SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating at Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada, an exclusive waterfront resort with seemingly endless amenities. The all-inclusive day pass will give you access to the entire property, allowing you to focus on the attractions that you find most appealing. You might bask in the sun on a beachside lounger, relax in the shade of a coconut palm, stroll along the gently sloping shoreline and take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean. If you prefer swimming pools to the sea, there are three at the resort and Jacuzzis. You might also enjoy the pool bar and beach bar, two popular venues that are always full of life. The day pass includes a hearty buffet lunch featuring international dishes as well. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this contemporary resort, shopping if you please and simply wandering about without a care in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Luxuriate for hours on end at the beachfront resort Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada.
• Relax as you please, whether swimming in the sea, basking in the sun or strolling the shore.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch of international dishes that are sure to please.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This river tubing adventure is fun, refreshing and scenic. It’s an experience the entire family can participate in and enjoy. It’s a 40-minute boat transfer from Harvest Caye Marina to the mainland of Belize where you will start your adventure by boarding one of our air-conditioned buses at Malacate Pier. Relax and enjoy the approximately 55-minute scenic ride to your rainforest river tubing experience. As the bus turns off the paved highway, you'll embark on a picturesque journey up the mountain on a jungle canopy road. When you start seeing tree ferns, you'll know you're getting close. Upon arrival at the tubing orientation site, you'll find restrooms where you can change if needed. You'll then meet your experienced guides, who will provide you with life jackets—your tubes will be waiting at the starting point. After a safety briefing, you'll re-board the bus for a short ride to the launching point. The mountain spring-fed river is usually crystal clear, except after a shower. As the river winds through the narrow mountain gorge, you'll encounter numerous small rapids, making for a lively and fun-filled journey. You'll be smiling and laughing all the way down the river. At the end of your tubing adventure, your guide and our river rangers will assist you out of your tube. A short walk will bring you to the greeting area, where you can purchase snacks or a cold drink. Remember to bring cash, as this off-grid location does not accept credit cards. After changing back into dry clothes, you'll board the waiting bus and enjoy a relaxing ride back to Malacate Pier. Note: River flow varies with the seasons, being faster during the rainy season and slower in the dry season.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Float down a slow-moving river through a pristine rainforest.
• Admire the ever-changing jungle scenery while listening to the sounds of nature.
• Look for wildlife, especially birds such as the keel-billed toucan, Belize’s national bird.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes..
• Wear shoes that are appropriate for the water.

Ease down a gently flowing river that empties into a glass-smooth lagoon, a wonderfully scenic setting that will leave you immensely relaxed. The spring-fed Bacalar Lagoon is always crystal-clear and its hues are ever-changing, the reason the pristine waterway is nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors. You will glide down the river in an inflatable tube, as an assistance boat gently pulls the group through the pristine waters of the lagoon, ride that will take you past one spectacular natural sight after another, including mangrove forests full of wildlife. Besides the outstanding scenery and abundant water birds, you will see sheet-like rocks called stromatolites. Some of the world's first forms of life were found in ancient stromatolites and these unusual rocks continue to grow today. Although the river current is light, it will be just enough to carry you downstream leave your tube, let your body float in the river for some minutes, you can swim or just let you go and enjoy the experience, after the lazy river-like floating portion, get back to your tube to enjoy another fun-filled boat pull across the lagoon as you reach the shore. After a while, lunch will be served along the shore, a most satisfying end to a day of adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Water shoes are recommended

Be treated like a VIP at a waterfront resort where you won’t have to lift a finger to enjoy amenities such as a reserved area of the beach, all-inclusive beverages and different live food stations for guests to choose for lunch. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic drive toward the east end of Roatan island, where you will find the Turquoise Bay Resort. Directly on the ocean with the lush Bonacca Ridge as a backdrop, the resort couldn’t be more picture perfect. Upon arriving, you will receive a welcome cocktail and an enlightening overview of the property so you can maximize your time here. You will then meander over to an area of the island’s longest private beach that has been reserved for you and your party.

