marine terraces aren’t the only attractions to gawk at in this unique Cuban region. Fancy a relaxing day along a black-sand beach? Marea del Portillo Beach stretches over 2 kilometres and cozies up to Cayo Blanco and the foothills of the Sierra Maestra Mountains. In Marea del Portillo, Farallon del Caribe and Punta Piedra sport the incredibly unique black sand, while Cayo Blanco boasts a beautiful white-sand beach.
On the road to Santiago de Cuba, peek up to the awe-inspiring 2,005-metre-high Pico Turquino – one of the highest mountains in Cuba.
Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
Among the world’s diving capitals is the Central American gem, Honduras. This Spanish-speaking country features a host of islands and islets that have become action-packed playgrounds for many visitors. A mere 45-minute speed boat ride from the best La Ceiba hotels, Cayos Cochinos has been the host of renowned reality TV show, Survivor, in Spain, France and Italy
Cayos Cochinos is a group of islands consisting of Cayo Mayor, Cayo Menor, and Cayo Chachaouate. La Ceiba excursions to this family of islands will be the highlight of a trip to Honduras. With the clearest turquoise waters and gorgeous scenery, it’s no surprise that these islands are home to unique marine life, and vibrant coral – the second largest in the world. If this unique archipelago has your inner survivalist compelling you to opt for an excursion that will feed your curiosity, there are many tours and excursions to choose from.
With a guided tour through Cayo Mayor, which includes a snorkelling trip and educational video, Cayo Menor’s pink boa constrictors, scorpions and tarantulas, as well as Cayo Chachaouate’s charming Garifunas houses and quaint fishing village vibe, will make a day trip to this bundle of islands a thrill!
Isla Saona, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s largest island, Saona, is part of the National Park of the East in the province of La Altagracia. With spectacular beaches and a laidback atmosphere, it is especially appealing to those looking to snag their own little piece of paradise. Many visitors set sail for Saona by catamaran on a day tour from their hotels in La Romana.
Spanning 110 km2, and featuring two small settlements, this Dominican island has gorgeous coral reefs, coastal lagoons, a variety of bird and reptile species, as well as archaeological sites and caves used by the Tainos people. In short, tours to this island are jam-packed with things to see and do.
The rock stars of the island are of the tortuga species, which include loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles. Interesting wildlife like rhinoceros iguana, manatees, dolphins and fishing bats can also be spotted on Saona.
Samana Island, Dominican Republic
The stunning peninsula of Samana has a special place in this list. So many of the Dominican Republic’s geography features lush greenery, sparkling waterfalls, and rugged landscapes; and of course, Samana has been blessed with all of that and more, making it wonderland for active travellers and visitors looking to explore the best this Caribbean island has to offer.
There are a handful of great tours and excursions in Samana, depending on what type of activities float your boat. For example, you could hop on a Jeep and head toward the awe-inspiring El Limon Waterfalls, then take a horseback ride along Limon River. This type of tour also includes a cool dip in the waterfall among a lush tropical rainforest setting.
Between the months of January and March, watch the majestic humpback whales as they travel from the North Atlantic to the waters of Samana to mate and give birth. From jeep safaris to whale watching, Samana in the Dominican Republic is a hot spot that’s well worth the visit.
To find out more about these exceptional destinations, visit sunwing.ca.
Z Tuck is a seasoned travel blogger who has delivered funky and fresh content to the international travel community in partnership with Time Out Worldwide and Lonely Planet. Today she manages the online content for Sunwing Travel Group.
This guest blog post has been provided by Sunwing Vacations, and can also be viewed at http://bit.ly/1wEuj2u.