Known as one of the islands most popular events, the festival, which was first held in January 1994, attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. It features several days of races and regattas, as well as a day-long craft market and street festival. Over the years, the event has helped put Grenada on the world map for international sailing in the Caribbean.

The Grenada Sailing Festival is run in association with the Grenada Board of Tourism and supported by many sponsors. It lasts for four days and each year organizers report seeing ever stronger and more competitive fleets and record numbers of yachts and participants.

The yachts race in several different classes including J24s, racing, cruising, charter and multihull, and the challenging ocean racing is overseen by a team of internationally accredited judges and officials. The sight is spectacular each morning as the yachts maneuver for positions at the starting line, and even more so during the races themselves.

Along with Grenada’s own home-grown talent and local crews, the festival attracts some of the best names in Caribbean racing from neighbouring Trinidad, as well as Barbados and Antigua. You’ll also see a great mix of other nationalities, including skippers and crews from the UK, Ireland, USA, France, Netherlands, Holland, New Zealand, South Africa and more.

The best way to locate one is to ask around. Check with the locals, make use of travel sites on the internet, and ask other visitors. Folks are usually not shy about telling what they think.

Also, keep your ears open. We learned about a place called Franks from overhearing the conversation between a couple folks who were annual visitors to these islands. They were happy to share their discovery, and provided details for finding it, without which we probably never would.

First you have to leave Provo and get over to North Caicos where the pace slows way down. Take the ferry and arrange to have a rental car waiting when you arrive. Note there is no office, over there – just the car and a friendly guy to take your money and answer questions. He may even need you to drop him off at his place on your way out.

While Franks is just off the main road, and has the remnant of a sign partially hidden by some trees, it is definitely easy to miss if you don’t know when to start looking. We passed it a few times each way. The turn off is more of a wash than a road, where the car bottoms out in the potholes.

But once you drive up it a couple hundred yards, you’ll see the house. Yep, it’s a house with the restaurant in front, and a small bar off the main room. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the kids playing outside just reinforced the slower pace here. We later learned they were actually Franks grandkids.

We arrived around lunch time, and aside from a couple guys coming in for to go orders, we were the only sit-down customers. At that time Frank wasn’t there, but his daughter was. Friendly and gracious, she took our order and prepared a great meal of fish, conch fritters, and veggies. We also got a chance to visit briefly with her afterwards.

Bottom line is that our meal at Franks was our favorite during our trip to these islands. It takes some effort to find, but the search is worth it because the food is great and the prices extremely reasonable – which is saying a lot, since most everything tends be pricey in these islands.

Corfu has got two neighbor countries: the first one is Albania, from which it is separated by the Corfu channel. The closest town and port is Saranda (Aghii Saranda) which is linked to Corfu by a daily ferryboat all year round and daily cruises during the summer season.

The second neighbor is Italy. As Corfu is very close to the strait of Otranto, therefore Brindisi is 7 hours away sailing! Thanks to its position between Italy, Albania and Greece, Corfu is a strategic place and therefore it was always a point of interest for all the foreign powers since the Homeric times.

Corfu is also the greenest island in Greece thanks to the rain fall during autumn and winter (115cm of rain/year) and humidity which could reach 95%. The average temperature during winter is 12-13 degrees C. In the summer, it is 31 degrees C.

Longtime ago, before Corfu started off in tourism, the Corfiot butter and the goat cheese were very famous allover Greece. Wine is another of the products that Corfiots continue to produce. As they grow several varieties of grapes, they produce all kinds of wine, for a myriad of tastes.

The number one product on Corfu is for sure olive oil. The whole island is covered with olive trees. There are approximately 4 million olive trees from the same variety, a Venetian one: small olives, tasty and oily. The olive tree has always existed around the Mediterranean, but so intensively planted, we encounter it during the Venetian dominion which started in 1386 and ended in 1797. The Venitians decided to get the monopoly of the olive oil trade in the Mediterranean from the hands of the Genovese. They then thought of transforming Corfu into a large olive grove by offering subsidies to the inhabitants of the island to encourage them to plant olive trees. 

One of the most unusual products of Corfu is the KUM KUAT, a little orange originally from China (Golden fruit). The first plant was brought to Corfu by a British gentleman in the year 1860. Since then a sweet liqueur, candied and glaced fruit have been produced. Today it is a real local product of Corfu.

