Author: Elle MacRae

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Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Favorites List UNESCO World Heritage Site

Top 5 Things to do in Belize- the land of History & Adventure

Cahal Pech Ruins, Belize

Belize owns my heart. I fell in love with it on my first visit in 2007 and keep coming back for more. I have now been to Belize countless times and will most definitely be returning. There is a TON of things to do in Belize in fact, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re into history, culture, or adventure, this place has something for you!

A Little About Belize…

Belize is a beautiful country tucked in the middle of Central America near Honduras. Now… it isn’t your traditional beauty. The country itself is poor and most definitely still developing. While LFK is the ultimate paradise, Belize isn’t much of a looker. Belize, however, is a diamond in the rough. It has some serious potential.

The people of Belize are incredible. They are some of the most kind-hearted, welcoming, and appreciative people I’ve ever met. They are a huge part of why I love the country so much.

Belize and the Cruise Industry

Thanks to the cruise industry, Belize has become much more accessible to the average traveler. In fact, cruise ships drop anchor off of the coast of Belize City more than 330 times a year! More than 80% of the country’s visitors arrive via cruise ship.

If you arrive to Belize via cruise ship, I strongly suggest that you book an excursion. While Belize City is still developing as a tourist destination, there isn’t a ton to offer visitors just yet.

If you do not book an excursion then you will totally miss out on all of the incredible things Belize has to offer. Belize is the perfect location for adventurous travel. Between SCUBA Diving, Cave Tubing, Zip Lining, Caving, and all of the other outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored!

Our Top 5 Things to do in Belize:

Wading Through the Caves Branch River

Cave Tubing

Have you ever heard of cave tubing? Cave tubing is where you float on an inner tube on a river that winds through a cave. It is so relaxing and such a cool experience! Most cruise lines offer this excursion to its cruisers however it is also open to terrestrial travelers as well.

Cave tubing is available at the Jaguar Paw Cave near the capital city of Belmopan. It is located between Belize City and San Ignacio (home to a couple of Mayan Ruins).

From the parking lot, it’s a short hike through the jungle and a couple of river traverses before you hit the cave system. The caves are pitch black inside. The only light comes from your small headlamp. Parts of the cave have shallow water, just remember “Butts Up” and you’ll be alright!

El Castillo at Xunantunich

Visit the Ruins

Xunantunich may actually be my favorite Mayan ruins that I’ve been to. Xunantunich is located near the city of San Ignacio close to the Guatemalan border, about 80 miles west of Belize City. Part of what makes these ruins are so cool is the fact that you can actually climb to the top of El Castillo, the massive structure you see pictured above. The climb to the top is a little nerve-wracking but absolutely worth it. If you can summon the courage, you’ll be greeted by incredible views at the top.

I will say that the ruins do not offer the safety standards that many of us are used to, but at the same time how silly would the ruins look if they were covered in hand rails and protective barriers? Use your common sense and you should be fine. Parts of the climb are very narrow. I had to inch my way across a very narrow portion of the ruins. If you get scared, push through it!

Cahal Pech

You can actually see Cahal Pech from the top of Xunantunich. The two ancient cities were relatively close to one another. Cahal Pech is much smaller however, you’re able to explore many of the buildings and climb the pyramids. These ruins are much easier to climb than Xunantunich. If you are afraid of heights (or traveling with littles) but want the opportunity to truly explore Mayan ruins, then Cahal Pech is probably the best choice for you.

Zip Lining

Belize was the very first place that I tried zip lining. We booked a tour through Caves Branch. Interestingly, this was the same place that I had been cave tubing just years before. If you are a terrestrial traveler (rather than a cruiser) you could easily pair the two adventures together. You may also be interested in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park and Five Blues Lake National Park.

The guides were extremely helpful. More importantly, they were patient with us scaredy cats! I felt that they did a fantastic job coaching everyone through their zip lining experience.

The Great Blue Hole

The Blue Hole may be one of Belize’s most famous sites. For ages, this was the main reason many people visited Belize. The Great Blue Hole is well-known for its diving and snorkeling. It is located about 43 miles north of Belize City.

In 2012, the Discovery Channel ranked it #1 on their list of “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth” and it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to research the pre-requisites for divers before you book your trip. Most cruise lines offer excursions to this popular dive spot.

