Posted on May 7, 2009
Tags : avalon | beach | boats | california | catalina | island | ocean | united states

A view of the pier, beach, and hills of Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island, twenty six miles off the coast of Southern California.



This popular tourist destination is home to about 3,500 residents. Most of the million tourists that visit the island each year arrive by ship, ferry, or plane. The Carnival Elation cruise ship can be seen docked in the background. Wildlife such as American bison and the endangered island fox can be found roaming the island.

Posted on May 6, 2009
Tags : beach | caribbean | cozumel | island | mexico | ocean

A beautiful sunrise can be seen off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico.



The 300 square mile island is located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and about 25 miles south of Cancun. Cozumel is generally flat, with a maximum elevation of about 50 feet. The majority of income for the island comes from fishing, diving, and tourism as cruise ships can be seen docking almost daily. While food and supplies need to be shipped to the island, over 100 restaurants, two universities, and a saltwater treatment plant can be found directly on the island.

Posted on February 10, 2009
Tags : hawaii | landmark | oahu | ocean | united states | waikiki

This view of Honolulu, Hawaii and the Pacific is taken from 762 foot Diamond Head.


Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals for diamonds. The age of this volcanic crater is thought to be about 200,000 years. Waikiki can be seen in the center along with its resorts and beaches. Kapiolani Park can be seen in the foreground.

Posted on February 5, 2009
Tags : bridge | california | landmark | ocean | san francisco | united states

Connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County is the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.


Completed in 1937, it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge measures in at 10,981 feet long, 90 feet wide, and up to 746 feet high. Alcatraz can be seen on the left side of the bay, the city of San Francisco on the right, and in the background the Bay Bridge, Oakland, and Berkeley. This view is from the Marin Headlands.

Posted on February 4, 2009
Tags : australia | bay | beach | boats | harbor | ocean

Eleven miles off the coast of Perth, Western Australia is Rottnest Island.


While the island population is only 300, tourist visitors can reach into the thousands each day. The island was formerly home to a prison and an internment camp during both World Wars, and today, numerous shipwrecks can be found in the shallow waters nearby. The Quokka, a rare marsupial, remains a protected species on the island.