Although I am very much free to do as I want when on an island vacation, I still find it quite useful to plan and prepare ahead. I’d be able to save more time and really get to have fun in all the activities and events by creating a sound schedule. Before, there were times wherein I’d just be inactive then realize that I missed on a number of once-in-a-lifetime programs and opportunities. Some tropical places such as the Caribbean, Fiji and Hawaii have a lot to offer so these would be the only times when I’d get to learn more about culture and tradition.

If you want to experience culture firsthand, one of the best ways would be by meeting people in clubs, beaches and cafes. My favorite spot to meet locals would be in fairs, flea markets and celebrations. I become aware ofthat they are extra friendly and festive during these moments. I would also go on scuba diving trips and nature tours alone, giving me a chance to go with other visitors and make new friends.

Do not hesitate to ask questions and crack jokes once in a while. The good thing about traveling alone is that you are responsible only for yourself. If you want to seek new company, you can always move out and look for new places to enjoy such as golf courses, museums and antique shops.

Take the time to shop, and visit art galleries where possible. The best pieces are usually found away from the beach area. I’ve always admired the old and rustic appearance of old Caribbean towns. A tropical vacation can last anywhere between 3 to 30 days or more, depending on your activities and budget.

If you’re looking for more adventure, take a hike through the woods or seek archaeological and natural wonders such as ancient temples, waterfalls, caves and other spectacular views. You will be surprised about the affluent history of most tropical places and landmarks.

Renowned for its unique and fearless wildlife, the Galapagos are popular amongst natural historians, both professional and amateur. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached. The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but beautiful nonetheless.

The islands average about 60,000 visitors per year and there are strict controls on tourist access which are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats. To this end, all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide.

For divers, one of the best ways to get in the most diving while visiting the Galapagos, is to do it from a live-aboard dive boat. The problem is that many focus so completely on the diving that no time at all is set aside for viewing the incredible wildlife on land.

One company that provides for both is the Aggressor Fleet. The Galapagos Aggressors I & II have been operating as the premier live-aboard dive yachts in the Galapagos Islands since 1993. These yachts were custom designed, built and equipped to offer a safe and luxury dive operation.

Aggressor was the first live-aboard dive company to offer a permanent itinerary that offers a dive program combined with land visits. They were granted a specific permit for this combined program by the Park authorities in 1994.

Their week-long trips run from Thursday to Thursday, with diving beginning on Friday and ending Wednesday morning. On-board there are multi-lingual guides with in-depth knowledge of these volcanic islands. Three islands will be explored through land tours during the week, plus snorkeling and bird watching excursions are conducted between dives. The trips include thrilling shark dives at remote Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Another company to consider is Peter Hughes Diving’s Dancer Fleet.

The M/V Sky Dancer also offers week-long trips that cruise the Galapagos Islands in search of sea lions, penguins, schooling hammerhead sharks, turtles, stingrays, whale sharks and the magnificent mantas. Included in planned itineraries are visits to the very remote islands of Wolf and Darwin.

The luxuriously constructed Sky Dancer yacht features all the Dancer Fleet amenities including Nitrox fills, private en-suite facilities, spacious lounge areas, fine dining and more.

Sky Dancer is owned by Ecoventura, an Ecuadorian corporation, that was one of the first recipients of the SmartVoyager seal of approval for their entire operation in Galapagos.

Potential visitors should note that the majority of live-aboard diving boats’ licenses have been revoked by the Galapagos National Park director. Currently the yachts mentioned here are the only boats approved for live aboard diving cruises.

While it certainly deserves its reputation as one of the worlds best beaches, Grace Bay has also become one of the most crowded. Seems like resorts are jammed into about every available inch of its 12 mile length.

However there are plenty of places on Provo and especially the other islands to find that same gorgeous sand and water, but without all the people. In fact there are even a few spots left at the end of Grace Bay towards Turtle Cove.

This is the end where the beach gets a bit rockier in places, but its also where the reef is easily accessed for snorkeling. A short walk out and you’re on Smiths Reef which offers some of the best snorkeling anywhere.

Besides the reef, the best feature of all is the fact that there are several villas available for rent where you have your own section of beach – not that you need it since there’s hardly anyone down there anyway. But you will love the isolation and solitude.

This one is set back from the beach, but has a tower gazebo for a 360 degree view of the beach, as well as the marina. Not being directly on the beach, its super quiet – especially at night, and the pool is hidden from view as well. Perfect for honeymooners and quiet getaways.

At over 40 miles across, the “lagoon” within this oceanic atoll is actually huge, and even though parts of it reach depths of 300’, the majority of wrecks lie on shallower reefs. Divers also enjoy surface conditions that are usually calm, year-round warm water temperatures, 50’ – 100’ visibility, and lack of strong currents.

One might think of Truk Lagoon as Japans Pearl Harbor. At it’s zenith, the Japanese Imperial Fleet based here numbered over 1000 ships and support vessels, along with many hundreds of aircraft. But in early 1944, to neutralize this threat, the U.S. Navy commenced “Operation Hailstone” which destroyed the base and sunk more than 50 ships and 100 airplanes.

For over 60 years, the ships and planes downed here have served as graveyards for thousands of Japanese who died during the war and they are respected as such. The government of Micronesia has declared Truk Lagoon a national monument and it is protected by law. Any disturbing of remains or taking artifacts is strictly prohibited.

Many of the shipwrecks in this ghost fleet remain virtually intact and it’s eerie to see the massive cargo holds of some of the supply carriers still containing tanks, trucks, and airplane engines, not to mention Japanese Saki bottles, china plates and other such things.

Likewise appearing to be frozen in time, are dozens of aircraft strewn across the bottom, and in some cases the cockpit has remained intact, providing the pilots final resting place. 

But over the intervening years these machines of war have been slowly transformed into spectacular reefs teeming with a diversity of marine life. What were initially watery graves and scenes of destruction have morphed into places resplendent with vivid corals and sponges, along with colorful reef fish, and larger pelagic species.  

Truk is an immense atoll that’s crowned with natural beauty. The surrounding outer barrier reef is accented with tiny idyllic islets that are mere spits of sand with a couple coconut palms. There are several volcanic island groups in the central lagoon which are mostly undeveloped. One of these is the capital island of Weno which has the only airport and lodging for tourists.

The land area of Chuuk State is only about 77 square miles, but it’s part of an island nation that spans 1,158,306 square miles of the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Chuuk along with Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which itself is part of the Caroline Islands.

Getting there: Truk Lagoon lies about 750 miles north of Papua New Guinea, 600 miles southeast of Guam and 3,300 miles southwest of Hawaii. Continental Micronesia makes several flights per week between the main population center of Weno, and Guam. There are daily connections to Guam from Tokyo and the United States, and a couple flights a week from Cairns.

Photo credits: Wreck Dives: wjsiv; Map: Google Maps

As part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, Atiu is one of 15 islands with a combined land area of only 240 square kilometers (92.7 square miles), but spread across 1.8 million square kilometers (0.7 million square miles) of ocean.

Even though the country spans an area the size of India, it’s population numbers just 16,000 with two-thirds of them living on the island of Rarotonga. The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. They have their own language and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture that displays significant differences between each island. 

The Cooks were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesians who migrated from nearby Tahiti which lies to the southeast. The people are friendly, and despite around 100,000 visitors annually to the capital island of Rarotonga, they are largely unspoiled by tourism.

“They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for travelers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.”

Atiu itself, with only about 600 people living there, is called the Warriors Island. It’s elevation of 14,500 feet (4500 meters), and beautiful scenery make it an especially good choice for travelers wanting a vacation that involves more than just lying on the beach. 

“Atiu Villas is situated on Atiu Island on the outskirts of the central villages. The site provides a quiet and relaxing environment surrounded by wild tropical gardens and is only a short walk from the white sandy beaches of the southern coastline.”

The villas are unique chalet style structures made almost entirely of local native timbers and materials and feature the polished woods of mango, coconut, Christmas nut, acacia, cedar, java plum and many other tropical trees.

Each villa has a private verandah, cooking facilities, separate bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and a fully stocked larder from which guests pay for what they use upon leaving. The larders are well-stocked with dairy food, beverages, packaged and tinned food.

The villas have sleeping configurations that can take from 2 to 6 people. There is plenty of water and each villa has a solar hot water supply. Electricity and water run 24-hours a day. Your hosts will help you organize transportation, tours, and activities.

As I said earlier, getting to Atiu, takes a little effort, but it’s well worth it. Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti and Pacific Blue are the three international carriers that fly into the international airport on Rarotonga. You then fly Air Rarotonga which provides regular domestic service to Atiu.

