For such a small island, St. Lucia offers a large variety of excellent cuisine, from European and International restaurants offering romantic candlelight dinners and sophisticated ambiance to casual dining that features savoury local specialties like callaloo, curry, and pepperpot stew. Whatever the choice, dining is likely to be al fresco, and the island’s natural beauty provides sensory delights to complement the palate.

Shopping in St. Lucia involves a diverse mix of locally made items and duty-free bargains. Artwork, pottery, carvings, jewelry, spices and sauces are just a sampling of offerings. To shop with “the locals,” don’t miss the open market in Castries every Saturday. Bring a camera, as this market explodes with color!

Tropical Island Excursions

St. Lucia simply fresh, floral and fantastic!

St. Lucia is rich in natural beauty – and there is so much to see and do. This tropical island beckons the visitor to explore. Historical, cultural and heritage sites can be found throughout the island. Local tour companies combining several of the sites and attractions offer a large variety of tours.

Attractions and tours can be sought by location as well as by type. More recently St. Lucia has developed a multiplicity of community based heritage tourism sites, these are well marked with Heritage Tourism Site signage.

Of course, St. Lucia being a tropical island, is surrounded by water. Boat tours – daytime or at sunset are also options to choose from.

Tropical Islands Rainforest

Deep in St Lucia’s mountainous, tropical islands interior almost 1,800 feet above sea level, lies 19,000 acres of rainforest and the 29 miles of trails that run through it.

The rainforest is respected as a habitat for rare birds and plants, a world where lushness is overpowering, where elusive parrots squawk overhead, orchids scent the air, hummingbird buzz near brilliant heliconia and climbing palms encircle tall trees like lovers in a parting embrace.

It has taken centuries for St Lucia’s tropical island rainforest to become its current well-developed refuge. Nonetheless, two thousand years ago, Arawak tribes associated the dark woods with evil spirits and for centuries the forest remained untouched and the spirits the Amerindians feared evolved into island folklore.

Amongst the most enduring symbols of the rainforest is St Lucia’s National bird, the Amazona Versicolor or the Jacquot as it is affectionately known, once an endangered species, with protection its numbers have risen.

The local craft markets sell baskets that have been woven from climbing foot palms and aralie (a hanging root) and beautiful necklaces made from colourful dédéfouden seeds from the mammoth trees which form the forest’s canopy.

The St Lucia National Trust and the Forestry Department has played a key role in the development and maintenance of the rainforest and its trails, whilst the government licenses the trained guides to lead visitors through its trails.

More and more visitors are discovering and enjoying this ancient complex world.

Tropical Island Rainforest Walks

Barre De L’isle Trail (Non-Strenuous)

The Barre de L’isle Forest Reserve gets its name from the fact that it is a ridge that divides the eastern and western halves of St Lucia. It takes approximately one hour to walk this one-mile trail and another hour to climb Mr. La Combe ridge.

The Barre de L’isle trail provided panoramic views from four lookout points along the trail. Observe the ragged Mount Gimie and the blue-green mountain rainforest, Cul-de-Sac valley, the Caribbean Sea and community of Aux Leon. View the expansive Mabouya Valley and Fond d’Or beach on the Atlantic coast.

Des Cartiers Rainforest (Strenuous)

Experience a botanical paradise at Mahaut, St Lucia’s most hidden lush rainforest. Drive six miles inland from the east coast main highway through a secondary road. Hope to the rare St Lucia Parrot (Jacquot). Trek through the rainforest and view the wonderful verdant forest, discover some of St Lucia’s endemic wildlife on this two-kilometer trail.

Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous)

This 3½-hour will take you through the heart of the tropical island into Edmund Forest Reserve on the western side of the island, to experience some of nature’s pristine opportunities. Numerous plants, such bromeliads, orchids, mushrooms, lianas and others can be seen attached to their hosts, sitting on large buttress roots or branches on the spongy forest or even cascading the sides of the trail. Continue westward for a magnificent view of Mt Gimie, St Lucia’s highest peak.

Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous)

This trail is within the 19,000 acres of Central Rainforest Reserve; six miles East of Soufriere and at the foot of the highest mountain peak, (Mount Gimie) in St Lucia.

