If you are looking for a secluded getaway, Tern Island is the place to be. Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, this idyllic paradise is a world away from bustling cities and bright lights. The island is replete with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rainforest.
With a population of just over 100 people, Tern Island is the perfect place to relax and refresh yourself. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of visiting Tern Island.
Contents
All About Of Tern Island
History
Tern Island was first inhabited by the Arawak people at some point in the past. The island was then acquired by Christopher Columbus and a small group of colonists in 1493.
For most of its history, Tern Island has been privately owned and operated. In 2004, however, it officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lifestyle
If you’re looking for an escape from bustling city life, Tern Island is perfect for you. The island is the least densely populated in the world and has a most lovely marine life nearby, along with some of the best snorkeling around located just off shore.
Tern Island practices total protection for its marine environment which includes enforcement by law against destructive fishing practices through removal from public waters without license or permits to fish.
Operation Caribbean Advocacy (OCA) published a newsletter highlighting conservation issues on Tern Island, helpful details about traveling to the island, and an update on reported illegal activities.
Climate
The climate is a tropical rainforest climate, with no significant variations in temperature throughout the year. The average temperature range is 18°C to 26°C.
The climate is mild, stable and humid throughout the year with mean precipitation ranging between 2,000mm to 3,200 mm or 20-25 inches per annum. The driest months are December through March (around 9%), while the wettest month of January has 53% rainfall on average.
Culture
The culture on Tern Island is based around the tradition of private ownership, which has been in place for centuries. The island is a hub of activity during the carnival season, with many events and festivities taking place such as parades, balls, and costume contests.
Exploring the untouched areas of Tern Island, you will find many structures with local plant life and birds such as fantails. Bird watching on Tern island is famous due to the diversity in species present so do make time to see some rare ones including long-tailed parrots and other unique species!
Politics
Tern Island is a self-governing dependency of the United States and has a democratically elected government. The island is divided into six municipalities, each with its own mayor and council.
The main language spoken on Tern Island is English, but there are also Spanish-speaking communities in some areas. The island has a GDP of some US$10 million and is well-off compared to most other Pacific islands.
Government Services+
Medical services are available through a small number of community clinics and hospitals. On Tern Island, there is also an airstrip, so you can easily connect to the mainland for medical care or business purposes.
Taxes
On Tern Island taxes are paid in US dollars only. Transport Tern Island has no road access, but there are jet aircraft that can be hired for short periods of time. These flights service the entire island from July to December.
Tern Island is located close enough to Midway and Johnston Atolls that it makes an easy stopover if you’d like to explore these places on by cruise during your visit!
Tourism
Tern Island is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors many opportunities to experience the island’s culture, natural beauty, and friendly people. Visitors can visit the beaches, explore the forests and mountains, enjoy spectacular sunsets or fascinating wildlife sightings.
This remote place also has some excellent restaurants where you can dine in tranquil surroundings while listening to classical music played on acoustic guitars!
Transport
There is no public transport on Tern Island, but there are hired cars and motorcycles that you can use to get around. If you’re visiting for a shorter period of time, it’s worth considering renting a bicycle from one of the local shops.
They rent both manual and ride-on types at reasonable prices. Smoking is forbidden everywhere on the island, as is alcohol consumption.
Cuisine
Although there is no wide range of restaurants to choose from, the island’s cuisine is typical Pacific Island fare – fresh and healthy dishes that are full of flavor. Some popular local favorites include plantains (fried banana slices) with curry or mango ice cream.
If you’re looking for something more exciting, try the island’s famous shark fin soup. This dish consists of ground shark fin mixed with mussels, shrimp and other seafood in a spicy soup that contains something called “XO” sauce. It’s often included on one-third of the dinner bill at local restaurants!
Wildlife
With its unspoiled natural beauty and rich wildlife, Tern Island is a great place to see marine life in all its glory.
You can expect to see dolphins swimming in the ocean, huge fish leaping out of the water, colorful coral reefs illuminated at night and even some rare rodents like the bird-of-paradise! If you’re lucky, even the rarest of creatures might stop by Tern’s beaches!
Conclusion
Tern Island is a small and uninhabited island located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Dominican Republic. The island is a popular tourist destination for divers and snorkelers, as it offers a wide range of reefs and marine life.
Getting to Tern Island is relatively easy – all you need to do is take a boat from the nearby island of Samaná. However, what makes Tern Island so special is its history.
FAQ
1.Where Is The Best Place To Visit On Tern Island?
Ans: The best place to visit on Tern Island is the eastern coast, which offers beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Other popular tourist destinations include the rainforest and divers’ spots such as La Picauda and Las Terrazas.
2.What’s The Weather Like On Tern Island?
Ans: The island has a distinct wet and dry season, so there are two main parts of the year to visit. During December – March, there is heavy rainfall all day every day.
July through September provides more pleasant temperatures with some days providing sunny conditions while others may remain overcast or rainy. For the best months to visit check out our blog post here .
3.How Safe Is It In- Between The Caribbean Coast And Tern Island?
Ans: The islands are well patrolled by boats specially trained in marine security, so there is generally very little risk of being attacked. However, you should still be aware that petty theft does occur – which means keep your valuables safe at all times.
4.What Kind Of Diving Equipment Does It Take To Dive Off Tern Island?
Ans: For scuba divers interested in visiting here we recommend a 30m Tr isword with a 30m Wright setup.
5.How Much Does It Cost To Visit Tern Island?
Ans: The island is technically part of Haiti, and the money you pay for a boat from Samaná (approximately $30pp) includes all water sports within the day in addition to two meals. The two meals consist of local cuisine and more typically Caribbean fare such as baked fish on stick or lobster/shrimp cooked up with plantain sides.
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