It is an extraordinary setting to stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. If you prefer shade, thatched-roofed palapas and hammocks dot the white-sand beach. You will be welcome to take a refreshing swim in the sea and the swimming pool. If children are in your party, they can join in the fun at the Pirates Kid Club, all under the teachers’ watchful eyes. Mid-morning hors d’oeuvres will be served, as well as a three-course lunch afterwards. A bar with endless all-inclusive beverages will also be open for your enjoyment. Whenever you need a refill, a plush towel or most anything else, simply ask one of the waiters standing by.

Your adventure begins with a short transfer to the submarine aboard the shuttle vessel Subseeker. Board the submarine just off the southeast coast of Aruba for a thrilling dive to either the mysteriously sunken airplane or the retired Danish sailboat Mi Dushi I, together with the newly sunken coaster, the Morgenster. You’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close view of exotic marine life while diving to depths of up to 130 feet. Be amazed by colorful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens and the mystical beauty of the coral fields. An educational and entertaining narration from your experienced, professional, and licensed crew will highlight this unique experience. All of this is in air-conditioned comfort and without getting wet!

Observe the wonders underwater by swimming with sea turtles and snorkeling before relaxing on one of the island’s most spectacular stretches of sand. Barbados is known for its natural beauty and it extends well beneath the water’s surface. After cruising to a spot teeming with marine life, you will ease into the crystal-clear water for a wondrous experience. You may see enormous leatherback turtles gracefully swimming by and hawksbills, a species of sea turtle named for the shape of its head, which tapers to a point that resembles a raptor’s beak. Reef fish are also abundant as you will discover by snorkeling. You may spot queen angelfish, schools of brightly colored blue tangs and honeycomb cowfish, which are easy to identify by the honeycomb-like pattern on their scales that serves as camouflage. You can also expect to snorkel over a shipwreck before cruising to a lovely tropical beach to relax.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the gorgeous scenery of Barbados while cruising off its southwestern coast.
• Swim with sea turtles such as hawksbills and leatherbacks.
• Observe an endless parade of colorful marine life by snorkeling the crystal-clear waters.
• Spend free time relaxing on one of the island’s most inviting beaches.

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

Rafting is one of those rare pleasures to experience in Jamaica. The Martha Brae River is blessed with lush banks, sweet air and nature's soothing symphony. Your mode of transportation is a 30 foot bamboo raft with seating for two. A raft captain navigates the meandering river while telling you the tale of Martha Brae, an Amerindian maiden who was tortured by Spanish soldiers to reveal the location of a secret gold mine. While leading her captors to the mystery mine, she summoned magical powers drowning herself and the soldiers. Ponder the legend as your friendly captain poles you downstream for an approximate 90 minute ride. Once at the termination point, you'll board your bus for a sightseeing journey through the town of Falmouth before making a brief stop at the Shoppes at Rose Hall. Your tour concludes with a return sightseeing drive through the port city of Montego Bay to the cruise ship terminal.

OVERVIEW

Step aboard a sleek 45-foot electric-powered catamaran and glide almost noiselessly across Bonaire's dazzling turquoise waters toward the pristine shores of Klein Bonaire — a completely uninhabited island surrounded by some of the Caribbean's most spectacular coral reefs. Powered entirely by clean electric engines, this eco-friendly vessel offers a smooth, quiet and guilt-free way to explore the Bonaire National Marine Park, a pristine underwater paradise sprawling over thousands of acres of protected coral reef. Your adventure includes two spectacular snorkel stops, each offering a unique underwater experience. At the first, join your guide for a relaxed drift snorkel over vibrant coral formations teeming with an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Hundreds of fish species inhabit these crystal-clear waters — keep your eyes open for neon-colored parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish and marbled grouper gliding gracefully among the coral. With a little luck, you may even spot a green sea turtle serenely swimming by. The captain selects the second snorkel spot based on water and wind conditions, ensuring the best possible experience — and a completely different array of species awaits. At the second stop, the choice is entirely yours — snorkel independently, float lazily on the onboard floating mat or cool off on the waterslide for a splash of pure Caribbean fun. Prefer to stay on board? Unwind in one of the shaded seating areas and soak up the stunning ocean views. After all water activities have concluded, kick back with a refreshing drink from the open bar as the electric engines quietly carry you back along Bonaire's stunning coastline — relaxed, recharged and thoroughly happy.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the Bonaire Marine Park on an emission-free electric-powered catamaran.
• Snorkel two different coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
• Sunbathe and relax onboard if you would rather not snorkel.
• Enjoy the open bar on the return cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen.

