Table of Contents
Introduction
Let’s dive in and check out some of the most popular Caribbean cruise ports. The Caribbean is home to some of the best beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters and white sand that stretches for miles. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy when you’re not relaxing on your vacation, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
For those who love shopping or exploring new cultures, there are plenty of historical sites worth visiting while you’re in port at one of these ports:
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a port of call with a rich history and plenty of modern-day activities to enjoy. The island was first inhabited by the Maya people, who settled there around 2000 BC. They left behind many ruins that can be explored today, including Chankanaab National Park (home to sea turtles), El Cedral, and San Gervasio ruins. On the mainland, you’ll find the extremely popular ruins known as Tulum and incredible cenotes such as Rio Secreto. If you’re looking for something more active, try scuba diving or snorkeling at one of Cozumel’s many world-class dive sites like Palancar Reef or Santa Rosa Wall. Grab our Mexico Packing List and start planning your trip today!
George Town, Grand Cayman
Located on the western side of Grand Cayman, George Town is a charming port that offers visitors a taste of Caribbean life. The city’s history dates back to the early 1700s when it was founded by British settlers and named after King George II. Today, you can still see many examples of these colonial buildings throughout the town center.
The best way to explore George Town is by foot or bike; both are available for rent at one of its many shops along Front Street (the main street). If you want something more adventurous than walking around town, try kayaking with Sea Explorers or taking a catamaran tour around nearby islands like Little Cayman or Rum Point Beach Park!
Our ultimate favorite excursion in Grand Cayman is swimming with stingrays. If you’re interested in looking at other excursion options, check out our guide to Grand Cayman excursions.
St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
St. Maarten is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, with a population of over 70,000 people. It’s known as “the playground of the Caribbean” and has been a popular cruise port since the 1970s.
St. Maarten’s history dates back to 1648 when it was colonized by France and named Saint Martin after its patron saint St. Martin de Tours. In 1796, after being occupied by Great Britain for many years, it became part of France again but changed its name from Saint Martin to Sint Maarten (or Saint Martin). In 1816 it was given back to Great Britain under an agreement between them and Holland; however, this rule only lasted until 1821 when Holland took control again until independence in 2010 when they became known as Sint Maarten again!
Basseterre, St. Kitts
St. Kitts, the oldest of the Leeward Islands, was once known as “the Helen of the West Indies” for its beauty and natural resources. The island’s capital city Basseterre is located on a peninsula in the southeast corner of St. Kitts and boasts a rich history that dates back to 1623 when English settlers first arrived on these shores. Today you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site by visiting Fort Charles or Fort George; both are located within walking distance from each other around town (or take a taxi).
Stroll along Front Street where you’ll find shops selling local crafts such as pottery made from clay dug up from nearby beaches; stop at a restaurant like Raffles Restaurant & Bar for lunch before heading over to Limegrove Lighthouse Park where there are plenty more things happening including live music performances every Thursday through Saturday evening!
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios is the second-largest city in Jamaica and a popular cruise port. The city itself has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when it was first settled by Spanish colonists. Today, Ocho Rios is home to many attractions including Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove where you can swim with dolphins or enjoy an underwater tour through their aquariums. There are also plenty of activities available for visitors such as horseback riding on the beach or participating in one of their many festivals during your stay here!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital city and its most populated area. It has a rich history and culture that you can explore while you’re there. The city has many museums, galleries, theaters, and concert halls where you can catch some great performances or musical events.
The best time to visit San Juan is during the summer months (June-September). In addition to being warmer than other times of the year, this period offers plenty of festivals–including music festivals like Calle Ocho Festival de las Americas or Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista–and cultural events like Carnival Parades in Old San Juan every Friday night from January through May.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
The bustling port of Charlotte Amalie, located on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most popular Caribbean cruise ports for good reason- it’s the shopping capital of the Caribbean and it has incredible beaches. We recommend taking the Skyride to Paradise Point to take in the views, spending some time at Magen’s Bay, or visiting one of the many other great beaches on the island.
The city’s history dates back to 1699 when Denmark established a colony there and named it after their queen–Charlotte Amalie of Mecklenburg-Gustrow (now Germany). The town has been rebuilt several times since then but still retains its old-world charm with cobblestone streets and colorful houses painted in pastel colors like pink, yellow, and green.
There are plenty of activities available including shopping at local boutiques or browsing through art galleries where you can find unique gifts like handcrafted jewelry made from shells or paintings depicting scenes from island life by local artists who live nearby. You can also visit historical sites such as Fort Christian which was built by the Danes in 1672 as well as Blackbeard’s Castle where he supposedly lived before being killed off by British soldiers during an attack on his ship called Queen Anne Revenge near here!
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth is a city on the south coast of Jamaica. It’s known for its rich history, which includes being an important port during colonial times and hosting the first free public library in the Caribbean. Today, visitors can explore Falmouth by visiting its museums or taking tours through town to learn more about its past. There are also plenty of activities available nearby: horseback riding along beaches or hiking through nature reserves are popular choices for those looking for adventure!
Conclusion
With the Caribbean being one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, it’s no surprise that there are so many ports to choose from.
However, not all of these ports are created equal. Some have more things to do than others and some offer better access to different parts of the island. So before you book your next cruise vacation, make sure you know which port will be best suited for your needs!
For future reference, be sure to save our list of Popular Caribbean Cruise Ports. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!