Nurse Sharks Greeting us at Shark & Ray Alley

Swim with Sharks & Rays

Imagine leaping into the middle of the sea and being completely surrounded by nurse sharks and stingrays. Talk about a rush! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, we suggest visiting Shark and Ray Alley.

This tourist hot spot is located near the stunning town of Ambergris Caye. Cruise lines offer excursions here and there are a couple of different companies that offer boat tours for terrestrial travelers.

You’ll be absolutely amazed at how gentle these nurse sharks are. Nurse sharks are slow-moving bottom-dwellers. They can grow up to 14 feet long and have thousands of teeth. Don’t let those teeth fool you though, nurse sharks are harmless (unless, of course, you step on one…).

While You’re in Belize

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Caribbean Cayman Islands Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Grand Cayman

Smooching Stingrays at Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Stingray City is a collection of shallow sandbars found in the North Sound of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Each year tourists flock to the area for the opportunity to swim with southern stingrays. The waters of Stingray City are shallow making it easy to wade and interact with the animals.

Where is Stingray City?

Stingray City is located just off the coast of the island of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. The sandbars are inside a narrow channel that pass through a barrier reef. The sandbars dot the coast of the North Sound from Morgan Harbour to Rum Point.

Wait… What Are All of These Stingrays Doing Here?

Local legend has it that decades ago fisherman would pull their boats into the shallow channel to clean their fish. The reef helped to block the waves and tradewinds allowing fishermen to have calm waters to clean their fish. The fishermen would toss the fish guts and squid overboard. Eventually, stingrays began congregating here to feast. I mean…who can blame them, it’s basically a free meal!

Over time, stingrays began associating the hum of the boats engine with mealtime. Pavlov would be very proud! Today, private watercrafts, and tours, gather at Stingray City to frolic with the gentle stingrays.

How do the Stingray City Tours Work?

There are a wide variety of companies that offer Stingray City excursions. Once you book your tour, you be transported out to the sandbars. As soon as the stingrays hear the boat engines, they’ll start heading towards your vessel. You’ll be handed some snorkel and safety gear before you disembark. The water here is shallow- we’re talking waist-to-chest high so it feels as though you’re in a pool with them rather than in the open waters.

The boat crew typically brings along chum or squid that they toss into the waters to encourage the animals to hang around longer.

Looking to book an excursion?
Captain Mavin’s Watersports
Stingray City CaymanIslands

FUN FACT: A GROUP OF STINGRAYS IS CALLED A FEVER.

Wait…Aren’t Stingrays Dangerous?

Of course, we’ve all heard about the death of the legendary Steve Irwin. In 2006 Irwin lost his life after a stingray barb tragically pierced his heart. This was an absolute freak accident. I have had quite a bit of experience with stingrays and I have to tell you, they are easily some of the most gentle creatures I’ve ever encountered.

The interesting thing about these stingrays is that they are so incredibly used to being handled by humans that they pose little to no threat at all. For generations they have been fed by humans so now they willingly allow humans to handle them, pet them, and will pose like a popstar all day long.

Also, stingrays never attack humans, unless they have been provoked. Stingrays are gentle creatures and do not consider us as prey. Stingrays will only react if they feel threatened or if they are stepped on.

As a Floridian, I learned the “Stingray Shuffle” at a young age. The Stingray Shuffle is a way of walking in the water to avoid stepping on ocean life. Rather than picking up your feet, you drag them across the sandy bottom.

Our Experience

We had an absolute blast on our excursion to Stingray City. Admittedly, I was thinking about Steve Irwin the entire ride out to the sandbar. It totally psyched me out. By the time I got to the sandbar my stomach was in knots!

Before disembarking our boat, we were given a safety briefing. During the briefing, the crew demonstrated how to do the Stingray Shuffle. The Stingray Shuffle is a way of walking in the water to avoid stepping on ocean life. Rather than picking up your feet, you drag them across the sandy bottom. They also showed us how to properly hold squid when feeding the stingrays. When feeding the rays, make sure you tuck your thumb into your fist…unless you want your thumb to be inhaled by a stingray, that is.