The Enbas Saut Falls trail is a 4km cut trail. Remote, yet unbelievably scenic, with a combination of Rainforest, Cloud Forest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. The hilly terrain of Piton Canarie, Piton Troumassee and Mount Gimie stands predominant not too far from the trail. Enbas Saut when translated to English means “below the falls�. Hence the trail is famous for its two cascading waterfalls and pools at the head of the Troumassee River.

Culture Heritage Tours

Fond Latisab Creole Park - Babonneau: Experience the truly St Lucian way of life, with a tour that takes you to a community in Babonneau called Fond Assau. There you will experience traditional practices such as preparation of cassava bread, cooking on macambou leaves, catching crayfish in the river, collecting honey from a beehive and the very authentic display of wood-sawing while in Chak Chak band plays traditional music in the background.

Castries Heritage Walk: The historic buildings of Castries come alive as well informed tour guides take you on a walk through the architectural history of an old colonial island city, whilst at the same time enjoying the spirit and life of the modern Caribbean.

Pigeon Island National Landmark: Pigeon Island contains more history than any other part of St Lucia. Once the home of the Amerindians it has been a pirate hideout and military base. Visit Fort Charlotte, now a college but once the site of some of the firecast fighting between the French and the British. Or view the Choiseul Heritage site, a village rich in history, crafts and offering spectacular views.

Plantation Tours

Fond d’Or Nature Historic Park: Enjoy the tropical island’s natural beauty on a tour that combines historical St Lucia with the tranquility of a nature sitem the Find d’Or Nature Historic Park includes symbols of the Amerindian settlement and historical buildings of the sugar age. Follow a hiking trail through an estuarine tropical forest to a wide white sand beach that is frequented by nesting Leatherback Turtles, then visit and relax at the Interpretation Centre. From there, drive to the Latille Waterfall where a twenty-foot waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and additional pools await you. To book contact Heritage Tours.

Fond Doux Estate: Follow the scenic country road to a tropical Caribbean-style working plantation called where you will heighten your senses by smelling, touching and tasting a variety of tropical fruits and plants. Once you have explored the plantation you can relax in the plantation house sipping local rum punch, local fruit juices and coconut water before being treated to an authentic Creole Lunch.

Morne Coubaril & Marquis Estates: There’s the 400-Acre La Sikwi Sugar Mill plantation with a museum, theatre and a 40ft waterwheel. The Morne Coubaril Estate with its worker’s village, sugar mill, manioc and cocoa houses is a meticulously preserved museum, restaurant and botanical garden. The Marquis Estate is another nearby plantation where you can tour and see the production of St Lucia’s main export crops, bananas and copra.

Botanical Gardens

Visitors can choose from three exquisite tropical botanical gardens; each brimming with rare and exotic flora. These tropical gardens present a riot of colour, perfume and lush tropical vegetation. Mamiku Gardens is situated on an historic site with a fascinating history. Nature trails meander through the gardens with scenic vistas and peaceful resting points.

Diamond Botanical Gardens: The Diamond Botanical Gardens in Soufriere features mineral baths and a picturesque waterfall.

Mamiku Gardens: On the Vieux Fort Highway, Mamiku Gardens which encircle the ruins of an 18th Century Micoud Estate.

Tropica Gardens: in the North of the island is the lovely Tropica Gardens.

Soft Adventure

Maria Island: The Maria Island experience takes you through the backroads to Vieux Fort and by boat to the home of two species found nowhere else in the world: the Kouwes Snake and the Zandoli Terre lizard.

Fregate Island Tour: Fregate Island Tour, visits the small fishing village of Praslin and the Fregate Island Nature Reserve, a tropical sanctuary for rare birds, Southern Safari takes you to the islands interior from North to South. Heritage Sunday is held weekly during the summer.

Soufrière: View the majestic Pitons as you travel to the Diamond Waterfall located in a beautiful botanical garden surrounded by nature finest plants and flowers. From the Diamond Waterfall, drive through the quaint town of Soufriere to the world’s only drive-in volcano with its bubbling holes of sulphuric waters.

