Overview

Cruise the warm Caribbean waters off Belize and Guatemala and marvel at the region’s diverse natural wonders: explore bird sanctuaries; snorkel amid teeming marine life; and observe the amusing antics of howler monkeys. Exquisite Mayan art and architecture are revealed at Lubaantun and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quiriguá.

Sail aboard Yorktown (p. 6) to Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, a vast coral formation and complex ecosystem stretching over 120 miles. Land at Half Moon Cay, a sanctuary for nesting red-footed boobies and cruise to the remarkable coral rimmed Blue Hole. Discover the tranquil paradise of Laughing Bird Cay; swim with tropical fish off South Water Cay; and at Goff’s Cay, see waters that range from deep blue to pale green.

Its intimate size permits Yorktown to navigate the Rio Dulce to Cueva de la Vaca, a gorge whose walls are covered with tropical foliage. Discover regional flora and fauna on a nature walk at the Chocón Machacas Reserve. Along the Monkey River, listen to the loud rumblings of howler monkeys and witness their aerial acrobatics. The area is a breeding ground for many tropical species, including alligators, toucans, and macaws.

See buildings ensnared by jungle at Lubaantun, once a significant site with 18 plazas and several temples. At Quiriguá, view intricately carved sandstone stelae that depict the deeds of local rulers, mythical figures, and animals. Encounter more recent cultural sites at the Castillo de San Felipe, built in 1653 to protect the region from pirates, and the Mopan Maya village of San Antonio.