SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Walk to Port Zante Marina and step on board your yacht. Enjoy the beautiful scenic view of St. Kitts as you sail out to sea. You’ll be briefed by the Captain prior to your sailing out of the marina. After being ocean bound for approximately 2 miles the fishing fun begins. Enjoy the thrill of deep sea fishing while you learn about the different types of fish in the St. Kitts waters. Remember it’s called fishing not catching. It’s your choice, trawling or anchored.

OVERVIEW

Fly between Cozumel and mainland Mexico in a helicopter for the ultimate sightseeing experience and explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum after landing. Once you take off, you will soon look down on attractions such as the Punta Sur lighthouse near the island’s southern tip and the adjacent El Cielo sandbar. Not long after crossing Cozumel Channel, you will touch down in Tulum. Although not the largest or most elaborate archaeological site on the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum may be the most beautiful. The Maya built the walled city of Tulum in the 11th century to control maritime commerce, and the city-state’s excavated temples and buildings are spectacular. As you meander about, you will see El Castillo – a cliffside tower that probably served as a landmark for sailors – and the Temple of Frescoes, an observatory used to track the sun’s movements. The building was once painted red and you can still see remnants of that hue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly high over southern Cozumel and the Riviera Maya coast before landing in Tulum.
• Wander through the ruins of Tulum, a Mayan walled city built in the 11th century.
• Explore excavated buildings such as the temple that the Mayas used as an observatory.
• Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a restaurant in Tulum.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club in nearby Mahahual. After a brief orientation to help you maximize the experience, you will be free to enjoy the club’s amenities, which are considerable and all offered for your enjoyment. You might stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the sea and gather around the thatched-roof poolside bar, which will be open for unlimited drinks the entire time. One end of the Beach Escape is typically busier and more party-oriented, while the other end by the pier is quieter, allowing you to easily find an ideal spot to make the most of your free time. If you wish to explore offshore, kayaks are available. The beach club is located right on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Village, a great place for people-watching and dining on your own as there are plenty of restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend hours of free time doing whatever you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club.
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere around the poolside bar or relax at the quieter other end.
• Swim in the sea and freshwater pool, use the included kayaks and enjoy unlimited drinks.

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

OVERVIEW

Zip through the crystal-clear waters off the southern coast of Tortola in a high-powered boat and enjoy the serenity of an uncrowded beach. The captain will determine the exact route for this adventure after assessing the water and wind conditions. But regardless of the direction, you can be sure that the ride will be exhilarating as the vessel is a power boat. One of those may be the reef that the captain chooses, which will likely be off a secluded beach. You can admire the underwater wonders at your leisure or head straight to shore to relax however you see fit. Either way, keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles, which are commonly spotted swimming along the coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise along Tortola’s gorgeous southern coast in a high-powered boat.
• Enjoy the boat’s limited capacity for passengers, which makes for a private experience.
• Stop at a secluded beach swim or just relax however you please.
• Hear enlightening commentary about Tortola’s history and points of interest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride through the countryside in Jeep made for adventure and become immersed in rural life at a farm in the rainforest. Not far outside of Castries, you will pause to take in the gorgeous views of the capital from atop the hill Morne Fortune. An immensely scenic drive south will bring you to Horizon Cocktails, where you will enjoy another sweeping view of St. Lucia’s natural beauty before heading off the beaten path toward the village of Canaries. Expect an exhilarating ride as you will travel off road, ford mountain streams and race through the forest before coming to the isolated farm Tony’s Place. In this idyllic setting, you will see how tropical fruits such as mangoes and coconuts are harvested and sample them right off the trees. Feel free to soak your feet in the cool waters of the river before taking off to the chocolate factory Cacoa St. Lucie for a lunch of dishes infused with cocoa.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride off road in a Jeep through the rainforest that runs along St. Lucia’s western coast.
• Stop at two lofty lookouts that offer panoramic views of the island.
• See how tropical fruits are harvested at an eco-friendly farm.
• Sample the fresh-picked fruits and enjoy a full lunch of cocoa-infused Caribbean dishes.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat and swim in the aquamarine waters of a natural sinkhole that formed centuries ago. Green sea turtles are the most prevalent species of turtle in Akumal Bay, a sanctuary of sorts where you will enjoy an up-close underwater view of these magnificent creatures as they gracefully swim by and feed on seagrass along the sandy bottom. Greens are the largest of all hard-shelled sea turtles and typically weigh up to 350 pounds. The turtles are brownish not green as their name comes from the color of the fat beneath their shells. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the Mariposa Cenote, an inland sinkhole created when the limestone on the surface collapsed, exposing the groundwater underneath. The ancient Maya used cenotes as water sources but also believed them to be entrances to the underworld. As such, the pools were considered sacred.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Akumal Bay and observe sea turtles feeding on seagrass.
• Be awed by the grace and enormity of these large turtles, which are often 4 feet long.
• Swim in an open-air cenote, a natural sinkhole that the ancient Mayas held sacred.
• Spend a bit of free time shopping along Playa del Carmen’s busting 5th Avenue.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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

