Travelmodia - Western Caribbean

For those new to cruising wanting a shorter, more budget friendly adventure but still having the warmer climate, then check into a Western Caribbean cruise. Long known for a unique blend of sun and surf, the Western Caribbean has been a magnet for those cruisers interested in visiting less ports and exploring the history of the Mayan ruins in Mexico as well as the cultures of Central America.

This western area of the Caribbean has a wealth of attractions unlike those of the Eastern Caribbean and its variety of itineraries keeps cruisers coming back over and over again discovering new places to explore. Click here to search for Western Caribbean cruises.

The Western Caribbean consists of the islands of Grand Cayman and Jamaica; destinations on Mexico's Caribbean coast on or near the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso; and Central American destinations on the Caribbean, such as Belize and Honduras.

As far as shore activities go, you can snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, scuba dive the Great Blue Hole, swim in the turquoise Caribbean waters, make friends with dolphins in Costa Maya, ride thrilling zip lines, spend the day at the falls of Ochos Rios, take 4-wheel-drive vehicles into the wilderness or visit the Mayan ruins of Telum or Chichen Itza.

The Western Caribbean is an ideal destination for a getaway cruise any time of the year having temperatures that rarely vary from highs in the 80's to lows in the 70's. Just like the Eastern Caribbean, the best time to visit is December through March, when it's cold in the US, Canada and Europe and warm, but not stormy, in the Caribbean. Ships and islands are least crowded in late April and May, the shoulder season, but the weather is still good. And just like the Eastern Caribbean, the hurricane season runs June through November, with storms most likely August through October. Even though the summertime has possible stormy conditions, many families and honeymooners flock to the Caribbean during this time, and prices do not tend to dip as ships sell out despite the possible stormy period.

Costa Maya (seen above) is near the border of Mexico and Belize. It is not as developed as other Mexican ports of call, however it does have pristine beaches and spectacular Mayan ruins hidden in the nearby jungle. Many cruise passengers to this region have their sight set on Chacchoben, an ancient city dating back to the 4th century A.D. Because these ruins are not as over-visited as others in Mexico, they are even more fascinating to those who visit them.

The Costa Maya village and cruise facility are in the small town of Mahahual in the southern corner of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. This area also features many different types of birds, monkeys, and even jaguars in its nearby jungle setting. Even though the port is relatively new, cruisers will love the numerous shops, bars, and restaurants close to the pier, plus it's just an inexpensive taxi ride into the shopping district in the small town of Mahahual.

All in all, the Western Caribbean offers a variety of destinations and cultures to experience, so much so that we can't cover them all here giving each its just review. That's why you will just need to experience the Western Caribbean for yourself, over and over and over again!