Summary
A Caribbean cruise is a dream vacation for many travelers. However, when these travelers start planning their cruise, it is difficult to decide which ports of call to visit in the region. Since most cruises sail to either the Eastern Caribbean or the Western Caribbean, the big question soon becomes which is better: an Eastern Caribbean cruise or Western Caribbean cruise? The short answer is that you can have a great vacation at either destination, but there are differences in the ports of call.
This article describes things to do and see at the best cruise ports in the Western Caribbean. These ports include the islands west and south of Cuba, along with Mexico, Central America, and Colombia in South America. The good news for cruise travelers is that their cruise ship will most likely have shore excursion options to participate in the best local activities or see the most interesting historical sites in these ports of call. Alternatively, ships usually dock near a town and/or beach, allowing those who like to explore on their own to shop or enjoy the beautiful beaches and other sites of the Western Caribbean near their ship.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cruise ships have three great Western Caribbean ports of call on the eastern coast and Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. One of the ports, Progreso, is in the Yucatan state of Mexico. The island of Cozumel and Costa Maya, which is about a four-hour drive from Cancun, are located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Cozumel is an island about 12 miles from Playa del Carmen near the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, offering diverse activities for visitors. Many of these activities revolve around the water, with stunning beaches, diving, and snorkeling spots. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient Mayan site of San Gervasio, which is the only archaeological site on Cozumel. Additionally, Cozumel is just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, known for nearby excellent Mayan sites like Tulum.
Shoppers will enjoy the various shops near the cruise ship pier or can opt for a cab or shuttle to the town of San Miguel located in the island’s center. For those who are fond of dolphins and seeking a bit more excitement, a visit to Dolphinaris is a must, as it offers the chance to feed and swim with dolphins.
Progreso, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Progreso is located on the northern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately 30 miles from Merida. This port is distinctive due to its pier extending about 4 miles out into the sea, making it the world’s longest pier. Fortunately, cruise passengers can utilize a free shuttle taking them directly into town.
As one of the newer cruise ports in Mexico, Progreso offers dozens of exciting shore excursions. Visitors interested in Mayan history can explore archaeological sites such as Dzibilchaltun, Uxmal, or Chichen Itza, recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and the only one situated in North America.
Additional shore excursion activities include cave snorkeling, golfing, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, riding in a beach buggy, or exploring a cave. The nearby town of Merida offers further insights into the region’s rich history and culture.
Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya is also located on the Yucatan Peninsula, about 100 miles further from Playa del Carmen, and lies near the border of Mexico and Belize. This region is less developed compared to other Mexican ports of call, however, it boasts pristine beaches and remarkable Mayan ruins nestled within the nearby jungle, making it incredibly intriguing. Many cruise passengers aim to visit Chacchoben, an ancient city dating back to the 4th century A.D.
The Costa Maya area is home to a variety of bird species, monkeys, and even jaguars. Adventure seekers will find water sports, biking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding exhilarating.
The Costa Maya village and cruise facility is situated in the small town of Mahahual, located in the southern corner of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. This village was purpose-built to attract cruise ships back in 2001 and underwent significant renovation following a hurricane in 2007. Cruise travelers will find plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants near the pier, and it’s an affordable taxi ride into the shopping district of Mahahual.
Tours and excursions available include experiences offered by major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Grand Cayman Island
Although cruise ships must tender passengers ashore at Grand Cayman Island, it remains one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman offers visitors exceptional shopping, beautiful beaches, and lively bars. Unique attractions include Stingray City, the turtle farm, and Hell.
Stingray City is a well-known sandbar where visitors can feed stingrays. Small boats transport vacationers to the sandbar for activities like snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and feeding the stingrays by hand, or simply enjoying their presence in the crystal-clear water. The turtle farm on Grand Cayman hosts various types of sea turtles, providing an opportunity for both children and adults to learn about them. Hell, a small village situated on a rocky outcrop that resembles a burned area, attracts visitors wishing to purchase postcards and souvenirs while having their photos taken beside the “Hell” sign.
With all these captivating spots to discover, many cruise travelers choose to relax on one of Grand Cayman’s renowned beaches, such as Seven Mile Beach, to enjoy swimming or lounging on the white sand while sipping a refreshing drink.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Jamaica, a significant island in the Western Caribbean, features three renowned cruise ports along its northern coast: Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Ocho Rios. While vendors can be quite insistent, travelers often find that a polite dismissal works well.
Many consider Montego Bay as the capital of tourism in Jamaica. It is the island’s second-largest city, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional duty-free shopping, and luxurious golf and beach resorts. Although some beaches are exclusive to resort guests, cruise passengers can enjoy Doctor’s Cave Beach or take a trip to the famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril, which is less than two hours away.
Montego Bay boasts historic plantation homes, known as Great Houses, that are open to tourists. Additionally, it is possible to arrange tours to popular attractions near other Jamaican ports, such as Dunn’s River Falls, which is the closest to Ocho Rios.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth is a quaint town with about 10,000 residents, located about 18 miles east of Montego Bay. Its most famous resident is Usain Bolt, the Olympic champion and world-record sprinter. This historic town, recognized for its Georgian-style architecture, gained popularity among cruise travelers when Royal Caribbean opened its $200 million Falmouth Cruise Terminal in 2011. With ample pier space for two large cruise ships, the town’s population nearly doubles during port days.