Anse La Raye Adventure: Visit the traditional fishing village of Anse La Raye, where you can explore the waterfront with its quaint wooden houses, colourful fishing boats and perhaps see bread making in a traditional bakery. Head inland to visit a beautiful waterfall set in enchanting tropical tranquility.

Land Activities Water Activities

In addition to the wide variety of opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and tour St. Lucia’s outstanding natural attractions, the island is replete with a full range of recreational facilities. Visitors may enjoy the leisurely pleasures of touring the island by horse, chartering a yacht for an evening sail or day cruise, or relax with a round of golf amid St. Lucia’s entrancing natural beauty. For those who enjoy the thrill of more vigorous pursuits, there are plenty of places to windsurf, dive, water-ski, or play tennis or squash. There are also a number of activities more closely related to the traditional life of St. Lucia, including deep-sea fishing, weekly “jump-ups” at Gros Islet, and visits to the weekly market at Castries.

Land Activities

Not interested in lazing on the beach all day long day after day? St. Lucia is the right choice for your vacation. Organizations like the St. Lucia National Trust and the Department of Forestry offer a number of nature trails some more strenuous than others. In the mountainous rainforests of St. Lucia there are approximately 30 species of birds. You may be lucky to spot the rare and beautiful parrot, Jacquot.

Camping

St. Lucia recently opened its first campsite, Anse La Liberte for those really attuned to nature.

Hiking

Exploring the beauty of Saint Lucia’s majestic rain forest is a great way to relax and appreciate the island. A variety of natural trails lead hikers through the rain forest, to the top of Saint Lucia’s mountains, through old plantation grounds, along beaches, to Cactus Valley, to Pigeon Island and more. As visitors hike, they will see spectacular rain forest waterfalls, flora and local birds like the Saint Lucia Parrot, the Saint Lucia Oriole and the Saint Lucia Black Finch. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Hiking Trails

Eastern Nature Trail: This invigorating exploration along St Lucia’s Atlantic coastline – Start with the leisurely and exciting 3½ mile trek along the rugged and beautiful East Coast of St Lucia. Along the trail you should see several species of birds, three of which and endemic to St Lucia, as well as migratory birds, which include the magnificent Fregate bird and the Red Bill tropicbirds. After the hike, drive to Latille where one can indulge in a twenty-foot waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and additional pools downstream. To book contact Heritage Tours.

Forestiere Tropical Forest Trail: This tour takes you into the heart of the St Lucian countryside to a typical rural community of Forestiere. An exhilarating hike takes you through dense tropical rainforest, whilst the fascinating flora and fauna is pointed out to you by a well informed guide.

Rainforest Hikes: Explore the Rainforest Reserve with a guide from the Forest and Lands Department on a 3½ hour trek. Visitors trek past indigenous tree species and along paths lined with tinier plants, bromliads, orchids and mushrooms. Throughout the tour, beautiful birds including the indigenous St Lucia Parrot (Amazona Versicolor) can be seen. Emerging from the dark shade of the forest into the open, a magnificent view of Mount Gimie, St Lucia’s highest peak. For more information contact Forest & Lands Department.

Contact the Forest & Lands Department at (758) 450-2231 for more information on exploring one of the following Nature Trails:
Barre de L’isle Rain Forest Trail
Union Nature Trail
Naturalist Tour
Fregate Island Nature Trail
Morne le Blanc-Laborie

Helicopter Tours

There are few more exciting ways to view the splendid beauty of the island than by helicopter. Visitors can embark upon flights that loop around the northern and southern portions of the island, offering aerial panoramas that include the steaming cauldron of Soufriere and the emerald carpet of the National Rain Forest.

Golf

St. Lucia has two golf courses, the Sandals La Toc and the Cap Estate public course, which is run by the Cap Estate Golf Club. The club offers a nine-hole course, which can also be played as 18. The clubhouse has a fully-stocked bar and pro shop. Temporary memberships, lessons from the resident pro, and golfing equipment are available.

Tennis

Tennis courts are available at most major hotels. The St. Lucia Racquet Club at Club St. Lucia has nine lighted courts. The St. Lucian Hotel has two courts, which are available to the public at reasonable rates. Lessons can be arranged.

