EXCURSÕES EM TERRA

Behold the breathtaking beauty of the still-active Soufriere Hills volcano on neighboring Montserrat from a helicopter with tiered seating that ensures a great view. As you fly high above the turquoise sea between the islands of Antigua and Montserrat, the pilot will describe the devastation from the volcano since 1995, when it erupted for the first time in centuries. The volcano eventually buried the capital of Plymouth in ash and forced it to be abandoned. Much of southern Montserrat lies within the Exclusion Zone, an area that is considered too hazardous to enter except by flying overhead. From the comfort of the helicopter, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the Exclusion Zone, the volcano and the destruction from past eruptions. Few experiences are quite so memorable. Be sure keep looking down on the way to and from Montserrat as whales and sea turtles are often spotted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a still-active volcano on Montserrat from high above in a helicopter.
• See the widespread destruction that the volcano’s past eruptions have caused.
• Look for whales and sea turtles in the waters between Antigua and Montserrat islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Fly high over Antigua in a helicopter with tiered seating that offers sweeping views of the island’s attractions. Along the way, the pilot will point out the most noteworthy landmarks and provide enlightening commentary. As you soar along the coast, you will see countless beaches, your cruise ship, superyachts anchored in Falmouth Harbour and the Shirley Heights Lookout that marks the island’s southernmost point. Nearby, you will spot Cade’s Reef, Rendezvous Bay and Nelson’s Dockyard Village, a fully restored 18th-century naval base that is so historically important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Along the western shore of Antigua, you can expect to see the villages of Five Islands and Jolly Harbour. To the north lies the avian sanctuary Great Bird Island and diminutive Prickly Pear Island, while gorgeous Half Moon Bay is one of the highlights near the eastern tip of Antigua. This helicopter adventure will offer a wonderful view of the entire island.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy sweeping views of Antigua from a helicopter with tiered seating and large windows.
• Circumnavigate the entire island and come away with a genuine feel for the lay of the land.
• See historical attractions, pristine beaches, secluded coves and a bird sanctuary.
• Total airtime approximately 20 minutes, each way. Landing approximately 30 minutes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

As your catamaran slips away from the mainland, enjoy the thrill of sailing on the Caribbean Sea. Feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair as you sail along the reef-protected northwest coast of Antigua. Anchor and snorkel in crystal-clear waters among the colorful fish and living coral of this impressive barrier reef. Next, sail to one of Antigua's beautiful beaches and enjoy a West Indian-style buffet lunch served on board and an open bar with rum mixed drinks, beer and sodas. After lunch, disembark to explore, swim or just soak up some rays on the lovely beach. Enjoy more of Antigua's picturesque coastline on the return sail back to your ship.

Travel through Antigua's rolling countryside on an air-conditioned bus to historic Nelson's Dockyard. Built in 1725, the dockyard was the base for the English naval squadron. Take a short, informative walking tour through the dockyard with its restored buildings. You'll also have free time to explore the museum, art gallery, gift shop, and boutiques. Enjoy a complimentary beverage before continuing on to Blockhouse Ruins. View the remains of the powder magazine, gun platforms, cisterns and officer's barracks atop this sheer cliff. Your final stop is Shirley Heights overlooking English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard.

OVERVIEW

See Antigua from every possible perspective, beginning with an exhilarating helicopter ride high above the island’s western shore. During the flight, you will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of St. John’s and two 18th-century forts, only one of which saw military action. You will also pass over your cruise ship and several landmark hotels along the waterfront. A scenic drive to the island’s southern shore will bring you to Nelson’s Dockyard, a fully restored 18th-century naval base that is so historically important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Following free time there, you will board a boat for an enlightening 30-minute cruise around English Harbour. The guide will point out and describe the historical highlights and the spectacular coastal rock formations known as the Pillars of Hercules. Back on shore, you will drive to Shirley Heights, a former military lookout and gun battery that still offers magnificent views of English and Falmouth harbour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly high above St. John’s and Antigua’s western shore in a helicopter.
• Drive through the island’s picturesque interior to the southern coast of Antigua.
• Spend free time exploring Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Hear enlightening commentary as you cruise around English Harbour.
• Admire the views from atop the lookout at Shirley Heights.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail on the state-of-the art sleek sailing catamaran to discover the picturesque coastline of Antigua and experience Antiguan hospitality with sparkling wine and local pineapple! Then spend time on one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches. You will be met at the ship by your tour guide and escorted a few yards to your awaiting sleek sailing catamaran and expert, courteous and knowledgeable crew. From here you will embark on an exhilarating enjoyable boat ride where you will hug the north-western coastline and see Fort James, secluded beaches, 5* hotels, exclusive homes and with interesting narration. There will be an open bar where you can enjoy sparkling wine, rum punch, beers, water and soft drinks served with fresh local pineapple and tuna and cheese finger sandwiches. You will then be taken to one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches for a stop to have a swim, walk the beach or simply relax before we take you back to your ship through the blue Caribbean waters and have another opportunity to soak up the Caribbean sun and see the Antiguan north-west coast line. This is an opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean as it used to be; peaceful and tranquil yet available for as much fun as you want to make. Take a boat ride, enjoy local Antiguan pineapple with sparkling wine, enjoy drinks from the open bar and visit one of Antigua’s famed 365 beaches; enjoy the tour prepared by people who know Antigua and Caribbean the best and simply relax. And don’t forget your swimsuit, towels and camera to record wonderful memories!

