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Hispaniola
Christmas Day 1492 wasn’t all glad tidings and good cheer for Christopher Columbus. On a journey to the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, one of Columbus’ 3 ships, the Santa Maria, ran aground and had to be abandoned. It was the first of Columbus’ 4 voyages to the Americas.
Bay of Arrows
Columbus didn’t exactly get a warm welcome when he landed on the Samana Peninsula (in present-day Dominican Republic). He met with violent resistance from the Ciguayos, one of the nations of the Caribbean islands. Because of the Ciguayos' use of arrows, Columbus called the inlet where he encountered them the Bay of Arrows. Historians have since debated its exact location: Some say it is the Bay of Rincon, others that it is Samana Bay.
Lisbon
The good times kept on coming as Columbus headed for Spain, on the last leg of his first voyage. He soon had to put those plans on hold, as a storm forced his fleet into Lisbon. There Columbus anchored next to Portugal King John II’s harbor partrol ship. Columbus spent the next week in Portugal, before he was able to continue on to Spain.
La Navidad
Nine months later, Columbus once again set sail for the high seas. This time, on his second voyage, he returned to Hispaniola, where he intended to visit the fort of La Navidad (built during his first voyage). However, Columbus discovered that the fort, located on the northern coast of Haiti, had been destroyed by the native Taino people. Centuries later, in 1977, an amateur archeologist excavated artifacts from La Navidad.
La Isabela
It seemed like a good idea at the time. When Columbus sailed more than 60 miles eastward, along Hispaniola’s northern coast, he established the settlement of La Isabela, in present-day Dominican Republic. But in 1494 and then, in 1495, the settlement was struck by 2 North Atlantic hurricanes. Hunger, disease and mutiny soon followed, until Columbus abandoned the settlement altogether.
Gulf of Paria
And this must be the Garden of Eden! That’s what Columbus concluded as he sailed the Gulf of Paria (between present-day Trinidad and Venezuela). The nice climate, the abundance of food, the friendliness of the natives and the richness of the area’s natural resources all led him to that conclusion. He also wagered that, based on the rotation of the pole star in the sky, the Earth must not be perfectly spherical, but rather bulged out like a pear around the new-found continent we now know as South America.
Tropical beach, Hispaniola
Columbus wasn’t feeling so well when he returned to Hispaniola on Aug. 19, 1498, during his third voyage. He felt even worse when he discovered that many of the Spanish settlers of the new colony were in rebellion against his rule, saying that Columbus had misled them about the supposedly bountiful riches of the New World.
Santo Domingo
Columbus’ fourth and final voyage met with choppy waters in June 1502. When his fleet arrived in Santo Domingo, it was denied port by the new governor. But Columbus got his revenge. He told the governor a storm was coming. The gov didn’t listen … to his demise. He ended up surrendering to the sea, along with 29 of his 30 ships.
Belen River, Panama
Columbus’ 4 ships took a bruising while cruising through present-day Panama. Locals had told Columbus about gold and a strait to another ocean. Columbus set out on an exploration and established a garrison at the mouth of Panama’s Belen River. In April 1503, one of Columbus’ ships became stranded in the river. Meanwhile, the garrison was attacked by the Guaymí locals. Further headaches followed when shipworms damaged the ships at sea.
St Ann's Bay, Jamaica
Columbus’ ships sustained further damage when a storm hit off the coast of Cuba. Unable to travel on, the fleet was beached in St. Ann’s Bay, in Jamaica. For 1 year, Columbus and his men remained stranded in Jamaica before help arrived. In all, Columbus’ voyages stretched over 12 years, and -- a few misadventures aside -- opened the door to the “New World."
Baker Beach, San Francisco
On the shore below San Francisco’s famed Presidio is where you’ll find half-mile-long Baker Beach. Baker is not only notable for its nude beach — naturists sunbathe, swim and stroll on the northern section of the beach — but also for its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Be wary of heavy fog and rough surf.
Haulover Beach, Miami
Sanctioned and protected by Miami-Dade County, Haulover Beach, a family-friendly strand just north of Miami Beach, is considered Florida’s best for baring it all. Only 1/3 of the 1.4-mile pristine beach — between lifeguard stations 12 and 16 — is for clothing-optional recreation.
Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
All-inclusive hospitality brand Couples has several resort options in Jamaica for pairs who wish to bare it all. Most impressive is Couples Tower Isle, a 19-acre beachfront resort in Ocho Rios that has an au naturel private island for daytime frolicking. Tower Isle’s private island is equipped with a pool, swim-up bar and nude sunbathing areas. Elsewhere in Jamaica, Couples San Souci and Couples Negril have semi-private sections dedicated to the clothing-optional set.
Plakias Beach, Crete, Greece
On the south coast of Crete, between mountains and the Libyan Sea, lies Plakias, a tiny fishing village whose population swells during the summer months. Popular with backpackers, many of whom come here to stay in the southernmost youth hostel in Europe, Plakias is also a favorite with nudists, who can swim and sunbathe in the buff along the 0.8-mile Plakias Beach. Beyond the nudist strand, Plakias offers several beach options (Ammoudi, Damnoni and Souda), mountain hikes and casual tavernas. Nearby, Mona Preveli, one of the most famous monasteries in Crete, is a worthwhile day trip.
Red Beach, Crete, Greece
Several beaches throughout the Greek isles are known as “Red Beach” (or Kokkini Paralia) because of their pink/red sands. The Red Beach that’s ideal for naturists is located on Crete, about 20 minutes by foot from the resort town of Matala. Given Red Beach’s remote location, there are very few services to be found here, save for a chair and umbrella rental stand during the high season. Consider working it into an trip itinerary that includes a stop at all the pristine, Blue Flag beaches around Matala.
Wreck Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is home to Wreck Beach, one of the world's most popular nude beaches. Everything on Wreck Beach, from the sunbathers to the surroundings, is kept as natural as possible, contributing to the relaxing and positive vibe here. While Canada may not seem like a beachgoer's haven, the 4.8-mile-long Wreck Beach is the country's first official clothing-optional beach, and it offers spectacular views of the Pacific.
Hidden Beach Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
For naturist fun on the Mayan Riviera, Hidden Beach Resort is an all-inclusive, adults-only playground. Guests here may be nude throughout the resort, whether sunbathing or dining or dancing. There is even a full-day nude cruise. Beyond the resort, guests can sign up for visits to the Mayan ruins in Tulum, golf, swimming with dolphins or watching a bullfight, but clothing is required for those options.
Cap d’Agde, France
The French Mediterranean resort of Cap d'Agde is more than just a nude beach; it is a nude city. From March to mid-October, visitors must fill out paperwork and pay a fee to enter the guarded village, where clothing is not an option. Because Cap d’Agde is a fully sanctioned nude beach, it offers numerous activities, accommodations and restaurants for practicing naturists. For something completely different, Cap d’Agde also holds an annual “last swim of the year” on New Year’s Eve — the only “polar bear”-type swim at a nudist beach.
Samurai Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Officially clothing optional since 1996, Samurai Beach in New South Wales, Australia, is a stunning 1.2-mile strand ideal for nature lovers. Access to Samurai Beach, which is known for its white sands and clear water, requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle or a hike over scrubs and rocks via neighboring One Mile Beach. Visitors to Samurai Beach can take advantage of the surrounding Tomaree National Park and Anna Bay, with activities such as hiking, surfing and fishing.
Black’s Beach, San Diego
Known as San Diego’s nude beach, Black's Beach is beneath the soaring, picturesque bluffs of Torrey Pines. Though nude sunbathing is technically illegal in San Diego, naturism at the north end of Black’s has been allowed for years, owing to the beach’s secluded location. Those wishing to sunbathe in the buff at Black’s must endure a hike along marked routes down to the beach. The spot is also popular with surfers, who make the most of the waves that ripple and curl offshore.
Hedonism II, Negril, Jamaica
Opened in 1976 in Negril, Jamaica, Hedonism II is legendary for its naughty vibe. Known for its swingers conventions and toga nights, Hedo is the definition of debauchery. While an estimated 80% of Hedonism II’s clientele choose to sunbathe in the buff, there are both “nude” and “prude” sections of the resort, including along the beaches and in the pools.
Praia do Pinho, Brazil
Brazil's first nude beach, Praia do Pinho, is a family-friendly retreat founded in the early 1980s. Surrounded by lush green hills, Praia do Pinho has inns, cabins and camping accommodations for visiting naturists. Balneario Camboriu, the town nearest Praia do Pinho, is a popular vacation destination for Brazilians. Like a mini Rio, BC has an extensive, crescent-shaped shoreline, as well as the Cristo Luz, Brazil’s second-largest monument, after the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado.
Club Orient, St. Martin
St. Martin, the French-speaking side of the island also known as St. Maarten, is home to Club Orient, a family-friendly naturist resort that fronts one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. Guests are invited to participate in all activities, from sunbathing to dining, while in the buff. When the nude bodies begin to bore you, head to the other side of the island for a visit to Maho Beach, which is famous for its plane-spotting.
Moshup Beach, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Martha’s Vineyard, the island off the coast of Massachusetts long known as a getaway for old money scions and politicians, has a bit of a bohemian streak, which is best embodied by its small but beloved nude beach. Known as either Moshup Beach, after the Moshup Trail that leads down to the sand, or Gay Head Beach, because of its position below the scrub-topped Gay Head Cliffs, this strand has a clothing-optional section for sunbathing and recreation. Visitors must pay a $15 parking fee in order to access Moshup Beach.
Sandy Island
Drop your anchor and enjoy a romantic day on beautiful, uninhabited Sandy Island -- just a 30-minute boat ride from Petite Anse. The island has numerous coconut trees. So if you need a break from snorkeling or bird watching -- crack open a coconut and sit on the beach with the cool, crystal-blue water lapping at your feet.
Windstar Cruise
Take an exciting Windstar Cruise through St. Lucia, located northeast of St. Vincent and northwest of Barbados, in the Caribbean Sea. Climb aboard a luxurious ship for a unique voyage where fun is at your fingertips - book shore excursions, enjoy a candle-lit dinner, listen to live entertainment, work-out in the fitness facility, rent water sports equipment and more.
Tobago Cays
Located in the southern Grenadines, the Tobago Cays is an archipelago that consists of 5 small uninhabited islands -- Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradol, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. A popular port of call for cruise ships, Tobago Cays draws thousands of tourists for diving, snorkeling and sports fishing.
Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa
If staying dry and on land is your speed -- enjoy a game of golf at the Sandals La Toc Golf Resort and Spa in St. Lucia. Sharpen your club-selection skills on this 3,141-yard course, where several holes demand laser-like accuracy for the perfect shot. Rolling hills and majestic fairways inspire performance at all levels.
River Antoine Rum Distillery
Looking for local spirits in Grenada? Head to the River Antoine Rum Distillery where a potent rum (only sold on the island) is produced the same way it was when the distillery opened in 1785. Today, the distillery functions primarily as a museum; so rum is produced in limited quantity. If inclined, tourists have the option to sample a less strong version of River’s rum.
Princess Margaret Beach
St. Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 islands and cays located in the southern Caribbean. One of the islands, Bequia, has several beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing, including Princess Margaret Beach (pictured). Tourists will need a water or land taxi to get here. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Max's Bar and then, after an hour, you can swim, snorkel or take a stroll along the beach to burn off a few calories.