SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise waters and unspoiled inlets of the Bay of Islands and see Cape Brett Lighthouse, the Hole-in-the-Rock Sea arch and more. You’ll depart the pier aboard a stable catamaran featuring roomy indoor and outdoor viewing decks, sailing under what could be the earth’s bluest skies into a constellation of 150 unspoiled islands off the North Island’s northeast corner. The Bay of Islands is both magnificent and historically significant: New Zealand’s earliest Maori settlers migrated here 700 years ago, and its first British missionary settlers arrived in 1814. Charles Darwin stopped by not long after, and in more modern times, American adventure writer Zane Grey popularized the islands as a big-game fishing paradise. You’ll journey through these fabled waters today, passing picturesque islets as you make for crisply white Cape Brett Lighthouse, perched high atop a spectacular headland’s cliff. You’ll see Motukokako Island with its dramatic Hole-in-the-Rock arch and visit another major highlight, the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. Slowly cruising among the inner islands, you may have engaging encounters with the schools of dolphin that frequent these waters. Commentary from the captain will help fill in the natural and cultural history of it all.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the Bay of Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
• Journey through legendary big-game fishing waters en route to the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
• Pass beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock sea cliff, and see majestic Grand Cathedral Cave.
• Learn about this region’s key role in New Zealand history from the captain’s commentary.
• Be on the lookout for playful dolphin and other marine wonders as you take in the peaceful beauty of the inner islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring sunglasses and other sun protection as needed.

Head towards Camara de Lobos to a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. At Pico da Torre viewpoint, you’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Passing by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, you’ll reach Quinta do Estreito which is found among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderful close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. Then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, you’ll have breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Before reaching Cabo Girao, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Poncha, a famous local drink made out of rum and honey. Continue in the old street towards Ribeira Brava (wild stream), a small town on the southwest coast of the island. The town boasts many street cafes and shops and is certainly a place to spend some time taking in the sights and sounds. Ribeira Brava was one of the first parishes of the island and was inhabited early in the island’s history.

OVERVIEW

Discover landmarks that showcase the history and culture of Lewis, largest and most populated of Scotland’s Western Isles. Shaped by its surrounding ocean and extreme climate, this island has been inhabited by stalwart folk for well over 6,000 years. On the west, you’ll visit Gearrannan – a coastal village of outstanding beauty where once-derelict homesteads are being painstakingly restored using traditional dry-stone masonry and communal thatching methods. During your visit, you’ll see how generations lived together in this small-plot farming community, in “blackhouses” – long, round-cornered structures uniquely designed to keep their residents warm and dry in even the most ferocious weather. Not far from this place, where Loch Carloway carves a deep path into this craggy coastline, you’ll stop to take in a 2,000-year-old circular fortified tower still clinging stubbornly to a hillside overlooking the sea. Well-known and exceptionally well-preserved, Carloway Broch still has partial walls 30 feet high, with interior galleries and stairways dramatically exposed. Before turning back inland across the moors, your circular Lewis itinerary will carry you yet further along Lewis’ western coast, a region at times pounded by the full unbroken force of the North Atlantic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience a guided survey of the diverse, ruggedly unspoiled Lewis island landscape.
• Cross the isle by panoramic coach, viewing rolling moorlands, innumerable tiny lochs and a picturesque fishing village.
• Stop for photos at the Black Houses of Gearannan, built to shelter farming families from raging coastal winds.
• See peat bogs where this ancient and abundant earth-fuel is still cut and dried to fuel local home fires.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing; conditions are changeable in the Hebrides.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed

OVERVIEW

If you want to see and do it all in one day, this is the tour for you! Combining the best of the region’s rich history and heritage with natural beauty, this tour features the Top 10 things to see and do in Saint John and the Bay of Fundy. Discover favorites of locals and visitors alike, including Reversing Falls Rapids, a fishing village with a working harbor, the Bay of Fundy beach and sea caves of St. Martins, scenic vistas of the shoreline, charming, covered bridges and chatting with local vendors at the Saint John City Market. Hear about the rich military history as your tour takes you past key sites such as the Carleton Martello Tower and Fort Howe, see parts of North America’s first Geopark, named Stonehammer, take in the Victorian architecture of the historic district and enjoy a taste of Moosehead Beer at an Irish Pub.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the Top 10 sights of Saint John & the Bay of Fundy.
• View the Sea Caves at St. Martins, carved by the highest tides in the world.
• Enjoy a sample of local Moosehead Beer at an Irish Pub.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Cruise to Blue Lagoon Island on a sleek double-decker ferry for an up-close encounter with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at an American Humane-certified facility. Upon arriving at the island, which is also known as Salt Cay, you will first learn about the characteristics and behavior of dolphins, such as how they communicate and use echolocation to hunt prey. Once in the water, you will stand on a waist-deep submerged platform that allows easy access to these highly intelligent marine mammals. A trainer will be on hand to recommend the best ways to interact with and touch the dolphins. You can expect an unforgettable experience as dolphins are naturally curious and social. During the two hours or so of beach time that follows, you might settle into a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim, and snorkel in the turquoise sea. There are also shops in the Bahamian village nearby.