You'll be greeted by the staff at the Stingray City dive shop and given a safety briefing before a fun interaction with the rays. Protected by the fringing reef, the calm crystal-clear waters are home to many southern stingrays. You'll be assisted and supervised by the qualified staff into the stingray habitat where you'll be able to play with, pet, and perhaps even feed the stingrays. Entry into the 3-8-foot deep water is an easy step from the large swim platform. Even non-swimmers can enjoy the rays. These amazing animals will surprise you with their gentleness and with the informative briefing you receive, these once-feared ‘beasts’ will find a special new place in your heart and provide you with an unforgettable memory.

This blend of culture and adventure is an awe-inspiring experience you should not miss during your stop in Belize! Your knowledgeable and experience tour guides take you on an enlightening air-conditioned bus ride through the old capital of Belize en route to the Chukka's Eco Almond Hill Lagoon. During this transfer you are given the interesting history of this small country that is marked by an extraordinary blend of British, Scottish, Maya, Creole and Garifuna cultural traditions. At the Airboat Outpost you are welcomed by the ancestral drums of the Garifuna ethnic group. The Garifuna are of African and Amerindian descent originating from fugitive slaves who were welcomed into local communities. In 2001, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared the Garifuna culture a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. After your welcome and safety briefing, you are off to a thrilling and adventurous 450-horsepower airboat ride through mangrove forest on the Almond Hill. You’ll feel the wind in your face as you skim the surface of the water, zipping through twisting mangrove tunnels or open grasslands. The Almond Hill Lagoon is home to an array of birds and other native wild life that you guide will point out during this fun ride. Return back to Airboat outpost after taking in all the natural beauty and enjoy a taste of Belize as you have the opportunity to shop and sample our local rum and wine while experiencing the more live drumming of the Garifuna culture.

Cruise to subtropical Rose Island to relax on the beach and interact with its most well-known residents—a passel of cute, friendly pigs that will swim out into the ocean to greet you. On the way there, you will see many of the attractions around Nassau’s harbor and hear tales of the domesticated pigs that inhabit Rose Island. The pigs have been pampered since they were babies and love attention, so be ready for a fun, up-close and personal experience. Once you wade into the shallow waters, you can expect the pigs to approach, knowing that food awaits. The guide will show you how to feed the pigs and the best ways to interact with them while swimming. The pigs couldn’t be cuter or more enthusiastic about the attention. You will also have time to enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, a refreshing swim in the sea and lounging about while Caribbean music plays in the background.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the gorgeous scenery on a leisurely cruise to Rose Island.
• Swim with the friendly pigs that live on the island and feed them if you wish.
• Relax on the island’s idyllic beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea.

Many consider Limón to be a magical place and with its lush rainforest and amazing vistas. Join us as we explore the region and learn about its history and people; take a pleasant stroll through the tropical rain forest and cruise the Tortuguero Canals in this half day excursion.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort as your guide points out places of interest around the city that retain its old roots. Limón was originally founded as a city to ship bananas to Europe and North America. As you drive past quaint villages and fertile plantations, you will enjoy a walk through the rainforest using cemented walkways. As you saunter along keep your eyes open (and camera ready!) for wildlife that might peek out, such as monkeys and other creatures that call this paradise home.

Next, board an open-air covered boat for a journey along the peaceful Tortuguero Canals, also known as the Caribbean version of the Amazon. Your boat ride offers one of the most exuberant landscapes in Costa Rica, with a rich biological diversity and more than 400 species of trees, 2,000 species of other plants and 60 species of amphibians. Birds common along the canals which you may see include green and great blue herons, egrets, belted kingfishers and jacanas. Once you arrive at the restaurant facilities, enjoy delicious tropical fruits and natural refreshments. You'll have time to stop by the family gift shop for souvenirs before boarding your transportation for a city tour around Limon, before heading back to your ship.