With an alluring blend of ancient civilizations, eco-adventures, unparalleled diving sites, and plenty of sun, sand, and surf, the Western Caribbean is a natural magnet for travelers. The fact that it’s the closest region of the Caribbean to the mainland U.S. certainly helps as well. Loosely defined as the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, as well as the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, the destinations here offer a diverse and always enriching experience.
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Banana Coast (Trujillo)
Banana Coast is located in Trujillo, offering a host of retail shops and a 10-acre stretch of beach. Christopher Columbus landed here more than 500 years ago during his last voyage to the Americas performing the first Catholic Mass on the New World mainland. Since then, the area has been a Spanish colony as well as under the control of the Dutch, French, English - and pirates. During the early 20th Century it was the banana export capital of the world peaking at over 8 million stems of bananas shipped annually. Today, visitors can enjoy the sun and sand, and the beautiful tropical rainforest close by. Be sure to see the Santa Barbara Fort, built in the late 16th century to protect Trujillo from pirates, and the nearby historic British, French and U.S. consulates.
Belize
Formerly a British colony, the independent country of Belize has a rich history that dates back more than a thousand years. You may wish to explore the massive pyramids and temples at the ancient Mayan sites of Xunantunich or Altun-Ha. Pristine beaches and the second longest barrier reef in the world provide ample opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Combined with over 500 species of exotic birds, 250 varieties of orchids and more than 600 archeological sites, Belize is a paradise.
Bocas Del Toro
The islands offer the visitor a great diversity of attractions and natural environments, uncommon to other regions of our continent: luxurious rain forests with an abundance of fauna and flora, sunny islands, beaches that compete with the Caribbean best, coral reefs in crystal clear water, mangrove islets in a lake-like scenery, guaymi indian villages and a national marine park that protects examples of the ecosystems and natural resources coexisting within the Archipelago boundaries, as a tribute to our future generations.
Calica
Calica, the newest gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula, is located just three miles south of Playa del Carmen and right next door to the incredible Xcaret nature park, one of the most popular attractions on the entire peninsula. If you're a diver or a snorkeling enthusiast, you'll be fascinated by the brilliant colors of Calica's underwater world. Or you can just enjoy basking in the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches.
Cancun
Cancun serves as a gateway to Mexico´s Yuctan Peninsula, the magic land of the Mayas. Travel back over a thousand years to visit the world-renowned Mayan archeological site of Chichen Itza. The brilliant, modern resort of Cancun boasts some of the most magnificent beaches in the Caribbean. You´ll have ample opportunity for sunbathing and snorkeling in the afternoon, and in the evening, visit the casinos and clubs that make Cancun´s nightlife famous.
Costa Maya
Beginning where the Mayan Riviera ends, the Costa Maya stretches along the coastline up to Belize. The Costa Maya is the last remaining section of coastal properties yet to be exploited and there are acres of coastal land with absolutely no development. The odd fishing village spots the landscape but not much beyond that. Flying along the coastline you encounter numerous cenotes and you can still see the outlines and impressions of villages that were there centuries ago.
Cozumel
The crystal clear water surrounding Cozumel makes it a favorite for divers and sun-seekers from around the world. Found on the Yucatan peninsula, it is the largest of Mexico's islands and steeped in history, tracing Mayan descendants from 300 A.D. In town, there is shopping for local crafts and dining in colorful restaurants.
Dos Bocas
The Port of Dos Bocas is located on the Gulf Coast of Mexico within the State of Tabasco, several miles west of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tabasco is a tropical land with exuberant vegetation, and a land of history. It saw the flowering of one of the most ancient and important Mesoamerican civilizations, the Olmec, and later the Maya dominated the region.
Falmouth
Step off the ship and step back in time. Time where quaint wooden houses lined the streets, village carpenters hand craft custom furniture, and tavern keepers warmly greet town guests. Falmouth Jamaica is often compared with Colonial Williamsburg, but this particular historic town comes with an advantage - the beautiful Caribbean Sun. You'll return with sun kissed skin, timeless memories as well as interesting historical tidbits to share with friends, like this one: Falmouth received piped water before New York City.
Galveston
Founded in 1836 and located in the Gulf of Mexico, historic Galveston is a semi-tropical barrier island. Only 39 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, it lies 50 miles southwest of Houston. Long known for its miles of sandy beaches and Gulf seafood, today Galveston is also recognized for its treasure trove of Victorian architecture and one of the most vigorous historic preservation programs in the country.
George Town
In a place that forgot to age, beauty abounds as far as the eye can see. Endless cool, powdery sand meets sheer coral reefs in the area aptly called Seven Mile Beach. Along the way theres Pedros Castle, Turtle Crawls and the wild orchards and parrots of Rum Point. In this British Crown Colony, over 100 species of rare birds coexist with fascinating sea life and blossoming flora and fauna.
Grand Cayman
Discovered by Columbus in 1503, these islands are a popular resort and British Crown Colony that still provides travelers with unspoiled beauty. As a destination known for its superb diving opportunites, the Caymans are home to unforgettable ship- wrecks, brilliantly colored fish and Caribbean-clear water.
Houston
The days when cows and oilmen roamed the streets of Houston are long gone. Today, the fourth-largest city in the US is a sprawling metropolis of highrises, malls and parking lots. Hot, humid and flat, Houston may not be Texas' premier travel destination, but it has much to offer, including great museums, beautiful parks, a hip young urban population and a variety of excellent excursions. Houston dominates southeastern Texas, thanks to a historic commitment to growth unfettered by zoning and other planning restrictions. The result is a sprawling city confusing to visitors and residents alike. However, most areas of interest are within a few miles of downtown, and seeing the sites won't take more than a day or two.
