7-Day Western Caribbean from Tampa

Costa Maya is a low impact tourism zone, part of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is the southern coastline of the State of Quintana Roo, and the farthest most reach of the Western Caribbean. Costa Maya is one of the last coastal frontiers in Mexico to be developed. There are acres of coastal land with absolutely no development, sprinkled with odd fishing villages and small towns.With its’ new cruise ship dock, Costa Maya is now being promoted as a cruise ship destination in the western Caribbean. To get to the Costa Maya area, visitors can fly to the international airports of Cancun, Merida, or Cozumel. From these airports, there are regular connections to Chetumal International Airport. In Chetumal one can rent cars or take a taxi or bus to Costa Maya.

Do you like fish? Not necessarily to eat. Just to look at. Because if you do, you’re going to love Cozumel, Mexico,where sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world. Abundant and colorful marine life turn the sea into a visual fantasy.

Of course, you might even love it if all you like are beautiful secluded beaches, great shopping, and authentic Mexican cuisine. That’s the deal with Cozumel; there’s a lot to like.

Roatan is the largest of the eight islands known collectively as Las Islas de la Bahia (Bay Islands). Brilliant clear blue waters and palm fringed beaches are cooled by gentle trade winds. An extensive reef system offers the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the Western hemisphere. After a day spent under-water, take time to check out shopping and beaches topside.

Tampa, (tàm´pe) city (1990 pop. 280,015; met. area 2,067,959), seat of Hillsborough co., W Fla., a port on Tampa Bay; inc. 1855. A highly industrialized city, it is the center of a metropolitan area that includes Clearwater and St. Petersburg. It is a resort and processing and shipping hub for the area’s products, particularly phosphates. It has a shrimp fleet, breweries, and a famous cigar industry, centered in its colorful Ybor City section. Nearby Busch Gardens, a theme park
with an African zoo and tropical gardens, is a well-known tourist attraction. The Spanish explored the area in 1528, but European settlement began only in 1823. Tampa was an important military base in the Spanish-American War.