Europe Cruises: Excursions

Immerse yourself in the magic of Chiapas’s natural environments as you head off the beaten path to explore beautiful mangrove streams and lagoons. After being greeted by your boat captain, just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views surrounding as you navigate through the waterways. Experience the wildlife, especially the region’s diverse array of birds, that appear along the way. Your guide will share information about the area’s eco-system and point out various species of flora and fauna. You may see pelicans, herons, ospreys, cormorants, hummingbirds, egrets, spoonbills, storks, turtles and much more. This nature reserve also provides a way of life to the local fishermen who use the same methods of catching shrimp and crab. You might have the opportunity to watch them at work as you float towards the end of your exotic journey. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. less

Let's party aboard a Chiva! Drink, laugh, clap, sing and listen to jokes, as you enjoy non-stop "papayera" or "vallenato". Meet new people, enjoy live music and take part in the open bar while your Chiva takes you around Cartagena. You’ll make a photo stop at San Felipe Fortress, Manga, Pie de la Popa, El Centro, Boca Grande, Laguito, Castillo Grande, and the old city. Your Chiva will stop at the historic Santa Calatina’s Bastion. Here you can stretch, enjoy refreshments, dance to the beat of the music band or enjoy local entertainment. You’ll have some time for souvenir and handicraft shopping at Las Bovedas Artisan Center. Note: Chiva buses are old artisan modified buses used in rural areas for public transport. They are painted colorfully with local arabesques and figures. Most of the chivas have an incorporated ladder for the rack on the roof which is also used for carrying people; seats are bench like, made out of wood and with doors instead of windows and all of them have a unique nickname. We recommend you bring comfortable shoes and casual clothes. Wear sunscreen. 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

On this two-tank dive you’ll travel through deep submarine canyons just off San Lucas Bay and marvel at the rich marine environment on this adventure. Diving locations are just off the rocky shore and feature large boulders and pinnacles; the rocky walls attract schools of fish such as snapper and goatfish. The ledges are covered with marine invertebrates, starfish, nudibranchs and urchins. Look out for king and Cortez angelfish, Moorish idols and guinea fowl puffers. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, weigh less than 280 lbs. and in good physical condition. You’ll be required to complete a medical release form. You must present a valid certification card (C-Card) and must have logged a certified dive within the last year. All equipment, including professional supervision and boat transportation is included. Dive sites are chosen based on weather and sea conditions and are subject to change. less

Float down the Copalita River in an eight-person raft and experience its beautiful landscape. Your guide will give instructions and safety briefing, and then you'll enjoy your descent while floating silently downstream for approx 60 minutes. There is much to see for all nature lovers: The natural habitat of the local tropical birds, parrots, egrets, herons, frigate birds, cormorants, sand pipers, king fishers, oriols and wrens; and the variety in tropical flora and fauna - 80% of the vegetation is low jungle caducifoliae (drops leaves once a year)- with some tree species growing up to 18 meters. Approximately 100 species of birds are present in this area, including several endangered, protected and rare species. This is an unforgettable day with overwhelming natural beauty. Note: Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Guests must be in good physical condition. Pregnant women and guests with heart or respiratory conditions or back and neck injuries are not allowed to participate. Not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or who use walking aids such as canes or crutches. Necessary gear such as helmets and life vests will be provided. Guests should wear light clothing, sneakers and sunscreen. less