Navigation chart for the Caribbean: a day of "Ecologist"
Before meeting my husband, my idea of the perfect relaxing respite was an elegant, air-conditioned suite in an expensive resort located on a beach within the United States territories. But like I said, that was before I was
introduced to the natural beauty and adventure of the Caribbean islands. There may be no better place to get in touch with nature than on a sailing boat in the Caribbean. It’s a great way to get away from your everyday life, giving you a chance to recover and rejuvenate, while at the same time experiencing nature up close in an environmentally friendly way. Each island in the Caribbean is unique, making the options for outdoor adventures nearly endless. Every day is a new journey waiting to be discovered!
Imagine waking up on your sailboat at sunrise on a tranquil anchorage of turquoise blue water, facing a secluded white sand beach lined with palm trees gently swaying in the warm tropical breeze. After a refreshing swim and a breakfast of freshly picked mangoes and other tropical fruits the day before, load up your Coleman Exponent Daypack®, put on your sand and surf shoes, and paddle your inflatable kayak ashore to explore. As every true adventurer knows, the “true” Caribbean can best be experienced through activity. Whether wandering the local markets; horseback riding in the waves; hiking or biking through an incredible variety of landscapes ranging from mountainous jungles to almost desert terrain; participating in a cultural event or dancing a spontaneous “jump-up”, there is something for everyone in the Caribbean.
Today’s intense activity is an invigorating hike through dense rainforest to the crater rim of a dormant volcano. The extraordinary variety of fauna and flora that we pass through makes you feel like you are really in a Garden of Eden. Once at the top, we were in awe of the combination of nature’s fury and beauty. On the way back from the crater rim, we take a break and frolic in a refreshing rain forest waterfall.
Once back on board our sailing boat, it is time to start the next adventure. We have explored above ground, now is the time to explore under the sea. The Caribbean is known worldwide for its crystal clear waters. The islands are proud of their natural ecosystems and therefore many areas are protected, including underwater marine parks. Thus, the Caribbean offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling and diving in the world. We spent a couple of hours in the afternoon snorkeling. We are captivated by the incredible coral formations and the colorful myriad of marine life. Although it is not as strenuous as our morning adventure, it is no less exhilarating.
At the end of the afternoon, it is time to relax a bit. We relax in the cabin of our sailboat while another sailboat arrives at the anchorage, lowers the sails and prepares to drop anchor. For those who are experienced sailors, it is always part of the fun and ritual of the cruise to see other cruise ships enter and leave an anchorage. To my husband’s chagrin, I grab my Bushnell binoculars and look at the most recent visitors to this corner of paradise.
After seeing the most amazing and impressive sunset, we decided that we are too tired to cook dinner ourselves. We attached a Coleman for Kids Illumistick® to the bow spirit of our yacht and returned to shore to sample the city’s delicious Caribbean cuisine. Then, as we move away from shore, the dim glow of the luminous light guides us to our ship. Without it, it can be difficult to find our sailboat in the total darkness of the anchorage without the reflection of the urban lights. Once on board, under the glow of our floating lantern, we placed the charts on the navigation station. With our handheld GPS, we chart a course to our next destination. After all, what fun is a sailing charter to the Caribbean if you never leave port? After tidying up a bit, we huddled on the deck, staring at an impossible number of clear constellations. Soon, the gentle rocking of our sailing boat does its magic. After a full day of being in nature, I am completely relaxed and a little exhausted. It is time to retire to our cabin, because tomorrow our sails will be full as we travel to our next Caribbean adventure.
Several years ago, if someone had told me that I would be “mistreating” him in paradise, I would have laughed. Now I know. There is no better place to be in contact with nature than on a Caribbean island and there is no better way to do it than on an ecological sailing boat.
If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, discover the natural beauty of the Caribbean for yourself.
Each day will be a new adventure that you will never forget!