From Florida to Grenada – savor charm and history

For the last 30 years or so, the Samaná peninsula has become one of the Caribbean's top places for humpback whale watchers. On the island's northeast coast, between mid-January and late March, this location welcomes several thousand whales, which gather here after their Atlantic crossing. In Samamá Bay's warm waters, we are witness to the amazing dancing and acrobatics of these whales that congregate here for the breeding season...

Stretching across more than 420km², the park covers a small area in the island's west, between the peninsula and Saona island where the indigenous Taino people once lived. On one side, walk through tropical vegetation and on the other stroll along superb deserted beaches that can only be reached by small motorboat. There is such a wealth of fauna and flora to be discovered - over 500 species of plants (some of which are native to the island) and 150 different bird species.

Surrounded by ramparts, the UNESCO listed old city of Santo Domingo is still home to some fine vestiges of the colonial era. In this first city founded by the Spanish at the turn of the 16th century, wander the streets between Christopher Columbus' house, the Ozama Fortress, the cathedral and Hernán Cortes' house.

Founded in 1650, St. George's is one of the most charming capitals in the Caribbean. This little horseshoe-shaped port, with houses with colourful roofs, offers a truly romantic stop for lovers. A picture postcard dominated by the rocky flanks of the old volcano. The town has kept some souvenirs from the former French rule, starting with the atmosphere of its café terraces…

Thought up in 2006 by the British sculptor and diver Jason de Caires Taylor, it is almost worth travelling to Grenada to visit this underwater sculpture park alone. At the bottom of the water, 5m under the surface, some statues evoke the memory of slaves who disappeared crossing the Atlantic (‘Vicissitudes'). With time, the works are transformed into coral reef. This place is both magical and enthralling!

Rum lovers will be in their element! An hour's drive from Saint-Georges, in this longstanding distillery built in 1785, you can discover the traditional methods of making this drink from sugar cane. The oldest maker of West Indian rum on the island of Grenada, the River Antoine distillery offers tastings for the uninitiated and connoisseurs alike. A high point of any visit!