Saline Beach is St Barts’ untamed coastal masterpiece — a crescent of powdery sand where turquoise waves meet rugged hills in perfect harmony. The journey begins with a 200-metre trek through scrubland and over a low dune, rewarding visitors with a vista of undeveloped shoreline where the only distractions are seabirds and the rhythmic crash of surf. On a clear day, direct your gaze past the green dot of Île Coco and you'll just be able to spot St Kitts on the horizon. Come prepared: shade is scarce and facilities nonexistent. What you’ll find instead is raw beauty; the kind that draws naturists and photographers, all chasing that rare blend of wildness and tropical splendor. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light gilds the salt pond’s edges (the same salty pound that gave the beach its name), and you’ll understand why this beach remains the island’s best-kept escape.

The cruise center is a sight in itself that allows you to experience many aspects of Mexican culture, even if you don’t have time to visit any other locations. Aside from restaurants, shops and bars with traditional Mexican fare and products, there is also a saltwater swimming pool, Maya spa, aviary park, tequila museum, and much more. It is also possible to book excursions to iconic places such as Chacchoben and Bacalar.

A favorite daytrip destination from Costa Maya, the Chacchoben Maya ruins are located nearby a city of the same name, only 50 minutes away from the cruise port. This fascinating landmark is estimated to have been inhabited since as early as 1000 BC, and after a fairly late discovery in the 1940s, it still contains several unexcavated areas. Visitors can pick from a range of tour operators to be guided through the site, and as a bonus can admire the remarkable flora of what is called the 'Region of the Lakes.'

The art museum is located in the exquisite sixteenth-century Villa Saluzzo in Nervi, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors. It houses a vast collection of over 2,500 works, ranging from paintings, sculptures, drawings, and engravings, dating back from the early nineteenth century to the present day. Among the notable artists whose works are on display are Rayper, Luxoro, Cabianca, Varni, Barabino, Baroni, and many others.