Even though I’ve had plenty of experiences with stingrays at our local zoo, I was still really nervous when entering the water. Almost immediately the rays began surrounding me, ticketing me with their velvety wings. It took a few minutes to get acclimated to the feeling of the rays swimming up against me. Within minutes I was eagerly petting and feeding the stingrays. I even had a stingray climb on my back and give me a massage! By the end of our visit, I was kissing every stingray that came near me.

It was truly an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to take my little ones to Stingray City! My experience at Stingray City inspired me to swim with nurse sharks and rays in Belize. I just can’t get enough of these gentle, graceful creatures!

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Updated: 10/19/21

Categories
Canada Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel The Yukon

Stretching Our Legs at the Carcross Desert in the Yukon

Did you know that nestled between the stunning snow-capped mountains and emerald-colored lakes of the Yukon there is a tiny desert? The Carcross Desert is located just outside of the town of Carcross. The dunes measure a mere one square mile. Despite the size, this small little corner of the Yukon stands in stark contrast to the stunning green lakes and mountains that surround it.

The Story Behind Carcross Desert

Although this area is often referred to as the “World’s Smallest Desert”, it’s actually just a series of sand dunes. In fact, the area is considered to be too humid and receives too much rain to be considered a desert, at all. However, the random patch of sand in the middle of a valley appears to be a dessert. The dunes are actually what is left of a massive glacial lake that was formed during our most recent glacial period. Pretty cool, huh?

Today, most of the sand here is carried by the wind from nearby Bennett Lake. Although the local government has made an effort to protect the area, they received opposition from the locals who used the dunes for recreational purposes.

What is there to do at the Carcross Desert?

Upon first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much to do here. When you initially pull into the parking lot you’ll see a few educational signs giving you the history of the area and a bathroom. The rest…is left up to your imagination. Whether you decided to climb to the top of the tunes, roll down the dunes, or build a sandcastle- the choice is up to you! We suggest climbing to the very top of the large sand dune to the north. This vantage point offers incredible views of Bennett Lake. Trust me, it’s worth the trek to the top of the dune!

Of course, if you have a bit more time, there are also tours available in the area if you’re interested in renting an ATV or sporting equipment. How cool would it be to spend the afternoon four-wheeling in this scenic location?

What else can I do in the desert?

  • Sandboarding
  • Off-roading tours
  • Beach volleyball
  • Hiking
  • Skydiving
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Climbing

All in all, despite the desert being small (and not a desert at all), Carcross Desert is a great stopping point to break up your car trip. This photogenic little pocket of sand stands out in stark contrast to the emerald lakes and stunning snow-capped mountains that dominate the area. It is well worth the stop.

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Aruba Bonaire Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

Aruba Ostrich Farm- An Absolutely Must-See!

Aruba Ostrich Farm

If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop into the Aruba Ostrich Farm. The ostriches will be super excited to see you and absolutely love the attention!  I know what you’re thinking…ostriches?  In Africa?  You’ve gotta be kidding me!  I’m TOTALLY not.  There’s  an ostrich farm. In Aruba. 

The Aruba Ostrich Farm is the perfect place for adults and kids, alike! Here you’ll be able to feed live ostriches, see chicks and baby emus in incubators, and learn all about “The King of Birds”.  Despite the fact these massive birds are far from their African homeland, they are thriving in this stunning island nation.

FUN FACT: The ostrich has quite the impressive mating dance. If you’re lucky you’ll get to witness it first hand (we did!).

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.  It’s a really cool way to tie in the ostrich’s ancestral homeland with their current home.  

The Aruba Ostrich Farm Tour

Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and taught us all about the ostriches and emus natural behaviors and survival tactics. He even gave us the low-down on the ostriches mating rituals.  I won’t spoil the story for you!

Did you know ostriches have three stomachs? The highlight of the tour was being able to feed the ostriches. It was super amusing watching them peck into the bowls we held. And by amusing, I mean that I was terrified by how ferociously they were pecking at the bowl…but hey, if I had 3 stomachs, I’d be starving too. The birds were far from shy and seemed to love all of the attention they were getting. And honestly, how many people can say they’ve fed an ostrich? It was a pretty rad experience, if I do say so myself!

