SHORE EXCURSIONS

Drive a Jeep through downtown Nassau and its suburbs, taking in attractions such as the caves where the indigenous Lucayans once lived and then pausing to relax at the beach..

After a short walk from the pier, you will hop into a Jeep Wrangler and hit the open road. There is plenty to see during your time behind the wheel, starting with downtown Nassau, the capital, largest city and cultural hub of the Bahamas..

Depending on the route, you might drive through the colorful shopping district on Bay Street and see highlights such as palm-dotted Rawson Square, lovely government buildings such as the Supreme Court and the pink-hued House of Assembly. You will then head west past lovely Cable Beach and on towards the Nassau Caves for a photo stop..

The Lucayans, the original residents of the Bahamas once lived in these caverns. Settlers later used the caves for religious services and the guano inside to fertilize their crops..

You will also see the JFK Memorial, which recognizes President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 meeting in Nassau to discuss Polaris, the United Kingdom’s submarine-based nuclear-weapons program. The fabulous and sprawling Baha Mar resort is another Bahamian landmark that you will pass. .

Free time on one of Nassau’s most inviting beaches follows, during which you might stroll along the shore, bask in the sun or simply admire the natural beauty and serenity of the sea. Then after a bountiful lunch at the Bahamian Grill, you will return to the pier..

Behold the natural attractions of Cephalonia, including those beneath the surface, such as the Drogarati Cave and subterranean Melissani Lake.

Departing from the pier, you'll drive toward the eastern shore of Cephalonia, the largest Ionian island. Arriving at the Drogarati Cave, you'll descend a flight of stairs into a large cavern which is lighted for dramatic effect. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like jagged curtains, and ancient stalagmites reach up from the rocky floor. The colors are predominately red, orange, yellow and white, from the iron content in the rock and the layers of chalk and limestone.

Although estimated to be 100 million years old, the cave wasn't discovered until about 300 years ago when a violent earthquake opened an entrance. Inside the cave's Chamber of Exaltation, the acoustics are considered near perfect, and concert events are often held in its voluminous interior. Even the famed opera soprano, Maria Callas, sang here.

Continuing on, you will travel in a northerly direction, passing the town of Sami en route to the renowned Melissani Lake. This underground phenomenon looks absolutely magical in the shafts of light that come from 100 feet above, where parts of the ceiling collapsed decades ago. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionian Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling here are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old.

Afterwards, you'll return to Argostoli via a picturesque coastal route that offers spectacular views across the strait to the island of Ithaca, and further along, Myrtos and its dramatic, sheer white cliffs.

Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

Once back in Playa del Carmen, you may have free time for shopping etc., depending on the ferry schedule. There will be a stop on the way to Tulum to purchase food, refreshments, souvenirs and use of the restroom.

Aquaventure, Atlantis Paradise Island’s Water Park, is a one-of-a-kind 141 acre waterscape. Aquaventure features over twenty million gallons of water, thrilling high-speed water slides like the Mayan Temple and the 7-story Power Tower, a mile long river ride with rolling rapids, a spectacular kids water-play fort, 20 swimming areas, refreshing pools, and access to the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean! Plus access to view the renowned Atlantis marine habitat, home to more than 50,000 fish representing 250 species and the Caribbean’s largest casino and stroll through Marina Village, a charming and vibrant marketplace featuring 20 retail shops, restaurants, and local entertainment for a distinctly Bahamian vacation experience.

OVERVIEW
Dive beautiful Casuarina Point Reef and observe a seemingly endless diversity of marine life along this superb coral reef. Once you are outfitted with diving equipment, you will receive a brief orientation of the dive site, so you can maximize the experience. Casuarina Point Reef has a depth of only 50 feet or so, which allows you to dive for as much as 50 minutes without surfacing. The relatively shallow water is ideal for those who haven’t dived in the past two years and for newly certified or junior open-water divers. You can expect to see an abundance of marine life that may include sea turtles, sea cucumbers, crabs and an ever-changing array of brightly colored tropical fish. Starfish or sea stars are also commonly spotted. While the starfish in Grand Cayman typically have five arms, some species have as many as 40 arms.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Dive a shallow reef teeming with marine life.
• Bring nothing more than a sense of adventure, as all the equipment will be provided.
• Observe an endless array of exotic fish and perhaps sea turtles.
• Remain in Georgetown to shop after the dive, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up and bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at our Blue Lagoon Restaurant, the most beautiful lagoon with fresh water, located 20 minutes away from Chacchoben Mayan ruins. After your meal, sunbathe on a sun lounger, take a swim and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well fed and in good spirits your transfer awaits to return you to the ship.

