OVERVIEW

Walk through a series of inland caves formed eons ago and admire the island’s natural beauty while driving along the coast. Pirates once used the Crystal Caves as hideouts and legend has it that treasures are still buried in their depths. While following a winding trail through the ancient caverns, you will see eerily illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, a glass-smooth underground lake and a cave whose ceiling collapsed ages ago. The guide will describe how the caves were formed and the wonders that lie within them. Back on the surface, you will settle in for a panoramic coastal drive, during which you will pause for photos at the Wreck of the Ten Sail memorial. It commemorates the convoy 10 British ships that wrecked on the reefs just offshore in 1794 in a massive maritime disaster. You will also stop to witness the coastal blowholes that spew ocean water as high as 20 feet into the air.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide through the Crystal Caves, which pirates once used as hideouts.
• View a collection of coastal geysers that spray water spectacularly high into the air.
• Stop at a memorial that marks where 10 ships wrecked on the reefs in the 18th century.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Meander through two wonderfully serene botanical gardens with curators that will describe the exotic flora in captivating detail. As you walk along the winding paths of Hunte’s Garden, you will see a seemingly endless array of tropical plants, some quite rare and many of them in bloom. Anthony Hunte, the visionary horticulturalist that created this wonderland in the 1950s, describes it as “the most enchanting place on earth,” and there is no doubt that his namesake garden is magical. As a special treat, Hunte may be available to talk about the beginnings of the garden and how it has grown. Andromeda Gardens is equally delightful and has the distinction of being the oldest and largest such tropical paradise on Barbados. Its ethnobotanical garden is especially alluring as it features plants that Barbadians have traditionally used for food, medicine and clothing. Butterflies are abundant there, including buckeyes and bright-orange Gulf fritillaries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll through two visually stunning botanical gardens, each created in the 1950s.
• Revel in the serenity of Hunte’s Garden and perhaps meet founder Anthony Hunte.
• Follow a curator through Andromeda Gardens, the island’s oldest botanical wonderland.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

You’ll be transferred to the dolphin facility and upon arrival, attend an informative presentation by the dolphins certified trainers that will prepare you for your dolphin experience.

Now it’s time to meet your dolphin pal! Enter the water outfitted with a life vest and be introduced to a happy, playful dolphin. Touch the dolphin’s soft, smooth skin and listen as it sings. Your new pal will offer you a handshake, then pucker up for a gentle dolphin kiss! Head into deeper water and climb aboard a boogie board and let the dolphin push you through the water. Then, gently grab the dolphin’s pectoral fins for a cruising belly ride—it’s a ride you’ll never forget.

Get up close and personal with the Dominican countryside, exploring hidden trails and scenic vistas aboard your easy-to-handle ATV. Arrive by open air truck and hop on your ATV (single rider) to discover the beauty and allure of the Dominican landscape, riding rugged roads past quaint villages and deep into the heart of the country.

Experience the hospitality of the Dominican people, learning about the rural Dominican lifestyle by visiting a typical country home. After getting dirty riding through the hills of Puerto Plata, relax on the beach or take a swim in the cooling ocean waters of a secluded cove.

Board your private transportation for a journey through Road Town. Drive along Ridge Road with amazing views over the north coast of the island. After a brief photo stop to view the islands of Guana, Great Camanoe and Anegada, you’ll drive westward to the Original Virgin Canopy Tour base camp. After a quick restroom break, the friendly staff will outfit you with your gear. Following a brief orientation and safety talk, you’ll arrive at the take-off point of the tour. The tour has been expertly designed for adventurers of all ages (from 5 to 95) and every stop along the way provides you with an amazing "I can't believe I just did that" photo opportunity that you will want to share with friends and loved ones.

The tour including the outfitting and safety talk and the 7 traverse and other challenge components, will take approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours, depending on group size and other factors. One element of the tour includes a 1 1/2 story climb (21 steps) up an inclined ladder – but don’t worry, you are attached all the way. Following the tour you can enjoy some refreshments or snacks (not included in the price), shop for souvenirs or just relax and take in the wonderful view from the patio before you board the bus. Stops will be made for photo opportunities on your drive back to the cruise ship terminal.

Designed to travel where no bus can, enjoy a guided drive through the colorful villages of the Dominican countryside in the comfort of a Wild Truck (6 x 6 Ex-Military vehicle). With your guide available to provide details on the history and traditions of the Dominican countryside and culture, travel through the rugged hills of Puerto Plata, experiencing stunning views of the mountains and beaches.

Stopping in local villages, learn about life on the island as you taste fresh coffee, chocolate, and learn the art of rolling cigars. After gaining an appreciation for the people of the Dominican Republic, indulge in a buffet style lunch of authentic Dominican cuisine and relax on the beautiful beaches of the secluded Coconut Cove.

