Santa Cruz, located in the heart of Aruba, is a gateway to the island’s rugged landscapes and natural wonders. Unlike the coastal resort towns, this inland community offers a more authentic glimpse of everyday Aruban life while placing visitors close to some of the island’s most iconic outdoor attractions.
Billings, Montana sits on the edge of the vast plains and at the base of ancient sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks. These formations frame the city and provide miles of scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and even fossil beds. From Swords Park, visitors can walk or bike along the paved trail that follows the rim’s edge, offering sweeping views of downtown, the Yellowstone River, and distant snowcapped peaks.
Fresno is a major city in California’s San Joaquin Valley, positioned between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges. Its flat agricultural surroundings are among the most productive farming areas in the United States, with orchards, vineyards, vegetable fields, and citrus groves extending beyond the urban area. Fresno also serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, business, and transportation.
Charlotte Bay is best known for its combination of glacial scenery and marine wildlife. The surrounding mountains descend toward heavily glaciated coastlines, while the bay itself can contain floating sea ice and icebergs of varying sizes. Whales are regularly encountered in the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, and seals may also be seen around ice and along the shoreline.
Espiritu Santo, one of the largest islands of Vanuatu off the east coast of Australia, is a popular destination for divers. Famous Champagne Beach, as one might guess from the name, offers crystal clear waters and powdery white sands, while the western side of the island is dotted with caves to explore and reefs team with marine life just offshore.
One of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas, Long Island lies at the eastern reaches of the more than 700 islands and cays that make up thisspectacular archipelago. Located on the Tropic of Cancer, approximately 160 miles southeast of Nassau (a one hour flight), it covers nearly 230 square miles and is 70 miles long by five miles at its widest point.
Christopher Columbus saw this long island as he headed west in Oct., 1492. In his log he described 150-foot high cliffs, waves crashingon isolated beaches, and miles of uninterrupted green foliage fillingthe air with "the scent of flowers and trees, delicious and sweet...the most delightful thing in the world". Long Island remains remarkably unchanged today. The geography of its east and west coast is strikingly different; hills and coral cliffs mark the former, whileshallow bays and miles of white sand beach grace the latter.
There is plenty to see and do in this paradise. Historic churches and romantic ruins, ancient caves and virgin beaches abound. It's a place to laze, to play, to explore. Long Island maintains a unique character other Out Islands have lost to the rising tide of tourism-related development. Its peaceful easy way of life and crime-free status ensure a worry-free holiday.
Other Popular Destinations in Bahamas
Nassau
Beloved by cruise-goers, Nassau is a stunning Bahamian paradise and an essential destination on many Caribbean cruises. With so much to experience and explore, charming Nassau will easily enchant you on your adventure to the Bahamas! Hit one of Nassau’s many beaches, including Montagu Beach, Goodman’s Bay, and Cable Beach, to soak up some sunshine and relax in warm sands. Take a plunge in the ocean to snorkel or swim with dolphins, sharks, and sting rays.
Bimini Islands
The Bimini Islands, the westernmost point of the Bahamas, are a tiny chain of islands steeped in history, legend, and natural wonder. Bimini has long been celebrated as the “Gateway to the Bahamas,” blending fishing traditions, maritime lore, and a laid-back island culture.