Capuchins in Quepos

8 December 201431 August 2024

My first week in Costa Rica flew by as we began to make our drive south towards the Pacific Coast. It felt great to arrive at our beach house for an afternoon of relaxation and then to host a bonfire for our neighbors in the evening. Cheffy cooked an amazing meal for us and we watched a couple of movies before turning in. We had a big day planned with a day of surfing and exploring Manuel Antonio Park in Quepos, about an hour drive from Playa Palo Seco.

We stopped by to see our neighbor Maria to see if she needed us to pick up anything from the grocery on our way back. She had decided that she had a freezer full of quick and easy prepackaged meals and a a refrigerator stocked with Imperial beer. She should be good for a couple of days.

Known for its white sandy beaches and outdoor bars, the sleepy town of Quepos is most known for its local park full of monkeys and sloths. We were so excited to take a few hours to explore Manuel Antonio National Park to interact with the white faced capuchin, hired a local guide and broke out our binoculars to find the elusive three-toed sloth.

As we walked the main path through the park, we felt as though we were being followed by the same troop of monkeys at the start of our adventure. These cheeky capuchins have become accustomed to humans and love to interact. Whether you find it charming or a bit invasive, the adorable primates are determined to be center stage.

Most white-faced monkeys travel together in numbers that reach between 18 to 20. We learned from our guide that it was mating season and that the gestation period lasts for close to 160 days. Their diet consists of both plants and animals such as nuts, fruits, insects, birds, squirrels, lizards and tree rats.

The two-toed sloths, on the other hand, could care less about their surroundings and stay high towards the top of the trees to maintain their privacy. Because they are nocturnal, these “smiling” sloths are very difficult to find. The sloths are synonymous with laziness, but in fact, they do as least they can to conserve energy. It takes nearly two weeks for a meal to be digested for the sloth and lucky for them, their diet consists of tree leaves and branches. It is rare to find a sloth near the ground as they only leave their treehouses about once a week to relieve themselves. One of the easiest ways to spot a sloth is to hire a guide, while some find sloth spotting easier on a night hike when they are wide awake.

Hiking the Punta Catedral brought us to the park’s island, where we could easily see the diversity of the park. From its snow white beaches, life sustaining rain forest and colorful coral reefs, we decided to cross over a small stream of water to reach the stunning isle.

Nearly a half a million visitors explore Manuel Antonio National Park each year and it has recently opened its elevated trail. Each year we would make our pilgrimage to one of Costa Rica’s most visited attractions to practice spotting sloths and tracking monkeys. We would end the day watching the sunset from our local friends’ home and reflecting on our spectacular adventure would agree that this is Pura Vida.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio National Park? What was your favorite part of the day? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading through one of my favorite places to visit in the world and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 3339 or 800 280 2597

Admission Fee: $18.08 for adults; $5.65 for children ages 2 – 12; children under the age of 2 is free
Hours: Daily from 7AM to 5PM with the exception of Tuesday. The park is open on holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday. The nearby beach closes at 3 and the park rangers will notify the remaining visitors that they will need to leave the park by 4PM, starting towards the exit by 3:30PM.
Amenities: Guided tours ($51 for adults, $35 for children); Private tours ($71 for adults and $55 for children) The tours last for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can purchase your tickets through a third party (i.e., Viator) that will provide a guide. Guides are available to show you around the park. They will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as show you were the animals are hiding within the parks. Most tours will last only a couple of hours, but should you want to stay longer, the guide can explain how to take the bus back or where to grab a taxi. Independent guides should wear their badges showing their ICT certification. For 2, expect to pay $20 per person for 2 hours and if they charge more, you can easily find another guide that will accept the $20 per hour/per person rate.
Parking: Parking is available at the park and there are several parking lots. Follow the sign at the entrance and an attendant will assist you with parking. Remember to note which parking lot you have parked your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and ensure the doors are locked. Pay for parking in Costa Rican colones, not American dollars. Depending on the season, you can expect to pay 3000 to 6000 colones. On your way to parking, look for restaurants and shops on the left and this will let you know that you are close. There may be attendants that will tell you that you must park in their lot, but this is a scam. After passing the shops and restaurants, you will see the Super Joseth convenient store. You will notice a small road to your left, so turn left here and past the Hotel Vela Bar to reach the parking lots. Drive carefully as this is a narrow road.
Scenic View: The park’s animals…the sloths and monkeys in the wild.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours to include the beach
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early before the crowds. Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the entrance. If you arrive without a ticket, you will not be able to enter. The park only sells approximately 3000 tickets per day. December through April and June through August are high season, so purchase your tickets well in advance. The website provides instructions for purchasing the tickets and you can select the English language. The tickets are only valid for one day as there are no multi-day tickets available. Your ticket can only be used once, which means you will need to purchase multiple tickets for the dates you would like to enter. Ensure that you hire a certified guide who can point out the elusive sloths. You should ask for their ICT (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) credentials. There will be scammers dressed in park ranger uniforms or fake badges and name tags. When you arrive at the park, bring a printed copy of your reservation (the reservation number or barcode) in addition to your passport. Should you not have your passport, you can show a copy of your passport for entry. Alcohol, guns, cigarettes, drugs and speakers are prohibited. Set your GPS or Google Maps to “Welcome Center Manuel Antonio” or “Hotel San Beda” for the correct directions.There are three bathrooms at the entrance of the park and three additional bathrooms within the park. There is one facility where you will find bathrooms, showers and changing booths. Visitors are not permitted to being food into the park. In 2023, the park added a cafeteria where visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads and drinks. There are also restaurants at the entrance of the park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at our private residence located at Playa Palo Seco during our stay

