Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean

Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.

Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America’s most photogenic cities. But it’s not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude.

The canal is a marvel of engineering, but the area is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures.

As the world’s second largest duty-free port, Colón offers abundant shopping. It also represents the gateway to numerous sites of ecological interest, including Chagres National Park, a 3,000,000-acre rainforest preserve, and the Gamboa Rainforest Preserve, which lies within Soberania National Park.

Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today’s visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife.

Curaçao is the largest of the six islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles. It gained autonomy from the Netherlands in 1954, but the Dutch influence is still very visible in Willemstad’s architecture and culture. With the growth of the oil industry in Curaçao in the early 20th century, workers and their families came to the island from more than 50 countries, providing a varied and vibrant population. Everyone should experience the sights, sounds and energy of this unique destination.

Kralendijk is the sleepy capital of Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Antilles. Kralendijk is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving – the island is surrounded by a Marine Park – Bonaire also offers such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean.

Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.