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

Explore the essence of Mexico at a pace set to match your riding ability. On 21-gear, full-suspension bikes, this beautiful, yet dusty ride, passes fruit plantations and rustic towns with an enormous diversity of vegetation. Your experienced guide will make sure that you are properly outfitted, point out the sights and answer all your questions. During your ride the tour will be followed by a relief vehicle in radio contact with your knowledgeable guide at all times. Then you’ll head back to the hacienda to explore before you rejoin the transportation back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, weigh no more than 220 lbs. and a minimum height of 5 feet. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Mandatory helmets are provided, along with elbow, knee and wrist protection. Snacks are available at your own expense at the Hacienda. less

Enjoy your visit to Ketchikan with a bird's eye view of this historic town. Your flight takes off from the Ketchikan waterfront, flies over the community, and immediately enters the wilderness. Your expert local pilot/guide will point out the highlights and provide insights of Alaskan lifestyles. Make sure your camera is loaded and ready as your pilot watches for bear and mountain goats in this area of pristine grandeur. See how the residents of this frontier-style community live amongst islands and at the edge of a rich wilderness. Experience a richly forested fjord, lined with massive granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a multitude of lakes below. Marvel at the close-up views of the spectacular snowcapped Ketchikan Alps, including Deer, Fish, Achilles and Buck mountains. Your experience unfolds as you descend through a lush valley and over the rustic Herring Cove community. Your pilot will carry you along the Revillagigedo Island coast and by the Saxman Native Village. Admire Saxman's many totem poles as they tower into the sky and have one more glimpse of the mountainous background of town before descending onto the Ketchikan waterfront. Your flight path will be weather dependent and hand selected by your pilot. Note: Binoculars and telephoto lens are recommended. less

Your tour will kick off with you paddling a shared kayak along the coast. Look closely and you’ll see how the sun changes the color of the water. You might even spot the red coral beneath the piers. You’ll pass Fort Beekenburg, which was originally built in 1703 to protect the inner bay, and Quarantine House, an old manor estate. From here, it’s on to Doctor’s Bay, where you’ll be kitted out with snorkel gear. Visit a shipwrecked tugboat that’s home to a long list of underwater creatures and rainbow-colored fish. This is Curacao’s top snorkeling spot, so bring an underwater camera if you have one. You’ll need a pair of reef shoes or shoes you’re ok with getting wet, as well as a change of clothes and a towel. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Kayaks are shared. less

Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots and vests. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.

Upon arrival at glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.

Note: Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily based on the weather forecast to ensure that you will see the best sights that the area has to offer. Tour includes approximately 40 minutes of helicopter time and 40 minutes on the glacier. Glacier boots, trekking pole and safety vest 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 and can’t be made online, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations.

Explore the amazing world of Huatulco by water and land. Visit the beautiful beach of "La Entrega", where healthy coral plates shelter millions of colorful fish. Once here, don’t miss the "Bat Cave", located a few yards from the beach; snorkel into the cave and discover why it’s called the Lover’s Corner. Relax under a palm umbrella called ‘Palapa’ and enjoy refreshments or a delicious seafood dish at an additional cost. Next, swim the underwater world of Huatulco while tanning under the sun of this Mexican South Pacific beach. On your way back to the pier, you’ll have the chance to fill your eyes with different tones of blue from the sightseeing spots located along the roads and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the shoreline of Huatulco. You’ll make a stop on the impressive viewpoint of “La Entrega” where you’ll be able to take pictures while admiring your ship and the Bay of Santa Cruz. Note: Participants must sign a waiver release form. Bottled water is provided in the van. Tour itinerary might vary and could change to an alternate site depending on weather conditions, water clarity and sea conditions. Please wear your swimsuit and a t-shirt for snorkeling. Bring a towel and sunscreen protection. less