Where to Eat:

Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Near Manuel Antonio Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 0777

What to Eat:

Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most popular brand.

What to Read:

It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
Oro by Cizia Zyke
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Hanauma Bay, Hawai’i: A Snorkler’s Paradise

20 October 201431 August 2024

It was a gorgeous day in Hawaii and my best friend Melissa suggested that we visit Hanauma Bay State Park. Known for its sensational views (from the parking lot) and spectacular snorkeling, we dressed for the beach, jumped in the car and made our way to Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay State Park is a natural reserve on the Hawaiian island of Oahu located in the Pacific Ocean. Since 1967, it has been a protected marine life conservation area and in 2002, the marine center was built to continue the efforts to support its health and protect the reefs and sea creatures. This beautiful state park and beach continues to rank #1 in the list of Top Beaches.

It was once estimated that over three million travelers visited Hanauma Bay each year and ecologists claim that the bay had suffered in the process. As a result, there have been limitations assessed on the number of daily visitors and they have placed restrictions on the handling of the sea life as well as the touching of the coral in the bay.

The tram was full, so we opted to walk down to the bay and agreed to take the tram on our return. We were happy for the early start knowing that the bay is such a popular stop for visitors to Oahu.

Since the 1980’s Hanauma Bay has been one of the most visited tourist attractions on the island. It is an excellent location to see the abundant species of fish for which Hawaii is known.

Prior to entering the state park, we were required to watch the 9-minute video to learn more about the marine life and to understand the park’s efforts to protect and preserve the fascinating sea life within the bay.

We picked up our snorkeling equipment, found an open space on the beach to drop off our beach chairs and towels before exploring the crystal clear waters.

There are approximately 400 known species of fish as well as green sea turtles at Hanauma Bay. It is the perfect location for experienced or inexperienced snorkelers of all ages due to its calm waters and sea life.From the parking lot of Hanauma Bay, there is an amazing view of the crater which was said to have been created over 30,000 years ago. The 2,000 square foot crescent beach is known for its beautiful white sand and its waters for its abundance of sea life.

Hawaii in itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is because of the conservation of Hanauma Bay and many of the natural sites that future generations will be able to enjoy what is today, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii.

Where is your favorite snorkeling destination in the world? Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanauma Bay? I would be happy to hear about your experience on the island of Oahu if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for checking out my blog post on Hanauma Bay! May you have many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
7455 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
Telephone: 808 396 4229

Admission Fee: $7.50 to enter the park and parking is an additional charge of $1
Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday from 6AM to 7PM, closed Tuesday
Amenities (for an additional charge): Snorkel Equipment Rental, Locker Rental, Tram Ride, Snack Bar, Gift Shop, Transportation from Waikiki Hotels
Scenic View: Check out the gorgeous views from the parking lot. In addition, beautiful view of the ocean from the beach and there are some great underwater views of fish and sea turtles.
Length of the Tour: Varies, depending on the activities you select for the day
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. An early start will also allow for a more enjoyable snorkeling experience because once it becomes crowded, the visibility is limited. Large backpacks will not fit in the lockers and you can bring your own snacks and drinks.

Where to Stay:

Aqua Bamboo Waikiki
2425 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Telephone: 808 922 7777

Where to Eat:

Duke’s Waikiki
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, #116
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Telephone: 808 922 2268

I love the flavors at Duke’s so we decided to share some Pupus (Appetizers) to include the Ahi Sashimi, Duke’s Nachos and the Panko-fried Calamari.

What to Eat:

Kalua Pig: Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
Poi: Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch. This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
Poke: Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.

