Caribbean Sea - Discover Cayes, Coves and Cultures (Itinerary 2)

Your expedition starts in Miami’s cocktail of cultures that blends vibes from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. The architecture is also part of the greatest collection of art deco buildings in the world. Start your trip early with an optional Pre-Programme to explore more of what Miami offers.

The southernmost island in the Florida Keys and only 140 kilometres from Cuba, laid-back Key West is perfect for a day of exploration. Take a stroll amidst courtyards, gardens, and 19th century architecture in Old Town. Don’t forget to visit the Ernest Hemmingway House Museum.

The Expedition Team will recap the voyage so far and prepare you for the next few days of the expedition which will be full of tropical island experiences. Spend time on deck and look for seabirds or other marine wildlife or make the most of the pleasant weather with an invigorating yoga workshop.

The cityscape here features handsome colonial houses, seaside parks, and busy shopping areas. Cross the Belize City Swing Bridge, browse art shops, or visit the museum to learn more about the country’s Mayan legacy. Join an excursion to the Lamanai temple in the surrounding jungle and maybe sight crocodiles, fruit bats, spider monkeys, and herons.

We land at the uninhabited Half Moon Caye island in the Lighthouse Reef, the most remote of the atolls. The island is Belize’s oldest bird sanctuary and the only nesting site in the region for red-footed boobies. It is also the country’s first marine protected area, home to endangered loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles.

At just 13km long and 5km wide, Utila is the smallest of the Bay Islands. The town of Utila is the island´s only settlement, set on a curving bay with two short beaches. The island forms part of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and is home to gentle whale sharks up to six-metres long.

This archipelago is strictly protected and no commercial fishing is allowed. There aren’t even any roads, cars, or motorbikes. This high level of preservation has left the waters here with the healthiest and most pristine marine life in the Bay Islands. It is quite possibly the most beautiful place in all of Honduras.

Easily explored on foot, Trujillo enjoys white beaches and views of soaring mountains. Visit the three Garífuna fishing villages, meet the welcoming indigenous people, and try gifitti, a traditional drink. The old Fortress of Santa Barbara overlooks the bay and a museum recounts the area’s eventful history from Christopher Columbus to pirates and banana companies.

Join the Expedition Team for interesting lectures, learn the basics of expedition photography, and spend time out on deck enjoying the fresh sea air as you scout for wildlife. Continue your yoga routine and unwind with a guided meditation.

This tiny Colombian island in the Spanish Caribbean is a rare and unspoiled find off the grid. Tour the deserted golden beaches by buggy cart or go in search of pirate Henry Morgan’s hidden treasure. The diverse coral reefs are the centre point of UNESCO’s Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, and kaleidoscopic marine life inspires the above nickname.

Most of the Creole population live in colourful wooden houses on Great Corn, engaging in lobster fishing. Hike up Mount Pleasant Hill for views of the coves and stunning horseshoe bays. Pristine coral reefs surround both islands, tantalising snorkelers with the likes of barracudas, nurse sharks, hammerheads, green sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays.

Bocas del Toro is a stunning archipelago brimming with deserted sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, and lush rainforest. It is home to Panama's first National Marine Park and one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. This `Galápagos of the Caribbean´ supports wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, turtles, sloths, monkeys, and iguanas.

Use the Science Center’s state-of-the-art microscopes to observe the tiniest creatures in samples taken during the voyage. The Expedition Team never run out of interesting subjects to lecture about. Make sure you don’t miss today’s yoga session: healthy body, healthy mind. If weather permits, we will hold our guided meditation class outside under the stars.

More than 365 cayes, islands and reefs make up the San Blas Islands. Only 49 are inhabited, exclusively by Guna Yala Indians, who protect their islands by only accepting ecologically friendly tourism and shunning mass market cruise ships. Try fresh red snapper with coconut rice and a Coco-Loco drink, before relaxing in a beach-side hammock.

This wonderful voyage ends here at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Colón’s Canal Expansion Observation Center has viewing platforms over the locks and Gatún Lake. There is also a vast duty-free zone for some serious shopping. After saying farewell to MS Fram, add on a few extra nights with a Post-Programme to explore even more.