The tour finished off with a visit to the incubator and hatchery. We also got to see the pens where they keep the young ostriches and emu.

While we were there we enjoyed lunch at the Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant. The eatery features a locally inspired lunch menu and serves smoothies (both kid-friendly and spiked), sodas, and the local beer, Balashi.

Over the years, I have become more and more aware of responsible travel/tourism. Part of that making conscientious decisions about the treatment of animals at “zoos” and “farms”. There are some animal attractions that I look back on and think “Man, I wish I wouldn’t have visited there.” The Aruba Ostrich Farm is not one of those places. The animals are well cared for, have clean habitats and seem to be genuinely happy. The employees were knowledgeable and gave the animals lots of positive attention.

The Details

Tours cost $14 per adult and $7 per child. Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. The farm is open 7 days a week.

Where is the Aruba Ostrich Farm Located?

Matividiri 57, Oranjestad, Aruba

Phone: +297-585-9629

 

Our Aruba Essentials

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen
UV Protection Sun Shirt
Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Hands-free Neck Fan

Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.

While You’re in Aruba…

 

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If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, we strongly suggest you check out the Aruba Ostrich Farm.  A trip to this charming little farm will be one of the highlights of your trip!  The experience of feeding this massive, friendly birds will be something that sticks with you for a lifetime.

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Updated: 11/14/2021

Categories
Alaska Cruise Tips Cruise Travel United States

What Should I Expect on an Alaskan Cruise?

I have to admit, I’m suffering from a bit of wanderlust. I’ve been dreaming of some of my favorite locations (Honduras, Belize, and Alaska) and I’ve been counting down the days until my next trip. Boy, let me tell you, it can’t come soon enough! Since Alaska has been on my mind so much, I thought I’d share some information about what you can expect on an Alaskan Cruise.

Which Cruise Lines Offer an Alaskan Cruise?

Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Crystal cruise lines all sail to Alaska. There are also some smaller companies that make the voyage.

When is Alaskan Cruise Season?

Most cruise lines begin their Alaskan cruise season in May however, some may try to sailing in late April. The Alaskan cruise season will typically end by mid-September when the temperatures begin to plummet and the ice begins to form.

Rough Seas? Many people worry about experience rough seas while they are on cruises. If you cruise during the shoulder season (May or September) there is a greater chance of experiencing rough seas. This is mostly in part to the changing of the seasons.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

The weather in southeast Alaska is relatively mild during the cruising season. The average daytime temperatures are in the mid-60’s during the daytime and mid-’40s at night. Not bad, right? You should prepare for rain, however. Many of the cruise ports are located in the Alaskan rain forest.

If you plan on going to check out one of the many glaciers, you will definitely want to pack warm clothes; we’re talking coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. Even on bright and sunny days, these areas are super chilly!

It should be noted that if your Alaskan cruise itinerary includes a day sailing through the fjords that inclement weather/the presence of ice, may impact a fjord day. On my Alaskan cruise itinerary, we were supposed to sail through the Tracy Arm Fjord. Unfortunately, there was a ton if ice caps floating around so we were unable to successfully go through Tracy Arm, instead we visited Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm, which was awesome!

Seals

Since the summer months are mild, you shouldn’t have to worry about snow. There will be snow on the mountain tops, and maybe even some on the ground (we saw snow up in the Yukon, for instance) but it shouldn’t be snowing.

Will I see Whales?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions people that visit Alaska get. Chances are, yes, you will see a whale. We were fortunate enough to see countless whales on our weeklong Alaskan cruise. We saw several humpbacks (even some breaching the water!) and lots of orcas. The key to whale watching is being patient, paying attention, and focusing on the horizon.

Our Alaskan cruise had a naturalist on board that would announce when she spotted whales. She’d say “There’s a humpback fluke on the port side at 10 o’clock,” so people would know where to look.

We spotted most of the whales in the Inside Passage and right near the US/Canadian border.

Seals

What other wildlife is frequently spotted?

You’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing seals, and eagles in the fjords. I can’t even begin to tell you how many bald eagles we spotted. They literally dotted the entire fjord. We also saw quite a bit of them in Juneau.

As far as other animals, it will depend greatly on the excursions you choose. While we didn’t get to see any moose, we did spot some bears. In fact, we saw a bear sauntering across the street in downtown Juneau! You may also see goats and salmon.

