EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, it’s an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Upon arrival at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove.

Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take an Alambre cooking lesson (only available on early departures), discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. For the teenagers and young adventurers the Teen Adventure Cove is waiting for them, Feel the exhilaration of free flight... free falling... and swinging out from extreme heights. Test your limits on this challenging obstacle course. Buffet lunch is included.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Sabal Playa Beach Club, an exclusive resort that overlooks an absolutely gorgeous stretch of sand. It won’t take long to reach the club, which allows all the more time to enjoy the amenities. You might bask in the sun on a lounge chair as the waves gently lap at the shore. Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the coast without a care in the world or do most anything else that you find relaxing. There is plenty of shade under the coconut palms and beach umbrellas if you prefer that setting. You are also welcome to enjoy the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. Other options include dining on your own in the open air restaurant or even poolside, and taking advantage of the ocean kayaks and paddleboards. Everything imaginable is at your fingertips to ensure that your time at Sabal Playa Beach Club is carefree and immensely pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Relax in complete comfort at the exclusive Sabal Playa Beach Club.
• Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean and the infinity pool.
• Lounge around the beach, poolside and in the shaded grassy areas.
• Enjoy access to the restaurants and watersports such as kayaks and paddleboards.

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

This excursion combines the charm of both the old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at the Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta, an extraordinary resort overlooking the sea. It won’t take long to reach this 4-star slice of paradise, which will allow you all the more time to enjoy the generous amenities. As soon as you arrive, the concierge will present an overview of the property so you can maximize your time. Feel free to head straight to the beach and stretch out in a lounge chair. Beach umbrellas are also available if you would rather lie in the shade. If you prefer freshwater to saltwater, it will be comforting to know that the resort has four swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool on the rooftop with a bar serving drinks and sushi right there. This beach escape also includes a sumptuous buffet – one exclusively for adults, the other for families – and the use of single and double kayaks if you are feeling adventurous.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the waterfront Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta resort.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the pools, kayaking and doing most anything else.
• Savor a traditional Mexican buffet lunch and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilds of Canopy River Park in a 4x4 ATV and then toast the adventure with a tequila tasting. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will hop into a 4-person Polaris RZR and take the wheel or ride as a passenger. Either way, it will be a nonstop thrill as you zip down the dirt trails that crisscross the rainforest that blankets the Sierra Madre Occidental, a volcanically formed mountain range. At one point, you will cross the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge with nothing below but dense jungle and the winding Cuale River. Feel free to pause for photos of the extraordinary natural beauty. Once you catch your breath and return to the base camp, you can relive your ATV adventure while taking part in a tasting of local tequilas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the mountains and rainforest in a 4 person 4X4 ATV built for rugged terrain.
• Drive across the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge.
• Participate in a tequila-tasting class back at the base camp.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Experience Puerto Vallarta in all its glory. Travel along the main highway to Old Town, along the city’s cobblestone streets for a stop at City Hall and the Cathedral of the Lady of Guadalupe. Pass the elegant area of Conchas Chinas on your way to the southern end of town. Finally, stop at a charming restaurant for a complimentary beverage before heading to Old Town for some shopping. You’ll be assigned a time to rejoin your coach for the return trip to your ship. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

Board your open-air vehicle and leave the city behind as you head to the Sierra Madre Mountains where your hiking tour awaits.

This half day excursion offers nature lovers and thrill seekers the opportunity to enjoy a day in the jungle!

We will hike for about 45 minutes. Along the trail, your guide will explain about the great diversity of local plants and tropical trees. The trail leads to spectacular views for your selfie photos. Once you arrive to “La Dulce Vista” Villa situated 984 ft. above sea level you will have time to play volleyball, soak up the sun while lying in the hammocks, sunbeds or simply sit in the jacuzzi or swimming pool as you cool off with unlimited drinks. Enjoy an open- air patio BBQ lunch. End your fun and relaxing day with a drive on an open- air vehicle through the lush mountains as you head back to your ship.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Would you like to enjoy a day of authentic Mexican fun? At Hacienda Dona Engracia, there’s a real Mexican Fiesta waiting for you, with colors, displays, contests and more. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the hacienda and tequila factory, with free tequila samples. During lunch you’ll be entertained with music, displays of dancing horses, a traditional Mexican folkloric ballet and of course, typical Mexican food. After the party there will be time for some contests, prizes and fun.

Then you’ll head to the downtown area for a city tour and some shopping in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Passing through the charming downtown area you’ll see the famous waterfront Malecon, the ever popular statues and the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral before you head back to your ship. See you at the Mexican Fiesta!

Board your catamaran and relax, as you cruise south along the beautiful tropical coastline of Banderas Bay. Dolphins and humpback whales are often sighted here during the winter months. You'll spend the morning in the tranquil cove of Majahuitas, it’s only accessible by sea and offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. After, enjoy lunch aboard your catamaran.

You'll continue on to the pristine paradise of Yelapa, an old fishing village that is only accessible by boat. Here you can hike through the jungle to the waterfall, swim in the cove's protected waters or just relax on the expansive beach. On your return cruise, enjoy the on board fiesta with an open bar, dancing, music and entertainment provided by the friendly crew.

Humpback Whales are by far the most expressive and captivating of all the large marine mammals which inhabit Pacific waters. Banderas Bay has one of the largest concentrations of these magnificent animals and it is here, in these protected waters that they come to mate and breed during winter months. Often they can be seen breeching, performing peduncle slaps and tail slaps that your expert guide will explain to you. This specialized excursion is designed to capture the magical moment when you encounter wild dolphins and majestic humpback whales.

The essence of this tour is to find the wildlife and enjoy those precious moments when you can sit peacefully and watch the whales and dolphins play, breach, eat, or just hang out. There is no such thing as a "typical day" on this adventure tour. Of course, you’ll have the chance to see the majesty of Banderas Bay and the abundance of marine life that lives here, as well as enjoy some light snacks and drinks, but often it is the "wild ones" (the whales and dolphins) who are in charge of the daily itinerary. We cannot always predict where they are, so we will let them guide us along their preferred route of the day.

Take a short drive to the Dolphin Center at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. After a brief presentation, head down the dock to a 14,500-square-foot holding pen and as you stand waist-deep in the water, you’ll be introduced to the beautiful Pacific bottlenose dolphin in a hands-on, up-close encounter for approximately 15 minutes. They are as curious about you as you are about them.

Take full advantage of this unique opportunity to pet them gently and you’ll even receive a dolphin kiss. During your encounter you’ll also learn ways to ensure their preservation and foster the well-being of these amazing creatures. After your activity with the dolphins, enjoy a complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and free time to purchase souvenirs or photos to remind you and your family of this incredible experience.