What to Read:

Hanauma Bay: A Marine Guide to Hawaii’s Most Popular Nature Preserve by John P. Hoover
Exploring Hanauma Bay: Revised and Expanded by Susan Scott

Photo Guide for Oahu:

Diamond Head Crater Hike: 360 degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean
Hanauma Bay: underwater photos, photo of the bay from the parking lot
Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Park scenery
Kualoa Regional Park and Mokoli’l Island: Palm trees and the triangle island
The Pineapple Plantations: Take the inland route from Waikiki to the North Shore and stop at Dole Plantation
Sunset Beach and Pipeline: the North Shore is the perfect location for surfing, so you will find LOTS of surfers here.
Turtle Bay: surfers and sunsets
Waikiki Wall and Beach: palm trees, surfers and highrise buildings, sunrises and sunsets

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Pearl Harbor, A Sacred Memorial

15 September 201431 August 2024

There are certain events in history that leave such an impact on mankind, that if they occur during your lifetime, you will never forget where you were when you heard the news. The invasion of Pearl Harbor is one of the those events.

I had been anticipating our visit to Pearl Harbor from the moment I learned I was going to Hawaii. Realizing that this would be an emotional experience, I prepared myself mentally and packed an extra package of tissues as we arrived at the entrance to the Pearl Harbor National Monument.

Pearl Harbor is the most visited memorial on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. We learned that, while the tickets are free, the park recommends that visitors reserve their tickets at least two months in advance or arrive early as there is a limited number distributed in the morning.

We woke up early that day and arrived in plenty of time to pick up our reserved tickets and browse the gift shop. About 20 minutes later, we were boarding the shuttle bound for the USS Arizona.

While the tour provides a historical overview of the Japanese attack that occurred on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor is first and foremost a memorial…a remembrance of the 1,177 American soldiers that gave their lives defending the United States during World War II.

The monument was built in 1962 and is visited by approximately two million people annually.

There were some rules and suggestions that we learned before visiting the monument. For example, purses and camera bags are not permitted on the boat trip, so we rented a locker to store our personal items. In addition, we opted to pay the minimal fee for the audio tour which provides a thorough overview of the site and details regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor.

As the boat made its way towards the memorial, we could see the modern, rectangular-like structure which was designed by Hawaiian architect Alfred Preis. Straddling the hull of the sunken battleship, the USS Arizona Memorial accommodates approximately 200 visitors at one time.

Our tour included a boat trip out to the memorial as well as a documentary video that took approximately 25 minutes to view. The combined activities took approximately 75 minutes in total. Complimentary brochures, available in over 30 languages are provided at the Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center.

From the memorial we could look down into the water to see the USS Arizona just below the waterline. It is sad to imagine that over 1,100 crew went down with the battleship and their bodies have never been recovered. For this reason, we were standing over hallowed ground, a burial site, deserving of our respect and honor.

Each day, over nine quarts of oil continues to surface from the tank below which held 1.5 million gallons. A recent study was conducted in the mid-1990s to determine the effects of the ongoing leakage. Scientists are concerned that an eruption could cause “catastrophic” damage, so the site is under continuous surveillance.

Visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial was one of the highlights of my visit to Hawaii, not only to better understand the events of the Japanese attack on the military base, but to respectfully honor the soldiers who gave their lives to protect the United States of America.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor? I would love to hear your thoughts on your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Pearl Harbor and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Pearl Harbor National Memorial
National Park Service
WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
1845 Wasp Blvd. Bldg. 176
Honolulu, HI 96818
Telephone: 808 422 3399

Admission Fee: USS Arizona Memorial is Free which includes a short documentary about the Invasion of Pearl Harbor and a boat ride over to the memorial. The Deluxe Tour: $12.50 adult and $12.50 for children ages 4 – 12; USS Bowfin Submarine Park: $15 adult and $7 for children ages 4 – 12; Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor: $25 adult and $12 for children ages 4 – 12; USS Battleship Missouri: $29 adult and $13 for children ages 4 – 12. Reservations are available in 15 minute increments by contacting recreation.gov and are highly recommended. In addition there are 1300 tickets available each day on a first come, first served basis.
Hours: Open daily from 7:30AM to 3PM. The last shuttle returns back to the Visitor’s Center at 5PM. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Amenities: Baggage storage area ($5), Gift Shop and Restrooms
Length of Visit: 6 hours to explore all four historical sites.
Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are highly recommended. Please note that the memorial is a sacred location and visitors are asked to be respectful of the site.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites, Oahu/Kapolei
91-5431 Kapolei Parkway #900
Kapolei, HI 96707
Telephone: 808 628 4900

Where to Eat:

Restaurant 604
57 Arizona Memorial Drive, #108
Honolulu, HI 96818
Telephone: 808 888 7616

I was hoping to try some of the local Hawaiian cuisine but I was distracted by the PBLTA sandwich with Pork Belly topped with lettuce, tomato and avocado and it was outstanding.