What should I pack?

The key to packing for Alaska is making sure you have layers! I packed a long sleeve shirt or a sweater/cardigan for each day. Underneath this shirt, I also had a tank top or a short-sleeve shirt. I also wore a jacket every single day. I almost never took off my jacket so I could have totally gotten away with wearing the same thing every day! Make sure you pack a jacket and you are prepared for rain.

One cool thing about Alaskan cruises is that they are super laid back. You don’t have to worry as much about formal nights. This was incredibly handy since I had to worry about the weight of my baggage when I flew from Florida to Seattle.

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Updated: 11/17/21

Categories
Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel

Shark and Ray Alley in Gorgeous Belize

Belize has been my favorite country since I first laid eyes on her. She’s a little rough around the edges but she is lovely! My last trip marked my 6th trip to Belize. On the previous trips, I took a 2.5-hour bus ride to San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border. Here I’ve visited two Mayan ruins- Xunantunich and Cahal Pech-, I’ve gone cave tubing and gone zip-lining through the jungle canopy. While all of these were truly memorable experiences, I have to admit I’ve been missing out by not exploring the coast. Shark and Ray Alley took my breath away.

During my most recent visit, I booked a trip to swim with sharks and stingrays near Caye Caulker (pronounced Key Corker by the locals). Caye Caulker got its name from the fact that many of the original explorers would get holes in their boats from the mangroves and reefs that surround the area. They would have to cork the holes to repair the vessel- hence the name Caye Caulker.

Heading to the Mesoamerican Reef

We took a scenic 45-minute boat ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker passing countless islands such as St. George Caye- where the British originally settled in 1650. Our boat took us to the Rainbow Bar & Grill where we were able to change. Afterward, we took a quick ten-minute boat ride to the Mesoamerican Reef- the second largest coral reef in the world. Although it is smaller than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, it is considered the largest living reef in the world.

Although Belize likes to lay claim to the reef, it actually stretches for nearly 700 miles from the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula down through the Bay Islands of Honduras. My friends in Honduras are quick to remind you that the reef belongs to them just as much as it does to the Mexicans and Guatemalans.

We spent some time snorkeling the reef. Our guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many different coral formations, several different species of fish, and many other things such as stingrays and a green moray eel. We got to see a ton of angelfish, parrotfish, a pufferfish and we even saw an intimidating barracuda that was longer than my arm!

Shark and Ray Alley

Next, we hopped back on the boat for about five minutes and made a pit stop at Shark and Ray Alley just south of the Hol Chan Cut and Ambergris Caye. For years, fishermen would clean their catches in this location. Soon, they found the remnants from their catches were attracting Nurse Sharks and Southern Sting Rays. Over the years, the sharks and rays have become very accustomed to having people around. Now, whenever they hear the purr of an engine, they surround the boat to vie for some scraps.

I’ve been swimming with stingrays before, in Grand Cayman, and I’ve swum with sharks before- but never quite like this! We were surrounded by more than a dozen Nurse Sharks and just as many stingrays! There was no time to get intimidated! Within minutes we were in the water. Believe it or not, without a snorkel mask on, you’d never know you were surrounded by the sharks and rays…at least not until they grazed up against you!

The sharks and rays were harmless and actually seemed to like the attention. It was such an awesome experience!

Back on Caye Caulker

Afterward, we returned to Caye Caulker for lunch at Barefoot Caribe’s. The island was full of vibrant colored buildings. It looked very much like your typical Central American or Caribbean beach town. The sand-covered roads were lined with palms, bungalows, shops, and bars. There were no cars on the island- just bicycles and golf carts. The overall experience was unlike anything I had ever seen in the rest of Belize. The remainder of the country is blanketed in vibrant green jungles, rolling hills, and homes that are in various stages of disrepair. It was almost like being in an entirely different country altogether!

After a day full of swimming, snorkeling, boating, and drinking rum punch and my favorite Belkin beer, it was time to head back to Belize City. Our captain took us through “The Split” and told us how in 1961 Hurricane Hattie cut Caye Caulker in two. Just past The Split, the captain surprised us with a side trip to a cove full of tarpon. The crew passed around sardines to everyone and showed us how to properly feed the massive fish (we’re talking over 100 pounds!). The fish leaped out of the water to catch their afternoon snack. It was a great way to end the day!

