Cozumel an island paradise visited and adored by travelers from around the globe. It’s not just the beautiful white sandy beaches that circle the island or the almost perfect year round vacation weather, nor is it the plentiful supply of lodging, international food and variety of entertainment options that bring travelers back time and time again. Cozumel is the scuba diver’s paradise containing an abundance of coral reefs, brightly painted fish and crystal clear waters. Imagine being able to descend to minimum depths and see almost 200 feet around, gazing at some of the most unique and beautiful underwater scenes imaginable. Even for the less adventurous who don’t want to scuba dive, the 80 degree water and rich coral reefs teeming with wildlife, offer unforgettable experiences to snorkelers and swimmers.

Mexico’s largest island, just 28 miles long and 10 miles wide, Cozumel is located off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. For history buffs, this unique island is a beneficiary of the Mayan culture of farmers, fisherman and warriors that prospered on the nearby mainland. Day trips to ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba provide an exciting way to blend some educational memories with your ocean adventure. In fact, one of the lesser known but still fascinating sites can be found right on Cozumel. Called San Gervacio, the site has been turned into a beautiful park and was once the place where Mayan women journeyed to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

In addition to the fabulous beaches and ocean waters, Cozumel is home to a system of underground rivers that honeycomb the porous limestone of the area, providing the truly adventurous with some of the most beautiful cave or “cenote” diving found anywhere on the globe. Filled with fresh water that is almost as clear as air, the sights in these underground lakes are unequaled in their natural beauty and splendor. Truly, Cozumel has something to offer a wide variety of vacationers and pleasure seekers. From the exhausted city dweller who yearns for the peace and quiet of a beautiful tropical paradise, to the life challenging adventurous types who crave excitement and new, unique experiences, to the history buff who marvels over the ruins of past civilizations, Cozumel has something to offer everyone.

About the Author

Cozumel provides detailed information about Cozumel beaches, weather, vacations, real estate, hotels, and more. For more information go to http://www.cozumel-web.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.e-puntacana.com for related information.

 

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.

Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.

But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.

A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!

The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.

For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.

Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory...

About the Author

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com now to book your very own dream cruise