A quaint seaside city toting a Texas-sized personality, Galveston offers both action-packed adventure and an easygoing beach vibe. Dangling on a barrier island fringing the Gulf of Mexico, the sea meets the South here in spectacular fashion. Over 60 National Register of Historic Places play backdrop to the Pleasure Pier’s waterfront amusements. Jump onboard a Galveston cruise to experience the lively seawall scene on two wheels, or relive the port’s glory days at the Texas Seaport Museum. Head to the island’s west end for kayaking and fishing— or brave the world’s tallest water coaster at Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Day at sea

With its laid-back beach-town vibe and one of the world’s longest piers, Progreso is the gateway to adventure on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Malecón Beach is a hub for sun seekers looking to lounge (or party) on long stretches of sand. And the fishing villages of Chelem and Chuburna are both prime spots for kayaking through mangrove estuaries. Explore shipwrecks at Alacranes Reef and swim with sea turtles in the clear waters off Perez Island. Or travel inland to stroll around Merida’s bustling squares. Yucatan cruises offer access to a treasure trove of Mayan archaeological sites digging deep into Mexico’s fascinating ancient past.

Cozumel, a Mexican jewel nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, is a captivating destination known for its stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. With its idyllic beaches, underwater adventures, and charming town, Cozumel beckons travelers to experience the natural wonders and warm hospitality of Mexico's largest Caribbean island.

• Begin your Cozumel adventure by exploring its renowned coral reefs. The island's crystal-clear waters and healthy marine ecosystems make it a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Dive sites like Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall offer colorful coral formations and encounters with marine creatures like sea turtles and eagle rays.
• Visit Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, where you can snorkel in a protected lagoon, swim with dolphins, and explore botanical gardens and ancient Mayan ruins.
• Discover the San Gervasio Ruins, a sacred site dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel. Explore the ancient structures and learn about the island's rich Mayan history.
• Visit the Cozumel Museum to delve into the island's history and culture. The museum's exhibits showcase the natural and archaeological heritage of Cozumel.
• Explore the charming town of San Miguel, the island's largest city. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, dine in local eateries, and shop for souvenirs in colorful markets.
• Savor Mexican cuisine, including fresh seafood, ceviche, and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork). Don't forget to try local specialties like tacos al pastor.
• If your visit coincides with the El Cedral Festival in late April, immerse yourself in the island's vibrant culture. Enjoy traditional music, dances, and rodeo events.
• Embark on a unique adventure by visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm. Learn about the cultivation of pearls and snorkel in the pristine waters around the farm.
• Explore Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, the southern tip of the island. Climb the Celarain Lighthouse for panoramic views, spot crocodiles in the lagoon, and relax on the tranquil beach.

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is a jewel of Central America that beckons travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a treasure trove of outdoor adventures. From its lush rainforests to its pristine Caribbean coastline, Belize offers a diverse range of experiences that make it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

• Start your journey with a visit to one of the world's most renowned diving sites, the Great Blue Hole. This underwater sinkhole, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), offers divers a chance to explore a stunning underwater world of limestone formations and diverse marine life, including sharks and colorful coral.
• The islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are your gateways to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Whether you're snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley, sailing along the barrier reef, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches, these islands offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Delve into Belize's rich history by visiting its ancient Maya ruins. Explore the awe-inspiring temples and pyramids of Caracol, Xunantunich, and Tikal (just across the border in Guatemala), where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the jungle canopy.
• Belize is home to an extensive network of caves, many of which are adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Embark on an adventure through the darkened depths, either on foot or by tubing along underground rivers. The ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) offers an especially unique experience, with ancient artifacts and skeletal remains still visible.
• Belize's biodiversity is a wonder to behold. Explore the jungles and rivers to encounter a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and vibrant parrots. Take a wildlife tour in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary or the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, known as "Jaguar Reserve."
• Discover the vibrant Garifuna culture in Belize's coastal towns. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of Punta music and dance, savor traditional dishes like hudut (fish stew), and learn about the unique history and traditions of this Afro-indigenous community.
• The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, offers unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Explore underwater caves, vibrant coral formations, and a kaleidoscope of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and rays
• Belizean cuisine is a fusion of flavors influenced by its diverse cultural heritage. Savor dishes like rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fry jacks, accompanied by a refreshing Belikin beer or cashew wine.

Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world— it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada— a spicy beer cocktail— in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

Roatán’s diverse blend of cultures and traditions is enough to charm anyone. But its mangrove forests, dense jungles, and swaths of white-sand beach will make you want to stay forever. Divers and snorkelers from all over the globe flock to the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands every year see to the world’s second largest barrier reef firsthand. Roatán cruises provide access to laid-back beach towns and secluded shores. On the Big Island, you can mingle with monkeys and “Jesus” lizards, snorkel with stingrays, and zipline through rainforest canopies. If it’s culture you crave, the island’s unique and vibrant blend is more than satisfying— made up of ex-pat sun seekers, Hondurans from the mainland, descendants of European settlers, and Garífuna, whose Afro-Carib-Arawak heritage still flavors centuries-old communities like Punta Gorda.

Day at sea

Day at sea

A quaint seaside city toting a Texas-sized personality, Galveston offers both action-packed adventure and an easygoing beach vibe. Dangling on a barrier island fringing the Gulf of Mexico, the sea meets the South here in spectacular fashion. Over 60 National Register of Historic Places play backdrop to the Pleasure Pier’s waterfront amusements. Jump onboard a Galveston cruise to experience the lively seawall scene on two wheels, or relive the port’s glory days at the Texas Seaport Museum. Head to the island’s west end for kayaking and fishing— or brave the world’s tallest water coaster at Schlitterbahn Water Park.