SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW
Explore the beautiful tropical countryside in an open-air safari-style vehicle, pausing on occasion to experience local life. Although sugarcane is the most widely grown crop in the Dominican Republic, coffee and cocoa are equally important. While visiting one of the characteristic farms near the country’s north shore, you will see how coffee and cocoa flourish in the rich soil and are then processed on site. Samples may be available so you can taste their distinct qualities. As you drive deeper into the countryside, the guide will describe the history of the area, point out natural wonders and elaborate on the culture. Back in Puerto Plata, you will enjoy free time at Malecon Beach, at cosita rica. Depending on the day and time, the beach could be somewhat empty or full of locals enjoying the pristine setting. Either way, you will get an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle. A traditional Dominican lunch will follow.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See how coffee and cocoa are grown and processed at a farm in the countryside.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through the country, often off-road in a safari-style vehicle.
• Learn about the local lifestyle and experience it firsthand by relaxing at the beach.

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

Enjoy panoramic views of Dubrovnik while riding through the hilly Lapad Peninsula. As you near a bay on the peninsula’s western shore, you will hop off for a short walk to the Sunset Beach Club Kompas. It is an ideal setting to linger over a drink and enjoy the sweeping views of the sparsely populated Elaphiti islands. Afterwards you will travel to Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, which UNESCO deemed a World Heritage site for its extraordinary architecture. As you walk along the main street, known as the Stradun, you may see highlights such as Saint Savior Church, the polygonal Fountain of Onofrio and the Old Pharmacy, which was founded in 1317. The defensive stone walls surrounding Old Town were built in the 13th century. Take in a panoramic view from the Dubrovnik Bridge overlooking the harbor as you make your way back to the port.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a panoramic drive in and around Dubrovnik.
• Explore Dubrovnik’s wonderfully atmospheric medieval Old Town on foot.
• Take in the natural beauty while enjoying a drink at a beach club on Lapad Peninsula.

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

OVERVIEW

Get a feel for the charming French colonial capital of Marigot before sitting down to a Caribbean-inspired lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Before crossing the border into the French Collectivity of St. Martin, you will pause at Harold Jack Hill, the best vantage point to admire Dutch-governed St. Maarten. The northern half of the island is just as beautiful as you will discover on the way to fashionable Marigot on the island’s western shore. The city exudes a distinctly French flair in its architecture and in the open-air Marigot Market, where you will see an endless array of garden-fresh produce and succulent seafood. Many of those ingredients will be used in preparing your multi-course lunch at Tropic’s Beach Bar in the nearby village of Grand Case. It offers a wonderfully relaxed waterfront setting for dining on Caribbean-fusion cuisine, especially when complemented with an ice-cold rum punch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
• Pause at a lookout that offers sweeping view of the island’s gorgeous southern portion.
• Browse an open-air market in the French capital of Marigot.
• Settle in for an extraordinary meal at a beachfront bar in the village of Grand Case.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Take a 45-minute guided adventure through the Berry Islands, neighboring Great Stirrup Cay. After a safety briefing and orientation, you’ll board your Wave Runner for an informative and exciting guided tour. Some of the sights you may see include the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay.

Enjoy a sampling of premium Croatian wines and locally sourced produce at the vegan restaurant Urban & Veggie. You will gain an appreciation for the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available in Dubrovnik by browsing the stalls of the open-air Gruz Market. You will likely see many of the organic ingredients that you will snack on at the restaurant. They may include pickled beetroot for hummus, cashews that are whipped into a ricotta-like dip and cherry tomatoes to top the toasted crostini. The chef will have prepared the vegan, GMO-free dishes that morning to maximize the flavors of the seasonal ingredients. The dishes will be paired with about a half-dozen Croatian wines that sommelier Ksenija Matic has chosen. They may include a ruby-red made with Plavac Mali grape and a full-bodied white made with Posip grapes, two of the primary grape varieties that are grown along the Dalmatian Coast.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at the abundance of produce available in Dubrovnik by browsing a green market.
• Enjoy a tasting of wines chosen by one of Dubrovnik’s most acclaimed sommeliers.
• Savor a selection of vegan snacks that pair with the wines at Urban & Veggie restaurant.

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

OVERVIEW

Zip down dirt roads and off-road in an open-air buggy, see how coffee, cocoa and fruits are grown at a country farm and enjoy samples of coffee and relax at a gorgeous beach along the north shore and swim in the ocean, if you wish. Race through the tropical countryside in an open-air, off-road buggy for an exhilarating experience between stops at several top attractions. You will have the chance to test drive the buggy beforehand so you will feel comfortable whether at the wheel or as the passenger. Then, it’s off into the wilds, where you will drive down country lanes, past rivers and into isolated areas that most visitors never see. If it has rained recently, the ride will be even more fun because your caravan of vehicles can zip through long stretches of muddy dirt roads. In time, you will stop your tour a farm that grows coffee, the beach Bergantin stroll the shore and enjoy an invigorating swim in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Zip down dirt roads and off-road in an open-air buggy.
• Stop at a typical house for a Dominican coffee taste.
• Relax at a gorgeous beach along the north shore and swim in the ocean, if you wish.