What to Eat:

Kalua Pig: Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
Poi: Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch. This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
Poke: Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.

What to Read:

Day of Infamy by Walter Lord
At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor by Gordan W. Prange
From Infamy to Greatness by Craig Nelson
Pearl Harbor Ghosts: The Legacy of December 7, 1941 by Thurston Clarke

Photo Guide for Oahu:

Diamond Head Crater Hike: 360 degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean
Hanauma Bay: underwater photos, photo of the bay from the parking lot
Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Park scenery
Kualoa Regional Park and Mokoli’l Island: Palm trees and the triangle island
The Pineapple Plantations: Take the inland route from Waikiki to the North Shore and stop at Dole Plantation
Sunset Beach and Pipeline: the North Shore is the perfect location for surfing, so you will find LOTS of surfers here.
Turtle Bay: surfers and sunsets
Waikiki Wall and Beach: palm trees, surfers and highrise buildings, sunrises and sunsets

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

An Afternoon Drive Along the South Coast of Grand Cayman

24 July 201431 August 2024

Another spectacular day on the island of Grand Cayman, so my friend Cheryl and I hopped in our rental car for an afternoon drive. Traveling from the West Bay, we headed towards our first stop, Pedro St. James, about a 30 minute journey from Seven Mile Beach.

We arrived in Bodden Town at Pedro St. James Historic Site where we parked the car and began the short trek to the attraction. Also known as Pedro’s Castle, the home had been eerily abandoned and was in its first phase of restoration. We were hoping to learn more about the history of plantation life in Grand Cayman and made the decision to explore this fabulous residence.

Dating back to the 18^th century, the Great House is considered the oldest surviving structure on the island. The three-story home, reinforced by 18-inch thick stone, was owned by wealthy Englishman, William Eden. Once a working 7-acre farm, the colorful estate sits atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is easy to imagine fields of yams, cassava and plantains. It was here in 1835 where Jamaican Governor Sligo read the Declaration of Emancipation, freeing the African slaves living throughout the British colonies.

We decided to explore the house and climbed to the third floor veranda to take in the beautiful view of the spectacular turquoise shoreline. As we strolled the property, we were surprised to learn that the “English Castle” was not yet open to the public. The government had just purchased the property in 1991 (we were visiting in 1997) to restore the old stone manor and its English gardens.

Today, Pedro St. James Historic Site is complete with memorabilia, antiques and period furniture. The comfortable theater presents an interactive video providing a historical account of the site. The 20-minute audio-visual runs hourly starting at 10AM with the final show beginning at 4PM. In addition to touring the estate and gardens, the attraction includes a stamp room, a hurricane Ivan memorial and a self-guided rum tour with rum tastings included.

A ten minute drive from St. Pedro are the Pirates Caves. Sitting atop a hill, it was here where buccaneers were said to have hidden their plunder in a series of caverns. A great, family-friendly attraction, grown-ups and children alike can hunt for the buried treasure of infamous pirates such as Blackbeard, Edward Low and local swashbuckler, Roy Bodden. Installed lights within the caves make the venue a more appropriate excursion for families with small children. While legend claims the loot remains within the caves, it has not yet been discovered.

Today, visitors can explore the caves on a self-guided tour. Aspiring trailblazers can don a helmet with a light attached and grab a flashlight to authenticate the experience, reveling in their adventurous fantasy. Fruit bats living in the caves and legendary ghosts said to protect the buried treasure add a level of intrigue to the quest for riches beyond belief.

Our pursuit to locate a pirate’s booty was unsuccessful, so we drove further east towards the blowholes on the southeast side of the island. We couldn’t resist the short drive to relax along the seashore and watch the waves crash along the craggy coast. We stepped out of the car, walked among the rocks and felt the salty spray misting our faces. Searching for hermit crabs and starfish, we enjoyed exploring the shallow pools before ending our day at Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant on Seven Mile Beach. With an abundance of seafood and tropical drinks, I could not imagine ending the day in a more spectacular way.