OVERVIEW

This isn’t just a beach. It’s a place to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover what a day by the sea can truly be. Step into KUZÁ Beach and Adventure Park, Cozumel’s largest and most breathtaking themed attraction, where turquoise waters meet soft white sands and vibrant Caribbean energy fills the air. With the Day Pass, you’ll enjoy full access to Cozumel’s most expansive private shoreline, where shaded palms, soft white sand, and turquoise waters stretch in every direction. At KUZÁ, the experience is yours to shape. Float in calm seas, relax beneath the palms, join a beachside game, or wander the eco-park’s native trails surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Entertainment and family-friendly activities flow throughout the day, offering music, games, and cultural moments, but participation is entirely up to you. When hunger strikes, explore KUZÁ’s culinary offerings available for purchase throughout the park. Savor bold Mexican flavors and international favorites from vibrant food trucks or relax at a full-service beachfront restaurant with panoramic ocean views. Quench your thirst with tropical cocktails, soft drinks, and cold beer served at our beach bars—all available à la carte. KUZÁ is also the island’s only destination where you can explore three distinct ecosystems, complemented by thrilling optional add-ons like the towering waterpark and exhilarating zipline, surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Whether you come to celebrate, disconnect, or simply breathe deeper, you’ll find the freedom to follow your own rhythm. This is a beach day without a script and one you’ll never forget. KUZÁ. The best way to truly experience Cozumel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Full access to Cozumel’s most expansive and scenic private shoreline at KUZÁ Beach and Adventure Park.
• Lounge under an umbrella on a beach chair or swim in calm, crystal-clear waters.
• Join optional live music, beach games, and cultural experiences.
• Discover three distinct ecosystems with optional add-on adventures such as the waterpark and zipline.
• À la carte dining featuring bold Mexican and global flavors, along with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks, is available at beachfront restaurants and bars.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Waters shoes are recommended.

After a short ride, get ready to enjoy the best family activity at Ocean World, the Dolphin Encounter, which offers close contact with dolphins in waist-deep water, kissing, feeding, and playing with these gentle mammals. This 20-minute interaction is fun and educational, ideal for non-swimmers and families with babies. This tour features additional activities including: Dominican buffet lunch, snorkeling with hundreds of fish in the tropical reef aquarium (Minimum height 115 cm/ 45”). Swim at the dolphin beach lagoon and relax at the Pirate’s Pool. An unlimited water park pass to use the Water Slides in the beach area (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48”). Visit to the rain forest. Encounter, feed, and take pictures with love birds. Observe toucans, macaws and flamingos. Dolphin, sea lion, and bird shows are presented, guests may take advantage of these shows time permitting. Photos, videos, and local souvenirs are available at the gift shop and the photo lab at an additional cost. The park also features bars and restaurants with a variety of local drinks and food available for purchase.

See how once orphaned and displaced bears are cared for in a rescue center and explore a remote homestead on a deep-water fjord. You will enjoy an up-close view of the animals at the Fortress of the Bear, where brown and black bears are typically in residence. The naturalists will elaborate on why the bears were brought to the center, their personality traits and how they are ensured a fulfilling life at the rescue center. The stories are inspiring, as many of the bears were once malnourished, injured or orphaned. embark on a comfortable excursion vessel to explore a glacier-carved fjord. Embark on comfortable excursion vessel to explore Silver Bay, a glacier-carved fjord. Living in the remote Alaska wilderness can be challenging for animals and people, as you will discover in more detail at a private homestead at the end of Silver Bay that the McGraw family established generations ago. While gathered around a crackling campfire, you will hear stories of some of the first pioneers to visit the area, including those hoping to strike it rich mining gold and silver.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe brown and black bears in the Fortress of the Bear rescue center.
• Hear how the bears have been nurtured and brought back to health.
• Visit a remote homestead on the deep-water fjord Silver Bay.
• • Learn about some of the first pioneers to visit the area, including those hoping to strike it rich.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy the sights and contrasts of the city of Cartagena and its beautiful coast. Discover ancient Roman remains and white sand beaches. Leaving the city, you’ll drive to La Manga Del Mar Menor, The Sleeve of the Little Sea, that has an interesting geographical layout – a chain that stretches along approximately nearly 15 miles/24 km from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón. It is the natural boundary of the salt water lake known as Mar Menor - Little Sea.

