Few areas of the world offer more diversity for exploration, adventure, and relaxation than Central America’s Caribbean coast. Here, you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters off Belize’s Barrier Reef, glimpsing the brightly colored fish and sea creatures that inhabit one of the largest marine systems in the world. You can spot rare plants, flowers, birds, and wildlife as you hike the nature trails within Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. And when you travel deep within Belize’s and Mexico’s tropical forests, you can explore the seldom-visited Maya sites of Quirigua, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, Kohunlich, and picturesque Tulum—with ruins set spectacularly atop 39-foot cliffs overlooking deep turquoise waters.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in San Pedro Sula. Transfer to Puerto Cortes to embark Yorktown. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew.
Day 2: Santo Tomas de Castilla - Quirigua, Guatemala
Dock in the port town of Santo Tomas de Castilla. Drive to Quiriqua, an ancient Maya center founded circa 200 AD that flourished in the eighth century AD. Quirigua is famous for its huge stelae and altars that are covered with some of the finest carvings in the Maya world. Alternately, visit the Castillo de San Felipe, a well-preserved fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Day 3: Punta Gorda - Snake Cays, Belize
Arrive at Belize's Punta Gorda and drive inland to explore Lubaantun, a Late Classic Maya center that thrived between 700 and 800 AD. Lubaantun's remains include five main plazas, eleven major structures, three ball courts, and other edifices. The visitor center displays artifacts excavated at the site. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling at the nearby Snake Cays.
Day 4: Big Creek, Belize
From Big Creek, drive to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a dense tropical rain forest set against the peaks of the Maya Mountains. Clear streams and rivers traverse this protected sanctuary that is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tapir, armadillo, anteater, jaguar, and over 290 species of birds. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming and snorkeling at a nearby cay.
Day 5: Belize City - Goff's Cay, Belize
After arriuving in Belize City, drive to Altun Ha, an important ancient Maya site that was occupied for about 1,200 years. Archeologists have uncovered more than 500 buildings, but the core of the site is stretched around two great plazas that are lined with temples and other structures. Return to the ship. While enjoying lunch on board, sail to nearby Goff's Cay, a small islet that offers superb swimming and snorkeling.
Day 6: Costa Maya, Mexico
Arrive in port at Costa Maya, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. From here drive inland to explore the rarely visited site of Kohunlich. Located in an area of luxuriant foliage, Kohunlich's buildings date from about 100-900 AD. Notable among them is the Temple of the Masks, a stone pyramid dedicated to the Maya sun god. Alternately, explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area facing the Caribbean that is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and other wildlife.
Day 7: Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Arrive in Puerto Morelos and visit Tulum, one of the major Maya forts along the Yucatan coast. Perched on a promontory about 30 feet above the sea, Tulum's ruins include several important buildings. These include the Temple of the Frescoes and EL Castillo, a large pyramid on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Overnight aboard docked in Puerto Morelos.
Day 8: Puerto Morelos, Mexico / Disembark
Disembark in Puerto Morelos. Transfer to airport to continue your travels.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $950, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.