Because it’s off the beaten path, Saint Croix is one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean. You’ll not only find great deals on dive packages, but everything else from accommodations, to great places to eat, to transportation, and more, is all very reasonably priced. 

For about 7 miles, the “Wall” runs along the north shore, starting at about 50’ and dropping off to 3200’. It’s only a couple hundred yards offshore making it an easy shore dive, but you’ll also want to do some diving off a boat to explore as much of it as possible. Many locations have mooring buoys to protect the reef from anchoring.

Two of the most popular sites are Northstar and Pavilion, where you’ll see gorgeous sponges – purple tubes, lavender vases, red ropes; several stands of black coral, as well as prolific schools of fishes, including a few bait ball swarms. Don’t forget to peek under the ledges where lobster and large crab can be found hiding. 

Over near Salt River, the location where Columbus landed in 1493, are several sites to the east and west of the reef where it protects the harbor. You’ll find huge coral heads with some small caves and giant swim-throughs. These are just plain fun, and dives there are always going to end way before you can tire of this part of the wall.

There are tons of crevices that provide ample hiding places for large lobster and crab, and by taking your time and looking in and under the ledges, you’ll see them lurking. This area also attracts hawksbill turtles. An especially large one was nonplussed enough with divers to allow us to swim alongside for a good while.

Somewhere on your agenda, be sure and include a dive under the Frederiksted Pier. While most of the premier diving is along the north shore, this west-end location shouldn’t be missed. Especially for macro photographers, it’s a potpourri of goodies.

The pier was built for cruise ship traffic but with their absence over the last few years, it’s become home to a variety of creatures who’ve moved in. In fact it’s got more fish and other critters packed into a smaller area than most anywhere else you’ll visit. Interestingly enough, you’re virtually assured of seeing not just one octopus, but several on any given dive. 

On both the west-end north of the pier, and the northeast side of St. Croix are several wreck sites. All the vessels were made safe before being intentionally sunk, and are shallow enough for most divers. Some penetration is possible, but they don’t require technical diving skills. Most of the sites are sandy bottoms teeming with garden eels, and frequented by southern stingrays.

These wrecks have been submerged long enough to have healthy growth over much of them, yet the structures are still quite visible. Highlighted in the clear water, with the right lighting, they make excellent photo opportunities.  

It’s hard to beat the spectacular diving, or modest prices found in Saint Croix. Seemingly overlooked by most divers and other travelers as well, it’s a piece of “America’s backyard” waiting to be discovered. Do yourself a favor and take a look.

Like so many properties, it had to close down until it could be made habitable for customers once more. They were supposed to have re-opened in 2005, but there’s been no word on that, and I know of several other establishments that shut down for good.

Seaview is a nostalgic place. It’s small, only about 15 rooms, and caters to divers who can hit some of the most fabulous reef anywhere by just stepping off the shore out back. They’ve also got a great deck area surrounding the pool perfect for watching the sun set.

Besides that was a super bar and restaurant called the Naked Fish. It was always crowded with locals who knew where the best eats were, but never took that long to get served. Food was always tasty, especially after a day in the water.

Found the place my first time on island. Was actually staying on the other side of Georgetown at a hotel called Treasure Island Resort. It sits at the start of the famous Seven Mile Beach, and is also a great place but much larger. I always think of the steel band playing during the weekly party night while we drank rum punches.

Anyway, was wandering around the capital of Georgetown where all the cruise ships come in checking out the shops and eats, and went on out the other side of town and found the quieter areas to the south. Definitely not crowded. Just a few homes and two hotels. The first was Sunset House, of Cathy Church Photography fame, and then Seaview just a bit further.

It was night and day compared to Seven-Mile Beach. Completely relaxed and laid back, it set a whole other pace away from all the tourists. I immediately decided to re-locate once my reservation was finished at Treasure Island.

Got lucky because they had a room opening just when I could take it. Now this is nothing fancy mind you. That’s what was so nice. Just basic accommodation, clean and quiet, with most of the guests there to dive their brains out.

Seaview became my hotel of choice when visiting Grand Cayman, and even though it’s mostly a diving crowd, everyone is welcome. Just bear in mind that if it’s fancy hotels and night-life, along with their attendant hustle and bustle, then you’ll want to move on over to the 7-mile area.