Squash

Squash courts are located near the Cap Estate Golf Club, the St. Lucia Yacht Club, and at the St. Lucia Racquet Club.

Horseback Riding

The ambiance of Saint Lucia can be captured through a number of horseback riding excursions. The International Riding Stables offers an assortment of trail rides, including a ride winding through the countryside along the beach, with time for swimming and a beach picnic at Cas en Bas. Trim’s Riding Stables offer a variety of treks including a carriage tour to Pigeon Point and Fort Rodney.

Trek the lush trails of St Lucia, canter along almost deserted beaches on horseback and revel in pure serenity. Cantering a horse along a stretch of beach on the Atlantic coastline with the tropical wind whipping your face and eager mount springing forth uncoaxed. Touring St Lucia on horseback will enable you to truly take in the sights and feel part of the surrounding giving you a chance to take in more of the interesting aspects of the country.

For information on horse riding contact: 408 247 7782

International Riding Stables: a fantastic tour offered by these stables is their beach picnic at Cas en Bas. This is not only a super ride but extra time is allowed for swimming of more riding along the beach. For more information contact Floria on Tele: 408 247 7782

Trims National Riding: Offers 1-2 hour riding sessions four times a day. From 08.30am – 04.00pm. One hour will take you down a trail to the Atlantic Sea and Beach. The two hour ride will take you to the Atlantic Sea and beach then cross over the Caribbean Sea to Gros Islet Village. For further information telephone: 408 247 7782

Morne Coubaril: Unleash your curiosity by visiting a family plantation, which is full of activities, one of which includes horseriding. Discover the traditional ways of processing cocoa, copra and Manioc. Walk through a mixture of tropical flowers. For more information: 408 247 7782

All-Terrain Vehicle Riding

See the wild side of St Lucia on an All Terrain Vehicle. Experience the thrill of riding an ATV through St Lucia’s lush countryside…over mountains…through banana plantations… and lots more!

Biking

Biking has also become popular way to enjoy the island, and there are some excellent biking tours for beginners and the more experienced off road riders. There’s lots to see on 2 wheels in St. Lucia. For the adventurer, head into Soufrière for an ocean-side trail ride at Anse Chastanet. With a beautiful view of the world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains, this is one ride you can’t find anywhere but St. Lucia.

Fitness Centers

There are several well-equipped gyms, most with aerobics classes. Body Inc., located at the Gablewoods Mall , offers weight training, step and regular aerobics, and a cardio center. The staff includes world-renowned body builders Rick Wayne and Mae Sabbagh. Gonard La Borde’s Gym on Hospital Road has modern Weider equipment. Caribbean Fitness Expression in Vide Boutielle, Castries , offers jazzercise, step, stretch and tone sessions, a large weight room and restaurant. Some of the major hotels also have well-equipped gyms.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Holidays on St Lucia can be exciting. There are plenty of challenges for sporting visitors, whether it be on land or in the water!

With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors and fishermen will fall in love with St Lucia. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St Lucia also offers opportunities for some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. Described as “an angler’s dream come true”, it is home to several species of big game fish, and you may even catch a trophy white marlin as your prize!

Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms. Where better to go windsurfing, sailing, para-sailing or water-skiing than St Lucia?

Watersports are a way of life on this island, where a coastline of rain-forested mountains is frequently interrupted by natural harbors and bays. The island boasts some of the best underwater dive sites in the Caribbean. Many hotels offer scuba diving facilities and snorkeling equipment, as do a number of independent dive centers. Saint Lucia has also become one of the region’s main centers for yacht charters, with operations at the Rodney Bay Marina and at Marigot Harbor. Deep-sea fishing charters are also available for whole and half-day excursions.

Whale and Turtle Watching

St Lucia is recognised as one of the leading whale watching sites in the area. Over 20 species are regularly spotted throughout the year, including humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales and spinning and spotted dolphins.

Turtles are another fascinating thrill for nature-lovers. The abundance of these majestic reptiles on St Lucia is due to the protection provided by local environmental activists, who have ensured there is a permanent suspension on turtle hunting.

Windsurfing

Most hotels offer instructors and first-class equipment for Windsurfing. The most popular spots for intermediate and advanced windsurfers are at Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort. Beginners will find the calmer waters off the west coast more manageable.