Labadee
A secluded spot on the north coast of Haiti, reserved soley for Royal Caribbean guests. Attractions: Floats, aquabikes, banana raft rides, snorkeling and other water sports. Also volleyball, beach barbecues, authentic Haitian art and local craftsmen.
Majagual
Majahual is a traditional fishing village on the Costa Maya with palm tree-lined beaches and crystal clear waters made for sunbathing and snorkeling. Take a day trip to Punta Herrero, a small village in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Or explore the coastal lagoons and Chinchorro Bank, the world famous atoll located 18 miles offshore.
Majahual
Mexico's Costa Maya is located on the southern coast of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Costa Maya's main city, Mahahual, is less then 300 km from Playa del Carmen and 130 km from Chetumal, the capitol city of Quintana Roo. The relaxing tourist destination Xcalak is just a few minutes down the coast. Costa Maya is on the Caribbean Sea and in the heart of the Maya world. With its white sandy beach, where the turquoise blue of the ocean and sky intertwine, bordered by emerald green jungle, Mahahual holds a promise for all those looking for a potential real estate investment in Mexico, as well as for nature lovers seeking a secluded spot to relax and enjoy life on the beach.
Mobile
The port city of Mobile is situated in the Gulf Coast region, where you can enjoy a wide variety of water sports including fishing, jet-skiing, rafting, canoeing and sailing. Mobile also features renowned championship golf courses, such as Linksman Golf Club and Magnolia Grove - part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. In addition to water sports and golf, Mobile has much more to offer. Take a stroll through Mobile's Historic District that features its wonderful architectural heritage. For those who want an adventurous history tour, visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The decks, turrets, berth compartments, bridge, and captain's cabin of the battleship are open for tours.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish and the second largest city in Jamaica by area and the fourth by population (after Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore). It is a tourist destination with hotels ,restaurants, toursist attaractions, duty free shopping, a cruise line terminal and several beaches. The city is backed by picturesque low mountains. The coastland near Montego Bay is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, most newly built, some occupying the grounds of old sugar cane plantations with some of the original buildings and mill-works still standing. The most famous of these are the White Witch's Rose Hall and Tryall, both of which now feature world-class golf courses.
New Orleans
New Orleans tempts visitors from all over the world with its legendary combination of cuisine, entertainment and southern architecture. It doesn't have to be Mardi Gras for New Orleans to throw a party, as you'll see with a visit to the French Quarter. Preservation Hall, perhaps Americas most historic music hall, offers an evening of Dixeland jazz, while the district's antique stores, Creole cuisine and colorful street life all make New Orleans a favorite stop.
Ocho Rios
Located on Jamaica's North Coast in the Parish of St. Ann, Ocho Rios offers breathtaking sights and exhilarating adventures for visitors of all ages. In the last twenty years, "Ochee", as it is known by the locals, has grown from a small, sleepy, fishing village into a world class tourist destination. With a deep water pier that can hold up to three cruise ships, allowing for easy disembarkation, Ocho Rios has become Jamaica's premier cruise port.
Playa del Carmen
Near Cozumel lies the pristine "Beach of Carmen" along Mexico´s Yucatan coastline. Here you will enjoy beachcombing and warm water lapping at your feet in an unspoiled tropical setting. Diving and relaxing in the sun are the main pastimes that bring serenity to all who visit this unique location.
Progresso
Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula is rich with ancient Mayan pyramids, vine-covered archaeological wonders, gentle people, and a fiery cuisine unlike that served in the rest of Mexico. Progresso today has evolved from the sleepy fishing village it once was to a popular resort where vacationers come to explore Mayan ruins and siesta in the midday sun. Look for traditional embroidered huipil cottons and colorful string hammocks for friends back home.
Puerto Cortes
Located in Hoduras, this is an isle of wonders: lizards that run upright on their hind legs, brilliant macaws and parrots found only in Honduras, and amazing snorkeling and scuba diving around coral reefs.
Roatan
The Bay Islands, just north of the Caribbean coast of Honduras, have a long and colorful history. The earliest Indian inhabitants are thought to have traded with the Maya of Yucatan. Roatan is the largest of the islands with small towns and fishing villages built along the waters edge. Snorkeling and diving is at its best here. You´ll find beautiful palm-fringed beaches and miles of off-shore coral reef inhabited by brilliantly colored fish and multicolored gardens of aquatic plants.
Santo Tomas
Santo Tomas Chichicastenango, known for its Indian market held every Thursday and Sunday, is only 87 miles from Guatemala City. It is the commercial center of the department of Quich. Indians from throughout the region stream into town on market days to buy, sell, socialize and worship. The church of Santo Toms was built in the 1540 over the ruins of a Mayan temple, now it is an example of colonial architecture.
St.Tomas de Castilla
Santo Tomas de Castilla is your portal to fabulous Mayan ruins in Guatemala and Honduras. In Tikal, the plaza with seven great stone temples is hidden in the jungle; and at Copan you can see the "Paris of the Mayan world."
Veracruz
The Mexican State of Veracruz brings to mind beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters, steamy jungles and mouth-watering ocean-fresh seafood.
