Travel
8 finest locations to dive and snorkel in Central America
Boasting each Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Central America is blessed with unimaginable dive and snorkel websites. From Belize’s famed Blue Gap to the colourful and colourful reefs dotted round Costa Rica, there’s one thing right here for each curiosity and talent set.
The marine life is at one other degree too. Whale sharks silently transfer via the waves, sea turtles paddle alongside subsequent to you and fantastically coloured fish encompass you as you discover – one go to won’t ever be sufficient.
A good dive store can provide all tools, however when you have them, deliver your masks and snorkel, a light-weight rash vest and reef-friendly sunscreen – and don’t overlook your underwater digital camera. These are our favourite snorkel and scuba spots in Central America.
When is the perfect time to snorkel and dive in Central America?
Central America is a year-round snorkel and scuba vacation spot, however situations rely upon the nation, the season (wet or dry) and whether or not you’re on the Pacific or Caribbean coast.
For a extra tranquil – and cheaper – expertise, keep away from the area’s excessive season from December to April. But when there’s one thing particular you’re diving to see, you’ll have a set window.
1. Caye Caulker, Belize
In pocket-sized Belize, the Caribbean-sun-drenched Caye Caulker makes the proper jumping-off level for a number of the world’s finest diving and snorkeling.
Head south to the enduring Blue Gap Pure Monument at Lighthouse Reef, a marine sinkhole round 122m (400ft) deep and 300m (984ft) large. Made well-known by Jacques Cousteau, its mysterious depths and stalactite-studded caves nonetheless draw a crowd.
Or strive Turneffe Atoll, a biodiverse mixture of mangroves, lagoons and coral reefs, with snorkel and dive websites for all ranges. Hold your eyes peeled for the endemic white noticed toadfish.
Getting there: It’s a 45-minute journey by ferry from Belize City.
2. Parque Nacional Coiba, Panama
Within the not-so-distant previous, Coiba – the American Pacific’s largest island – was residence to round 3000 inmates. Right this moment, together with some smaller islands, it’s a UNESCO-protected nationwide marine park, and a part of a challenge with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador to safeguard key migratory corridors.
Licensed divers of all ranges can swim with whitetip reef sharks, satan rays, turtles and a number of multicolored fish. You possibly can usually spot large mantas and whale sharks, in addition to humpback whales from July to September.
Getting there: To entry the park, you’ll have to guide via a dive store, such because the Panama Dive Center within the surf spot of Santa Catalina. It’s a 75-minute boat journey to Isla Coiba.
3. Bocas del Toro, Panama
A string of laid-back Caribbean islands and islets, Bocas del Toro is just not solely a backpacker occasion hub – it’s additionally residence to a few of Panama’s finest snorkeling, with gin-clear water and colourful coral.
The protected reefs of Admiral Bay are good for snorkeling, and at Hospital Level, past the shallows on the northern tip of Isla Solarte, there’s a deep reef wall that is perfect for night time dives.
For a unique view, mangrove snorkeling will get you up near a tangle of algae-covered roots, vibrant sea sponges and juvenile fish darting round their nursery.
Getting there: It’s a 45-minute flight from Panama City to the capital of Bocas, Isla Colón, or round 11 hours by bus and ferry.
4. Bay Islands, Honduras
Washed by heat, clear water, the backpacker hang-out of Utila – the smallest of the three primary Bay Islands – is a good budget-friendly scuba vacation spot, with no scarcity of dive retailers and must-dive websites. And you may spot whale sharks right here year-round, whether or not you’re a newbie or a budding divemaster.
In Roatán, there’s world-class snorkeling simply off West Bay’s white-sand seaside, whereas Mary’s Place tempts snorkelers to its shallows to identify eagle rays and sea turtles, and skilled divers to its vertical reef partitions.
Getting there: Take a ferry from La Ceiba or a world flight direct to Roatán.
5. Parque Nacional Cahuita, Costa Rica
Cahuita National Park’s underwater playground is residence to greater than 120 species of evocatively named fish – jewel fish, frogfish, butterflyfish – flitting round 35 kinds of equally unique coral, akin to elkhorn, mind and leather-based – and that is not forgetting the lobsters, urchins and moray eels.
Its pristine waters have been awarded Costa Rica’s Ecological Blue Flag, and you’ll rise up near loggerhead, leatherback and hawksbill turtles throughout nesting season from March to October.
Getting there: The park is round 47km (29 miles) south of Puerto Limón; use Puerto Viejo or Cahuita as a base.
6. Isla del Coco, Costa Rica
Jurassic Park meets Jacques Cousteau on the volcanic Cocos Island, some 550km (341 miles) off Costa Rica’s Pacific shoreline. The French oceanographer dubbed this UNESCO World Heritage Website essentially the most stunning island on the earth, and it additionally served as inspiration for the 1993 dinosaur movie’s fictitious Isla Nublar.
This underwater spectacle is for skilled divers solely, and it’s costly to get there. However you’ll be rewarded by colleges of hammerhead sharks (at their peak between June and October) and numerous whitetip sharks, rays and whale sharks.
Getting there: E book an eight-to-ten-day live-aboard journey from the port metropolis of Puntarenas, with firms akin to Aggressor Adventures and Undersea Hunter.
7. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Most of Little Corn’s 20 or so budget-friendly dive websites are a brief boat journey from its powder-soft seashores. Reefs are typically shallow – no wall dives right here – however forests of elkhorn and staghorn coral teem with kaleidoscopic fish.
For extra skilled divers, the Tarpon Channel is the place to identify hammerhead sharks, and Blowing Rock, round 60 minutes away, will blow your thoughts. This spiky rock pinnacle rising from the ocean is a favourite hangout of reef sharks, rays, barracuda and extra.
Getting there: Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island and take the twice-daily, 30-minute public boat to Little Corn.
8. Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala
Watched over by three energetic volcanoes, shimmering Lake Atitlán makes an uncommon dive vacation spot. However what Central America’s deepest lake – it reaches depths of 340m (1115ft) – lacks in technicolor fish, it makes up for with otherworldly lava formations, sunken villages, petrified bushes and hydrothermal vents.
ATI Divers in Santa Cruz La Laguna is the lake’s long-standing dive store. In addition to enjoyable dives and PADI certifications, they provide a one-day Altitude Specialty Course.
Getting there: Take the hen or shuttle bus from Guatemala City or Antigua to Panajachel, then journey 10 minutes on a public boat to Santa Cruz.
This text was first printed Apr 17, 2022 and up to date Jul 31, 2024.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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