7 Nt Belize, Honduras
& Mexico Holiday -
New Years At Sea

Tampa, Florida

Tampa, on the Florida peninsula's west coast, is a thriving city
where historic neighbourhoods co-exist with sleek skyscrapers, and
where shrimp boats are docked next to cruise liners in the busy
port. Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Cuban immigrant, put Tampa on the
map when he introduced the cigar industry in the 1880s. This
developed Ybor City, now fully restored to its Latin Quarter
elegance.

Most visitors to the Tampa area stay in the resorts of St
Petersburg and Clearwater, across Tampa Bay from the city. However,
every visitor has ample reason to pay at least one visit to Tampa
itself for the exciting attractions and museums on offer. Tampa is
a firm family favorite due to the city's most popular attraction,
the Busch Gardens entertainment park. Tampa is also within easy
reach of Orlando, site of the world-famous Walt Disney World and
numerous other theme parks. Tourists staying in Tampa can look
forward to some thrilling excursions, and enjoy both urban
attractions and the sun, sand, and sea of the resorts just outside
the city.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya is a coastal town in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located on the Yucatán Peninsula's east coast, on the Caribbean Sea. Costa Maya is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. The town is a popular tourist destination, and is served by the Costa Maya International Airport. 

Costa Maya was originally settled by the Maya people. The Maya civilization reached its peak in the region between the 8th and 10th centuries AD. The Maya built a number of cities in the area, including nearby Chacchoben and Kohunlich. The Maya were eventually overtaken by the Spanish, who began to settle Costa Maya in the 16th century. 

Today, Costa Maya is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. The town is home to a number of hotels and resorts, as well as a cruise ship terminal. Costa Maya is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Belize City

In Belize nearly all journeys begin and end in Belize City, the
country's biggest urban enclave and port of entry, though in truth
it's not a very enticing tourist destination in itself. Belize City
sits in a swamp that stretches across Haulover Creek at the mouth
of the Belize River, criss-crossed with narrow streets and rather
smelly canals which are lined with a jolly jumble of buildings,
some little more than dilapidated shacks and others attempts at
rather pretentious modern stores. In between are some pretty wooden
houses and colonial landmark buildings.

The city has clung tenaciously to its muddy roots since it was
abandoned as a Mayan fishing camp in the 1600s and taken over by
pirates and buccaneers as a logging camp. Late in the 17th century,
the Spanish cut down the mahogany upriver, floated the logs
downstream and exported them from the motley little encampment at
the river mouth. Later the British established Belize Town, which
began the city's formal, rather tragic, passage into modern times.
Three times devastated by fires, scourged by disease epidemics,
flattened by hurricanes and tidal waves, the city somehow survived.
Today, in the new millennium, it subsists on tourism and fishing,
remaining the cultural, commercial, and social centre of Belize
despite the capital having been moved to Belmopan in 1969.

Most visitors to Belize City come ashore on tenders from dozens
of luxury cruise liners that include the city in their itineraries,
mainly to allow passengers to take adventure excursions to see and
experience the wonderful natural attractions of the interior and
coastline of Belize. Cruise passengers are welcomed at the
showpiece Belize Tourism Village, where courtyards and attractive
buildings contain a variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, craft
stalls, and other facilities to cater for their needs. It is the
departure point for numerous land and marine tours.

Independent visitors to Belize also generally start their
exploration of the country in Belize City, and can find some sights
of interest to fill a few days layover in the town, including the
world's only manually operated swing bridge, some colonial
architectural treasures such as the Paslow Building, the novel St
John's Cathedral built by slaves from bricks brought as ballast in
ships from Europe, and the art gallery at the Bliss Institute,
bequeathed to the city by British Baron, Henry Bliss, who died on
his yacht in the harbour. Also well worth a visit are the Maritime
Museum and Museum of Belize.

Bimini Island

Bimini is a beautiful island located in the Bahamas, an archipelago country in the Caribbean. Situated just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it is one of the closest Bahamian islands to the United States. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, Bimini is a paradise for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Bimini consists of two main islands - North Bimini and South Bimini - and is surrounded by a number of smaller cays. North Bimini is the more developed and populated of the two, with most of the island's tourist amenities and accommodations. South Bimini, on the other hand, is more secluded and offers a more laid-back atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Bimini is its incredible underwater world. The island is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with numerous reefs and shipwrecks to explore. The most famous dive site is the SS Sapona, a concrete-hulled shipwreck from the 1920s that is now home to an array of colorful marine life.

Fishing enthusiasts will also find Bimini to be a dream destination. Known as the "Bonefishing Capital of the World," the island offers excellent opportunities for fly fishing, especially for bonefish. The warm and shallow waters surrounding Bimini are teeming with these elusive fish, making it a prime spot for anglers.

Aside from its natural wonders, Bimini also has a rich history and cultural heritage. Ernest Hemingway once called the island his home, and his legacy can still be felt at various spots around Bimini. The Bimini Museum is a great place to learn more about the island's history, including its connections to rum-running during the Prohibition era.

When it comes to dining, Bimini offers a range of options to satisfy every palate. From fresh seafood shacks by the beach to upscale restaurants serving international cuisine, visitors can find a variety of delicious meals to suit their taste buds. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local Bahamian dishes, such as conch fritters and cracked conch.

Accommodations in Bimini range from luxury resorts to cozy beachside cottages, providing something for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly resort, or a budget-friendly option, you'll find suitable choices on the island. Many accommodations also offer amenities such as private beaches, swimming pools, and water sports facilities.

Getting to Bimini is relatively easy, with several options available. The most convenient way is to take a short flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, there are ferry services that operate from Florida to Bimini, taking approximately two hours.

In conclusion, Bimini is a slice of paradise in the Bahamas, offering stunning natural beauty, thrilling water activities, rich history, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're looking to relax on its pristine beaches, explore its underwater wonders, or immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, Bimini has something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable tropical getaway in Bimini!

Tampa, Florida

Tampa, on the Florida peninsula's west coast, is a thriving city
where historic neighbourhoods co-exist with sleek skyscrapers, and
where shrimp boats are docked next to cruise liners in the busy
port. Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Cuban immigrant, put Tampa on the
map when he introduced the cigar industry in the 1880s. This
developed Ybor City, now fully restored to its Latin Quarter
elegance.

Most visitors to the Tampa area stay in the resorts of St
Petersburg and Clearwater, across Tampa Bay from the city. However,
every visitor has ample reason to pay at least one visit to Tampa
itself for the exciting attractions and museums on offer. Tampa is
a firm family favorite due to the city's most popular attraction,
the Busch Gardens entertainment park. Tampa is also within easy
reach of Orlando, site of the world-famous Walt Disney World and
numerous other theme parks. Tourists staying in Tampa can look
forward to some thrilling excursions, and enjoy both urban
attractions and the sun, sand, and sea of the resorts just outside
the city.