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Participate in a hands-on cooking class at an exclusive boutique hotel and dine on the delicious meal that you have prepared. The venue for this culinary experience will be the Villas at Sunset Lane, a serene setting on a hillside that overlooks Dickenson Bay. After a welcoming rum punch, you will meet the hotel owner, who is also the executive chef and highly creative with regard to Caribbean-Fusion cooking. The exact dishes that you will create will depend on what locally sourced ingredients are freshest. As the meal is comprised of three courses, there are plenty of possibilities ranging from jerk pork with peas and rice to sautéed shrimp with braised cabbage. You may even prepare Antigua’s national dish, fungee and pepperpot, which is a polenta-like cornmeal served with a flavorful stew. Once your concoctions are ready, you will enjoy them for lunch along with a glass of wine or two.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to prepare Caribbean-Fusion dishes in a hands-on cooking class at a boutique hotel.
• Gain an understanding of the many cultures that have influenced Antiguan cuisine.
• Dine on the 3-course meal that you have prepared with the executive chef’s assistance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Board your sleek catamaran at the pier and set sail along the beautiful coastline of Antigua. View the many scenic white sandy beaches and boutique resorts. Visit picturesque Deep Bay Beach surrounded by calm turquoise waters for a swim or just relax in the sunshine. The crew will serve you refreshments on the beach, fruit juices and sodas of your choice.

Then sail further along the west coast heading to Morris Bay for a second beach stop. Swim in the warm waters or relax under a coconut tree. Meanwhile the crew creates a delicious lobster lunch buffet served on board. Sip on a glass of champagne which will tempt you to relax a bit more. Following lunch, sail back along the coast while you enjoy an open bar and Caribbean music. It really doesn't get any better than this!

You’ll be taken to a beautiful white-sand beach to enjoy a rum or fruit cocktail before being escorted to your complimentary lounge chair, reserved for you on the beach. Once rested and enjoying your special day at the beach, savour a delicious buffet style lunch: chicken or fish, rice, baked potato, vegetables, salad - including a refreshing beverage (rum and/or fruit punch drink). A pasta dish will also be available for vegetarians. A pasta dish will also be available for vegetarians. Relax on the beach, take a leisurely walk along the secluded beach or swim in the sea. Changing facilities, restrooms, water sports (at additional cost supplied by outside vendors), freshwater showers as well as a beach bar and restaurant are available.

OVERVIEW

Race along Antigua’s spectacularly scenic western coast while piloting a jet ski or just riding along as a passenger if you prefer. It won’t take long to reach beautiful Hawksbill Beach in the village of Five Islands, where you will sit in on a briefing that will help you maximize the experience. Once you are comfortable with operating the jet ski or riding on the back of it, you will follow the guide caravan-style through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can expect it to be an exhilarating ride as you zip along the sheltered coast and in and out of idyllic bays. Antigua’s western shore is among the island’s most picturesque places. After a while, you will stop at a gorgeous beach where you can relax as you please. You might stretch out on the sand, take a refreshing swim or simply gaze out over the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jet ski along Antigua’s beautiful western coast, either as the driver or a passenger.
• Zip in and out of sheltered coves while taking in the gorgeous tropical scenery.
• Stop to relax and swim at one of the most picturesque beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride through the charming countryside on an air-conditioned bus on the way to Nelson's Dockyard, full of history and interesting architecture. Visit the Admiral's House and enjoy a guided tour of the naval headquarters of Lord Nelson. Continue on to Shirley Heights, where you can explore the ruins and fort and take in spectacular views of English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard. Then, stop at one of Antigua's lovely beaches for a barbeque lunch and a beverage. There will be time to relax in a beach chair to work on your tan, swim in the sparkling waters or take a lazy stroll down the beach.

Discover the natural beauty of Antigua and catch glimpses of island life on this scenic drive across the enchanting island. You will board your air conditioned motor coach and begin your drive through the heart of the city as you head out of St. John’s. Drive through colorful tranquil villages with charming churches and rolling hills, passing tropical plants and trees along the way. Continuing on to the North Sound region, you will pass the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and drive through the villages of All Saints, Liberta and Falmouth.

Make a quick stop for refreshments before continuing through the lush green foliage of Fig Tree Drive, the island’s most picturesque drive and home of Antigua’s tropical forest. Fig is the Antiguan word for banana and you will drive through groves of wild mango, guava, coconut and of course, bananas at every turn. Along this scenic southwest coast to Old Road, Fig Tree Drive climbs up and down hillsides affording breathtaking views. As your island drive takes you back to the ship, you will pass the pineapple fields at Cades Bay and beautiful Darkwood Beach. This island drive will give you a taste of Antigua and will have you wanting to come back for more.