The Western Caribbean is synonymous with ancient Mayan history, lush rainforests, snorkeling, exquisite beaches, and tropical relaxation. In the Western Caribbean, cruisers can go scuba diving in Cozumel, visit the Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, visit the waterfalls in Jamaica, swim with the stingrays in Grand Cayman, snorkel in Honduras, or explore the jungles of Belize.
If you take a cruise to the Western Caribbean, you will undoubtedly have a port of call in Cozumel, Mexico, also known as the Gateway to the Yucatán. Cozumel is located just off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, offering crystal-clear waters and beautiful reefs. The Palancar and Colombia reefs are favorites of snorkelers and scuba divers, offering world-renowned reefs just off the coast. Cozumel also offers access to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, San Gervasio, and Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each set of ruins offers a slightly different experience. Tulum overlooks the Caribbean Sea, San Gervasio is a more historical site, and Chichen Itza, a Wonder of the World, is deep in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Costa Maya, Mexico, is the second-most popular port stop in Mexico on a Western Caribbean cruise. It is on the southern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula near the border of Belize. The port is designed for cruise tourism with pools, dining venues, animal encounters, shopping, and more. But you’ll have to go outside the port for the real adventure. Costa Maya offers access to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and Kohunlich found in the lush jungle. The Chacchoben Ruins are the most popular, allowing cruisers to climb stone pyramids and view spider monkeys, toucans, and other exotic animals, while the Kohunlich Ruins offer a more historical tour of the ruins. Cruisers can relax on the beautiful beaches or even visit the fishing village of Mahahual for fresh seafood.
Just east of Cozumel, a Western Caribbean cruise will likely take you to George Town, Grand Cayman. Cruisers will tender to the port, which is the capital city of the Cayman Islands. Cruisers will enjoy the port experience, which offers easy access to shopping and dining. The island is also home to the famous Seven Mile Beach–a stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters. No trip to Grand Cayman is complete without a trip to Stingray City. A visit to the sandbar provides the opportunity for cruisers to interact with wild southern stingrays in shallow water. Grand Cayman is also home to the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility–a protected area for the Blue Iguana found only in Grand Cayman. If you would like to know a little more about the Stingray Sandbar, you can find my review here.
Roatán, Honduras, is bordered by the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Snorkelers and scuba divers enjoy world-class views of the region’s marine life. Cruisers looking for adventure can go ziplining through the rainforest canopy–one of the popular excursions. Roatán offers animal-loving cruisers sanctuary experiences where they can interact with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. Roatán’s culture is a blend of Garifuna, Spanish, and British traditions, which provides a laid-back atmosphere and a unique culinary experience.
Jamaica is another highlight of Western Caribbean itineraries. Cruise ships will dock at one of three ports–Ocho Rios, Falmouth, or Montego Bay. Ocho Rios is situated on the northern coast of Jamaica and is known for its outdoor adventures. Cruisers can climb the 600-foot cascading Dunn’s River Falls, swim with dolphins, go river tubing or zipline through the rainforest. The Falmouth Port is situated between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and features shopping, boutiques, and more. The port town offers a historical look at Jamaican culture, dining, and heritage. Cruisers can go horseback riding, explore caves, tour the former 18th-century Good Hope Estate, and go river rafting. Montego Bay is Jamaica’s second-largest cruise port and can accommodate up to four ships at a time. Located on the island’s northwestern tip, it offers quick access to the beach. Cruisers can visit the famous “Hip Strip,” a mile-long strip known for its shopping, beaches and nightlife.
Last is Belize City, Belize, which is a tender port. Belize City is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Central America. Visitors can take excursions deep into the rainforest and explore the Temple of the Masonry Altars of Altun Ha or climb the pyramids of Xunantunich for an unobstructed view of the Belize River Valley and the border of Guatemala. Cruisers can enjoy jungle cave tubing, ziplining, or just relaxing on the beach. Belize City is part of the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and offers snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley that is second to none.
Cruises to the Western Caribbean typically depart from ports in Florida as well as those along the Gulf Coast, like Galveston and New Orleans. Cruise the Western Caribbean, and you will find something for everyone in your party, as well as a vacation like no other.