SHORE EXCURSIONS

Discover how Alaska’s cold, nutrient-rich waters are ideal for growing oysters and kelp by touring a floating farm and then sampling both sustainable products. The tour offers a unique and very exclusive experience with local guides and a maximum of 14 guests. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque coastal drive along the Tongass Narrows to Bonfire Bay. From here, you will cruise to Clover Pass, all the while watching for humpback whales, seals and sea lions, which frequent these pristine waters. Be sure to look overhead too, as eagles are also abundant. Upon arriving at Hump Island Oyster Company’s floating oyster farm, you will tour the family-owned floating facility. The deep, nutrient-rich tidal waters of Clover Pass are ideal for farming oysters in trays suspended from cedar floats. The oysters are nurtured as they grow from thumbnail size to market size, and as you will discover it’s a fascinating process. The company was also the first in Alaska to grow kelp at a tour site, another sustainable endeavor only possible because of the bay’s extraordinary water conditions. To delve even deeper into the challenges of aquaculture, your guide will explain the threats to the industry along with the sustainable operation. Next, your inner-child will be delighted with our on-site touch tank featuring critters from the local waters. Make sure to bring your camera as the views are amazing offering great photo opportunities. Still, there is no better way to understand how conditions affect oysters and kelp than to taste the final products in a true farm to table experience. A sampling will reveal that the plump oysters have a unique briny flavor that finishes with a hint of melon. The kelp harvested in Southeast Alaska is used liberally in products such as salsa and seasonings.

Go deep-sea 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 all the necessary tackle and bait that the fish should find irresistible. The crew will also offer tips on how best to cast and retrieve the lure or live bait to maximize the experience.

Jacks thrive here among the reefs and if you catch one be prepared for a fierce fight. They typically weigh up to five pounds, but can be much larger. 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.

This exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience of Halifax’s 'Top 10' things to see and do is designed for those who want to see it all and in very little time. Your tour starts as you travel to Peggy’s Cove the world’s most photographed fishing village. Here you’ll have time to visit and explore the rugged, sea-sculpted granite shores. On your return to the city learn about the maple syrup industry as you make a stop at Acadian Maple and sample a sweet treat.

Continue onto Halifax and its major sites. You’ll visit Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried. Discover trendy Spring Garden Road with its many restaurants and boutiques – it’s been voted "best place to people watch” east of Montreal. Escape to the lush oasis of the Public Gardens, an authentic Victorian garden nestled in the city’s bustling downtown.

Enjoy a panoramic drive around Citadel Hill, one of Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites, where you'll have amazing views of the city. Drive along the waterfront and see the longest oceanfront boardwalk in Canada and the unique stone buildings of the first business in Halifax. You'll see historic properties and hear the tales of privateers, pirates and the founding fathers of the banking industry of Canada.

OVERVIEW

Fly over the majestic wilds of the Tongass National Forest in a floatplane and land in the waters off Salmon Falls resort, where you will feast on iconic Alaskan dishes. You will fly there in a DeHavilland Beaver aircraft – the workhorse of the Alaskan bush – on a route over America’s largest national forest and the crystal-clear waterways that rim Revillagigedo Island. The pilot will describe the natural wonders below, which include sea cliffs, deep fjords and mist-shrouded peaks. You may even spot black bears foraging on berries and humpback whales breaching the water’s surface. Shortly after the plane lands in Clover Pass Inlet, you will enjoy an enlightening tour of the fishing resort and then sit down to a classic Alaskan lunch. Come hungry as you can expect to dine on signature dishes that may include Dungeness crab cakes, soy-glazed salmon and baked halibut with garlic lemon butter. Dessert will be just as mouthwatering.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Alaskan wilderness while flying overhead in a floatplane.
• Look for mountain goats, black bear and humpback whales along the way.
• Land in the inlet off Salmon Falls fishing resort and enjoy a short historical tour.
• Feast on a multi-course lunch of iconic Alaskan dishes, many of them featuring seafood.

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.

St. John's City has been praised for its original grid layout, which can be seen on the original map drawing in the Museum, dated MDCCLXXXVIII (1788). Although some original structures have suffered the ravages of hurricanes, earthquakes and fire, enough exist today to give you a true sense of history and flavour of this beautiful and proud city.

Gently sloping to the sea, the City gives a strong sense of old world charm and elegance which lingers in the architecture: Georgian, Romantic, Victorian, Vernacular and International, all bearing special features such as verandahs, hurricane shutters, lattice work, fretwork and Demerara windows to name a few.

With your provided bottle of water, you start your walk from the pier, listening to your Guide through the Whisper Radio System for ease and clarity, so you miss nothing, even for those with hearing aids as we have special adaptors! Passing through Historical Redcliffe Quay and 19th C buildings, bring you to vibrant Market Street, leading you to your first stop, the Fish Market. A fascinating, picturesque seafront with tiny, colourful fishing boats tied up, and the huge, luxurious cruise ships as a dramatic backdrop.

The tour continues, encompassing all the historical buildings, the renowned Methodist Church building, The Cenotaph, the Cathedral grounds (the main building is under renovation), other churches, historic streets, monuments, private residences and shops still boasting any one of the West Indian Vernacular styles of architecture. You will truly be captivated by the colorful wooden buildings and amazed that so many of today’s stores, restaurants and outlets in St. John’s, are carefully refurbished to retain their original features, and have so much absorbing history.

