Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire

On the wild and rugged east coast of Barbados, the isolated beaches are the color of sunrise, the red sands having blown all the way across the Atlantic from the Sahara. The easternmost island of the Windwards, and indeed, of the entire Caribbean, reaches out to Africa and the Old World, as if not quite part of the New. Bridgetown, Barbados, is an interesting town full of contrasts. George Washington actually slept here! Trafalgar Square reminds you that the laidback, rum- and fun-loving island's British-influenced heritage includes revered traditions like cricket and high tea.

Only 25 miles north of Venezuela coast, Isla Margarita is the favorite getaway for Cariocans. Margarita means pearl in Greek, and the island was once the center for harvesting egg-size pearls. Porlamar, though founded in 1536, is a modern shopping mecca because of its duty free status. World class windsurfers gather on the Playa El Yaque beach, but those in search of quieter pleasures can explore the mangrove-lined Lagoon La Restinga to see flamingos and 100 other resident bird species.

La Blanquilla's tranquil and inviting white beaches give no hint of the amazing diving that lies only 65 yards offshore. A limestone cliff wall plunges more than 3,000 feet into the depths. Along the outcropping pinnacles of Piedra del Ahogado, divers can spot rare black corals growing in profusion.

The gabled houses and warehouses of Dutch colonial Willemstad march in tight formation along the entrance to St. Anna Bay, an incongruous vision of a tropical Amsterdam where the floating market sells mangos and papayas instead of tulips. In Curacao's interior cunucu, a few Dutch landhuis or farm owners still wrest a living by ranching on the near-desert soil.

Bon boni means welcome in the local dialect, Papiamento, and it's universally understood by all who visit little Aruba. Just 15 miles from Venezuela, this almost independent nation still has a ceremonial Dutch Governor General. Once it depended on oil for income, but tourism is the new king. No wonder Aruba's endless beaches and spectacular diving are too tempting to pass up.

Pink flamingoes, divi-divi trees, Papiamento, and the best diving in the Caribbean - you can only be in Bonaire. The blinding white salt flats of Bonaire were once marked by tall obelisks of red, white, blue and orange (the colors of the old Dutch flag) to guide mariners. Today they are marked by clouds of pink - enormous flocks (500 or more!) of fluttering flamingoes feasting on the orange brine shrimp that gives the flamingoes their unmistakable color.

Beautiful powdery white sand is probably the thing that most visitors to Isla de Coche comment on, as well as clear, calm turquoise water. For the more adventurous, windsurfing and kiteboarding are on offer as the winds are strong but the waves flat, making for ideal conditions. The island is uniquely positioned for quality selective tourism so expect a largely unspoiled destination. However it does get very hot so remember to pack the sunscreen.

In addition to an extensive coastline, Venezuela has 72 islands in the Caribbean, most accessible only by boat. Testigo Grande is one of them. In line with most of this region the water is calm, the snorkeling excellent, and there are some impressive sand dunes to climb. Your calf muscles get a work out but the view from the top is worth the effort.

The aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla baking in the sun - these are the tropical flavors of Grenada. From the horseshoe-shaped Carenage at St. George's, follow the Sendall Tunnel (hand-built in 1895) to the Esplanade and old Ft. George for a spectacular view of Grenada.

Thirty islands and specks of sand make up the gloriously untouched Grenadines. Call on one of these Islands for a blissful, laid-back beach day. 

Four small islets, virtually deserted but enormously appealing for those who love underwater exploration, Tobago Cays is a national park where snorkeling is superb.

Marigot Bay, one of the prettiest anchorages in the Caribbean, is surrounded by lush hills and ringed by drooping coconut palms. Your alternate stop, the little Port Town of Soufrière, was named after a nearby volcano. Prettier sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where you can walk through the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.