FROM MIAMI TO PANAMA-STADT

Despite its small size, North Bimini offers plenty of adventure: while everyday life in the beach bars of Alice Town is relaxed, the bright-blue lagoons invite you to snorkel or dive around sunken shipwrecks. Sun worshippers and anglers will also find their island paradise on the dream beaches under palm trees or enjoy Bahamian seafood fresh from the ocean. Fancy some culture? Then the exhibitions at the Bimini Museum are well worth a visit.

Norman Island, a hidden gem in the southern British Virgin Islands, captivates visitors with its unspoilt nature, mysterious legends and idyllic beaches. The island is blessed with some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the region, most of which are only accessible by boat. Crystal-clear water, soft white sand and a lush tropical backdrop create an oasis of tranquillity, far away from the tourist crowds. The island has a magic all of its own that captivates both adventurers and those seeking peace and quiet. If you want to experience the Caribbean in its most pristine form, Norman Island is an idyllic paradise. Take your time to soak up the impressions – thanks to the long lay time.

With its lush vegetation and gorgeous white beaches, Antigua promises a new place to relax for every day of the year, with a total of 365 beaches. The hilly interior also attracts visitors with its tropical nature. The capital, St John’s, still bears the marks of its colonial past: magnificent historical buildings line the streets, and the pastel-coloured houses at Redcliffe Quay offer boutiques, arts and crafts shops and cafes just waiting to be discovered. Fort James is worth a visit: the fortress, originally built in 1703 to protect the city against pirates, gives impressive views of the ocean and takes visitors back in time.

Located on the coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France combines French elegance with Creole joie de vivre. The imposing 17th-century Fort Saint-Louis still watches over the coast and tells of the island’s eventful history. The picturesque harbour invites you to take boat trips and romantic evening strolls, while the historic centre has delightful sights in store: the Scoelcher Library, which was shipped here from Paris, and the St Louis Cathedral are just a few of the cultural highlights. A must-try is rhum agricole, a local speciality made from sugar cane juice, which can be enjoyed in different varieties such as white, amber and aged. Fort-de-France combines history, culture and indulgence to create an unforgettable experience.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches and green hills, Marigot Bay is one of the most idyllic bays in the Caribbean: it invites you to swim, snorkel and relax and is a popular place for sailors to drop anchor. Charming restaurants line the shore and offer a selection of local and international cuisine. Its peaceful atmosphere makes Marigot Bay the perfect retreat for enjoying the beauty of nature and the Caribbean way of life.

With snow-white beaches, turquoise waters and a tropical climate, Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines and a real picture-book idyll in the middle of the Caribbean. The island is a retreat far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where there are no cars and only a single road leads to the charming village of Old Wall. Most of the approximately 300 inhabitants live here, maintaining warm hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. Mayreau is the perfect place to spend a few carefree days on the beach and a paradise for those who want to enjoy the Caribbean vibe. The long lay time time allows you to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

On the south-western coast of Grenada lies St. George’s, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the Caribbean. The natural harbour of Carenage and the colourful colonial houses give the Grenadian capital its typical appeal. The pretty lanes and historic buildings of the old town invite you to explore, while small restaurants and shops around the harbour and along Melville Street and Lagoon Road form the heart of the tourist centre. A walk up the hill above the city to the former French Fort Frederick offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire bay. Enjoy the atmosphere in complete relaxation thanks to a long lay time.

Bonaire, the second largest of the Caribbean ABC islands, offers a mixture of colourful nature and a fascinating underwater world. The name of its capital Kralendijk translates as “coral dyke”, which refers to the fantastic coral world that stretches off the coast in the Bonaire National Marine Park. While the hilly north of the island boasts exotic species of birds and tropical vegetation in the Washington-Slagbaai National Park, the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary in the flat south attracts nature lovers with one of the largest flamingo colonies in the world. Bonaire is a paradise for snorkellers and explorers alike. The lay time is generous, allowing you to gather many impressions.

Aruba’s reputation as a paradise precedes the island by far. In the south-west, endless white beaches shimmer, gently lapped by the turquoise sea. In the north-east, however, rugged rocky coasts and barren cactus landscapes characterise the wild and romantic landscape. Oranjestad, the lively capital, is also located in the midst of this picturesque backdrop, its candy-coloured houses in Dutch colonial style shining in the sun. Stroll through elegant shopping streets and let yourself be enchanted by the Caribbean flair. If you’re looking for an original photo motif, you’ll find it at the Stadhuis: the bright green and white town hall is a real gem. Fancy a break on the beach? Then the palm-fringed beaches of Druif Beach and Manchebo Beach are not far away.

A city full of history and zest for life lies on the Caribbean coast of Colombia: Cartagena de Indias, often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Founded in 1533, the “queen of Colombia’s coast” quickly developed into an important trading centre and is now a modern port with historical charm. Salsa beats, a gentle sea breeze and vibrant colours contribute to the atmosphere. The old town has cobbled streets, colonial buildings and exotic plazas to offer. At Plaza de Bolivar, behind the clock tower called Monumento Torre del Reloj, you can stop to sample local Colombian delicacies.

Surrounded by crystal-clear water, the San Blas Islands is a paradise on earth. Nature lovers and adventurers will find pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation and the tranquillity of the largely unspoilt surroundings – a perfect place to escape from everyday life. The colourful underwater world is perfect for snorkelling and diving and rare bird species sing in the trees: enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean in its most pristine form.

The daytime passage through the Panama Canal is a unique experience that takes visitors right through one of the world’s most important engineering masterpieces. With its impressive locks, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and offers spectacular views of the lush tropical landscape. The famous locks of Miraflores and Gatun play a crucial role in the crossing and allow you to directly experience how nature and technology interact in a fascinating way. Sailing through the Panama Canal is more than just a passage – it is an insight into the heart of a global transport network that connects the world more closely together.