The cruise terminal offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and shopping options to satisfy most visitors. While some guests may choose to remain within the terminal’s comforts, excursions are available that highlight Jamaica’s rich history, culture, or natural wonders.
Visitors can gain local insight and browse handicrafts in the town of Falmouth for an authentic experience of Jamaica.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios is the third cruise port on Jamaica’s north shore, positioned about 48 miles from Montego Bay and 30 miles from Falmouth.
Like other Jamaican ports, Ocho Rios offers a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. However, many visitors choose ship excursions to explore three popular local attractions: Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, or James Bond Beach.
Dunn’s River Falls is renowned for its beautiful terraces that stretch 600 feet high, ideal for climbing. Visitors should wear water shoes as the rocks can be challenging and slippery.
Mystic Mountain provides numerous activities (for a fee) such as zip lines, bobsledding, or a scenic chairlift tour above the rainforest. Adventure seekers will find it exhilarating.
James Bond Beach, located a 20-minute drive from Ocho Rios, got its name due to its proximity to Goldeneye, where Ian Fleming wrote many of the Bond novels.
Belize City, Belize
In addition to Mexico and the islands of the Western Caribbean, Central and South America are also included in cruise itineraries. Belize City is the largest urban center in Belize, formerly British Honduras, which gained its independence in 1981.
Belize City may not have as much shopping variety compared to other Western Caribbean ports; however, it offers remarkable shore excursions inland, such as tubing in a river inside a cave and zip lining through the jungle. Other enjoyable activities focus on Belize’s diverse culture, exploring ancient Mayan sites, hiking in the jungle, canoeing, kayaking, or visiting museums and wildlife sanctuaries.
Harvest Caye, Belize
Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private resort on the coast of Belize. Unlike Belize City, where tendering is required, cruise ships can dock directly at Harvest Caye. The 75-acre resort features a large swimming pool, beach with cabanas, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, parasailing, and paddle boarding. It also has a selection of retail shops.
Many cruise guests whose ships stop at Harvest Caye often spend their time indulging in the resort’s amenities. Nevertheless, those eager to explore more of Belize can partake in excursions including river tubing through the rainforest, navigating mangrove lagoons, or visiting ancient Mayan sites.
Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras
Located south of Belize, Honduras is home to Roatan, the most developed of the Bay Islands. Cruise ships anchor at either the capital of Coxen Hole or nearby Mahogany Bay. Both terminals provide plenty of shopping and attractions within walking distance; nonetheless, many visitors opt for snorkeling or diving adventures on the renowned reef surrounding the Bay Islands.
Similar to other Caribbean destinations, Roatan is rich in history and local culture. For cruise guests not particularly interested in beach activities, a historical tour of Roatan can provide valuable insights, while excursions through mangrove forests offer amazing wildlife sightings.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, stands as the only Western Caribbean port in South America. With nearly one million residents, it presents a different atmosphere compared to other Western Caribbean ports. Cruising into the city offers breathtaking views, so be sure to enjoy the panorama from the deck.
Most excursions in Cartagena focus on historical sites in the old town, including Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress initiated in the 16th century and completed over 150 years. The city has beautiful beaches nearby, appealing to those longing for a South American coastal experience. For jewelry enthusiasts, Colombia is acclaimed for its gems, particularly emeralds, hence visitors will find a plethora of jewelry stores.
Another interesting shopping area in Cartagena is the Las Bovedas shops, consisting of 23 dungeons erected in the 18th century that originally housed prisoners, now transformed into souvenir shops.
Colon, Panama
While the Panama Canal is an iconic destination, Panama also hosts ports of call spanning both the Western Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. Numerous Western Caribbean cruises often include partial transits through the Panama Canal, showcasing the Gatun Lock that connects Lake Gatun with the Caribbean Sea.
Colon serves as Panama’s Caribbean port and is the nation’s second-largest city. Although Colon may not have as many attractions as Cartagena, most cruise passengers typically have limited time in the city, as they have come to experience the Panama Canal.
Should time allow, visitors can explore beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with opportunities for bird watching, diving, and snorkeling. History buffs will appreciate the nearby ruins at Fort San Lorenzo, a 16th-century fort overlooking the Chagres River.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
While many tours in Costa Rica tend to emphasize the interior landscapes or the magnificent Pacific beaches, the Caribbean coast, notably Puerto Limon, offers unique wildlife experiences (such as sloths) amidst its lush environment.
Situated off the beaten path, Puerto Limon serves as a fulfilling cruise destination for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures. Activities here highlight the rainforest and trails at Braulio Carillo National Park, as well as the magnificent waterfalls and exotic wildlife present in Veragua Rainforest Park located nearby.
If you are particularly fond of sloths, the Limon province even boasts a sloth sanctuary, where visitors can learn all about these fascinating creatures.
Key West, USA
Most cruise cities within the USA primarily serve as embarkation and disembarkation points. However, a highly sought-after port of call for Western Caribbean cruises is Key West, Florida. As the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West offers a unique atmosphere characterized by its rich history, lively bars, and mesmerizing sunsets (as claimed by local brochures).
This picturesque city features beautiful historic homes within the district, including the residence of Ernest Hemingway (famous for its six-toed cats) and President Truman’s Little White House. Many cruise ships dock directly at Mallory Square, providing guests in balcony cabins an excellent view of the vibrant sunset as tourists and locals gather to enjoy the evening.
The sunsets at Mallory Square are often breathtaking, while cruise ship passengers can also enjoy great sunset views on most evenings.