Caye Caulker and the coast made me fall even more in love with Belize. I am so glad that I switched things up and went north to Shark and Ray Alley. I will most definitely be back to check out more of what the coast has to offer. Ambergris Caye…I’m coming for you!

While You’re in Belize

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Updated: 2/19/2021

Categories
Cruise Travel Packing

13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of your trip. I mean… essentially you’re going to be living off of whatever you toss into your suitcase. Of course, there’s always the option of buying items in port but who wants to spend their trip shopping for toothpaste? Purchasing everything you need for your Cruise Beach and Pool Bag will save you the hassle of hunting down these items in port.

For me, organization is the key when it comes to packing. I like to have everything I need at arms reach. I use packing cubes and individual bags to help me keep everything nice and organized. That way when it’s time to hit the beach or pool, I have exactly what I need. The same can be said for when I’m spending time in the jungle or on a walking tour. The faster I can be out the door, the better!

Today I’m going to share with you what I keep in my 13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag. I mean… after all, that is the reason most of us go on a cruise, am I right? I fill my beach bag with both the essentials and items that you may not have thought about.

13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag

1. Sunscreen- The first thing I always stash away in my bag is sunscreen. Cruisers often underestimate the UV Rays in the Caribbean. Even as a Floridian, I can easily get color in the islands. I carry around sunscreen of various strengths so I can switch it up depending on how much color I have already gotten during my trip. Trust me, there is nothing worse than being burnt like a lobster on Day 1 of your cruise. Don’t forget to protect your lips, as well!

2. A Towel– Of course, you have to bring a towel along, right? I don’t bring one of my own personal towels from home rather, I use one of the ship’s towels. Quick-dry beach towels come in handy if you plan on doing more than just hitting the beach (ie: shopping, fitting in an excursion, etc.)

Pro- Tip: These towels can be taken off the ship as well, just make sure you don’t lose it! There will be a fine if you do.

3. Aloe– I always, always, always pack aloe with me on a cruise. I keep it in my fridge when I’m in the cabin and take it into port with me. I got absolutely fried in Aruba. Despite the fact that I was wearing sunscreen, I got burnt to a crisp. I was miserable in my next port, Grand Turk. Since then, I always make sure I have aloe on me juuuuuuuusssssssstttt in case.

4. A metal tumbler or water bottle– Remaining hydrated is super important while traveling, especially if you’re going to be drinking. I bring a water bottle with me into port and carry a tumbler around when I’m poolside. I use a metal tumbler so it stays cold longer and I replenish it with water or juice throughout the day so I don’t risk getting dehydrated.

5. Towel Clips– Towel clips are the latest addition to my beach and pool bag. They are most definitely a novelty, and not totally a necessity but it is nice to not have to worry about your towel flying overboard.

6. Hair Brush– I hate how tangly my hair gets after swimming in saltwater. I like to run a brush through my hair before leaving the beach or before leaving the pool area. I travel with a collapsible brush so that it doesn’t take up much space.

7. Hair Tie– Ladies! Always, always, always bring a hair tie along. The decks of the ship can be very windy and your hair will be a hot tangled mess if you don’t wear it up. This is always super handy to have when you’re going on boating excursions.

8. Sarong/Cover Up– I bought the cutest sarong in St. Thomas and I bring that thing with me everywhere. It’s great to have on hand so you can throw it on real quick if you need a refill or some fruit (or pizza!) from the buffet. Sarongs are super versatile! They can be used as a cover-up, a scarf, a headwrap, an extra storage bag, and even a sling (trust me, I’ve done it!).

9. Ear Buds– Bust out your earbuds and crank up your beach playlist! Earbuds are a great way to drown out background noise and get the most of your “me time”. If you don’t have earbuds at the pool, no worries- there is usually a band or some tunes playing.

10. Kindle Paperwhite– I used to always have a book on hand when I’m on vacation! Now I travel with a Kindle Paperwhite. It has an adjustable screen so that it is easy to read outdoors and it is waterproof making it the perfect e-reader for the beach or pool. Easy reads like The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich and anything by Chelsea Handler are great to read while relaxing in the sun.