Sailing

Yachts can be chartered (bare-boat or skippered) through a number of charter operations housed in marinas at Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay . Both areas have safe anchorages, shower facilities, restaurants and bars, grocery stores, and yacht maintenance facilities. Day boat trips include stops at fishing villages and secret coves, and many of St. Lucia’s natural treasures. Sunset cruises along the northwest coast afford a breathtaking view as the sun dips over the horizon. Meals and beverages are usually included in the tours.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

St. Lucia’s warm clear waters and numerous spectacular reefs and marine life offer a perfect environment for both beginners and expert divers. Many hotels offer scuba diving facilities and snorkeling equipment and there are a number of independent dive centers offering short boat dives, night dives and a variety of scuba courses. The Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet reefs and an old sunken ship are some of the underwater haunts waiting to be explored.

Waterskiing

Most of the major hotels offer water-skiing, with lessons available for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Deep Sea Fishing

With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors and fishermen will fall in love with St Lucia. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St. Lucia also offers opportunities for some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. Described as “an angler’s dream come true”, it is home to several species of big game fish, and you may even catch a trophy white marlin as your prize!

The legendary white marlin dwells off the coast of Saint Lucia, where deep sea fishing is a popular recreational activity. Numerous charter operations on the island offer whole and half-day fishing excursions on 30 foot boats with modern fishing equipment. Depending on the time of year, anglers will land a variety of fish, including mackerel, king mackerel, white marlin, barracuda, kingfish and sailfish.

Yachting

Yachting in St Lucia is an unforgettable experience. Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms. Where better to go sailing than St Lucia? With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors have been falling in love with St Lucia for centuries. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St Lucia also serves as a hub for some of the best yachting adventures in the world.

At Rodney Bay Marina and Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia’s two most popular marinas, yachts and sail boats can be chartered to navigate the West Indies through the beautiful Grenadine Islands. The marinas offer safe anchorage, shower facilities, restaurants, groceries and maintenance facilities.

From Castries to London is 8 hours, to Barbados is 30 minutes, to Los Angeles is 9 hours, to New York is 4 hours and to Singapore is 33 hours.

Our Airline Partners Serving St. Lucia

US Airways

Air Jamaica

American Airlines

Entry requirements

US and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship. (In the form of a birth certificate and photo id. A valid passport is not required but is always recommended.) UK citizens do not need a passport if they are staying fewer than 6 months. There is a departure tax of $11.00 US per person.

The Dive Sites Snorkeling

Puerto Rico offers many Scuba Diving and snorkel Adventures for both experienced and novice divers. Desecheo Island, 15 miles west of Puerto Rico offers many diving opportunities; from Reef Diving to Underwater Cave Diving. With 100 ft. visibility, this part of Puerto Rico offers spectacular underwater views of marine life and natural reef formations.

The islands of Mona, Monito and Desecheo are located off Puerto Rico’s western coast. Three world-class destinations to visit on your diving vacation. Mona is a cavernous Caribbean “Tipui” rising from 22,000 feet underwater to a flat plateau atop 200-foot cliffs. A few white-powder beaches enhance the otherwise dry cacti terrain. Considered by many to be the Galapagos of the Caribbean, Mona stands alone in its wildlife complexity, both above as well as underwater. Large iguanas roam freely while red-footed boobies and whitetailled tropic birds fly overhead.
Underwater, fallen boulders create arches, crevices and tunnels, and vertical walls plummet 90 degrees into the abysmal depths of the Mona passage, the second deepest channel in the world. There are no rivers or runoffs and, apart from the small manned natural resources station and lighthouse, there is no human development. Visibility easily exceeds 150 feet. On the other hand, seas and winds can be higher than normal and the currents strong, but for the experienced diver, these minor inconveniences should not distract from exploring this beautiful side of the Spanish Caribbean.

Puerto Rico’s tropical waters are a diver’s paradise. The average ocean temperature is 81ºF and underwater visibility averages from 60 to 75 feet near the beach. Offshore it is easily 100 feet or more! While experienced divers may prefer boat diving, there are countless sites – especially on the northeast coast near Aguadilla and Isabela – for equally impressive shore diving.

