When choosing the Western Caribbean as your cruise destination you will of course, need to know what lies ahead as far as sites to see and things to do. Should you be a risk taker and crave adventure, perhaps you may want to give Aerial Trekking or Cave Tubing a go? You can find both of these activities in Belize City. If you like fishing, you can try Bottom Fishing. You can do this from a 43 foot motor boat – you have a chance of even possibly catching a Barracuda. All fish that are caught will be donated to orphanages or charities.
Are you looking for an exciting new destination to explore on your next cruise? Look no further than the Western Caribbean! With its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, the Western Caribbean offers a wealth of incredible experiences. Here are five reasons why you should visit the Western Caribbean for your next cruise!
Western Caribbean Beaches
When you think of the Western Caribbean, beautiful beaches are one of the first things that come to mind. There are pristine white sand beaches and crystalline blue waters. The beaches in the Western Caribbean are a sight to behold. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day of sunbathing, or you want to take a dip in the Caribbean Sea, you won’t be disappointed. The stunning shorelines are just as good for snorkeling and diving as they are for walking and taking pictures. Some of the most popular destinations for beach-goers include Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. No matter where you decide to go, you’ll find plenty of perfect spots to soak up some rays.
The History
The Western Caribbean is an incredibly rich area of the world when it comes to history. From the Maya ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza in Mexico, to the colonial-era fortresses of Cartagena, Colombia, the region has a wealth of historical sites and artifacts to explore. The area was first explored by Christopher Columbus in 1502 and has been a major trading route for centuries, with evidence of various cultures – from native tribes to Spanish conquistadors – scattered across the area. Visitors can also explore locales such as Jamaica’s Rose Hall Great House, a plantation house built in 1770 that has become part of the country’s folklore. Other historic attractions include the San Felipe de Barajas Castle in Cartagena and the Nueva Gerona Fortress in Cuba.
Western Caribbean Culture
When you cruise the Western Caribbean, you have the opportunity to explore a truly unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else. This area of the world is rich with ancient Mayan ruins, old Spanish colonial cities, and the vibrant culture of the local people. In some places, you can visit museums, enjoy cultural performances, or take part in traditional celebrations.
The vibrant city of Cozumel is known for its culture. Here you can explore Mayan temples, wander through cobblestone streets, and visit the San Gervasio ruins. There are also many colorful festivals throughout the year that showcase the music, art, and cuisine of the region.
Belize is another great destination for experiencing the culture of the Caribbean. Here you can explore the history of Belize at ancient Maya archaeological sites such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. You can also shop for handmade crafts from local artisans in Belize City, or take part in local festivals like Carnival and Dia de San Isidro.
Finally, there are many opportunities to experience the culture and traditions of Jamaica. In Montego Bay, you can take a scenic drive through rural villages, go on a cultural walking tour of historical sites, or learn about the Jamaican way of life at local cultural attractions like the Bob Marley Museum or Devon House.
Visiting the Western Caribbean is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, learn about local customs, or simply enjoy the music and festivities of the region, there’s something for everyone in this incredible part of the world.
The Cuisine
The Western Caribbean is a veritable melting pot of flavors and cultures. Each has their own unique and delicious culinary traditions. There are succulent seafood dishes in the Bahamas. Fiery jerk spices are the flavor of choice in Jamaica. You’ll find no shortage of delicious and exotic dishes to try during your cruise.
In Honduras, you can sample delicious Central American dishes such as tamales and empanadas. In Cozumel, Mexico, you’ll find amazing Mexican cuisine, from tacos to mole poblano. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Caribbean cruise without some island favorites like conch fritters, spiced crab cakes, and curry goat. No matter what type of cuisine you’re looking for, the Western Caribbean has something for everyone.
No matter which ports you visit on your Western Caribbean cruise, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the amazing cuisine this region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, you’ll never be at a loss for options. Bon Appétit!
The Excursions
The Western Caribbean offers plenty of exciting excursions that are sure to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, an educational experience, or just a day at the beach, there’s something for everyone. From snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystalline waters, to exploring lush jungle trails on a guided tour, there are plenty of activities for thrill seekers and leisure seekers alike.
If you’re interested in the history of the region, there are plenty of tours that explore the many cultures and societies that have shaped the area. Many excursions offer guided tours through ancient ruins. Or take you to explore colonial towns and villages that are packed with fascinating stories and historical sites.
For those looking to explore the wildlife, there are plenty of animal encounters and observation trips available. Enjoy snorkeling with dolphins, visiting bird sanctuaries, or just taking in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
No matter what you’re looking for, the Western Caribbean has plenty of exciting excursions. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse range of activities, it’s no wonder why this region is a popular cruise destination.
Ports of Call
You can also experience The Big Three in Key West. Here you can do snorkeling, kayaking and swimming with dolphins all around the United States only living coral reef.
In Cozumel, they have Adventure Park, where you can do zip-line excursions. Here, you can also do rock-climbing with professionals in a man made extreme sport area with towers, bridges and more to explore. Another great activity to do while in Cozumel is known as Clear Kayaking from Uvas Beach (Playa Uvas). You can ride in a 2 person kayak and follow a guide to prime spots that allow you to view the sea life below the clear water.
In Jamaica no trip is complete without a hike up Dunns River waterfalls. Be sure to wear cloths that you don’t mind getting wet. And yes you will have to get whatever is on your feet wet. They won’t let you do the hike barefoot. If you are a James Bond fan you may recognize some of the scenes from Dr No in Jamaica. Also, Ian Fleming’s home Goldeneye (now a hotel) is not too far away.
Some cruises will take you to the banking capital of the Caribbean – the Cayman Islands. You can visit Hell (everyone gets tee shirts and post cards). It’s an interesting place to visit. Our favorite place is the turtle farm. Now some people may be put off by the fact that some are being raised for food. But here they are being raised to help maintain the species. You can play with the turtles and even go swimming with them.
