Some the world's most pleasant and picturesque ports of call await visitors to the Caribbean West. Blue skies and seas reflect sunny shores throughout the region, which encompasses popular destinations in Mexico, Jamaica, Belize, Cayman Islands, Honduras, French West Indies and Dutch Antilles. A trip through these tropical locales introduces travelers to a fascinating array of landscapes and languages.
Jamaica is a jumble of colors, cultures and spectacular scenery. Ocho Rios offers sparkling Dunn's River Falls, a cascade of cool, clear waters that spill down a rocky mountainside to a beach below. Climb this swift-moving "staircase" or simply admire the view. Lovely Shaw Park Gardens showcases Jamaica's natural beauty amidst vibrant flowers and lush vegetation.
Montego Bay, better known as "MoBay" by the locals, is another favorite destination on Jamaica. Beautiful beaches abound here (consider a stroll along Doctor's Cave Beach) as do duty-free shops at the port and, nearby, the Ocean Village Shopping Centre. For an intriguing inland excursion, visit the purportedly haunted Rose Hall plantation, the 1700s-era home of "The White Witch" who did away with several unwitting spouses and "cursed" by one of her mistreated slaves.
A 185-mile barrier reef — biggest in the Western Hemisphere — is just one claim to fame for beautiful Belize, where scuba diving is unrivaled. Swimming and snorkeling are tamer options: be sure to visit popular Shark-Ray Alley, a playground for southern stingrays and nurse sharks. In Belize City, admire the ancient Mayan pottery and other artifacts found in the Museum of Belize, housed in a former colonial prison.
The fine white sands of Seven Mile Beach beckon visitors to the Cayman Islands' capital city of Georgetown. This sun-kissed stretch is dotted with graceful casuarina trees, perfect cover for a picnic or afternoon nap. For a more adventurous outing, travel by boat to the Stingray City Sandbar off Grand Cayman, where you can feed giant stingrays by hand. After the excitement of this underwater encounter, a stop at Tortuga Rum Factory may be especially tempting. The rum cakes — ranging in flavors from coffee to key lime — are irresistible.
Settled by the French in the 1600s, majestic Martinique in the French West Indies retains its colonists' style and reputation for fine living. The picturesque port of Fort-de-France surrounds a yacht-filled harbor, and nearby Point du Bont offers casinos, nightlife, golf and other resort amenities. History and scenery compete for attention here: visit La Pagerie, the birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Josephine; the remains of once-thriving St. Pierre, the victim of Mt. Pelee's eruption in 1902; or Diamond Rock, a peak once used as a British fort but now a diving site. Tread the soft white sands of popular Les Salines Beach or the startling black sands of more remote Anse Ceron.
Located off the north coast of Honduras, Roatan and the Bay Islands are a brilliant kaleidoscope of white sands, bright blue seas and emerald jungle-clad peaks. Considered one of the Caribbean's "best-kept secrets," the locale offers outdoor adventure galore. Explore archeological sites like the Copan Ruins, hike lush Lancetilla Botanical Gardens and Reserve, and dive, snorkel and kayak the crystalline ocean. Honduran hospitality welcomes visitors to this relatively untouched paradise, former site for the TV show "Survivor: Roatan."
Preservation of its abundant natural attributes is a priority on the small island of Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles. Known for its pristine marine environment, Bonnaire is particularly popular for diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. Back on land, outdoor adventurers can rent a mountain bike, hike the Slagbaai National Park, or flamingo watch at the Willemstoren lighthouse or the aptly named Pink Beach. You'll find shopping in the quaint capital city of Kralendijk, and the Caribbean's only barefoot casino at Divi Flamingo Beach Hotel.
Multi-faceted Mexico offers three popular ports in the Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Cancun and Mahahual in Costa Maya. The vast, walled Mayan city of Tulum — the only settlement built along the coast — is a must-see when visiting Cozumel. Travel by ferry to Playa del Carmen and then by motor coach to the majestic ruins, a fascinating showplace of stone carvings, ancient architecture and sundials. Another popular excursion is Xcaret, an ecological theme park where visitors can swim with dolphins.
Mahahual, situated on the coast of unspoiled Costa Maya, was developed as a tourist destination and cruise ship gateway to sun-bleached beaches and an array of inland adventures. Fishing the saltwater flats is a favorite pastime here, as is bird watching and exploring the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben, Kohunlich and Dzibanche. Off the beaten path, outdoorsman can explore marshland, mangrove thickets and the Sian Ka'an Reserve.
One of Mexico's most important tourist destinations, Cancun is renown for its fashionable resorts and spas, abundant dining and nightlife, modern shopping malls, and endless supply of water sports. Outside the city limits, visitors can tour the Mayan Riviera and stop at ancient ports-turned-playgrounds of Playa del Carmen, Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Not far is Tulum, the only walled Mayan city, and Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, famous for snorkeling and diving.