The most exciting dives are made near Desecheo Island off Rincón, off Mona Island, 50 miles west of Mayaguez, and off Culebra and Vieques. For snorkeling, the shallow reefs near San Juan, Dorado, Mayaguez and Humacao are perfect. If you are a beginner, most major hotels and many dive shops offer SCUBA classes and snorkeling instruction.

Wherever you go underwater you are likely to find tropical flora and fauna that easily eclipse the most beautiful aquarium you have ever seen. Dive Puerto Rico and you may get “up close and personal� with sea horses that look like chess set knights, unusual arrow crabs, colorful parrot fish, and octopus, among the endless schools of sergeant majors and other colorful reef fish.

With the continental shelf surrounding it on three sides, Puerto Rico has an abundance of coral reefs, caves, sea walls, and trenches for divers of all experience levels to explore.

The Dive Sites

Metropolitan San Juan: This easy beach dive off the Condado district in San Juan is not as spectacular as other dives mentioned here, but it’s certainly more convenient. Lava reefs sculptured with caverns, tunnels, and overhangs provide hiding areas for schools of snapper, grunts, and copper sweepers. In the active breeding grounds of the inner and outer reefs, divers of all levels can mingle with an impressive array of small tropical fish-French angels, jacks, bluehead wrasse, butterfly fish, sergeant majors, and more-along with sea horses, arrow crabs, coral shrimp, octopuses, batfish, and flying gunards. Visibility is about 10 feet to 20 feet (3m-6m). The Condado reef is also ideal for resort courses, certification courses, and night dives.

Mona Island: Mona Island, 40 miles (64km) west of the city of Mayagüez in western Puerto Rico, is the Caribbean version of the Galápagos Islands. Renowned for its pirate tales, cave-pocked cliffs, 3-foot-long (.9m) iguanas, and other natural wonders, its waters are among the cleanest in Puerto Rico, with horizontal visibility at times exceeding 200 feet (60m). More than 270 species of fish have been found in Mona waters, including more than 60 reef-dwelling species. Larger marine animals, such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and marlins, visit the region during migrations. Various types of coral reefs, underwater caverns, drop-offs, and deep vertical walls ring the island. The most accessible reef dives are along the southern and western shores. Getting there is a pain, however. You must brave a 5-hour boat ride across the often rough Mona Passage.

Southern Puerto Rico: The continental shelf drops off precipitously several miles off the southern coast, producing a dramatic wall 20 miles (32km) long and teeming with marine life. Compared favorably to the wall in the Cayman Islands, this Puerto Rican version has become the Caribbean’s newest world-class dive destination. Paralleling the coast from the seaside village of La Parguera to the city of Ponce, the wall descends in slopes and sheer drops from 60 feet to 120 feet (18m-36m) before disappearing into 1,500 feet (450m) of sea. Scored with valleys and deep trenches, it is cloaked in immense gardens of staghorn and elkhorn coral, deep-water gorgonians, and other exquisite coral formations. Visibility can exceed 100 feet (30m). There are more than 50 dive sites around Parguera alone.

Fajardo: This coastal town in eastern Puerto Rico offers divers the opportunity to explore reefs, caverns, miniwalls, and channels near a string of palm-tufted islets. The reefs are decked in an array of corals ranging from delicate gorgonians to immense coral heads. Visibility usually exceeds 50 feet (15m). Divers can hand-feed many of the reef fish that inhabit the corals. Sand channels and a unique double-barrier reef surround Palomino Island, where bandtailed puffers and parrotfish harems are frequently sighted. Cayo Diablo, farther to the east, provides a treasure box of corals and marine animals, from green moray eels and barracudas to octopuses and occasional manatees.

Humacao Region: South of Fajardo are some 24 dive sites in a 5-mile (8km) radius off the shore. Overhangs, caves, and tunnels perch in 60 feet (18m) of water along mile-long (1.6km) Basslet Reef, where dolphins visit in spring. The Cracks, a jigsaw of caves, alleyways, and boulders, hosts an abundance of goby-cleaning stations and a number of lobsters. With visibility often exceeding 100 feet (30m), the Reserve offers a clear look at corals. At the Drift, divers float along with nurse sharks and angelfish into a valley of swim-throughs and ledges. For the experienced diver, Red Hog is the newest site in the area, with a p

anoramic wall that drops from 80 feet to 1,160 feet (24m-348m).

