Decisions, decisions. It’s easy to reach some of the planet’s most beautiful locations from either Florida coast, but in this blog post, we focus on two of the most popular–Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. A private yacht charter or sailing charter the from west coast of Florida to Cozumel Island or one from the east coast to Jamaica is the absolute best way to experience the sandy beaches and other pursuits of these fabled top destinations.
All aboard for Jamaica.
Climbing aboard a sailing yacht, barefoot charter, or luxury yacht charter to reach the captivating island of Jamaica makes the journey as exciting as the time spent on the island. Jamaica is famous for its irresistible vibes, vibrant culture, unique rhythms, and laid-back attitude that many find magical. From its natural wonders to its undeniable energy, a vacation in Jamaica aboard a private yacht is the best way to experience it all.
Jamaica is one of the most diverse Caribbean islands with a wide variety of landscapes–from lazy rivers to dramatic waterfalls to cliffs that drop daringly into the Caribbean sea. Famous for its hospitality and warm welcome, Jamaica is also a place of culinary treasures. The island’s signature barbecue is “jerk”, a spicy concoction of dry rubs and Scotch bonnet peppers that is unique to most regions in Jamaica. For instance, the jerk you’ll enjoy in Ocho Rios is different from that you’ll find on Negril Beach.
While Jamaica’s official language is English, they also speak Patois, a colorful and emphatic creole dialect that blends many influences from their diverse colonial heritage, including African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English. A sing-song form of speaking, Patois was propelled into the American vernacular by such legendary Reggae artists as Bob Marley who wrote it into lyrics that made their way around the world.
A rich history of discovery.
Jamaica’s first people were the Tainos, who traveled from the northern coast of South America to settle in Jamaica around 600 AD. They first named the island “Xaymaca” meaning land of wood and water. The Spanish wiped out the tribe through disease and a decline in their living conditions when they arrived in 1494. They also brought with them the introduction of slavery and sugar plantations. In Konoko Falls, there is a museum dedicated to the Tainos and you can still find fragments of their pottery and other artifacts in the mystical underground caverns of the Green Grotto Caves.
The Spanish had long heard Cubans describe Xaymaca as the “land of blessed gold.” While they didn’t find any gold there, they did find an island paradise. Christopher Columbus noted in his logs that it was “the fairest island that eyes have beheld: mountains and the land seem to touch the sky, all full of valleys and fields and plains.”
After the Spanish retreated back to Cuba in 1655, the land became the lawless playground of English buccaneers. Port Royal became the go-to destination for pirates who plundered treasure along the Spanish Main, which soon became known as the “richest and wickedest city in the world.” The English also introduced sugar cane, which became an island-wide industry in the early 1700s. Slavery was abolished in 1834, and Jamaica earned its emancipation and independence after almost 250 years of rebellion and resistance in 1838.
Jamaica is a treasure-trove of scenic destinations.
Today, Jamaica’s sugar sand beaches and turquoise waters, as well as its soaring cliffs and postcard worthy waterfalls, draws tourists from around the world. If you’re looking to get your Jamaican vibe on, there’s no better way to do so than aboard a private luxury yacht charter.
Set sail for Cozumel island.
What was once a secluded hideaway is now of the most popular tropical getaways in the world. Cozumel is located on Mexico’s majestic Caribbean coast, and boasts white sand beaches, coral reefs, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and countless activities you can enjoy above and below the waves.
Things to do in Cozumel.
There are two distinct sides to the island of Cozumel. The west side of the island is dotted with hotels and beach clubs, while the east side of the island is relatively wild. Here you’ll find remote beaches interspersed with fantastic local beach bars. The real highlight of the east side is the wonderful natural emptiness of it all, which you can experience on the beach, beneath the waves, on a jeep tour, or at a popular local beach bar.
Cozumel is probably the most famous for its dive sites.
The Mesoamerican reef system is second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and offers extensive coral and sea life and virtually limitless visibility. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, scuba diving in Cozumel is one of those unforgettable memories.
But perhaps the best way to see Cozumel is through the eyes of a local. Local tour operators can take to you Cozumel’s original capital town, Cedral, which is a quiet and quaint community surrounds by tropical forests on all sides. Local tours are also available for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and exploring your way up to Passion Island.
“Heaven” is one of Cozumel’s best kept secrets.
Accessible only by boat and a mile from Cozumel’s coast, Heaven (or El Cielo as the locals call it), has shallow crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see. There are lots of starfish in this narrow stretch of Caribbean sea, and stingrays that will probably glide right past you. (Don’t worry, they’re harmless).
In the island’s interior lies a much different landscape from its talcum powder beaches. Here you’ll find hidden caves and dramatic rock formations. While you’re out exploring, be sure to take in Punta Sur Park, where you’ll find blow holes and seven miles of untamed beachfront lined with rock formations, white sand, and palm trees. Here you’ll also find Mayan ruins, crocodiles, pink flamingos, and a Celarain Lighthouse where some amazing views await.
While Cozumel is gorgeous all year long, spring and summer are the best times to book your Mexico yacht charter. From March to June, the temperatures hover around a near-perfect 90 degrees in the daytime and a comfortable upper 70s at night. You can also take comfort in the fact that the Port of Cozumel was ranked third best cruise port in the world. The island is also rated as one of the top safest places in the world to visit.
No matter your destination, we make the booking process easy.
No matter which coast you depart from aboard one of our private luxury yachts, we can help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that will leave you with many unforgettable memories. Our crew is staffed by experienced sailors and staff that will attend to your needs with the ultimate in five-star service. Whether it is a corporate day charter on board a luxury yacht, a charter on board a catamaran, or a family vacation on board a luxury yacht – Yacht Charters Unlimited is a company that specializes in charter vacations in some of the most exotic places in the world.
With over 300 yachts available to choose from, we will match you to the right crew and yacht. Customers are offered yacht charters for all budgets, and our expertise will help you make the right choice. To learn more, visit www.YachtChartersUnlimited.com.