Caribbean Cruises: Excursions

Board your guided air-conditioned transportation and pass through Puntarenas and its surrounding mangroves. Then, proceed southward along the coast past the port of Caldera and small fishing villages, such as Mata de Limon. Next, head inland into the coastal range of mountains passing by small farming communities such as Tivies and Ceiba. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see typical Costa Rican rural life. Along the way, you may encounter different species of birds as well as sugar cane, bananas, coffee, mangos and other crops that are often exported to North America and Europe. Continue traveling south until you reach Tarcoles River, where sightings of very large crocodiles can frequently be seen. This is where your Canopy Tour adventure will begin. Upon arrival to the canopy tour reception, you’ll get geared up with the necessary equipment and briefed on safety instructions. You’ll be guided on a 15 to 20 minute walk through the tropical transition forest to the beginning of the tour. Once here, you’ll proceed to the first horizontal traverse cable. The Original Canopy tour consists of nine observation platforms, and eight horizontal traverse cables connected between the immense trees of this tropical paradise. Your journey through the trees will take approximately one hour. Here, you may see deer, monkeys and a variety of birds including the endangered scarlet macaw, orchids, bromeliads and mahogany trees. At the end of the tour you'll receive a complimentary bottle of water. Other beverages and souvenirs will be available for purchase once back at the reception area. After a few minutes of relaxation, you’ll board your bus for the return journey to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and weigh no more than 275 lbs. Although wildlife sightseeing are common, they are not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for guests with seizure disorders, heart, back, neck or balance problems. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring insect repellent. A change of clothing is recommended. less

For the snorkeling enthusiast, this tour combines two of the best areas in the emerald waters of Huatulco. From the pier area it is a 10-minute sail to La Entrega Beach, while a site briefing is given. There you’ll enjoy 45 minutes of snorkeling in the calm, translucent waters of the area and be amazed at the variety of marine life seen on the coral reef. Next is a 20-minute trip to Cacaluta Bay, which some locals call King's Beach because it was the favorite of King Juan Carlos I of Spain on his 1993 visit to Huatulco. Along the way, you’ll pass by the spectacular blowhole and Organo and Maguey Bays. Snorkel another 45 minutes from the boat in the passage between the island and beach, an outstanding pristine place with white coral and rocks. Note: Participants must be at least 16 years of age and in good physical condition. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen. You’ll be required to sign a waiver release form in order to participate. Some light current might be present. Participants should be able to get in and out of the boat by ladder. Depending on weather, water clarity and sea conditions, the above itinerary may vary and/or the stop at Cacaluta could be changed to an alternate site. All dives will be from the boat with no beach snorkeling. There are no showers on the boat. less

During this unforgettable excursion you’ll learn about dolphins at the Interactive Learning Center. Once you arrive to Atlantis, watch an informative video and listen to a marine mammal specialist. Race alongside dolphins, cruise along the surface, or dive to the depths of the saltwater lagoon on your hand-held scooter, while you control your own speed! Explore this wide-open dolphin playground and enjoy Dolphin Cay’s signature ‘foot push,’ where dolphins propel you across the lagoon on a boogie board for a rush unlike any you’ve experienced. You’ll be provided with a snorkel and mask. You’ll also receive an Atlantis map, which will allow you to take a self-guided tour at your leisure of the Ruins Lagoon, a recreation of the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis and the Dig, a replica of an archaeological excavation site. Enjoy complimentary soft drinks while sunbathing at Dolphin’s Cay private beach. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and a minimum height of 3 feet. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a considerable amount of walking once at the resort. Guests must be able to swim in deep water without support vests or assistance. Wetsuits, personal lockers, beach towels and soft drinks are provided. Wetsuits are mandatory. This tour has access to Dolphin Cay private beach to sunbathe and watch the dolphins only; however swimming is not available. This tour is non-refundable. Dolphin Observer tickets are sold onboard only. The transportation for this tour is by bus, 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. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). To ensure availability, dolphin excursions must be booked no later than 24 hours prior to the port call. Last minute sales will not be available. Duration of tour may vary. less

Until now, diving Costa Maya has been a closely kept secret and is one of the most pristine dive destinations in the Caribbean. Your excursion begins with a short ride through the quaint town of Mahahual to an eco-friendly dive center. Here you’ll be split up into small groups, gather your gear and board one of our dive boats. You’ll be diving on the spectacular Meso-American Barrier reef, where the reef formations are massive and form huge swim-throughs and ledges. This breathtaking reef is also known for its beautiful corals and exotic marine life. Common marine life includes sea turtles, lobsters, stingrays, nurse sharks, dolphin and an endless variety of tropical reef fish. After your dive excursion you may choose to return to your ship or stay and experience the local culture and beautiful beaches of Mahahual. Once a fishing village, Mahahual is now a small town thriving with wonderful beachfront shops, restaurants, bars, arts and crafts booths, and more. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, weigh no more than 375 lbs., be in good health and present a certification card. Completion of a waiver is required. If you choose to stay in Mahahual after the dive, you are responsible for your transportation back to your ship. Due to restrictions by the Dive Provider, any Scuba participants currently taking any medication or with a previous medical condition should bring a note from their primary physician stating that they are medically cleared to participate on a Scuba excursion. For more information please visit http://dreamtimeregistrationforms.com. less

Start your tour at Chukka Cove Farm with a short safety briefing and riding lesson then head across the Richmond Property, pass an old Sugar Factory, situated on one of the oldest estates in Jamaica, where you will learn its history. Ride through a river bed, lush forests and tropical foliage stopping at the Village of Chester. Refreshment is served whilst you enjoy the spectacular view of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea and learn more about the history of the area. After a leisurely ride back to Chukka Cove, end your tour with a dip in the deep blue water of our private cove - carved by nature out of rock to form a perfect pool. This swim in the cooling Caribbean waters is guaranteed to revitalize and relax after an exciting tour. Browse the gift shop filled with unique Jamaican treasures or purchase a cold drink and Jerk Chicken from the Chukka Bar & Grill. Note: Participants must be at least 16 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems or pregnant women. Tour participation is extremely limited. Drivers must have valid driver’s license. less