Journey into the spiritual traditions of the ancient Maya on this immersive cultural experience inspired by the sacred pilgrimage to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, and the sea. After a short transfer from the pier, begin with a symbolic purification ceremony led by local guides, where traditional rituals, sounds, and aromas help connect you with the island’s ancestral heritage. Following a safety briefing, board a traditional-style canoe and paddle across the calm turquoise waters of Cozumel while learning about the historic maritime routes once traveled by Maya navigators and traders. After your canoe experience, enjoy free time by the beach to relax, swim, or take in the natural beauty of the coastline before returning to port with a deeper appreciation for Cozumel’s rich cultural legacy.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Participate in a traditional Mayan-inspired purification ceremony honoring Ixchel.
• Paddle a traditional-style canoe along Cozumel’s scenic coastline.
• Relax by the beach with free time to swim or enjoy the coastal scenery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear lightweight clothing, swimwear, and water-friendly footwear. Bring sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof camera if available.
• Guests should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and paddling.

Your adventure takes you to a hidden underground world the Mayans called Chaak Tun–named for the Mayan god of rain–literally meaning “Chaak’s Rain of Stone.” Explore the mysteries of the cenotes and sacred Underground River as you cleanse your heart, mind and spirit while learning of the mythology behind these natural wonders. Visit two mystical caverns and underground rivers, discovering its amazing formations; stalactites and stalagmites reaching from floor to ceiling while snorkeling and swimming through the crystal-clear, sacred waters that purify and rejuvenate. Before the next experience, you will be greeted and welcomed by a local shaman to the Temazcal. Learn about the importance of this ancient cleansing process and experience it yourself. Savor the time for yourself while you purify your body through a relaxing steam bath with the use of medicinal plants, an ancestral ritual practiced in Mesoamerica employed for cleansing, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Enjoy a Small buffet rajas with cream (vegetarian option) chicken tamalito in banana leaf, rice, beans, tortilla, fruit, flavored water, soft drink and bottled natural water At the conclusion of this memorable adventure, return to Playa del Carmen to board the ferry that will take you back to the ship's pier.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy Jamaica’s natural beauty while rafting down one of the most picturesque sections of the meandering Martha Brae River. On the way to the launch site, you will see the historical Falmouth Courthouse and St. Peter’s Anglican Church, both fine examples of Georgian-style architecture. During a brief stop in the village of Martha Brae, you will meander through a garden of medicinal herbs as a prelude to gliding down the river, time permitting. Once you board the two-person bamboo raft, you won’t have to do a thing but sit back and relax as the guide will pole the raft. The river winds through dense jungle and groves of bamboo, and the setting couldn’t be more tranquil. Along the way, the guide will point out indigenous flora such as the revered ackee tree, whose fruit is a key ingredient in Jamaica’s national dish: ackee and saltfish. You might also hear the legend of the Taino Indian witch Martha Brae.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on a bamboo raft as your guide poles it down the serene Martha Brae River.
• Admire the jungle scenery while the guide describes the most noteworthy flora.
• See some of the beautifully preserved Georgian-style architecture in Falmouth.
• Stroll through an herb garden full of medicinal plants in Martha Brae village.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover one of the Dominican Republic’s most breathtaking natural wonders—the Damajagua Waterfalls. Your adventure begins with a guided hike through lush jungle terrain along a dirt trail with stairs, lasting about 45 minutes. The reward at the top is a series of cascading waterfalls, each offering a unique way to descend—jumping into crystal-clear pools, sliding down smooth rock chutes, or wading through refreshing waters. Wooden walkways and steps connect the cascades, making it possible to experience this incredible natural attraction from one fall to the next. Along the way, marvel at the steep limestone canyons carved by the cool mountain stream and the striking blue hues of the river. After conquering the waterfalls, unwind at a secluded beach in Puerto Plata. Here, you can relax on soft sands, swim in the Caribbean, and savor a traditional Dominican lunch by the sea—a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through jungle terrain to reach the Damajagua Waterfalls.
• Experience up to a seven cascades by jumping, sliding, and swimming.
• Admire the beautiful limestone canyons and vibrant blue waters of the Damajagua River.
• Relax at a tranquil beach retreat in Puerto Plata.
• Enjoy a delicious Dominican-style lunch by the ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes.
• Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking and wet terrain.