Enjoy meeting the locals and being entertained by whimsical lemurs on this delightful tour to nearby Nosy Komba.

Board your local boat from the ship's gangway and cruise across the east coast of Nosy Be to Nosy Komba, passing the verdant Lokobe evergreen forest along the way. Reaching the fishing village of Ampangoriana, you will tender ashore (please note it is a "wet" landing) and then have a bit of time to mingle with the locals and browse for souvenirs. Approximately 500 yards from the village is the Black Lemur Sanctuary, home to Madagascar's most famous residents, the black lemurs. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe these lively creatures as they leap from tree to tree. The black lemurs are the males and the brown lemurs the females. Although these animals live in the wild, they are tame enough to be fed with bananas and their capricious behavior will no doubt be fun to watch.

Leaving the sanctuary, you will walk to a nearby snack bar where you will be treated to a light snack while relaxing in the shade of a Tamarind tree and taking in the wonderful views of the Lokobe Reserve and surrounding islands. During your break, the local Sakalava embroiders will give you a demonstration on tablecloth making and the village children will perform a brief folk show for you. Free time will be provided for you to stroll on the beach, shop for souvenirs or perhaps take a dip in the ocean.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will re-board your boat and cruise back to Nosy Be and your awaiting ship.

Cruise off the western coast of La Palma to an area teeming with dolphins as well as whales. After driving across the island’s interior, you will head out on the Flipper, an open-air double-decker boat that offers uninterrupted views of Atlantic Ocean. More than two dozen species of cetaceans inhabit these waters at different times of the year, so the chance of spotting a variety of these carnivorous aquatic mammals is excellent. The onboard marine biologist with point out and describe the various species as they breach the water’s surface. You may observe easy-to-identify common cetaceans such as the resident bottlenose dolphins and lesser-known, rarer species that may include Gervais’s beaked whales. It all depends on the day. There is also plenty to see along the rugged coastline such as the La Fajana natural pools and Porís de Candelaria, a cluster of modest homes built into a rocky cliff around a sea cave.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Look for dolphins and whales while cruising off the western coast of La Palma.
• Be awed by the spectacle of seeing these aquatic mammals in their natural habitat.
• Hear fascinating commentary about the cetaceans from the onboard marine biologist.
• Pass unexpected coastal attractions such as natural sea pools and sea caves.

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

Become familiar with the agricultural practices of Ecofinca Nogales, an organic farm that grows fruits and vegetables using sustainable methods that respect the environment. While touring the family-operated farm, you will see firsthand how the produce is grown without chemicals that may damage the quality of the soil. Compost tea, livestock manure and plant debris are used as an organic fertilizer that over time improve the fertility of the land. The farm has also optimized its irrigation system to reduce water consumption and meticulously recorded its carbon footprint to see how it might be lessened. As a result, everything grown at Ecofinca Nogales is certified to be ecologically responsible and sustainable. The variety and distinct flavors of the produce may surprise you. During the tasting that follows the guided tour, you may sample Pinkerton avocados, Red Lady papayas and aubergines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit an organic farm that strictly follows sustainable practices.
• See how the farm’s water consumption and carbon footprint have been reduced.
• Taste a variety of fruits and vegetables grown using traditional, eco-friendly methods.

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

OVERVIEW

This extraordinary tour gives you the opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes and the surrounding geological wonders. Departing the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline to Saint Pierre, where you will turn inland and begin your ascent to the high plateau of the Plaine des Cafres. Making your way inland, you will soon notice that the cooling freshness of the coast gives way to the natural heat of the volcano as you pass a landscape of heathers, gentians, small villages, pastures and lush forests. From the nearly 6800 ft. summit of the 'Nez de Boef', you can see down across the valley below with all of its geological surprises. This includes the gaping hole in the crater 'Commerson'. The splendid calderas created by the volcanoes are also referred to as amphitheaters and hold many amazing discoveries that delight geologists from around the world.Next, you will visit the viewpoint that overlooks the 'Plaine des Sables'. Marvel at this barren terrain that is strewn with volcanic rock and makes one think they have stepped from the surface of the Earth to that of the Moon. It is truly an incredible sight to behold. Continuing, you will reach 'Pas de Bellecombe', the main viewpoint for the Bory crater which rises up in front of you over 8600 feet. This advantageous viewpoint is situated on the top of a 492 foot high cliff that overlooks the volcanic valley which includes more than 60 smaller craters that are spread around the two main ones, Crater Bory and Crater Dolomieu. Before it's time to make the 2 and one-half hour journey back to the ship, you will be treated to lunch at a nearby restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ascend the Plaine des Cafres plateau, passing lush forests and small villages.
• Behold the Commerson Crater’s massive caldera from the approximately 6,800-foot summit of Nez de Boeuf.
• Take in magnificent views from the Pas de Bellecombe overlook atop an approximately 500-foot cliff.
• Marvel at a lunar-like volcanic valley showcasing over 60 small craters and the larger Bory and Dolomieu Craters.
• Refresh with a relaxing and tasty lunch at a specially selected restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Marvel at the stunning, volcanic landscape of southern La Palma, admire breathtaking views from the site of a 17th-century eruption, sample sweet local vintages at the island’s largest wine producer. Continue your tour travelling through lush vineyards and pine forests to the San Antonio volcano, which last erupted in the late 1600s. From the crater’s rim, behold the pretty town of Fuencaliente, which means “hot spring” even though the namesake inspiration was long ago destroyed by volcanic activity, and take in a spectacular view of the Teneguía volcano, which erupted more recently in 1971. At the Bodegas Teneguía, learn about the decadent malvasia grapes, which are allowed to become over-ripe for more sweetness and thrive in soil enriched by volcanic ash and lava. Savor an ambrosial taste of the fruit-saturated, aromatic wine produced in this somewhat unique terroir. You’ll long revel in the joys of this journey through an island inextricably tied to its volcanic past.

