Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands

Fort-de-France, Martinique's gracious capital, blends French metropolitan sophistication with deep Caribbean soul in a way that no other island quite replicates. The Bibliothèque Schoelcher, a beautiful Art Nouveau building transported piece by piece from Paris for the 1889 World's Fair, anchors a downtown of wrought-iron balconies and aromatic spice markets. The surrounding countryside offers rum distilleries — some of the finest aged agricole rums in the world — dramatic rainforest hikes, and the haunting ruins of Saint-Pierre, destroyed by Mont Pelée's catastrophic 1902 eruption. December through May brings the driest, sunniest weather on this endlessly captivating island.

Îles des Saintes is a volcanic archipelago off Guadeloupe renowned for its pastel Creole village of Terre-de-Haut, the historic Fort Napoléon, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful bays. Visitors should savour the iconic tourment d'amour coconut tart and explore the fortifications that witnessed the pivotal 1782 Battle of the Saintes. The dry season from December through May offers the most luminous skies and calmest seas, aligning perfectly with the Caribbean cruise calendar.

Pigeon Island is a 44-acre national landmark off Saint Lucia's northwest coast, where centuries of Franco-British colonial battles left dramatic fort ruins atop volcanic hills with panoramic Caribbean views. Must-dos include climbing Fort Rodney for vistas stretching to Martinique, swimming the calm Caribbean-side beach, and tasting green fig and saltfish at Creole restaurants in Rodney Bay. Visit January through April for the driest weather and clearest skies.

Soufrière sits beneath Saint Lucia's iconic twin Pitons — UNESCO World Heritage volcanic peaks rising 700 meters from the Caribbean — with a drive-in volcano, Diamond Botanical Gardens, and thriving coral reefs completing the island's most naturally spectacular destination. Visit December through April via Silversea or Windstar for Gros Piton summit views, geothermal springs, and the primal Caribbean beauty that no resort amenity can replicate.

Port Elizabeth is the beguiling waterfront capital of Bequia, a former whaling island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where Caribbean authenticity endures in gingerbread cottages, hand-built schooners, and charcoal-grilled lobster on the sand. Stroll the Belmont Walkway for the island's finest harbour views, then sail to the Tobago Cays for world-class snorkelling among sea turtles. The dry season from December through May offers the most reliable sunshine and the peak of luxury cruise calls into sheltered Admiralty Bay.

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, a car-free Caribbean gem with fewer than three hundred residents, the exquisite Salt Whistle Bay beach, and views across the pristine Tobago Cays Marine Park. Must-do experiences include snorkelling with sea turtles in the Tobago Cays, feasting on fresh grilled lobster, and watching sunset from the hilltop church. January through May's dry season offers the most reliable weather.

Bonaire, the shore-diving capital of the world, surrounds itself with 86 marked dive sites along a coastline designated as a marine park since 1979, offering crystal-clear waters and some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs. Must-dos include snorkelling the legendary Town Pier, visiting the flamingo sanctuary at the pink salt flats, and tasting kabritu stobá goat stew in Kralendijk. Year-round sunshine and constant trade winds make any season excellent, with peak water clarity from April through November.

Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest city, dramatically situated between the Caribbean Sea and the world’s highest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. Must-dos include exploring Tayrona National Park’s jungle-fringed beaches, sampling ceviche samario and arepas de huevo, and visiting the pre-Columbian gold collection at the Museo del Oro Tairona. December through April brings dry weather, calm seas, and clear mountain views.

Cartagena, Colombia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich culinary scene. Must-do experiences include exploring the historic Old Town and savoring local specialties like arepas de huevo and ceviche de camarones. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for leisurely city explorations and excursions to nearby attractions.

The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.

Portobelo, Panama, showcases Central America's remarkable fusion of pre-Columbian heritage, colonial architecture, and exuberant tropical nature. Must-do experiences include exploring the surrounding rainforests and sampling the vibrant local cuisine. The most pleasant conditions arrive year-round, though the drier months from May to October tend to offer the most comfortable conditions. Cruise lines including Lindblad Expeditions feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.