11. Gallon Size Bag- I pack a handful of these when I cruise. They are great for keeping documents and phones safe and dry, preserving small souvenirs, and for storing wet bathing suits and clothes. They take up practically no space and are super lightweight- so why not?

12. A Hat– Hats are a must for the beach or pool. They are a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes and for keeping your hair somewhat tamed.

13. Snorkel Gear- Okay, so obviously I don’t use my snorkel gear in the pool (that stops being cool at like the age of 12) but it is great to have on hand at the beach. If you book a snorkeling excursion, the company will most likely provide you with the equipment however, I still like to bring my own. It’s also great to have on hand when you’re just doing a beach day. I bought this full face snorkel mask and it worked perfectly!

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Categories
Costa Maya Cruise Travel Mexico

Relaxing in Costa Maya, Mexico

Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula is a quaint cruise port known as Costa Maya. Costa Maya, or Puerto Costa Maya as it is known locally, is one of the most diverse ports in the Caribbean. The land was developed by Carnival and opened in 2001. It was later rebuilt in 2007 after it was devastated by Hurricane Dean.

Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.

Costa Maya is one of the Carnival ports where you can get away without booking an excursion. Other ports like this include Mahogany Bay, Nassau, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and Half Moon Cay.

Wait…what do you mean I don’t need to book an excursion here?

Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.

When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.

What are the highlights of Costa Maya?

  • Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
  • Souvenir shops
  • Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, Carlos and Charlies, etc).
  • Tequila Bar
  • Aviary
  • Fish Spa
  • Kakaw Chocolate
  • Dolphin Encounter
  • SCUBA diving

What is there to do nearby?

At the rear of the complex, you can catch a cab into “town” where you will find more restaurants, shops, bars, and beaches. There really isn’t anything within walking distance.

When you’re on the ship, looking at the coast, you’ll see a building built to resemble a Maya temple. This is the Lost Mayan Temple Adventure Park where you can spend the day zip lining, zooming down water slides, or relaxing in the pool.

Consider…

  • Visiting the Lost Mayan Temple Adventure Park
  • Explore the Maya Ruins of Chacchoben
  • Venture of to the Mahahual Fishing Village
  • Tour the Spanish fortress at Bacalar

How do I access the beach?

Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.

My Thoughts on Costa Maya

Costa Maya is a great port to kick back and relax. I enjoy browsing through the stores and sampling the local beers. Each time I’m in Mexico, I pick up a bottle of vanilla for baking season. Mexico is also a great place for linens, pottery, ceramics, and silver.

It is important that if you decide to venture away from the port that you pay attention at the taxi stand when they go over the map. I’ve never had any problems in Costa Maya, but like any tourist destination, there is some crime.

Sometimes, it’s great to have absolutely nothing to do. That’s what I love so much about visiting Little French Key– there’s no timeline and no agenda. Costa Maya is the same way, really. You can just mosey around, popping in and out of stores, visit bars, maybe grab a bite to eat. It’s just so relaxing!

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Huguenot Park- The Locals Favorite Summer Hangout

When people think of Floridians they think of a bunch of rednecks that hang out at the beach all day, am I right? Believe it or not, until we adopted the kids we actually didn’t spend a ton of time at the beach. At one point we lived 5 blocks from the ocean and rarely ever hit the sand. Now that we have kids, however, we’re at the beach every weekend. It’s the perfect way to wear them out. Huguenot Park is the beach that we visit most frequently. The fact that you can drive on the beach makes it super convenient when you have little ones.

What is the Huguenot Park?

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

The park was named after the French Huguenots that arrived in this area in 1562. The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

On his second voyage to the Americas in 1565, Ribault and his men were shipwreck near St. Augustine. The crew encountered the Spanish Governor, Pedro Menendez, at the Matanzas Inlet. The Governor feared that the French were encroaching on his territory and killed Ribault and his men.

There is a memorial plaque honoring these men at the entrance to Huguenot Park. The park is formally named Huguenot Memorial Park in their remembrance.