Monito lies just three miles from Mona. There are no beaches here, and diving is done close to shore beside huge fallen boulders. As in Mona, large schools of pelagics and mid-water fish darken the rays of the sun and during the winter months, humpback whales frequent the area. Sharks are scarce.

Snorkeling

Puerto Rico offers top-notch snorkeling even though freshwater run-offs from tropical outbursts feeding into the sea can momentarily cloud the ocean’s waters. In most places, where conditions are right, visibility extends 50 feet to 75 feet (15m-23m).

Mona Island: This remote island off the west coast of Puerto Rico offers the best snorkeling possibilities. The reefs here, the most pristine in Puerto Rico, are home to a variety of rainbow-hued fish, turtles, octopuses, moray eels, rays, puffers and clownfish: the single largest concentration of reef fish life in Puerto Rico. You must bring your snorkeling equipment to the island, however, as there are no rentals available once you are here.

Caja de Muertos: The best snorkeling off the coast of Ponce is on the uninhabited coast island of Caja de Muertos (”Coffin Island”). This isla got its name from an 18th-century French writer who noted that the island’s shape resembled a cadaver in a coffin. Over the years there have been fanciful legends about the island, including tales of necrophilia, star-crossed lovers and, of course, piracy. Island Adventures will take you to this remote spot for a full day’s outing with plenty of snorkeling.

Fajardo’s Playa Escondido & La Cordillera: On the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the clear waters along the beachfront are the best snorkeling on mainland Puerto Rico. The best beach here for snorkeling is Playa Escondido, although the marine wildlife refuge known as La Cordillera right off the coast is even more alluring.

Vieques & Culebra: The best beach for snorkeling on Vieques is Playa Esperanza, especially that spot in front of the Tradewinds Guesthouse. This site gives you the best preview of dramatic (and living) antler coral. Nurse sharks and the occasional manatee also hang out here.

Desecheo: is the closest of the three to Puerto Rico’s mainland, just 20 miles away. A wildlife preserve, Desecheo has been left to follow its natural course. Undisturbed coral formations as well as a large variety of reef fish and pelagics reward those with a more adventurous spirit willing to make the one-hour boat ride out.

If you love golf, you’re going to love Puerto Rico, the golf capital of the Caribbean. There are currently 23 spectacular golf courses on the island and six more are underway. Golf is such a passion locally that the island’s 10,000 active golfers are anxiously awaiting the World Amateur Team Championships to be held here in the fall of 2004. This international event will be the crowning moment of the Puerto Rico Golf Association’s 50th anniversary celebration.

You don’t need to be a world champ to appreciate the beauty and variety of our courses. Most have been designed by golf luminaries such as Robert Trent Jones, his son Rees Jones, Greg Norman, George and Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, and Puerto Rico’s own Chi Chi Rodríguez. The courses are feats of landscape architecture that impress golfers and non-players alike.

All of Puerto Rico’s courses share the island’s year-round summer weather, tempered by the cool, gentle breezes of the trade winds. You are almost guaranteed a brilliant tropical sky and glimpses of sparkling white sand beaches backed by the blue Atlantic or the turquoise Caribbean. The greens are truly green, planted with strains of Bermuda grass adapted for our climate, including Tiff Dwarf and GN1, a new hybrid, developed in Florida by Greg Norman.

Many of our golf courses are part of world-class resorts, so after you have played to your heart’s content, you can relax in the pool and recharge your batteries in the spa before getting back to breaking par. You don’t have to be a hotel guest, however. All courses – except those on military installations, which are limited to authorized personnel – are open to the general public.

Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, Puerto Rico has the perfect course for you.

Westin Rio Mar Golf Course (Palmer; ): A 45-minute drive from San Juan on the northeast coast, the 6,145-yard (5,618m) Rio Mar Golf Course is shorter than those at both Palmas del Mar and Dorado East. One avid golfer recommended it to “those whose games and egos have been bruised by the other two courses.� Wind here can seriously influence the outcome of your game. The greens fees are a lot lower than those of its two major competitors.