Your final stop is at the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda (C.1750), where you can browse the circuitous ground floor route, with its many exhibits, samples and displays, some interactive, from the very beginning of life on Antigua to the present day. This is the only tour available to encompass the true history and wonders of this thankfully still very local, quaint and unspoilt city. The tour will end very near to the pier, other tours, duty free shopping, taxis, and your ship.

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience in this small group 20-minute program in deep water, hugging, kissing, dancing, feeding, and swimming with dolphins. The highlight of the swim is an amazing ride through the lagoon using a boogie board. 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.

Gain a wonderfully broad understanding of the local culture by visiting several characteristic attractions in the surrounding countryside. Ísafjörður is the largest town on the mountainous Westfjords peninsula, but its population is only a few thousand so most of the attractions are somewhat remote. After taking in the sweeping views from a ski resort, you will visit a sheep farm deep in the Stadardalur Valley, one of the first places in Iceland that the Vikings settled. While you sample a selection of delicacies, the farmers will discuss the allure of this now-isolated area and the challenges of living there. You will enjoy a glimpse into coastal life at a nearby fishing hut before pausing alongside a road to hear the legend of the mountain giant that supposedly watches over it. The viewpoint on the outskirts of Ísafjörður will offer a spectacular look at the peninsula’s largest city, after which you can savor a beer at Dokkan Brewery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a sheep farm in an isolated valley and hear about the challenges of living there.
• Pause at a fishing hut for a different perspective of the local lifestyle.
• Hear the legend of the mountain giant that supposedly watches over the road you travel.
• Admire the sweeping views from a ski resort and a lookout above Ísafjörður.

OVERVIEW

You’ll spend the day in a state-of-the art fishing vessel with a seasoned guide who will bring you to the fishing grounds Alaskans have been returning to generation after generation. No matter your skill level, you will fish like a local, working the sandy flats or sea floor pinnacles with your rod in hand, drifting with the current and jigging in waters as deep as 300 feet. Species availability changes throughout the season, and daily factors such as tides and wind affect your fishing opportunities. This multi-species Alaskan fishing expedition allows you to head out with the confidence that you will catch fish. Down there in the twilight of the deep, rockfish, cod, flounder, sharks, skates and mighty halibut find their way to your bait. No matter what the conditions or the catch, this trip offers the best chance of exposing you to the strange and alien species found on the Southeast Alaskan deep-sea floor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish in protected, relatively remote waters away from other anglers.
• Use the crew’s advice and fishing tips to increase your chances for landing a big fish.
• Watch for breaching whales, seals and eagles when cruising to and from the fishing grounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Calling all fishermen, experienced or beginners – here's your chance to try your hand in the billfish capital of the world. The calm, year-round deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona coast are teeming with marlin, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and short nose spearfish, to name just a few. Anglers from all over the globe have broken world records here.

Your tour includes transportation to and from Honokohau Harbor, a fully equipped sport-fishing boat that can accommodate up to six guests, and an experienced and licensed Captain and crew. Experience is not necessary, and even if you don't catch anything, you're sure to reel in some wonderful memories.

This exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience of Halifax’s 'Top 10' things to see and do is designed for those who want to see it all and in very little time. Your tour starts as you travel to Peggy’s Cove the world’s most photographed fishing village. Here you’ll have time to visit and explore the rugged, sea-sculpted granite shores. On your return to the city learn about the maple syrup industry as you make a stop at Acadian Maple and sample a sweet treat. Continue onto Halifax and its major sites. You’ll visit Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried. Discover trendy Spring Garden Road with its many restaurants and boutiques – it’s been voted "best place to people watch” east of Montreal.

Escape to the lush oasis of the Public Gardens, an authentic Victorian garden nestled in the city’s bustling downtown. Stop atop Citadel Hill, one of Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites where you'll have an amazing photo opportunity of the city. Drive along the waterfront and see the longest oceanfront boardwalk in Canada and the unique stone buildings of the first business in Halifax. You'll see historic properties and hear the tales of privateers, pirates and the founding fathers of the banking industry of Canada.

Live the experience of a lifetime in this VIP tour featuring a 25-minute swim program up close and personal with dolphins combining deep and shallow water activities. Receive a kiss, a hug and enjoy being pushed by a dolphin to an impressive speed using a boogie board and create memories to last forever!

This tour also features a list of VIP amenities including: • Welcome tropical drink at arrival
• Assigned host during the day
• Guided Discovery Tour at the park
• Towels and lockers
• Buffet lunch with one nonalcoholic drink option
• Separated lunch area
• Waterslides. (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48”)

Guests also take part in a handful of fun activities included at no additional cost: Snorkeling with hundreds of fish in the tropical reef aquarium. Minimum height 115 cm/ 45”.
Swim at the dolphin beach and relax at the Pirate’s Pool
Visit to the rain forest
Encounter, feed and take pictures with macaws, toucans and love birds.

Dolphin, sea lion and bird shows are presented several times a day, guests may take advantage of these shows according to their time availability and preference. Photos, videos and local souvenirs are available at the gift shop and the photo lab at an additional cost.