Panama Canal & Central
America

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of
islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways.
With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise
ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town
situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and
couples from all over the United States, and beyond.

Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling,
or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort
Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in
the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting
facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world
renown golf courses.

Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward
Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual
Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort
Lauderdale's downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las
Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries,
restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Diners are supremely well catered
for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort
Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafés to al fresco waterfront
terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses.
As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.

Fort Lauderdale's facilities and attractions will please any
visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of
Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.

Sailing the Caribbean Sea

Montego Bay

The north coast of Jamaica is the island's
popular riviera area, and at the centre of this resort paradise is
Montego Bay, known affectionately as 'MoBay' to locals and regular
visitors. The area has a sparkling 10-mile (16km) shoreline,
fronted by coral reefs and aquamarine lagoons, backed by green
hills shrouded in sugar cane, banana palms and lush tropical
vegetation.

Christopher Columbus was the first European
tourist to step ashore at Montego Bay in 1494. The Spanish
settlement was founded in 1510. It has grown into Jamaica's second
biggest city, but is first choice for holidaymakers. The beaches in
the area are picture-perfect, while there is also bird watching,
music festivals, horse riding trails, golfing and floating down the
river on a bamboo raft.

The Montego Bay area also has a fascinating
historical background, not all of it pleasant, which lives on in
the legends and stories surrounding the few remaining great
plantation houses belonging to dynastic families that grew rich
from slave labour in past centuries. Several of these are open to
the public.

Sailing the Caribbean Sea

Scenic Sailing: Panama Canal

Colón

Colon is a charming and picturesque city located in the country of Panama, more specifically in the province of Colon. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Colon is a popular destination among international and local tourists alike. Whether you are interested in exploring its colonial-era architecture, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Colon has something to offer for every traveler.

One of the main attractions of Colon is its historic center, known as Casco Antiguo. This well-preserved area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a plethora of colonial-era buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic center and marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit museums, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants offering traditional Panamanian cuisine.

For nature enthusiasts, Colon provides ample opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests, mangroves, and stunning beaches. One of the most popular natural attractions is Portobelo National Park, located just a short drive from the city. This park is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as beautiful beaches and coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying a day at the beach.

Another must-visit destination in Colon is Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created during the construction of the Panama Canal. A cruise along the lake offers the chance to observe wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles, as well as to experience the impressive locks and ships passing through the canal.

Colon is also known for its lively cultural scene. The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing traditional dance, music, and cuisine. One of the most famous events is the Black Christ Festival, celebrated in the nearby town of Portobelo every October. This religious and cultural celebration attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond, and offers a unique glimpse into the Afro-Caribbean heritage of the region.

Moreover, Colon offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. The city is home to the Colon Free Trade Zone, one of the largest free trade zones in the world. Here, visitors can find a myriad of international brands at duty-free prices, making it a shopper's paradise. Additionally, the city has local markets and artisan shops where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

In terms of accommodation, Colon offers a variety of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Visitors can choose from waterfront hotels with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, or opt for a stay in the historic center to be closer to the city's main attractions.

In conclusion, Colon is a diverse and exciting destination that has something to offer for every type of traveler. From its rich history and beautiful architecture to its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, the city provides a captivating experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories. Whether you are interested in history, nature, culture, or simply relaxation, Colon promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Panama.

Limon

Sailing the Caribbean Sea

Roatán Island

Roatán is an island in the Caribbean, about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. It's a popular destination for tourists, with its white sand beaches, clear blue water and laid-back atmosphere.

There are a number of ways to get to Roatán, but the most popular is to fly into the Roatán International Airport, which is served by a number of major airlines. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your hotel or resort.

Once you're on the island, there are plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea or snorkeling or diving in the reefs.

If you're looking for something a little more active, there's plenty to do as well. You can go hiking or biking in the jungle, go zip-lining or horseback riding, or take a boat tour to see the island's dolphins and monkeys.

No matter what you do, you're sure to have a great time on Roatán.

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.

Cozumel

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen, and close to the site of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. The island's main town is San Miguel de Cozumel. The island is covered with mangrove forest and has a wide variety of fauna, including many species of birds, lizards, and fish.

Cozumel is a popular tourist destination, especially for scuba diving and snorkeling. The clear waters around the island attract many visitors from all over the world. There are many dive sites around the island, with something to suit all levels of experience. The most popular dive sites are the Palancar Caves, the Columbia Reef, and the Paradise Reef.

The island is also a popular destination for cruise ships. Cruise ship passengers often take excursions to the island, to visit the town of San Miguel, or to go on one of the many organized tours.

The island has a rich history. It was inhabited by the Maya people for centuries, and there are many Maya ruins on the island. The most famous Maya ruin on the island is the Temple of the Sun, which is located in the town of San Miguel.

Cozumel was also the site of a major battle in the Mexican-American War, known as the Battle of Cozumel. This was a brief but bloody battle, which resulted in the death of over 200 American soldiers.

The island has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and most pleasant.

Sailing the Caribbean Sea

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of
islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways.
With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise
ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town
situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and
couples from all over the United States, and beyond.

Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling,
or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort
Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in
the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting
facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world
renown golf courses.

Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward
Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual
Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort
Lauderdale's downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las
Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries,
restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Diners are supremely well catered
for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort
Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafés to al fresco waterfront
terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses.
As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.

Fort Lauderdale's facilities and attractions will please any
visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of
Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.