Bahamas & Florida Cruises: Excursions

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

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

Enjoy a relaxing and informative tour of the beautiful reefs around the Grand Bahama aboard the Ocean Wonder, a custom-built 60-foot double-deck glass-bottom boat that offers both sun and shade. The friendly crew will show you multi-colored sea-life and coral formations. Help 'feed the fish' and also view Cooper’s Medieval castle, an island landmark. Afterwards, weather permitting, you’ll travel further offshore to view Brit’s wreck submerged in the waters near Treasure Reef. Before you return to the dock, enjoy a pleasant cruise along the beachfront during which, sites of interest will being pointed out. Soda, bottled water and assorted chips are available for purchase aboard the boat. Tour duration includes one hour round-trip transfer time. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age and in good health. Must be able to manage several steps in and out of the boat with minimal assistance. less

Come along as an observer and watch your family and friends as they come 'face to fins' with dolphins at their interactive encounter, swim or sea lion program. You’ll be transferred to and from Blue Lagoon Island by boat, from the pier (approximately 40 minutes each way). View Nassau’s historic and scenic harbor as you cruise by Paradise Island and Nassau. Once at Blue Lagoon Island, enjoy viewing native Bahamian Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and sea lions in their all natural habitat - without getting wet! As an observer, you’ll have a fun interactive orientation briefing covering their natural history, animal training techniques, ocean conservation and wildlife guidelines. Enjoy the up-close and personal view of these gentle marine mammals from a nearby platform - as you remain high and dry. Note: Participants ages 3 or younger receive free admission if accompanied in the program by a participating paying adult (parent or guardian at least 18 years of age). This tour is merely for observers whose family members are participating in any of the Dolphin Encounter, Swim or Sea Lions programs. less

Board your powered catamaran for a narrated harbor cruise on the way to the snorkeling site off of Athol Island. While cruising around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, you’ll be briefed on historical points of interest as well as the homes of the rich and famous. Once at the snorkel site you’ll discover the real beauty of the Bahamas. Snorkel in some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen. The friendly staff will guide you along the reef and highlight the fish that you see, answering any questions that you might have. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age to snorkel, and able to swim. A moderate 10 to 15-minute walk is required to/from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is provided prior to departure. less