DAY 1 – MIAMI
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach – backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana – the heartbeat of this great city – where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream.
Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.
DAY 2 – AT SEA
Experience all the Explora I has on offer as you sail towards Costa Maya!
DAY 3 – COSTA MAYA
Mayan and modern times collide in Costa Maya, located at the tip of Quintana Roo where borders blur between Mexico and Belize. Lush jungles meet bright beaches, underground rivers fuel mystical lagoons, and bio-forms still thrive after billions of years.
Go inland to Laguna Bacalar, a lagoon with 7 hues of blue, or bike to quaint Mahahual Beach, one of the best in the Yucatan. Drive deep into the jungle to uncover the Chacchoben Maya city, hidden by dense foliage until the late 20th century, where you can ponder colossal pyramids, sacred temples, and haunting hieroglyphics. Or keep it cool cooking up traditional salsas and cuisine.
DAY 4 – BELIZE CITY
Beguiling Belize fuses diverse culture with an intriguing history. Touch upon spectacular wildlife, underwater wonders, idyllic beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. Call in at the world’s first jaguar reserve, take a jungle tour, head into the Tiger Cave, seek out The Swing Bridge or dip into a chocolate farm. Snooze under thatch, glide through the vibrant Belize Barrier Reef and mingle with locals to uncover nature’s medicinal tonics. And unwind in a pristine Caribbean caye, courtesy of the aptly named Hummingbird Highway.
DAY 5 – COZUMEL
Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and off the charts in charm, Cozumel, once sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess Ixchel, now is a wealth of natural beauty. Dive into the kaleidoscopic Caribbean waters that lap her beaches, follow dive guides to the Mesoamerican reef, or swim in sacred cenotes.
Take a walk on the Wild East side, sink into hammocks and sip Mezcalitos cocktails and nosh on the freshest fish tacos. Kayak the mangroves or hike trails around the marshland and pay homage to Ixchel at her temple ruins of San Gervasio.
DAY 6 – AT SEA
Relax onboard and perhaps indulge in the Ocean Wellness onboard at the day spa.
DAY 7 – KEY WEST
Key West might end at Florida’s most southern point, but here is the start of real laid-back life. Nearer Cuba than Miami, this last in line of small coral reefed islands is famed for history, culture, fishing, cuisine, and candy-coloured homes. Surf, snorkel, shop by appointment and attend a private seafood tasting.
Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley tour, visit Hemingway’s quirky former house, study over 50 different butterflies at the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and watch leggy flamingos strut their stuff. Key West is not just a deep tan Floridan beach town, it’s a way of life, with the only rule being to come as you please.
DAY 8 – MIAMI
Your luxury cruise ends back in Miami. You will dock at 7am.
