Visit the jungle of Belize, meet turtles on Grand Cayman and admire the views from the hills of Jamaica. And, of course, relax on the beautiful beaches in all resorts.
As with all Caribbean ports of call, there is plenty of excitement to be had both above and under the water. Everything from scuba diving to sailing and exploring fabulous reefs. And all three countries are English speaking.
Belize
This was a favorite haunt of pirates, but now it is a peaceful and stable country, comparatively new to tourism and its coral reefs are magical.
Among the excursions available is snorkeling the barrier reef, a visit to the Baboon Sanctuary, the Bacab Eco Park Rain Forest, cave tubing and Mayan ruins.
The tour to the Altun Ha Mayan Site and the River Wallace is two trips in one. In the morning an informative guide shows you the Mayan ruins, which are set around a green sward. Following lunch it is time to board a motor boat for a sail down the river back to the coast. Along the way look out for Howler monkeys, crocodiles, toucans (more likely heard than seen) and iguanas, as well as other creatures the captain will point out.
Grand Cayman
Another favorite hangout for pirates in days of yore, this is a British Crown Colony, probably best known for its duty free shops.
Christopher Columbus recorded the first sighting of the Caymans in 1503, then in 1586 Sir Francis Drake discovered them. As did the pirates Henry Morgan and Edward Teach (Blackbeard), among others. In the 19th century settlers arrived on Grand Cayman, since when the islands have become a peaceful community.
Birds, fish and turtles abound and the beautiful beaches draw people there for vacations.
Excursions include sailing on a Catamaran to Stingray City sandbar, scuba diving, the Seven-Mile Beach, meeting pirates, kayaking or an Island Tour.
This last tour is fun as you see places such as the Governor's House, the Seven-Mile Beach, then stop at the turtle farm. Here are hundreds of endangered green turtles from the tiniest babies to some weighing more than 600 lbs. You can even hold a middle-sized one for a few moments. Also on the agenda is a visit to Hell. This is black jagged rock formations that many people think Hell looks like.
Jamaica
This is probably one of the most well known islands in the Caribbean. Sunshine, sand, fantastic scenery and friendly people. In 2007 the island celebrated 45 years of independence from the United Kingdom.
There are two ports of call on The Gold Coast, which is the northern coastline, and both share some of the same excursions. For example, trips to Dunn's River Falls which are tied in with either cycling, hiking, camels (yes, really), scuba diving and snorkeling.
Montego Bay: Rum and plantations seem to be the order of the day with tours to the Appleton Estate, the Croydon Plantation, the Greenwood Great House and the Rose Hall Great House (for stories of witchcraft).
For a chance to see Montego Bay and the surrounding countryside take a Highlights tour. For example, see the outside of Rose Hall, drive to a golf course - to admire the views, not to play, then shopping and finally time on a beach.
Ocho Rios: The most popular tour away from the water is the Bob Marley Bus Tour on a Jamaican Country Bus in search of the birthplace of Reggae and the spirit of Bob Marley. Or how about the Jamaican Dogsled Experience? A chance to visit Chukka Cover Farm and meet the famous dogsled team dogs.
During Western Caribbean cruises there are also ports of call on the Yucatan Peninsula. There are cruises all around the Caribbean, including the Eastern Caribbean.
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