2011 Hot Summer Destinations

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. The Mentawai Islands have become a renowned destination for surfing. Mentawai Islands waves are known by all the experienced surfers and it said to be one of two best surfing locations in the world.

 

Florianópolis is the capital city of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil. The city has 42 beaches and is a center of surfing activity. Joaquina Beach (pictured below) was made famous in the 70's when it was discovered by surfers, the beach now hosts a number of surfing competitions and is also home to one of the best Samba clubs in Florianópolis.

 

Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles and is one of the 27 regions of France. An amazing blend of French and Caribbean cultures, Guadeloupe caters to all travelers from small beach towns and surf schools to delicious gourmet French cuisine. There are five islands in the archipelago each with its own unique character; so visit them all and experience underwater parks and even an active volcano!

 

The Samoan Islands or Samoa Islands are an archipelago in the central South Pacific. The Samoan Islands has one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, and despite colonialism they have retained their Samoan culture and customs. The islands have quite the paradisaical landscapes, lush green valleys, tropical rainforests, blowholes, submerged volcanoes and pristine beaches all make up a part of this picturesque chain.

 

Lofoten is an archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, Lofoten experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature at that latitude. With 24 hours of daylight in the summer and its natural beauty Lofoten has become a rock climbing and cycling paradise. The sea is rich with marine life, and the islands are home to the world's largest deep water coral reef!

 

Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The Kaikoura Peninsula extends into the sea south of the town the resulting currents bring with them an abundance of marine life. Due to this Kaikoura has become a popular tourist destination, mainly for whale watching especially sperm whales and swimming with or near dolphins.

 

The Gulf of California or "Sea of Cortés" as preferred by most local residents is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. The narrow sea is home to a unique and rich ecosystem; like the critically endangered Vaquita, the Humpback Whale, California Gray Whale, Killer Whale, Manta Ray and Leatherback Sea Turtle, and the world's largest animal, the Blue Whale. There is also unusual resident populations of Fin Whales and Sperm Whales!

 -Tracy Smith