Hyatt Resort at Dorado (Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club; ): With 72 holes, Dorado has the highest concentration of golf on the island. Two courses-east and west-belong to the Hyatt. Dorado East is our favorite. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it was the site of the Senior PGA Tournament of Champions throughout the 1990s.

True tennis buffs head here, too. The Dorado courts are the best on the island, and both hotels sponsor tennis weeks and offer special tennis packages. The Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club weighs in with seven Laykold courts, two of them lighted.

Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa (Las Croabas; )This sprawling resort east of San Juan is one of the island’s finest tennis retreats, with seven Har-Tru courts and a pro on hand to offer guidance and advice. If you don’t have a partner, the hotel will find one for you. Only guests of the hotel are allowed to play here.

Palmas del Mar Country Club (Humacao; ): Lying on the southeast coast on the grounds of a former coconut plantation, the Palmas del Mar resort boasts the second-leading course in Puerto Rico-a par-72, 6,803-yard (6,220m) layout designed by Gary Player. Crack golfers consider holes 11 through 15 the toughest 5 successive holes in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico is a perfect family destination. The smallest children love the sandy beaches, the warm shallow seawater and the swimming pools constructed especially for them. Kite flying on the breezy days is a favorite pastime. There’s no end to the activities available for older children, including boat rides, shell collecting, horseback riding, hiking, wind surfing, and snorkeling. The adults in the family will also enjoy exploring the underwater wonders of Puerto Rico. On land, they will have the opportunity to play on what are considered the best golf courses ion the Carribean. the best golf Most resort hotels offer programs of activities, and many have play directors and supervised daily fun for various age groups.

Music is a special source of Puerto Rican pride, and the bold Latin beat is best characterized by the music and dance form known as salsa, which shares not only its name with the Spanish word for “hot sauce” but also a zesty, hot flavor. This fusion of west African percussion, jazz (especially swing) and big band and other Latin beats produces mambo, merengue, flamenco, cha-cha, and rumba.

San Juan is home to ballet, fine drama, symphony orchestra performances. It is also the scene of many lively and colorful festivals, which can take place at any time due to the warm, sunny weather that is present year round. Government regulated casinos operate in the larger hotels, and provide enjoyment to many visitors. Most are open 20- 24 hours a day. Horse racing is another favorite sport on which to wager.

Puerto Ricans welcome visitors and are eager to show off their city. They are justifiably proud of its timeless beauty, its warmth and its zest for life.

Family Vacation Resorts

Puerto Rico has a bounty of attractions, natural wonders, and resorts that welcome families who choose to play together. Here are some of the best.

Wyndham Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino (San Juan;): This resort offers Camp Taíno, a regular program of activities and special events for children ages 5 to 12. The cost of $25 per child includes lunch. The main pool has a kids’ water slide that starts in a Spanish castle turret, plus a toddler pool. For teenagers, the hotel has a video game room, tennis courts, and various organized activities. For the whole family, the resort offers two pools and opens onto a public beach. It also has the best collection of restaurants of any hotel on the Condado.

Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino (San Juan; ): The grandest hotel in Puerto Rico lies on Isla Verde, the less-famous strip of beach connected to the Condado. Its Kids Klub features trained counselors and group activities for the 5-to-12-year-old set. A daily fee of $40 buys lunch and an array of activities. The hotel opens onto a good beachfront and has some of the best restaurants in San Juan.

Hyatt Resort at Dorado (Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club;): Sitting 18 miles (29km) west of San Juan, the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club offers a Camp Coquí program available for guests ages 3 to 12. Certified counselors direct programs of educational, environmental, and cultural activities. In the evening, movies, talent shows, and video games occupy the agenda. Parents find one of the largest beaches and resort complexes in the Caribbean, including the world’s longest freshwater river pool.

Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa (Las Croabas; ): Located 31 miles (50km) east of San Juan, this resort offers Camp Coquí on Palomino Island for children 3 to 12 years of age. The hotel’s free water taxi takes kids to the island for a half or full day of watersports and nature hikes. This resort has some of the best facilities and restaurants in eastern Puerto Rico.