Explore the eastern side of the island with a visit to Marodoka and other notable landmarks on this excursion that combines both culture and relaxation.

Your tour begins with a leisurely drive to Marodoka that includes a photo stop along the way. The remains of this Arab-Indian village that originated in the 17th century features huge banyan trees that would seem to stand as a silent memorial to those that once lived here. During its prime, the village was bustling with activity and had a distinctive Arab, Indian and Swahili influence.

Leaving Marodoka, your next stop is at a ylang-ylang distillery where you will have learn how the oil is extracted from the flower and then used in the production of perfumes and lotions. A quick visit to the Zoo is an opportunity to see some resident lemurs, reptiles, chameleons and the orchid garden.

Continuing on, it's a stop at the Sacred Tree, one of the most important Sakalava cultural sites on the island, and from there, you will next make your way to the souvenir market. Here, a wide variety of goods that include intricate woodcarvings, embroideries, raffia baskets, seashells and spices are available for purchase.

As you begin your return to Hell Ville, a brief stop at one of Nosy Be's best beaches will be made. Enjoy a soft drink and folk performance at a beach hotel and perhaps take a stroll along the beach before re-boarding your coach for the final leg of your journey. Afterwards, transfer directly back to the cruise ship pier.

Travel through the breathtaking coast and towering mountains of northern La Palma and visit a luxuriant forest, savor local rum and behold shimmering natural swimming pools. In the quaint town of La Galga, glory in the majestic views from San Bartolo, a marvelous lookout wedged between two deep-cut gorges. Wind through incredible mountains to Los Tilos, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve blanketed by the largest and most pristine laurel forest in the Canary Islands. Keep watch for beautiful indigenous plants such as the orange-blossomed Canary bellflower and striking Strawberry Tree, so named because its edible fruits bring to mind bright strawberries.

Descending toward the coast, you'll pass sprawling banana plantations, important to the local economy, and make a stop at a charming rum distillery. Learn how the delicious spirit is derived from a variety of sugar cane introduced to the island from India in the 15th century, and delight in a sample. You'll thrill to a dazzling cluster of crystal-clear swimming pools in Charco Azul that were formed long ago by lava flows. Enjoy free time to amble along the coast or simply relax and cherish the awe-inspiring scenery, reflecting on the unforgettable natural beauty of the La Palma coast.

OVERVIEW

Revel in mesmerizing scenery and magnificent vistas on this entrancing tour that explores the western region of Réunion Island and includes visits to a small handmade geranium production and a shopping center near Le Port. Journey approximately 90 minutes to the dramatic volcano Piton Maïdo and take in striking views of the Cirque of Mafate, which encompasses over 22,000 acres of nearly untouched wilderness. During an approximately 45-minute stop, discover that the cirque includes some 15 small villages, home to approximately 700 citizens, and that it’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Gaze in awe at Piton des Neiges, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, before continuing to a local geranium plantation to explore the traditional production and distillation methods used to create the flower’s alluring perfume. You’ll savor time on your own at the shopping center near Le Port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ascend to the summit of volcanic Piton Maïdo and gaze over the astonishing Cirque of Mafate.
• Survey thousands of acres of Mafate’s pristine wilderness, which is home to only some 700 inhabitants.
• Wonder at views of Piton des Neiges, the Indian Ocean’s highest peak.
• Tour a geranium plantation to understand how aromatic perfume is extracted from these flowers.
• Shop the busy shopping center near Le Port.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring an umbrella or poncho, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Carry a bottle of water, as you may require hydration.