EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delve into the history of the surrounding Aichi Prefecture by browsing an open-air museum and a 16th-century castle that is remarkably intact. Dozens of buildings from the Meiji Period have been carefully reconstructed at the Meijimura museum, and you will easily recognize the Western influence in the architecture. This short period in Japanese history ended in 1912 and marked the end of samurai rule and the beginning of Japan’s modernization.

The nearby Inuyama Castle is even more impressive architecturally as it is one of the few castles in Japan that survived wars and natural disasters without being severely damaged. As you meander through this official national treasure, you will see artifacts relating to the Naruse family that once owned the castle. The armory of samurai weapons and the hidden doors for the guards are of particular note, as they shed light on the fact that the castle was under constant threat of attack.

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.

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.

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..

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.

Board your motor coach and brace yourself as you set out on a South Shore Adventure of Nova Scotia! Visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay and discover their colourful houses, museums, art galleries, souvenir shops, cafe’s and restaurants. This tour will demonstrate the beautiful diversity of the South Shore and allows you free time to plot your journey at each location, whether you want to savor the local foods and atmosphere in one of the cafe’s/restaurants, buy souvenirs, or just mosey along viewing the impressive sites and taking pictures, the choice is yours!

At Peggy's Cove, discover why this picturesque seaside village with its stately lighthouse has been an inspiration to artists and writers for generations. It is here that the power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean truly comes to life along the granite shores of the Cove - worn and shaped through the crashing surf.

Continuing on, you will arrive at another extraordinarily scenic area, Old Town Lunenburg. Established in 1753, it is North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement. The original layout and appearance has been retained so faithfully that UNESCO designated Lunenburg a World Heritage site. During free time, you can explore the brightly colored Old Town, which is easy to navigate because the streets follow a rectangular grid pattern designed in Britain. You can expect to see 18th-century wooden buildings and perhaps a replica of the Bluenose, Canada’s legendary racing ship that was launched here in 1921. Finally, we will visit Mahone Bay, considered to be one of the most attractive towns in Canada. This small and friendly community is renowned for the view across the Bay of three prominent churches. Take time to explore the many varied and local offerings along lovely Main Street before relaxing on the return drive to the Port of Halifax.

This scenic drive was especially designed for guests who want to take in the island’s highlights with little or no walking. Discover many scenic island sights, such as the National Heroes Square and the Parliament buildings in Bridgetown. Passing Gun Hill, you’ll see the carved stone lion, a landmark dating from 1868. As you drive across the island, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, eventually reaching St. John’s Church, which offers spectacular views of the east and southeast coasts.

After St. John’s Church, continue to the craggy and scenic area on the east coast called Bathsheba, a photographer’s paradise. From here, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the hills, gentle slopes and sweeping bays. The stunning boutique hotel, Atlantis is located in the quaint fishing village of Tent Bay. Dramatic views from here create excellent photo opportunities! On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass through Holetown, with its monument commemorating the landing of the first English settlers in 1625.

Drive off road in a 4x4 vehicle to several colonies of penguins, where you will have time to photograph them and observe their fascinating behavior. After departing from the pier, you will set off on an exhilarating ride in a 4x4 vehicle, the last 12 miles or so off road. Upon arriving at Port Louis Farm, a member of the family that owns the property will accompany your small group to Seal Bay.

Your first stop will be at a colony of Rockhopper penguins. These birds are easy to identify by their spiky yellow and black head feathers. Unlike most penguins that waddle, Rockhoppers bound along the rocky shoreline. They are among the world’s smallest penguins and amusing to watch in their natural habitat.

Continuing on, you will drive through the shallow waters of Swan Pond, where lunch will be set up on the beach. While dining, you can expect to see all sorts of indigenous birds such as oyster catchers, grebes and kelp geese.

You might also see sea lions and a variety of penguins, including Magellanic penguins. They are named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan because the birds were spotted on his attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1520.

You will also pause for photos at a nearby colony of Gentoo penguins. These charismatic birds have red-orange beaks and peach-colored feet, so they clearly stand out against the coastal rocks. Being streamlined with strong flippers, Gentoos are the world’s fastest diving birds.