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THE CARIBBEAN SECRET; Part 1

© Loren Armstrong

When Christopher Columbus made his third voyage to the ‘New World’ in the fall of 1498, he had already discovered and visited most of the Caribbean Islands. However, we are told in history that he was especially impressed with an island he found tucked snugly away in the far southern waters, about 20 miles from the mainland of Venezuela. Some say he named that island “Isla de Margarita” (meaning ‘Pearl Island’ in English) because he was so impressed with its beauty. Others tell us he called the GROUP of islands by that name due to the many pearls that were found just offshore in ancient times.

Today, the group of islands consists of Coche, Cubagua, and Margarita, which collectively form the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta. The pearl beds have disappeared, but the island of Margarita still remains a special ‘pearl’ in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. In fact, this place is SO special, it has for decades been referred to as the “Best Kept Secret of the Caribbean”. There are many reasons for this, and we will try to explain them as we examine some of the island’s special characteristics.

If you have visited many of the various islands located in the Caribbean Sea, then you are surely aware of the fact that each of them have their own peculiar features for which they are best known. For example, people who visit the following islands generally remember them for certain major characteristics.

FEATURES OF ARUBA

1. It is primarily a desert island, and is almost completely flat other than the one hill in its center which is less than 700 feet in height.

2. It is almost always windy, which provides a nice cooling effect even in the hot southern sunshine.

3. It has many wonderful sandy beaches, many allowing European style beach fashions.

4. It has a natural bridge formation the sea has carved in solid rock. This is one of the main features that most tourists consider a ‘must see’.

FEATURES OF ST. THOMAS

1. It has some beautiful vistas where one can look down from the tops of small mountains or hills. The scenic views are spectacular.

2. The shopping is quite an attraction and superior to most Caribbean islands.

FEATURES OF ST. MARTIN

1. It is best known for having many wonderful beaches, which are especially attractive to Europeans due to the lack of strict requirements for beach attire.

2. Several offshore islands close by provide some great snorkeling experiences.

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