OVERVIEW
While away the hours on Pearl Island in an oceanfront private cabana with everything you could possibly want at your fingertips. Following a short ferry ride to the uninhabited island, you will settle into your own oceanfront thatched-roof cabana. This open-air oasis is furnished with padded loungers for stretching out, convenient side tables and a beverage cooler. A waiter will be standing by to serve your hearty Bahamian lunch and bring most anything else you might need. You are welcome to spend the entire day in the comfort of your shaded cabana or explore the rest of the beach-blessed island, if you please. Kayaking and paddle boarding are available and the crystal-clear water couldn’t be more inviting. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, climb the lighthouse at the island’s tip. The views from the circular observation tower are spectacular in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride the ferry the Pearl Island, the closest private island to Nassau.
• While away the hours in a VIP oceanfront cabana, doing whatever you please.
• Enjoy attentive waiter service, as lunch and beverages (one cocktail pp is included) will be served in your cabana.
• Take a refreshing swim in the sea or stretch in the sun on the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the thrill of walking high above the Reversing Falls Rapids at the new Skywalk in Saint John. You will be suspended 120 feet above the water on the Skywalk, made using the most advanced technology in glass and steel, which offers an unparalleled view of this natural wonder.

Enroute to the Skywalk with your local guide, your tour begins by exploring Saint John’s highlights, including the colorful streets of Saint John’s historic uptown, a short walk along the water’s edge on Harbour Passage, and the breathtaking view from Fort Howe.

Stop for a photo at Fallsview Park, where the mighty St. John River meets the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, thus creating this unique phenomenon. Tides in the Bay of Fundy rise and fall up to 50 feet each day. Fallsview Park, one of the geosites in Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, will give you a look at the Reversing Falls Rapids from the lowest point on land, before you make your way to the highest and most exciting lookout at the Skywalk. The rocks at the Reversing Falls Rapids exhibit one of the most interesting stories in the Stonehammer Geopark. Here you can see where two continents collided and view the exposed rock ranging from 50 million to 1 billion years old.

When you arrive onsite at the Skywalk, there is so much to see and do! Be brave and take a walk on the glass Skywalk, suspended 24 feet past the rock cliff’s edge over the Reversing Falls Rapids. Take in a short film that explains the tides in the Bay of Fundy, and how the unique Reversing Falls Rapids are created when the force of the Bay of Fundy collides with the mighty St. John River, forcing the river to reverse direction and flow backwards twice each day. The Skywalk offers an incredible vantage point to take a thrilling walk over the Reversing Falls Rapids.

This unforgettable excursion will have you traveling along the coastlines on the Sir Francis Drakes Highway heading through small villages such as Capoons Bay, Apple Bay, Carrot Bay, and then you will ascend about 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Photo stops will be made along the way.

Enjoy stunning views and the different shades of beautiful water. Your knowledgeable driver/guide will keep you constant company as the history and culture of the island is related via the public address system. At Long Bay beach, enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal- clear water or just relax to the singing of the waves along the seashore.

Snorkel the azure waters of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers.

Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans and delicate sea anemones. Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home.

After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip with complimentary rum or fruit punch while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes.

Your relaxing fun-filled day begins with a short scenic ride to a quaint marina where you’ll board the catamaran. At the marina dock, your friendly crew will greet you and acquaint you with the vessel. Glide along the eastern end of the island before setting sail to the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The brisk sail across Pillsbury Sound brings you to a special mooring destination where you can swim on a beautiful St. John beach, snorkel or simply relax under the palms. Enjoy freshly baked breads, cheeses, fruits, and a variety of beverages onboard. Champagne and other beverages are complimentary after swimming and snorkeling. After your relaxing stay at the beach, delight in the tropical breezes as you make the downwind return sail to St. Thomas.

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer.

The operators of this tour guarantee that you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages.