Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

After a detailed safety orientation, follow your guide in convoy-style, on a drive through Puerto Vallarta and on your way to the off-roads. There is no better way to explore Mexico’s countryside than on your own semi-automatic, four-wheeled ATV. While skirting the edges of the Bay of Banderas, ride into the beautiful, yet dusty foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. You’ll have some free time to explore the grounds before you head back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and weigh no more than 350 lbs. Wear long pants and closed-toe, sturdy shoes. Not for pregnant women or guests with neck or back problems. Helmets are mandatory and provided, goggles are a must, and bandannas are optional. Snacks are available at your own expense at Hacienda Dona Engracia. less

Join professional mountaineering guides for a two-hour trek through a glacial icescape. A scenic helicopter flight will take you to your trekking site. No experience is necessary, as guides will teach you the proper use of the mountaineering gear so that the remote areas of the glacier can be accessed. All you need to bring is a camera, a willing attitude and an appetite for adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, in good physical condition and able to hike two miles over varied terrain. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes. Wind/water-proof outerwear, boots, gloves, ice axe, gaiters, crampons, harness and helmet are provided. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. This tour is non-refundable once booked. For more details about this tour please visit: www.helitrek.com
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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

This exciting half-day excursion begins with a short walk to your four-person, manual transmission, open-air Jeep®, before you depart caravan-style to explore the scenic countryside of Puerto Vallarta. Your experienced guide will lead you up the Sierra Madre Mountains, passing through typical Mexican villages along the way. Make a short stop at Hacienda Dona Engracia, the only tequila factory in the area where you’ll receive a short briefing on the process of making tequila. Continue your adventure by passing fruit and tobacco plantations and taking in the spectacular natural beauty of the area. After your adventurous ride, enjoy a complimentary snack at a beautiful beach setting. Here, you’ll have time to swim, bask in the sun, play volleyball or simply relax before it’s time to get back in your Jeep® and drive back to your awaiting ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Driver must be at least 25 years of age and provide both a valid driver’s license and credit card. All vehicles must remain with the group throughout the tour. Bring your swimsuit, towel, comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes as you may get dusty or wet depending on the season. Any additional food or drinks ordered will be at your own expense. less

This trip combines a 27.7 mile White Pass Railway ride with a 4 to 6 mile round-trip wilderness hike toward Denver Falls, in lush old growth forest. After a 22 mile bus ride, your rail journey will be broken into two parts, before and after the hike. This world renowned railway adventure carries you through the scenic White Pass complete with waterfalls, rushing rivers, trestles, and tunnels as you trace the trail of '98. This southbound trip offers outstanding views from Inspiration Point and other locations along the route. After disembarking at Denver Station, your professional guides will lead you through the glacially carved valley full of dense, old growth forest.

The trail traces the raging East Fork of the Skagway River, meeting it intermittently and providing excellent photo opportunities. Be alert, and keep your camera close, as the remote valley is home to bears and other wildlife. From the depths of the river valley, gaze at the magnificent craggy peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains that make this valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Your narrated hike will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history that make the region unique. Hiking through the pristine Tongass National Forest with 1,000 year old trees with photo stops by the river and Denver Falls will highlight this perfect mix of exercise and natural beauty. After the hike, continue with your return train ride to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age. Dress in layers and wear walking or athletic shoes. Lunch and snacks provided.

Enjoy a five-hour fishing excursion to the richest game fishing grounds know to anglers. As the boat heads out to the fishing area, the poles will be set with lures by the mate to minimize the possibility of the lines becoming tangled. The type of fishing is trolling. Boats do not troll with live bait, as it is good for perhaps fifteen minutes maximum. This means the boat will be in the open ocean and four lines with lures will be utilized in pole holders and outriggers. All of the hooked fish will be rotated between the participants on the boat. When a fish is spotted, the mate will reel in the four lines and then set a line with the live bait. If a fish takes the bait, the mate will 'set the hook' and give the pole to the first person in the fighting chair. When the first person has landed the fish (or if the fish got away), the next person will have the next hooked fish and so on. When everyone has had a turn in the chair the rotation will start over. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart ailment, knee/spinal/neck pain or injury or any other recent injury should not participate. Typically six participants will share a boat, however arrangements can be made, at additional costs to share a boat by two or three anglers, thereby improving your chances of catching a fish. All fishing boats contain the latest in safety equipment. less