OVERVIEW

Zip down dirt roads and off-road in an open-air buggy, see how coffee, cocoa and fruits are grown at a country farm and enjoy samples of coffee and relax at a gorgeous beach along the north shore and swim in the ocean, if you wish. Race through the tropical countryside in an open-air, off-road buggy for an exhilarating experience between stops at several top attractions. You will have the chance to test drive the buggy beforehand so you will feel comfortable whether at the wheel or as the passenger. Then, it’s off into the wilds, where you will drive down country lanes, past rivers and into isolated areas that most visitors never see. If it has rained recently, the ride will be even more fun because your caravan of vehicles can zip through long stretches of muddy dirt roads. In time, you will stop your tour a farm that grows coffee, the beach Bergantin stroll the shore and enjoy an invigorating swim in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Zip down dirt roads and off-road in an open-air buggy.
• Stop at a typical house for a Dominican coffee taste.
• Relax at a gorgeous beach along the north shore and swim in the ocean, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the elegance of The Red Collection, where refined touches elevate your tour experience into a memorable journey. Ride the ferry to St. John and explore on your own, starting in Cruz Bay, the main town on this smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. On the way over, you will receive suggestions about popular attractions that you may find worth visiting. The Virgin Island National Park covers two-thirds of St. John so focusing on the island’s bountiful natural wonders is always an option. The national park visitor center in Cruz Bay can make recommendations. However, you may wish to remain in Cruz Bay, a hub for shopping and dining, much of it along the waterfront. Despite being busy at times, the downtown exudes a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere that encourages exploration. History buffs might browse the collection in the Museum of Cultural Arts. Beach lovers will be drawn to the palm-lined shores of Hart Bay.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the ferry to and from Cruz Bay on the island of St. John.
• Explore the town of Cruz Bay independently at your own pace.
• Explore the national park that surrounds Cruz Bay as an option.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Avoid the long drive to Chichen Itza by flying to the Mayan ruins, which allows you more time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the great centers of the Mayan Empire, Chichen Itza had enormous importance as a religious, ceremonial and astronomical center, and excavations have unearthed many significant structures. The most iconic is the pyramid-like Temple of Kulkulcan, which has 365 steps, one for each day of the year. Its architecture is Mayan but heavily influenced by the Toltecs, who migrated to the Yucatan in the 10th century. The Temple of the Warriors is another highlight, especially its hundreds of columns with carved figures of Toltec warriors. You may also see the largest ancient ball court in the Americas, which has amazing acoustics even by today’s standards. Later, at the Hacienda Chichen Resort, you will be served a multi-course meal that reflects culinary aspects of Mayan cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly to Chichen Itza, whose Mayan ruins are an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Meander through the ruins with a guide that will explain their significance.
• Dine on a multi-course lunch prepared by Maya chefs at the Hacienda Chichen resort.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Take the wheel of an off-road vehicle and drive through the countryside, stopping along the way for tastings at a farm and to browse a museum with exhibits showcasing the indigenous Taino people. While riding through the lush landscape in a caravan of 4x4 vehicles, you will enjoy spectacular views of Isabel de Torres Mountain, which looms high above Puerto Plata. Upon arriving at the farm, you will learn how many local fruits and coffee are grown, harvested and processed. You will also sample many of these products, which will enhance your understanding of their allure. More scenic vistas await you on the ride to La Confuencia Galería Etnográfica, a museum full of ancient artifacts that promote the culture and history of the Dominican Republic with a special emphasis on the Taino. You may discover how they emigrated to the island of Hispaniola and how life changed following the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a 4x4 vehicle through the lush tropical countryside.
• Enjoy tastings of fruits and coffee at a farm and see how they are grown and processed.
• Browse an ethnographic museum that focuses on the indigenous Taino people.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

If soaring like Superman across the main beach of the island sounds like your idea of fun, then this is the activity for you. You’ll be met at the keeper’s house, located at the base of the Flighthouse by the flight crew who will provide you with a safety orientation, assist with your equipment selection and fitting and a technical flight briefing covering the upcoming flight mission. Once outfitted and briefed, you’ll be transported up to your designated flight deck via the Flighthouse elevator where your adventure begins. This 1,300 ft “Double Beach Superman Run” delivers a major adrenaline experience as you fly racing face down in a “Superman” position at 40 mph! Note the beach run can also be done in the regular seat harness that is used for the Lagoon Run Zip.

No Experience Required. The flight crew will provide you with equipment and safety briefings. This is a tour the whole family will remember for years to come.

Cruise the winding Monkey River, looking for wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, and then enjoy a hike with a naturalist that will explain the plants' medicinal uses.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River, where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. Along the way, the guide will provide enlightening commentary about the region's history, including how the economy boomed in the late 19th century when large volumes of bananas were exported.

Little evidence of that thriving time period remains, as the meandering Monkey River is bordered by undeveloped rainforest. Natural beauty and remarkably diverse flora and fauna are now the main attractions.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles popping their heads above the water's surface, and iguanas perched in the tree limbs. You might even spot a troop of black howler monkeys screeching in the forest.

Tropical birds are just as abundant along the river, especially wading birds such as herons, brightly colored tanagers and keel-billed toucans, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are easy to spot because of their large, colorful bills and how they croak like frogs.

Once you disembark, you will hike through the surrounding forest while the naturalist guide points out plants with medicinal qualities. For instance, leaves of the soursop are often brewed into a tea that reduces fever, and the wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties.