Audiobooks at Sea 2027 Ports of Call
Roatan, Honduras
Originally, Roatan was home to the indigenous Paya, Maya, Lenca, and Jicaque tribes. In the 14th century, Chistopher Colombus sailed to the islands and brought European diseases which devastated the local communities. Pirates and traders were common in the era. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the fishing and tourism industries expanded, and the population boomed as a result. The best way to discover the history and community of the island is the Flamingo Cultural Center, which offers educational programming on Garifuna culture, local preservation efforts, responsible tourism, social programs to benefit the local community, and much more. Look into the traditional dance classes while you’re here.
While visiting Roatan, Honduras, hit the beach at West Bay, which is great for families with young kids. The water is shallow enough that all types of swimmers can enjoy, plus it's brimming with schools of fish and colorful coral to explore. There is a fee to enter, but it comes with access to restrooms and changing stations. Rent a beach chair and enjoy a cold drink while you unwind.
Cozumel, Mexico
Amid the largest coral reef in the West, this Caribbean island lures anglers, divers, snorkelers, and beachgoers. Fish the flats or head out to blue water to hunt for big game—mahi-mahi, marlin, sailfish, and more. Bring your dive card with you on your cruise to Cozumel and witness all the natural wonders waiting below the surface, like neon tropical fish, swaying sea fans, and vibrant coral colonies. Or go snorkeling to see the show without a dive card. Curl up on the beach in a hammock with a cold one. At Playa Mia, you can even fly down Twin Twister waterslides.
Go cruise shopping for beautiful Mexican silver, amber, and other artisanal gifts in San Miguel. Or hop a ferry to charming Playa del Carmen, on the mainland, and stroll along la Quinta Avenida for more inviting restaurants, bars, and shops. Down the coast from Playa, you can explore the ancient Maya city of Tulum, perched impressively on a cliff, overlooking the brilliant sea and powdery beach below. Cozumel cuisine means fresh seafood. Savor the catch of the day served on a banana leaf, or enjoy it marinated in lime juice, cilantro, onion, and tomato. Of course, this is the place for Mexican classics like tacos, guacamole—and margaritas.
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Beginning where the Mayan Riviera ends, the Costa Maya stretches along the coastline up to Belize. The Costa Maya is the last remaining section of coastal properties yet to be exploited and there are acres of coastal land with absolutely no development. The odd fishing village spots the landscape but not much beyond that. Flying along the coastline you encounter numerous cenotes and you can still see the outlines and impressions of villages that were there centuries ago.
Check out the Mayan Pavilion Park, which has everything: Mayan handicraft centers, swim-up bars, great traditional restaurants, saltwater pools, a 650-seat amphitheater, Mayan art and architecture, amazing water sports and great shopping. For more adventures, explore the many surrounding Mayan cities like Chinchorro, Chacchoben, Bacalar, Chetumal and more. Take a break, relax and soak up the famous Mayan sun at Uvero Beach, complete with beach chairs, bar, restaurant, paddle boats, snorkeling and so much more. Take an exciting Unimog excursion right through the heart of the jungle.