Things to Know…

  • Bicycle entry is $3, vehicle entry is $5 per car for up to 6 people, $1 for each additional person.
  • The beach is open from 6 AM until 7 PM (6 PM after we fall back)
  • The entrance gate closes 1 hour prior to closing time.
  • The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water; St. Johns River, Fort George Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The sand is extremely soft when accessing the Atlantic Ocean side of the beach. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended.
  • Family Beach is accessible by 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
  • Pay close attention to the tide signs at the front of the park. The high tides can get super high- you DO NOT want to get your car stuck in the high tide.

Where is Huguenot Park located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive near Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island.

The physical address is: 10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Huguenot Park Highlights

  • Paddle boarding and kayaking at Family Beach
  • Fishing (everywhere)
  • The “hidden beach” on the opposite side of the jetties
  • Camping
  • Birding
  • Surfing and body surfing on the Atlantic side
  • Being able to drive directly on the beach
  • Scoping out the naval ships across the river at Mayport Naval Base

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs right back Huguenot Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border all the way down to the Florida Keys!

Our Experience

Considering we spend nearly every summer weekend at Huguenot Park, I think it’s safe to say we love this place. We bought an annual pass for $100 and it has been well worth the money! There are some weeks where we visit twice.

The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. When we visit we tend to gravitate to two different areas: the jetties (the Atlantic Ocean side) or Family Beach (the Fort George Inlet side).

The ocean side is great for fishing, searching for crabs, surfing, and boogie boarding. Growing up, we LOVED climbing the jetties. There’s a “hidden beach” on the opposite side (the St. Johns River) which is an excellent place to go to get away from people. Since the jetties are an easy landmark, it’s a popular place to meet up with others. Since accessing this part of the beach requires navigating through soft sand, 4WD is strongly recommended.

Our favorite place to go, however, is Family Beach. The water is super calm and there is a sandbar that you can walk to/paddleboard out to depending on the tides. This is a popular place for paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also closer to the campsites so many of the campers fish in this area.

Our Huguenot Beach Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

What is there to do nearby?

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Updated 12/20/2021

Categories
Aruba Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

What to do With One Day in Aruba

Waves Crashing

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a new destination on the blog. I’ve blogged a lot about my time in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico but I haven’t really touched on many other countries I have visited. Over the last ten years, I have visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. One of my favorite countries has been the small 70 square mile island of Aruba.

Aruba in a Nutshell

Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean. This island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands), it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then it has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.

What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.

If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island.

What did we do in Aruba?

We booked a tour with ABC Tours Excursions and had the absolute best time ever! From start to finish, it was absolutely incredible! The tour includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and adventure! You are carted around the island in a customized 4×4 Land Rover that will take you off-roading through the desert and skirt along the gorgeous, rocky coastlines. It is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done- and I’ve done some awesome things!

Our tour visited an Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formation, Arikok National Park, the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Ruins, the Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Light House.

Ayo Rock Formations

Our first stop was the Ayo Rock Formations, once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians. The natives used to visit the rock formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms. The caves are filled with paintings, or petroglyphs, which you are able to glance at. A walking trail and steps have been set around the rock formation so you are able to explore this natural wonder.

California Lighthouse

One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the California Lighthouse. It is open to the public to climb up to the top for panoramic views of the northern point. The lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

One of the coolest things we did while in Aruba was to visit an ostrich farm. Yes, an ostrich farm. In Aruba. If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop in. The ostriches are super excited to greet you and love the attention! You can even feed the ostriches, which was a neat experience.

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.

Natural Bridge

One of the most visited attractions in Aruba is the Natural Bridge. Although it collapsed in 2005, visitors still flock to the area for the incredible views. The arch, which spanned 25 feet, was the remnants of an ancient cave. The pools around it are absolutely stunning and offer stunning views of the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island.

Buhirbana Gold Mill Ruins

One of my favorite stops was the Buhiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This stunning structure is what is left of a Gold Mill built by the British in 1872 during the Gold Rush. Although you probably won’t find any gold here today, you will find absolutely incredible views and one of the most picturesque locations on the island.

Aruba is absolutely stunning and “small-town friendly”. I was so in awe of my surroundings throughout my entire visit. I cannot wait to go back to this incredible little island.

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While You’re in Aruba…

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