Interesting Facts about the Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
The pink sand of Pink Sands Beach, on Harbour Island the Bahamas, comes from Foraminifera, a microscopic marine animal with a bright pink or red shell.
Mount Alvernia, Cat Island
Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island, rises 63 metres in altitude and is the highest peak in the Bahamas.
Underwater cave systems
During the glacial period, the sea level was as low as 250 feet below its present level. During this time, the limestone that forms the islands was eroded by acid rain, which ended up cutting hundreds of systems of vertical and horizontal caves that are now below the islands.
The name “Bahamas”
The name “Bahamas” comes from the Spanish words “baja mar”, meaning shallow water or sea.
The indigenous people
The first people that inhabited the island were called the Tainos.
Dean’s Blue Hole, West of Clarence Town, on Long Island
Plunging 202 metres into the sea, it’s the deepest blue hole in the world.
Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island
The longest (known) underwater cave system in the world can be found in Lucayan National Park, on Grand Bahama Island.
By: travelalerts
Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s attractions range from the adventurous (like the underground caves of Río Camuy Cave Park) to the historic (like the 500-year old walls of the El Morro fort). And there are plenty of options between the two extremes. Beach lovers must visit the western beaches of Rincón for sunbathing and surfing; snorkelers are bound to enjoy Vieques’ bioluminescent Mosquito Bay. And if you’re the kind of traveler who parties heartily, you’ll discover a varied but vibrant nightlife in San Juan.
Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
This south Vieques beach might not sound like much, but it’s one of travelers’ favorite experiences in Puerto Rico. During the day, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is your stereotypical Caribbean hideout — but at night, the sky and waters emit a blue glow from the half-plant, half-animal microorganisms that live there. More than 700,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and recent travelers have been amazed by just how much visibility these tiny creatures provide.
El Morro (Fuerte San Felipe del Morro)
El Morro juts out of San Juan harbor beckoning to cruise ships just as it used to deter sea attacks. The structure is a hulking six-story fortress built between 1539 and 1589, withstanding the two World Wars and several other scrimmages. Now, El Fuerto San Felipe del Morro is Puerto Rico’s go-to tourist attraction, both for its extensive history and its outstanding vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also walk though the fortress’ depths, which include a maze of tunnels, barracks and prison cells.
Flamenco Beach
On the island of Culebra — which sits about 20 miles east of Puerto Rico— visitors will find a beach perfect for families, snorkelers and those looking for a remote spot that boasts a delightful aesthetic from nearly every angle. Flamenco Beach’s 1½-mile strip of sand is the most popular on Culebra and is often recognized by travelers and experts as the most beautiful in all of Puerto Rico.
Sun Bay (Vieques)
Mosquito Bay is popular in the evenings, but the island of Vieques’ daytime beachcombers like the chalky sands and serene vantage point of southwestern Sun Bay. It’s also the only beach on Vieques with public facilities: The 2-mile-long beach on Vieques’ south coast has lifeguards, showers, bathrooms and a small area to purchase food. Plus, the town of Esperanza (and its restaurants and bars) is just a short walk away.
Castillo de San Cristóbal
Fort San Cristóbal’s 27 acres were built to protect the city of Old San Juan from land attacks. It doesn’t receive as many visitors, or as much adoration from travel guides as the city’s El Morro fort, but recent visitors are equally amazed by the majesty and significant history of the site. Travelers insist you won’t be disappointed if you spend an hour roaming the fort’s ramparts.
By: travel.usnews
SNORKEL IN THE CANCUN UNDERWATER MUSEUM MUSA
Enjoy snorkeling in the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) and watching over 470 underwater statues. This is one of the best tours you can do in Cancun!
OVER 470 UNDERWATER STATUES IN CANCUN, YOU WON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES
The coral reef sites in Cancun have received a huge influx of visitors over the years and this has taken it’s toll on the natural areas and ecosystems.
The Cancun underwater museum is a unique way to draw people away from the reefs and create an artificial one where coral can grow and marine life can breed.
THE MUSEUM IN CANCUN NOW CONSISTS OF 475 SUBMERGED SCULPTURES AND THERE ARE PLANS FOR MORE!
Our Snorkel in the Museum tour offers a unique snorkel excursion to visit the underwater statues located beside Manchones reef area. Manchones is located between the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres and is now home to 455 of the statues.
This 3 hour tour provides you with a 45 minute snorkel experience in the museum where you will also see the schools of fish, turtles, rays etc etc. After this, subject to timing and weather conditions, we will stop off at a second site which is full of marine life. El Farito is a famous snorkel area just off the coast of Isla Mujeres where you will enjoy a 20 minute visit; the perfect way to round off your MUSA experience.
The sculptures that you could see in this area include; The Cross of the Bay, Man on Fire, Dream Collector, El Bacab, Antropocene (VW Car), Silent Evolution (450 statues), Thing Blue (Beetle Car) and The Promise. We will do our utmost to make sure you see the majority (weather and visibility permitting). This ever changing environment alters the appearance of the statues constantly, the sculptures require algae to provide a base for the fragile coral as well as food for the fish. Some of the sculptures are already showing coral growth and we look forward to more in the near future.
Most of these models were locals from Puerto Morelos, a nearby fishing village to the south of Cancun. A 5 year old boy sat for over an hour whilst he was covered with marine cement, other statues were made from a pregnant lady, a nun, a local fisherman as well as a model and a famous British TV presenter.
Today these eerie statues are covered with algae and polyps of Coral, the plan worked and Cancun is now home to the biggest artificial reef in the world.
