Escape to the Western Caribbean

Posted - April 21, 2017

Jamaica is known for its laid-back lifestyle. Music flows freely through the colorful open-air markets where shoppers can find a variety of handmade goods and sample Jamaican cuisine.

In Ocho Rios, climb Dunn’s River Falls with a congenial guide who will snap photos as you challenge the falls. In Port Antonio, ride down the Rio Grande River. It’s a relaxing six-mile journey on a bamboo raft that takes you through the lush bush areas of the island.

For a breathtaking panorama of Jamaica’s lush forest, visit Caves of Nunsuch and Athenry Gardens in Port Antonio. Not too far away is Blue Lagoon, also known as the Blue Hole. This deep sinkhole brings cold water from underground, turns the water inky blue, and provides the perfect aquatic platform for water-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides.

The island of Grand Cayman is best known as a diver’s paradise, with miles of sheer coral walls, brilliantly colored tropical fish, canyons and chasms, coral tunnels, caves, shipwrecks, and seemingly endless visibility. This island is also known for Seven Mile Beach, defned by its long stretches of soft white sand and lined with resorts, restaruants and shops. In northern Grand Cayman the National Trusts Salina Resserve is a combination of woodlands and wetlands, which allows visitors to glimpse rare blue iguana habitats, caves and unusual herbs. Be sure to visit the Cayman Turtle Farm and Stingray City, where you can swim with gentle stingrays that are soft as velvet.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Cancun has become Mexico’s premier resort destination on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its main strip, Boulevard Kukulcan, is lined with dazzling hotels, restaurants, clubs and shopping complexes. Its beaches are picture perfect.

Cancun lies in close proximity to Isla Mujeres, Xcaret, Cozumel, Xel-ha and Tulum, so taking an excursion is a must. Just a ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres is known for its cave diving, while some of the best reef diving is found in Cozumel. The eco-archaeological park of Xcaret is a Mayan playground of beautiful coves inlets and grottos. Here, you’ll find beaches, a dolphin area and aquarium.