Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.
Half Moon Cay has the attraction of other private islands plus some! This 2500 acre island, prides itself in maintaining the natural ecology; it protects 2400 of its acres by keeping them wholly unspoiled. Located one hundred miles SE of Nassau, its large protected bay used to be a famous refuge for pirates (or as famous as a pirate refuge can get). Enjoy nature activities, beach fun, or just swing in the hammock to the island steel band. Make sure to take at least one dip in the beach which is only chest deep 60 ft out!
Roatan is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands with small towns and fishing villages built along the water's edge. Ideal for snorkeling, explore her off-shore coral reefs inhabited by brilliantly colored fish and multicolored aquatic gardens.
Belize is an adventurer's paradise with a history that dates back more than a thousand years. Explore the ancient Mayan sites of Xunantunich or Altun-Ha. Swim, snorkel or dive and explore the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. Nearby stand the great pyramids and temples of their ancestors.
Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental United States and home of "Papa" Hemingway's noted hangout, Sloppy Joe's. Tour Presiden Truman's "Little White House" or bask on a beach that's just 90 miles from Cuba.
Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.
Charming Cartagena is one of the most fascinating towns in South America. The old city, almost completely surrounded by lagoons, bays and the Caribbean Sea, is still girded by its 17th-century fortifications. Once these guarded the gold and treasures of the New World, bound for Spain; now they shelter ornate churches and convents, the dramatic Palace of the Inquisition, and other historic gems.
Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.
Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.
Puerto Quetzal has become the destination of choice for historians interested in looking at ancient Mayan ruins. The ancient city of Tikal is nearby, and its ruins are remarkably well preserved. Once you've seen the ruins, take it easy along Guatemala's Pacific shore. The beaches here attract Guatemalans from all over the country.
The entire community is, in essence, a beach, so you will never be far from the sparkling sea and the warm, shimmering sand.There are a couple of outstanding restaurants in the vicinity, and the shopping here is limited but still enjoyable.The Museo de Artesanias Oxaquenas is an extraordinary museum where you can watch artistic geniuses at work.
Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.
Blessed with a sunny climate and a fine natural harbor, San Diego has grown from a Spanish mission into a thriving town. With two universities, a world-class zoo and safari park, the famous Hotel Del Coronado and the museums and attractions of Balboa Park, it's well worth exploring.