Discover Altun Ha with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Credit: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, sweeping coastal plains and indigenous wildlife make up the tropical paradise of Costa Rica.
With Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, you’ll call in at Puerto Limon – the biggest city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
This city offers unspoilt beauty and provides a chance to reconnect with nature through secluded shores and expansive national parks.
For example, to the North of Puerto Limon is the Tortuguero National Park. Best seen from a boat, this park features turtle (Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill) nesting beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands – a biodiverse dream.
Or, nestled between lush rainforests and dramatic coastal plains, opt to discover the banana plantations in Costa Rica. The combination of frequent rainfall, warm temperatures and fertile soil make for the perfect banana cultivation conditions. You can explore these plantations on tour from your Fred. Olsen ship and admire the balance between agriculture and sustainability.
Trek into one of Costa Rica’s many rainforests to discover a plethora of indigenous wildlife – from howler monkeys and capuchins to tree frogs and lounging sloths. Take the Veragua rainforest which is home to a large number of frogs and butterflies or perhaps opt for Cahuita National Park, where you can wave to wildlife like sloths and racoons.
For those with a keen interest in bird spotting, Toucans and Macaws can often be spotted in the canopies of the trees.
Puerto Limon possesses a rich history shaped by its Afro-Caribbean heritage. Take the opportunity to spend time with members of Costa Rica’s Bribri indigenous tribe to discover their use of medicinal plants and the importance of cacao in their culture.
The Great Blue Hole in Belize. Credit: Shutterstock
Belize
A wildlife enthusiasts’ paradise, Belize possesses over 600 species of birds – from the strikingly coloured quetzals to toucans, with their unusual, oversized bills (which can be four times the size of their heads).
Head to the sandy shores to gaze at the azure waters teeming with wildlife, including turtles. Don’t forget to visit the coral reef – the second largest in the world.
For the ultimate animal encounter, opt to search for the elusive manatee with Fred. Olsen, and if you’re lucky, you can spot one of these shy and gentle creatures slowly meandering through the shallow waters looking for food.
Or get up to some monkey business and venture off board with Fred. Olsen to a community baboon sanctuary where you can learn how to protect one of the last healthy Black Howler Monkey populations while supporting biodiversity and local communities.
History-heads should make their way to Altun Ha, also known as Rockstone Water, a significant Mayan architectural site.
This impressive ancient Mayan city is known for its rich history and extraordinary ruins. Snap a picture of several impressive pyramids – including the Temple of the Sun God which measures over 20 metres tall. For an added adventure, you can also explore crystal caves used as ceremonial chambers by the ancient Mayans. What’s even better is that Altun Ha is easily accessible from the port for a day trip, with Fred. Olsen of course.
Mahogany Bay Beach is within walking distance. Credit: Shutterstock
Honduras
The islands of Honduras were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 and has been subject to change ever since – being under both British and Spanish control.
This makes for an interesting blend of an estimated 65,000 locals speaking English, Spanish and a few of Honduras’ indigenous languages as well.
Yet, the beauty of these islands prevails and with Fred. Olsen you can experience Honduras’ largest island – Roatan. Picture an unspoilt bay of breathtaking beaches and rich marine life, with coral reefs that are world-famous.
In fact, Mahogany Bay Beach is within walking distance (or a chair lift ride) when you sail into port and offers soft white sand and clear blue water to swim, snorkel, kayak or paddleboard in. Or just simply sit back, relax and soak up the tropical charm of Roatan.
When you aren’t on the beach, head for higher ground thanks to Roatan’s mountainous terrain where you can choose from several excellent hiking opportunities with picture-perfect views.
Get up close and personal with Roatan’s playful and friendly dolphins at the island’s fantastic education marine centre. There will also be opportunities to explore a local iguana farm and see mangrove trees that are home to several species of wildlife and crustaceans.
Delve into the Garifunas community in Roatan and learn about their way of life. This community found refuge in Roatan in 1797 and is the only group of natives that has conserved and preserved their customs, traditions and culture. You might have already heard of their music called Punta.
Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral. is the smallest ship in the fleet. Credit: Fred. Olsen
How to sail to Central America with Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
If a cruise to Central America seems like your dream holiday, then we have the perfect itinerary for you.
Fred. Olsen’s ‘Rainforests and Ruins of Central America’
from February 15 to April 1, 2025, is a round trip from Southampton and calls at 14 stunning ports of call – including Costa Rica, Belize and the islands of Honduras.
Two overnight stays are integrated into your itinerary – including an overnight in Costa Rica to explore Puerto Limón’s extensive rainforests to the max.
And when you aren’t experiencing a new destination, Fred. Olsen’s onboard experience truly allows you to discover the joy of the journey. The line tailors the ‘Treats of the Region’ cooking demonstrations and the ‘Itinerary Insights’ presentations specifically to the locations you visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a cruise to Central America with Fred. Olsen to experience a true adventure in style.
Learn more about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Follow us on social media
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=675430cfa5804b39a6078695d81cf8d3&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldofcruising.co.uk%2Fadvice%2Fcentral-america-cruise-fred-olsen&c=8345037803808724094&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2024-12-06 22:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