By:aquaworld.com
FUN THINGS TO DO IN SAN CLEMENTE CALIFORNIA
SAN CLEMENTE THE SPANISH VILLAGE BY THE SEA
Visiting the San Clemente Pier is one of the best things to do in San Clemente at any part of the day. There is plenty to do on, or at the pier and surrounding beaches. If you walk just a short way north or south of the pier your options grow even further. Inland from the pier you will find Del Mar St. – the best place to go out and dine in San Clemente. Top notch restaurants & bars, pizza, ice cream, and fun shops to visit. Del Mar St. is a refreshing afternoon in San Clemente – Southern California’s prettiest and most quaint beach city.
VISITING THE SAN CLEMENTE PIER
An icon of San Clemente and a great place to visit any time of day. Located in the core of the downtown area, and the middle of the San Clemente coastline, the pier is a great place to have lunch, grab a coffee, surf, relax at the beach… you name it. There are parking lots right at the pier which make access easy by car. During the day there are several shops and restaurants in the area, or you can buy food and bring it to the pier for a nice lunch on the pier. Endless sunshine, crashing waves, and one of the best views of the city’s coastline.
RESTAURANTS IN SAN CLEMENTE
If you are not sure where to dine or have a drink in San Clemente, the best advice is to park on Del Mar St. and walk around until you find something that suits your interest. See the best restaurants in San Clemente. There is a lot to choose from including nicer restaurants with a sophisticated vibe to more relaxed and casual places to dine. Del Mar Street has great selection of bars and wine bars if you are only looking to go out for a drink. There are many restaurants and bars that give you a wide range of things to choose from, and they are all within 10 minutes walking distance from beginning to end of the street. Del Mar St. restaurants specialties include Mexican food, pizza, wine bars, and much more. There are also many restaurants near the corner of El Camino Real & Del Mar St. Walk north along El Camino Real for even more selection of restaurants and bars.
SAN CLEMENTE BEACHES
Swimming, relaxing, surfing, tanning, boogie boarding, bonfires, and picnics are all on the list of things to do at the San Clemente beaches. There is plenty of coastline and many beaches to choose from including some of the most renownsurf spots in California and the world. Professional surfers come from around the world to surf these beaches and compete in competitions. Surfing is just one thing to try while visiting the beaches, but there’s no reason you have to jump in the water. The San Clemente coastline has miles and miles of coastline to walk, hike, ride a bike, and most importantly enjoy the beauty of the area. Quiet, humble, and always fun – the beaches of San Clemente.
DRIVE DOWN THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
This is one of the best things to do in San Clemente at night. The PCH is a great drive during the early morning and evening hours when there is little traffic and the coastline is at its best during a sunrise or sunset. The road along the Pacific Coast Highway is best from San Clemente to Newport Beach where you can enjoy miles of winding roadways, plenty of places to stop for a coffee or food, and more beaches that you could visit in a week. Highway 1 is an incredibly scenic roadway for most of it’s length both in Southern and Northern California. The more scenic stretches are between San Clemente and Newport Beach, LA and Santa Barbara, and northwards towards San Francisco in Big Sur.
SAN CLEMENTE WHALE WATCHING & SPORT FISHING
Whale watching trips are one of the best things to do in San Clemente, and it’s an activity that is fun people of all ages. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers an exciting chance to get out on the ocean and see some of the most exciting creatures in the world including whales, dolphins, and sharks.
Chartered fishing is also a fun and extremely popular activity in the area and one of the best things to do in San Clemente. Enjoy the ocean and some entertaining sport fishing. If you catch a fish you can keep it for your own trophy or grilling. You can always catch and release if you prefer. The best part is you don’t need to be an expert fisherman to give it a try or have fun. Fishing expeditions include everything you need and are guided by veterans to help you out along the way.
By: sanclementeguide
THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE
From the moment the sun rises over the Sonoran Desert until long after it sets, Scottsdale offers exciting options for things to see and do. From outdoor adventures and championship golf to upscale shopping and spa treatments, Scottsdale days can be as active or relaxed as you’d like. And after dark, every hour is happy hour, especially in downtown where more than 80 restaurants, clubs and lounges await.
AZ on the Rocks
Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gym with 14,000 square feet of textured climbing terrain. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, AZ on the Rocks will help you learn the ropes and perfect your technique.
Casino Arizona
Enjoy all your favorite casino games, as well as fine dining and live entertainment at Casino Arizona. Who knows? You may win big at this Scottsdale gem.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Learn about the process of creating gourmet olive oil. Products from flavored oils and tapenades to bath products are available in the Mill’s marketplace. Enjoy lunch onsite at Del Piero.
Hot Air Ballooning
You’ll have to get up early for this one (most flights depart at sunrise), but the spectacular views will make it all worthwhile. As your balloon lifts off, you’ll fly low enough to see desert critters scurrying about below. Then, as you gain altitude you’ll get amazing 360-degree views of Valley of the Sun and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden showcases more than 50,000 arid-land plants from the world’s deserts in a breathtaking natural setting. Explore the Garden’s paved thematic trails, which illustrate topics like conservation, desert wildflowers, and plants and people of the Sonoran Desert. The Garden also offers guided tours, Gertrude’s restaurant and special events, including live concerts, summer Flashlight Tours, Las Noches de Las Luminarias, art exhibitions, and more.
Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park
Discover the culture of the ancient Hohokam at this 1,500-year-old archaeological site. A fully accessible 2/3-mile trail takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam village site that includes a partially excavated platform mound, ball court and replicas of traditional dwellings. Within the museum you’ll find permanent exhibits on Hohokam culture and hands-on activities to help children learn about archaeology. The museum hosts several annual events including the popular Indian Market in December.
By: experiencescottsdale
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