Bahamas & Florida Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a narrated bus ride through the industrial area of Grand Bahama Island, passing the International Bazaar with its Tori Gate, along Church Row and the endemic pine forest. Upon arrival at the Botanical Garden of the Groves you have the option of a guided tour or to explore on your own. Interpretive signs will highlight this lush tropical landscape with trees and flowers from the Bahamas and around the world. You’ll find a replica of the original chapel from the early logging days, tranquil lagoons with cascading waterfalls, a spiritual labyrinth for meditation and an open-air cafe deck. Local artisans will display authentic Bahamian arts and crafts. Children will also be able to enjoy a magnificent cedar play set. Walk down into the cool fern grove and marvel at the magnificent limestone boulders that tower to both sides of your trail! You may also want to relax on the 'Lofty Fig' deck where cool Bahamian drinks and local delicacies can be purchased. After your visit to the gardens you’ll be transported to Port Lucaya Marketplace for some shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended. less

Board your mono-hull glass-bottom boat for a narrated cruise along Nassau’s coastline. Your guide will share general information about Nassau and the Bahamas and point out historical sites and homes of the rich and famous. Once the vessel is positioned over the reef; you’ll be guided down to the viewing deck. Here, you’ll be given an informative briefing of all that you see through the glass. Afterward, you’ll slowly cruise back through the harbor to the pier, while enjoying complimentary rum or fruit punch. Note: Participants must be able to walk onto the boat via the gangway. There are 10 to 12 steps to access the viewing deck. Participants must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol. An approximately 10 to 15-minute walk is required to board transportation for all Nassau tours. less

Discover the tropical corals, colorful marine life, dramatic walls, reefs, and fascinating wrecks surrounding New Providence Island. You’ll be asked to bring your own equipment as only weights and tanks are provided. Your first dive will be a wall covered with coral reef appropriate for new and advanced divers. Your dive master will lead the dive to 80 feet for approximately 30 minutes; however, you may prefer to stay up on the shallower ledge while others dive deeper. Your second dive is either a shallow reef or a wreck dive. Here, you may explore a 100 foot freighter in 50 feet; the famous James Bond wreck in 40 feet or dive in the Cessna used in the filming of Jaws. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, 5 feet or taller, and in good health. Bring a towel, diver certification card, and log book. Full gear is not included. Only weights and tank will be provided for this excursion, so bring additional necessary equipment from home, as this will not be available for rental. Participants should have dived within a one year period; otherwise, you’ll be required to present proof of a refresher course. A waiver release form must be signed prior to participating. Guests currently taking medication or with a previous medical condition, must provide a clearance note from their physician to participate in this tour. less

Explore the wildlife on this easy guided and narrated tour. Cruise on your pontoon boat to see herds of manatees, flocks of birds, and playful dolphin on their journey through the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands. The Thousand Islands are a flood tide delta deposit, formed in the past by a breach in the barrier island by a strong storm surge. This natural occurrence created a maze of narrow trails and canals through the natural mangrove islands and hidden hammocks. The spectacular canals through the Thousand Islands provide shelter to manatee, dolphin and a variety of coastal birds. You’ll observe reddish egret, wood stork, brown and white pelican, bald eagle, nesting osprey, great blue herons, and many more. The Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands are a part of the Indian River Lagoon estuary also located on the Banana River. Enjoy a soft drink before heading back to your ship. Note: This tour requires no walking. The pontoon boat has a surround-sound and speaker system. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This tour returns to the pier and will not be available for guests disembarking or with a back to back sailing. less

Immerse yourself in the legend of Atlantis during this exciting excursion. After an approximately 25-minute bus transfer to Paradise Island, you’ll be escorted to the resort for a guided exploration of Atlantis, to experience the most mystifying and spectacular resort to have risen from the sea. Discover the world’s largest marine habitat, and view over 50,000 sea animals representing 200 different species. Also explore the Dig, which will reveal how Atlantean culture flourished over 11,000 years ago. Come to discover a continent in just one day at Atlantis Paradise Island. At the conclusion of the guided portion of the tour, you’ll have some time on your own to return to the Dig and its exhibits, shop at the Marina Village, visit the casino, explore the hotel’s grand lobby or have a bite to eat at your own expense. Note: Participants ages 3 or younger receive free admission if accompanied by a participating paying adult (parent or guardian at least 18 years of age). This tour does not include access or use of the resort pool, beach or water slides and is not recommended for those with physical limitations. Although most walking is on level terrain, this is a walking tour and there is a considerable amount of walking involved. The Atlantis Resort uses a cashless system at many of its outdoor food and beverage venues located near the beach area. Guests should bring a credit card to use at these locations. Cash venues are very limited. Transportation for this tour is by bus, there is approximately 25 minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. less