Highlights in Central America and the Caribbean
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Destinations > North America > Caribbean > Highlights in Central America and the Caribbean
There’s so much to see and do around the Caribbean Sea that one trip is definitely not going to be enough to get it all in, let alone one article. But there are definitely some highlights that we can take a look at to get an idea of what this diverse and beautiful region has to offer visitors. One of the frequent ways to experience the area is by cruise, so we’ll take a look at some of the popular stops around the Caribbean and Central America that are available by land, or as a cruise excursion.
Central America
Rio Secreto, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
One of the gems the Caribbean has to offer is the Rio Secreto in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Found on what is the sometimes called the Mayan Riviera, on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, the river flows through a magical cavern, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the unique geological formations. There are several different tours available to access this natural wonder, including everything from group tours with mountain biking and rappelling to private personal tours. The prices vary based on activities, but the beauty of the Rio Secreto is worth it at all levels.
Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash
Port of Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is the largest island off the Yucatán and the Port of Cozumel is a key stop for many Caribbean cruises. The port offers visitors a perfect mix of relaxation and activities, making it the perfect stop for any vacation. There is a huge selection of restaurants and bars offering delicious local cuisine, with a range of prices and atmospheres. The white sand beaches contrast with the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, and offer everything from a relaxing day in the sun to wind-sailing and deep-water fishing. Head inland and explore the jungle and the ruins of ancient civilizations that it holds.
Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, Cozumel, Mexico
Located inside Cozumel’s National Reef Marine Park, Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, is a great place to take in several of the options the island has to offer. Check out the sea life on the second largest barrier reef in the world with a snorkeling or scuba tour, or take advantage of the opportunity to swim with dolphins. If you prefer something a bit more laid back you can take advantage of the natural spa services or rent a cabana on the beach and just enjoy the views.
Photo by Alisa Matthews on Unsplash
Belize City, Belize
Heading south from Mexico, a stop in Belize City, Belize is well worth the time. The largest city in the country and one of the most visited, the city has a lot to offer visitors. In addition to the standards of shopping and delicious food, the stop is also a great access point for many of the nearby cayes and atolls, and the water adventures they provide. It’s the jumping off point for a tour to the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha, as well. If you time your visit for late February, you may be able to experience the annual street art festival, which shows off the work of artists from around the country – performers, visual artists, street artist, and other forms of creative arts as well.
Mahogany Bay, Honduras
As we move south again, along the Caribbean coast to Honduras, a popular stop is the island of Roatan. Mahogany Bay is where many of the cruises stopping here will dock, and the area has many of the standard international shops available. But you’ll want to head out of the port building and into Mahogany Bay itself. There you’ll find taxis to explore the rest of the island, and that’s also where the scuba and other local tours will be available. There’s a chair lift that will take you to Mahogany Bay Beach offering a lovely aerial view of the gorgeous ocean vistas. Once on the beach take advantage of the delicious fresh seafood and the local Honduran coffee.
Gumbalimba Park, Roatan, Honduras
While you’re on Isla Roatan, a visit to Gumbalimba Park, a privately owned eco adventure and history park, is a must. The park has a variety of activities, providing something for everyone – a museum, botanical gardens, pool, zipline, all sorts of water activities along the private waterfront, and the animal encounters. The white-faced monkeys and macaws interact with guests, providing an unforgettable experience that will be a highlight of your trip.
The Caribbean
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Moving out into the Caribbean itself, the next stop is the Cayman Islands. George Town on Grand Cayman is a tourist heaven. Pick up something delicious to snack on while you’re at the beach at the Farmers’ Market Monday through Saturday on your way to Seven Mile Beach, where all the water activities you can imagine await. For a change of scene from the beach, the town has several beautiful art galleries, and the island is also home to one of the West Indies’ few remaining tropical rain forests.
Cayman Turtle Centre, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
For a unique adventure head out on a Turtle Safari at the Cayman Turtle Centre. Also on Grand Cayman, the centre offers up-close encounters with turtles, giving visitors a chance to learn about and contribute to the important conservation efforts of not just the endangered green sea turtles bred at the facility, but the local wildlife as well. Learn about the mangrove shoreline that supports so much wildlife, feed the sharks, or check out the incredible aviary to watch the colorful Cayman Parrots.
Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
A short cruise to the east of the Caymans brings us to Jamaica, and a stop in Jamaica is not complete without experiencing a bobsled. That’s what you think of first, right, at least if you’ve seen the film Cool Runnings?
Mystic Mountain is in the rainforest on Jamaica. Take a ride through the treetops on the lift up to the top of the mountain. At the top you can learn a little about Jamaican culture and history. Then, get ready for a high-speed adventure on a Jamaican bobsled ride. Click here for the Full Length Video!
Mystic Mountain doesn’t just offer bobsled adventures, though. In addition to the bobsled track that was carefully laid to disturb the forest as little as possible, twisting and turning you right through the heart of nature, you can also get your heart pumping with the Ragga ride and a zipline. When you’re ready to come back down to earth, the infinity pool is a great place to relax.
Banja-Frans Mulder, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
From Mystic Mountain’s Sky Explorer, you can see the nearby Dunn's River Falls. One of Jamaica’s national treasures, the falls has been described as living due to is constantly changing nature. Travertine rock deposits like those generally found in geothermal limestone caves are constantly being added to as the river flows. You can climb the falls or cool off in the pool at the base. There are amenities like a café, bathrooms, and a children’s play area, as well.