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

OVERVIEW

See both sides of the island for a sense of its French and Dutch heritages and then dine on cuisine that is also a fusion of different cultures. For the ultimate view of the island’s southern half, you will pause at Harold Jack Hill, an elevated lookout between Philipsburg and Cole Bay. Once you cross the border into the northern side of the island, the ambiance will become noticeably French, especially in St. Martin’s capital of Marigot. Although well known for its fashionable boutiques, this Creole-influenced city is also a foodie’s delight. As you browse the open-air Marigot Market – considered the largest of its kind in the Caribbean – you will see an abundance of locally sourced items, many of which will be ingredients in your lunch at the L’Aloha in Orient Beach. Even the restaurant’s traditional French dishes have a Creole or Asian twist, which will make for a delightful dining experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
• Pause at a lookout that offers sweeping view of the island’s gorgeous southern portion.
• Browse an open-air market in the French capital of Marigot.
• Dine on French cuisine that reflects a Creole or Asian influence, as well.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Your canoeing adventure takes place on the Cetina River, with its first and second degree rapids, as well as peaceful flat waters that interchange, during your approximate 3 hours of fun. These currents are ideal for the physically fit beginner. All you need is a sense of adventure to enjoy nature at its best. For thousands of years the Cetina River has been shaping the canyon while creating miraculous forms in the stone of its river bed.

Crystal clear river water with a pleasant swimming temperature, offers you a true experience of untouched nature with dramatic cliffs, cascades, lakes, underground tunnels and Gubavica waterfall that's 131 feet/40 metres high. Enjoy a picnic style lunch before your return drive to Split.

You’ll be transferred to the dolphin facility and upon arrival, attend an informative presentation by the dolphins certified trainers that will prepare you for your fun encounter and guide you through the experience.

Now it’s time to meet the dolphins! Everyone is outfitted with a life vest and stands on a submerged platform in waist-deep water. A happy, playful dolphin will swim over to you as your Dolphin Encounter begins. Touch the dolphin’s soft, smooth skin and watch as it rolls over for a belly rub. Get ready for the thrilling finale – a gentle dolphin kiss!

OVERVIEW

Explore the pristine waters of Icy Strait Point on this tour that highlights the protected waters of Port Frederick. From the pier, you will walk the short distance to the Kayak center where you will receive a safety briefing and kayaking orientation. Following that, you will hop in your two-person kayak and begin your adventure. You'll spend nearly two hours paddling about these pristine waters, delighting in the serenity and joy of being out on the water, as well as having the opportunity to observe the bountiful wildlife that inhabits this wilderness area. Your guide will help you spot animals, explain their habits, and offer all sorts of tidbits to maximize your time kayaking along the shoreline. While there are no certainties regarding what you might observe, humpback whales typically feed along the very same route that you will be traveling. You may see one in the distance breaching the water's surface, waving its fluke before diving, or spy hopping, which is when a whale pokes just its head out of the water to look around. The nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait are also home to orcas, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters and seals. During your excursion, you will also paddle to an even more serene area, frequented by bald eagles. There are few sights more visually arresting than following the flight of one of these majestic creatures as it rides the wind until swooping down to catch a fish with its talons. After returning to the beach at Icy Strait Point, you will turn in your equipment and head back to the ship, or perhaps visit the nearby Welcome Center.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak through Icy Strait Point, an area teeming with marine life.
• Watch for humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.
• Appreciate the wilderness even more as the naturalist explains its biodiversity.
• Look for bald eagles riding the wind until they swoop down to catch fish in their talons.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layers.
• Wear sturdy flat shoes.

Sample a selection of wines aged in a highly unusual way and cruise the bay that separates Croatia’s largest peninsula from the mainland. This experience is all about the sea as you will initially discover at the Edivo wine bar in Drace, a village on the Peljesac Peninsula. The wine is aged in glass bottles placed in clay amphoras and then submerged in the Adriatic Sea for nearly two years. The process – known as the Sea Mystery – yields unique wines that have never seen light until poured into your glass. Cruising through the Bay of Mali Ston will add another dimension to your understanding of the local seascape. The water conditions are ideal for the cultivation of oysters, and you may well see these bivalves being farmed. The highlight however is the Peljesac Bridge, a modern engineering marvel that links the Peljesac Peninsula to the Croatian mainland while bypassing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only outlet to the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a tasting of Croatian wines aged underwater in the Adriatic Sea.
• Cruise the sheltered Bay of Mali Ston in a wooden boat.
• Behold the Peljesac Bridge, Croatia’s most expensive infrastructure project in decades - as you listen to wise words from our expert engineer.

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

OVERVIEW

Race along Antigua’s spectacularly scenic western coast while piloting a jet ski or just riding along as a passenger if you prefer. It won’t take long to reach beautiful Hawksbill Beach in the village of Five Islands, where you will sit in on a briefing that will help you maximize the experience. Once you are comfortable with operating the jet ski or riding on the back of it, you will follow the guide caravan-style through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can expect it to be an exhilarating ride as you zip along the sheltered coast and in and out of idyllic bays. Antigua’s western shore is among the island’s most picturesque places. After a while, you will stop at a gorgeous beach where you can relax as you please. You might stretch out on the sand, take a refreshing swim or simply gaze out over the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jet ski along Antigua’s beautiful western coast, either as the driver or a passenger.
• Zip in and out of sheltered coves while taking in the gorgeous tropical scenery.
• Stop to relax and swim at one of the most picturesque beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

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