Western Caribbean itineraries are the heart of Margaritaville at Sea's Tampa and Galveston sailings. Each port has a different personality, so here is a quick read on six of them, with ideas for your day ashore.
Cozumel, Mexico
Beach and reef dayTurquoise water, reefs and beach clubs.
- Snorkel or dive some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.
- Chankanaab Park for lagoon swimming, beaches and snorkeling in one stop.
- A beach club day pass for loungers, pools and a cold drink.
Good to know: pack reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen. Cozumel's marine parks ask for it.
Book Cozumel excursionsBelize City, Belize
Jungle and adventure dayJungle, Maya ruins and the barrier reef.
- Cave tubing through underground rivers, the classic Belize excursion.
- Altun Ha Maya temples, an easy half-day trip.
- Zip lining over the rainforest canopy.
Good to know: this is a tender port, so small boats carry you ashore. Book excursions early and keep an eye on the last tender back.
Book Belize City excursionsRoatan, Honduras
Reef and beach dayReef, beaches and island wildlife.
- West Bay Beach for powder sand and calm, clear water.
- Snorkel or dive Roatan sits on the Mesoamerican Reef.
- Ziplines and animal parks to meet monkeys, sloths and macaws.
Good to know: pack reef-safe sunscreen. West Bay is the favorite beach, so arrange your ride there ahead of time.
Book Roatan excursionsProgreso, Mexico
History and culture dayYour gateway to the Yucatán and Chichén Itzá.
- Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Mérida, the Yucatán's colorful colonial capital.
- Maya ruins and cenotes closer to port, for a shorter day.
Good to know: the pier is famously long, with a shuttle into town. Chichén Itzá is a full day, so book a tour that gets you back on time.
Book Progreso excursionsGeorge Town, Grand Cayman
Sea and sand daySeven Mile Beach and Stingray City.
- Seven Mile Beach for powder-soft sand and calm turquoise water.
- Stingray City, wade a sandbar with friendly southern stingrays.
- Snorkel and dive reef walls and some of the clearest water around.
Good to know: this is a tender port, so small boats carry you ashore. Allow extra time for the trip back.
Book George Town excursionsMontego Bay, Jamaica
Beach and culture dayBeaches, reggae and the Hip Strip.
- Doctor's Cave Beach, a crescent of white sand and clear water.
- Great River for bamboo rafting and river tubing.
- Historic great houses for a look at Jamaica's past.
Good to know: popular excursions fill up, so pre-book the ones you really want.
Book Montego Bay excursionsBooking through my link supports this site at no extra cost to you. Excursions are booked directly with Shore Excursions Group, a separate company.
How to plan a port day
- Pick one headline activity per port. A relaxed beach day and a full-day tour are very different, so decide which kind of day you want.
- Book the big ones early. Cave tubing in Belize, Chichen Itza from Progreso, and Stingray City at Grand Cayman fill up.
- Watch the all-aboard time. Be back on the ship with room to spare. It sails on schedule.
- Know your tender ports. At a tender port, small boats carry you ashore, which adds time on both ends.
- Pack for the water. Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes are worth bringing for the snorkel ports.
Want the exact ports, in order, for the sailing you are considering? Build a free personal cruise guide and it will list each port for your dates, with what to do ashore.
Ready to sail?
I will check availability and send a quote, with no booking fees. Or build a free personal guide to any sailing.