Stop at the fishing village of Cabo de Palos and pause to take in the views and snap a few photographs. Of specific interest here is the grey stoned lighthouse, its construction began in 1863 and it was lit for the first time in 1865. The monument stands proudly at the southernmost tip of La Manga. From your coach you’ll see the 13 mile long beach and only a thousand feet wide, a popular destination for beach combers and sun worshipers.

Travel back in time when you visit the Roman Theatre Museum, the achievement of architect Rafael Moneo. It was commissioned in 1999 and opened to the public in 2008. Start with the exhibition rooms holding treasures offering more than 2,000 years of history discovered. The theater, discovered in the late 1980’s is one of the largest Roman theaters of Hispania, played a very important role during Roman times with an estimated capacity of 6,000 spectators. You’ll stand in awe as you exit the museum step into the open space of this magnificent theater. Enjoy some free time in the main pedestrian area of Cartagena.

After a short ride, get ready to enjoy the best family activity at Ocean World, the Dolphin Encounter, which offers close contact with dolphins in waist-deep water, kissing, feeding, and playing with these gentle mammals. This 20-minute interaction is fun and educational, ideal for non-swimmers and families with babies. This tour features additional activities including: Dominican buffet lunch, snorkeling with hundreds of fish in the tropical reef aquarium (Minimum height 115 cm/ 45”). Swim at the dolphin beach lagoon and relax at the Pirate’s Pool. An unlimited water park pass to use the Water Slides in the beach area (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48”). Visit to the rain forest. Encounter, feed, and take pictures with macaws, toucans, and love birds. Dolphin, sea lion, and bird shows are presented, guests may take advantage of these shows time permitting. Photos, videos, and local souvenirs are available at the gift shop and the photo lab at an additional cost. The park also features bars and restaurants with a variety of local drinks and food available for purchase.

Go fishing in the beautiful, crystal-clear waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with highly prized, fun-to-catch fish such as groupers, snappers and jacks. After departing from the pier in a skiff designed for fishing, you will cruise into the turquoise waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with fish. Just settle in and enjoy, as the 32-foot boat races to a spot where the fish have been biting lately. Once the boat anchors, a crew member will outfit you with the necessary bait that the fish should find irresistible. The crew will also offer tips on how best to cast and retrieve the bait to maximize the experience. Jacks thrive here among the reefs and if you catch one be prepared for a fierce fight. Easy to identify by their steep heads and deeply forked tails, jacks are often caught here. If you catch a striped fish that grunts like a pig when you pull it out of the water, it will be a grunt. They make that characteristic sound by grinding the teeth deep in their throats. Grunts tend to school in the many reefs and sea beds off Harvest Caye. Many types of groupers are found in deeper waters near rocks, drop-offs and ledges. Although groupers are slow swimmers, they can be powerful, especially the massive ones.

OVERVIEW

Look for iconic Alaskan wildlife while cruising through dynamic Sitka Sound, then explore the deep-water fjord of Silver Bay and stop at a remote homestead to hear stories of the challenges that the early settlers faced. While cruising aboard a fully enclosed expedition vessel, you will pass through some of the most majestic breathtaking scenery imaginable. Be sure to keep an eye out for humpback whales, porpoises and sea otters in the pristine waters. Tucked along the shore of Bear Cove, you will see Medvejie Hatchery, which harvests countless salmon each year and releases millions of others as fry into the surrounding seas. Deeper into the fjord, you will stop at the McGraw homestead. While snacking on s’mores and hot beverages around a crackling campfire, you will hear gripping tales about some of the first visitors to the area. The return cruise will follow a different route that presents yet another perspective of this natural wonderland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through Sitka Sound and Silver Bay fjord in a heated expedition vessel with large viewing windows.
• Look for wildlife such as humpback whales, porpoises, sea otters and bald eagles.
• See a hatchery that harvests countless salmon and releases others into the sea.
• Gather around a campfire at a remote homestead and hear about life in the wilderness.
• Behold a wonderland of naturally beautiful scenery in every direction.

HELPFUL HINTS

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