Photo Credit: Secret Bay
The Nature Island, Dominica
Visitors to Dominica can quickly see why it’s called the Nature Island. Located in the Lesser Antilles between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, this island nation is home to all sorts of natural wonders, from lush rainforests to bubbling geothermal pools, and an incredible number of rivers for such a small island. The mountainous center of the island is largely undeveloped, offering unique landscapes and wildlife as huge draw to this island paradise.
There’s so much to do on this island that we had to write an entire article to cover it all! Check it out here: The Nature Island of Dominica - A Gem in the Caribbean
Reduit Beach & Bay Gardens Beach Resort, St. Lucia
A dip to the southeast brings us to the beautiful island nation of St. Lucia. Like many of the islands around the Caribbean, St. Lucia has some awesome beaches. One of the best is Reduit Beach, a stretch of gorgeous golden sand that outlines Rodney Bay. The beach is popular with visitors and locals alike, and sports like windsurfing and waterskiing are main attractions. Situated right on Reduit Beach, Bay Gardens Beach Resort gives visitors a different water adventure, with Splash Island Waterpark. And if you just need to relax, the luxury of La Mer Spa and Salon has got you covered.
Pigeon Island National Park, St. Lucia
Looking north from Reduit Beach, you can see Pigeon Island National Park across the bay. This Park has something for visitors of every type. If you are interested in history there’s not only the expected colonial era sites, but also artifacts from the Arawak and Carib peoples dating back over a thousand years. For the more modern-minded, the Park is home to the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival held annually in May. The more active travelers can hike around the ruins of the old forts.
Soufriere Land & Sea Adventure, St. Lucia
A great way to experience Saint Lucia is the full-day Soufriere Land and Sea Combo Adventure. This eco-tour takes guests down the West coast of the island by Jeep, stopping at botanic gardens, a drive-in volcano, and a historic plantation. Then you’ll board a catamaran for the trip back up the coast by sea, where you can bask in the tropical sun on deck or enjoy swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays along the way. Beverages, including an open bar, and a delicious Creole lunch at the plantation are part of the package, as are the entrance fees to the various attractions along the way. It’s a great way to see and experience a lot of the island if you’ve only got a limited time there.
Disney’s Castaway Cay, Bahamas
At the northern reaches of the Caribbean, the Bahamas offer visitors some uniquely themed island paradise options. One of these special offerings is Disney's Castaway Cay. Once a hideout and stop over for bootleggers and drug runners, the island has been developed by The Disney Corporation into a themed stop for their cruises. Though designed to look like the improvised structures of a shipwrecked castaway, the facilities actually provide a high level of luxury and fun. With three separate beaches, waterslides into the ocean, an ocean rope course, in addition to the other more standard water sports like snorkeling and jet skis, the Magic Kingdom has made the Cay a place with something for everyone.
Check out our video tour of the island here!
Photo by Forest Simon on Unsplash
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Nassau, Bahamas
For a differently themed resort, check out the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, off the north shore of Nassau, the Bahamas capital city. The resort is built around the ocean-themed Aquadventure. The huge water park is not the only attraction in this island paradise, though. You can also check out the extensive golf course, organize an excursion to nearby islands to swim with pigs, or relax in the luxurious spa. A great way to get involved with the local wildlife is to check out the Blue Project Foundation, where the guests work with conservationists to rescue endangered animals and rebuild reefs.
The Amazing Caribbean
The amazing region around the Caribbean Sea has so much to offer visitors. It may be hard to know where to begin, but one thing is for sure – it’s worth it to go. Wherever you decide to dip your toes in, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and incredible adventures.
FAQ’s
How safe is it to travel in Central America and the Caribbean?
Safety is a relative and subjective concept, and it depends on many factors such as the destination, the traveler, and the situation. Generally speaking, Central America and the Caribbean are not as dangerous as some media portray them to be, but they are not risk-free either. Travelers should exercise common sense, avoid known trouble spots, and follow the advice of local authorities and reputable sources. Some of the safest countries in the region include Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and the Bahamas¹². Some of the most dangerous countries include Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Haiti³. However, even within these countries, there are areas that are safer than others, and travelers can still enjoy their attractions with caution and preparation.
What are some of the best times to visit Central America and the Caribbean?
The best time to visit Central America and the Caribbean depends on the traveler's preferences, budget, and activities. Generally, the dry season (November to April) is the most popular and expensive time to visit, as the weather is sunny and pleasant, and there are fewer chances of hurricanes and tropical storms . However, the wet season (May to October) can also be a good time to visit, as the prices are lower, the crowds are thinner, and the nature is greener and more lush . The wet season does not mean constant rain, but rather occasional showers and storms that usually last for a few hours. Travelers should also consider the festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as Carnival, Semana Santa, Day of the Dead, and Independence Day celebrations.
What are some of the visa requirements for travelers from different countries?
The visa requirements for travelers from different countries vary depending on the destination, the duration, and the purpose of the visit. Travelers should always check the official websites of the countries they plan to visit, as well as their own country's foreign affairs department, for the most updated and accurate information. Generally, most countries in Central America and the Caribbean allow visa-free entry or visa on arrival for travelers from the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, for stays of up to 90 days . However, some countries may require a passport validity of at least six months, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Some countries may also charge an entry or exit fee, or require a tourist card. Travelers from other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance, either online or at an embassy or consulate.
(1) Highlights in Central America and the Caribbean. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/highlights-in-central-america-and-the-caribbean.
(2) REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore Remote Lifestyle & Online Coding Bootcamp. https://eatwanderexplore.com/.
(3) The best travel blogs on the internet all in one place - REmotiFIRE by .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/.
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