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.
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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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