Have you visited Grand Cayman? Did you venture out past Seven Mile Beach and George Town? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my “throwback” visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pedro St. James Historic Site
Pedro Castle Road
Savannah, KY1-1501
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 947 3329

Admission Fee for Self Guided Tours: Adults: CI $10; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5): Free Admission Fee for Guided Tours: Adults: CI $15; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5): Free
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 5PM; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Amenities: Theater, Wedding Venue, Stamp Room, Rum Tastings, Hurricane Ivan Memorial
Guided Tours: Self-guided and guided tours available (see Admission Fee information)
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: For a more memorable experience, book the guided tour. One of the guides is a descendant of the original owner. Although the house is open until 5PM, visitors must arrive before 4PM to view the amazing video.

Underground Pirates Caves
281 Bodden Town Road
Bodden Town, KY1-1501
Telephone: 345 929 2520
Email: cindy@piratescaves.ky or ian@piratescaves.ky

Admission Fee: Adults: CI $15; Children (ages 0 – 11)
Hours: Open only by reservation; contact Cindy or Ian by email or telephone
Amenities: Gift shop, Pirates Eatery, Rescue Animals
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear tennis shoes because the caves can be slippery. Advanced reservations must be made by contacting Cindy or Ian by email or phone (provided above).

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Morgans Seafood Restaurant
Governors Creek Cayman Islands
Yacht Club, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 946 7049

I started with the Tomato & Mozzarella appetizer and ordered the Fresh Mixed Seafood Risotto which was absolutely divine. We ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to celebrate our vacation!

What to Eat:

Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read:

The Firm by John Grisham
Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Freeport, Bahamas: A Welcome Change in Itinerary

5 March 201431 August 2024

Updated December 24, 2019

Hurricane Gilbert stunned the port towns of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in 1988. Due to the devastating damage, our ship’s itinerary quickly changed to include the Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport over the next couple of months.

Our first stop was Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island. This port offered many of the same amenities as our Yucatan Peninsula ports, so it was a perfect choice. It was such a great stop for visitors who were interested in watersports, sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Recent Hurricane Dorian, touching down in the Bahamas on August 24, 2019, was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Bahamas in over 65 years. Information provided throughout this post may require updating due to the recent event, so check for updated information online.

Since the early days of cruise vacations, the islands of the Bahamas have been a popular destination. During my days of working with the cruise lines, Freeport was a shopper’s paradise and offered a variety of activities in addition to its international restaurants.

One of Freeport’s most popular shopping plazas was the International Bazaar consistently bustling with tourists. I was surprised to learn that today, the Bazaar has become a ghost town, with limited shopping and dining, quite different than my past experience. Much of the change has been attributed to a history of hurricanes that have left the island in need of repair. A new shopping area has been developed near downtown Freeport and is much more visitor-friendly. For shoppers who are into haggling for a deal, check out the straw market to practice your bartering skills for souvenirs and merchandise.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

The bazaar, in keeping with the international theme, was divided into sections based on countries of the world. The architecture of each designated location included France, America, the Orient and Scandinavia. It remains one of the oldest shopping regions on the island.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

In front of the International Bazaar was the Bavarian Beer Garden which provided a wide range of lunch and dinner items. Continuing the tradition today, the menu highlights the following options: Conch salad, crab salad, fried chicken, lobster and French fries. With the best prices in the Bazaar, they also offer deals on tropical cocktails. Outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sunshine.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

Outside of the International Bazaar is a brightly colored directional sign that shows the distance from Freeport to popular worldwide destinations. It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it, so I thought it clever to know how far I was from some of the other islands as well as major cities including, New York: 1015 miles, Bimini: 53 miles, Montreal: 1323 miles and San Salvador: 285 miles.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

A nearby attraction to the International Bazaar and Straw Market was the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino. Built in the 1970’s the resort was later named the Bahamia Royal Oasis Resort. Sitting on close to 1,000 acres, which included a hotel with pools and casino, the property eventually closed due to hurricane and tropical storm damage.

The most recent information regarding the property came from a 2010 news story which reported that there was a fire at the Princess Towers, which started on the 7^th floor.

Another shopping area is the Port Lucaya marketplace and seems today to be much more popular than the International Bazaar. Activities from this port include scuba and snorkeling, boat tours and rentals, as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins There is a shopping mall nearby which includes a drugstore and offers duty free deals on perfume and watches. If you are searching for cheaper prices for alcohol, your best bet is to head downtown.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

In the Port Lucaya shopping area, you can also find restaurants, but downtown is where you will find Bahamian local dishes and fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

While in Port Lucaya, stop by to see the lighthouse. It has since been painted with red and white stripes and visible from the shopping area.

The town of Freeport has not been without its own natural disasters over the years. And although they have faced many challenges, they have worked together to make a huge comeback in the tourism industry. It was just a matter of time. I look forward to returning again soon to see how things have changed since my last visit to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

Have you visited a port that has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes? Have you since had an opportunity to see its restoration? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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