EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans, and delicate sea anemones.

Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs, and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. After returning to the pier, as you step off the boat, you can pick up your complimentary rum punch.

Join this unforgettable excursion where you’ll travel through small villages and hear their story along the way. Ascend over 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea where you can take some of the most amazing photos on your cruise. Enjoy stunning views and different shades of beautiful BVI blue waters. Listen up as your knowledgeable driver/guide share gems of BVI history and culture. Cross the bridge to Beef Island and swim at the local’s favorite, Long Bay beach. Here you can listen to music, chat with locals, chill at the bars, do light shopping or have a dip in BVI blue waters.

Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

Enjoy a fun cruise along St. Lucia’s coastline to experience the magnificent Pitons. As your catamaran sails out of Castries harbor, you’ll cruise along the west coast, passing the picturesque peninsulas of Vigie and La Toc. Sit out on deck to enjoy the sun and beautiful views – there’s also a cockpit onboard for those that may prefer shade. Take in the lush vegetation of the coastline and the small villages of Anse la Raye and Canaries. Continue to Soufriere Bay where you’ll see the Petit and Gros Pitons rising majestically 2,600 feet out of the sea. Enjoy great photo opportunities, capturing this wonder of nature as the catamaran circles the bay.

Continue your cruise along the coast to the scenic bay of Anse Cochon where an assortment of dry snacks will be served along with refreshing beverages before taking a relaxing swim in the lovely waters of the Caribbean Sea. Cruise to the idyllic Marigot Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful bays, famous for many battles between the English and the French. Enjoy Caribbean music as you cruise back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Dominican culture by experiencing the local cuisine, spirits and dances firsthand. While pausing for photos along the seaside boulevard El Malecon, you will discover a bit about the local history, which you will delve into more deeply at the engaging Confluence Ethnographic Gallery. Besides browsing the museum’s exhibits – which cover topics ranging from piracy to Carnival celebrations – you will enjoy a tasting of premium Dominican rum, most likely a selection from Ron Barceló, a brand made with 100% sugarcane juice. The restaurant La Catalina will serve as the venue for the remaining festivities, which begin with a performance of merengue, a lively dance so emblematic of the national identity that UNESCO recognized it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. You will be encouraged to join the costumed dancers, who will be happy to show you the steps. A delightful lunch of traditional Dominican stew known as sancocho follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the Dominican culture and history through immersive experiences.
• Browse an ethnographic museum and sample a popular premium Dominican rum.
• Watch costumed dancers perform the merengue and join in the fun if you wish.
• Dine on a traditional Dominican stew at the atmospheric restaurant La Catalina.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air-conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at Mahikal Beach. Take a swim at sea and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well-fed and in good spirits, your transfer awaits to return you to the ship.

This scenic drive was especially designed for guests who want to take in the island’s highlights with little or no walking. Discover many scenic island sights, such as the National Heroes Square and the Parliament buildings in Bridgetown. Passing Gun Hill, you’ll see the carved stone lion, a landmark dating from 1868. As you drive across the island, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, eventually reaching St. John’s Church, which offers spectacular views of the east and southeast coasts.

After St. John’s Church, continue to the craggy and scenic area on the east coast called Bathsheba, a photographer’s paradise. From here, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the hills, gentle slopes and sweeping bays. The stunning boutique hotel, Atlantis is located in the quaint fishing village of Tent Bay. Dramatic views from here create excellent photo opportunities! On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass through Holetown, with its monument commemorating the landing of the first English settlers in 1625.

Enjoy an enlightening tour of Puerto Limon as a prelude to a cultural performance and hands-on cooking class. The walking portion of the tour will begin at leafy Parque Vargas, a popular gathering place that overlooks the sea. Be sure to notice Uvita Island just offshore, as it is renowned as the spot where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502 on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. He is credited with naming Costa Rica, which is Spanish for “Rich Coast.” You will also pause to take in the sights at Playa Bonita, a beautiful stretch of sand nearby. A dance performance to live calypso music follows at the House of Culture, after which you will learn to prepare a few signature local dishes. Chances are, they will include a Costa Rican version of rice and beans, a beef-stuffed turnover and a sweet plantain tart. Later, you will snack on your tasty concoctions.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the ultimate experience at the Kuza Beach & Adventure Park, where a kaleidoscope of activities awaits, even access to exclusive areas reserved strictly for your group. How you spend the time will be completely up to you. If you are looking for nothing more than total relaxation, you might ease into an exclusive lounge chair, stretch out under the canopy and simply watch the world go by. Servers will be on hand just for you, ready to bring à la carte snacks and domestic drinks from the open bar. Beachfront palapas are also available for you to dine on a buffet of authentic Mexican dishes. If you would like a bit of physical activity, feel free to use any of the non-motorized gear, including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment and bicycles. If you wish to take a refreshing swim or simply walk along the private beach, the sea is just a few steps away.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy VIP treatment and access to exclusive areas at the Kuza Beach & Adventure Park.
• Stretch out on an exclusive lounge chair overlooking the sea.
• Take advantage of the dedicated servers standing by with snacks and drinks.
• Dine under a thatched-roof beachside palapas, with an array of high end international and traditional Mexican cuisine.
• Use any of the park’s non-motorized gears, including kayaks, paddleboards and bikes (duration of each experience varies per equipment).

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Relax at an exclusive waterfront resort where you will enjoy the serenity of your own over-the-water bungalow with a day bed for two and all sorts of other premium amenities.

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 your own thatched-roof bungalow that rises just above the water.

Furnished with a comfortable teak day bed for two, the bungalow will be your home base at the resort. It features a suspended patio with a swim-up platform, a shaded and a sunny area, and an ice box with an ice-cold bottle of champagne just waiting for you to pop the cork.

If you need a towel, drinks or snacks, simply use the pager. Butler service is included to ensure that your time at Turquoise Bay will be completely carefree. Other amenities include a reserved beach if you want to stretch out on the sand and a spectacular three-course lunch.

Feel free to spend hours enjoying the serenity of your over-the-water bungalow or explore other areas of the resort. The choice is entirely yours.

Enjoy a 90-minute drive along the island’s gorgeous western coastline offering views of the hilly ranchland and postcard-like vistas of mountains, ocean, and quaint fishing villages. Reap the benefits of soaking in a volcanic mud pool at Sulphur Springs Park, the largest geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles. As you enter what is billed as “the world’s only drive-in volcano,” you will pass bubbling hot springs and steam rising from vents in the earth’s surface known as fumaroles. It will be quite the experience, especially as you ease into a warm volcanic mud bath with minerals said to soothe the skin, detoxify the body and reduce inflammation from conditions such as arthritis. One attribute is undeniable—you can’t help but be completely relaxed while soaking in the warm sulphur-infused mud. The mud will be made available to apply. It is no wonder that the pools are one of the most popular attractions in St. Lucia. To round out your day, you will pause at an old sugar mill and linger over a sumptuous lunch.