EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Embark on a mid-morning escape aboard a luxurious catamaran for a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. Skip the early wake-up call and snorkel at one of Maui’s top spots, home to native Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtles). Swim alongside these graceful creatures from a respectful distance as they drift over vibrant coral reefs. Relax onboard with the premium amenities of our catamaran, including freshwater showers, shaded cabin seating, and relaxing bow nets. Savor a tropical taco bar featuring island-inspired flavors like huli chicken, kalua pork, and jackfruit topped with Maui Gold pineapple slaw. Sip handcrafted cocktails, local spirits, and refreshing Maui Brewing Company beers while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a 3-hour luxury snorkeling experience featuring a gourmet tropical taco bar.
• Snorkel at a local favorite location like Turtle Town or the Pali Coast.
• Sip seasonal specialty cocktails, Maui Brew Co. beers, and local spirits from the open bar.
• Enjoy complimentary snorkel gear, flotation devices, and local reef-safe sunscreen.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Bring a swimsuit, and any additional sun protection needed.
• Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for boarding, with the option to go barefoot on deck.

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. You will also learn how coffee was introduced to Hawaii in the 1820s and how it is processed today at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. It is an excellent setting to enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed Kona coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee and learn about its production at a coffee mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile. Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area. The highlights of this exciting tour include visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. With an expert driver at the wheel, you won’t miss any of the incredible scenery of lava cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, the rugged northern coastline, lush hillsides of feathery ferns and trees laden with tropical fruits. You’ll stop to explore various sites along the way to "Heavenly Hana," in this wonderfully natural and pristine landscape. This tour goes to Hana and returns on the same route. A box lunch is included at the start of the tour.

Explore Honolulu’s highlights – from Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to Hawaii’s first Christian church, and Iolani Palace and Washington Place, both former residences of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Pearl Harbor is one of Hawaii’s best-known landmarks and the scene of the devastating aerial attack by Japan that drove the U.S. into WWII. The Pearl Harbor Visitor's center exhibit galleries bring visitors closer to the sights and sounds of the events leading up to the attack on Oahu and its aftermath. These galleries display personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, artifacts of the battle, and other exhibits.

In central Honolulu stand face to face with the larger-than-life statue of King Kamehameha I, the leader who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom. Just across the street you’ll see the Iolani Palace, residence of Hawaii's last two monarchs. European in design, it boasted Hawaii’s first electric lights, flush toilets and internal phone system. Also nearby is Kawaiahao Church, Hawaii's first Christian house of worship, built of coral slabs from the offshore reefs.

At the heart of the downtown historic district you will notice the elegant Washington Place, now a museum, and once home to Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last queen. Drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in the extinct volcanic crater known as the Punchbowl. It is the final resting place of some 53,000 veterans who lost their lives in 20th century wars, including those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Enjoy panoramic city views on your drive to the airport.

Enjoy a wonderful ride in the clear lagoon of Moorea with great views of the island's sharp mountain peaks, lush green valleys and picturesque coastal shoreline, then enjoy a typical island lunch, relax on a delightful beach or enjoy the warm tropical waters of French Polynesia.

Boarding your boat at the pier, you'll set-off across the turquoise waters of Moorea, en route to a gorgeous white sandy islet that is surrounded by crystal clear water. The waters here are shallow enough for you to walk right off the boat onto the pristine beach where you will have approximately three hours at your leisure.

During your visit, you can relax and soak up the sun, or enjoy some great snorkeling and discover Moorea's amazing underwater world with its colorful fish, flora and fauna. There may even be some inquisitive stingrays to welcome you and in exchange for a piece of fish, they just might delight you by dancing gracefully around you.

Following a barbeque lunch on the beach, you will have more time to enjoy the refreshing waters here or further relax on the beach while being entertained with local music and a coco demonstration.

This wonderful combination tour allows you to explore Bora Bora’s magical lagoon on board a covered boat, snorkel and relax on a pristine beach. You’ll have excellent photo opportunities of the hidden, eastern side of Bora Bora, so be sure to bring your camera.

Cruise from Vaitape Bay, past beautiful Raititi Point and the enchanting islets of Motu Toopua and Motu Tapu. During your cruise, you'll be treated to some wonderful views on the crystal clear lagoon as well as the island highest peak, Mount Otemanu. Upon reaching the motu (coral islet), you'll enjoy a typical island beach break and refreshments. Relax, sunbathe, or dip your toes in the shallow waters.

Since snorkeling from the motu is limited due to shallow waters, a snorkel stop is done at another location during the tour.

The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll have the option to gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

Raft down the gently flowing Chilkat River through a bald eagle preserve known for its virgin wilderness and abundant wildlife. Depart from the pier by coach and drive along the Haines Highway, a stretch of road so beautiful it has been designated a National Scenic Highway. The Highway follows the equally picturesque Chilkat River, the location of your rafting adventure. Upon arrival at the launch site, you will exchange your shoes for rubber boots and receive a life jacket. Following a safety briefing, you will board an 18-foot raft and begin slowly floating down the river. Surrounded by the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, you will no doubt be awed by the natural beauty and serenity. The waters here are teeming with salmon that come here to spawn and their sheer numbers provide an endless supply of food for the eagles. You will have a front-row seat to observe this annual rite of nature, which ensures a healthy and abundant eagle population. The Chilkat Valley is home to 200 to 400 bald eagles, and more than 80 nests have been spotted in the preserve alone. You may also see bears and wolves along the riverbank, feasting on salmon. Enormous moose, some weighing up to 1,600 pounds, also frequent the preserve to feed on the summer vegetation. After approximately an hour and a half on the river, you will find yourself back at the launch site where you will disembark your raft and transfer back to the pier in Haines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Float down the meandering Chilkat River in an 18-foot raft.
• Pass through a preserve with the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
• Watch for bald eagles feasting on salmon by the riverside.
• Try to spot other wildlife such as bears and moose.
• Travel a National Scenic Highway on the way to and from the preserve.

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

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking wildlife encounters with traditional Alaskan dishes at a seafood feast. Cruise the pristine waters of Icy Strait, home to one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in Alaska. Witness these awe-inspiring creatures as they breach, dive, and wave their flukes, showcasing their grace and power. Keep an eye out for playful Dall’s porpoises, towering Steller sea lions, curious harbor seals, and even the occasional pod of orcas. Don’t forget to look to the skies for bald eagles soaring overhead. After your wildlife adventure, return to Icy Strait Point for a feast of Alaskan flavors. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring seasonal shrimp, crab, and Andouille sausage, accompanied by a variety of sides. Finish the experience with a cozy moment around the campfire, roasting marshmallows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into waters with so many humpback whales.
• Watch the whales breaching the water’s surface and feeding voraciously.
• Look for porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles, as well.
• Feast on classic Alaskan seafood dishes and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center, a guided walk-through Sitka National Historical Park, and a visit to Fortress of the Bear. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window and gift shop. Guests can also stroll the outside deck habitat areas for an up-close look at bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey in residence. Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits, and carving rooms where Native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bear, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get an up-close look at a variety of birds of a prey at the Alaska Raptor Center.
• Photograph Alaskan brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility.
• Delve into the history of Sitka at a park that recounts the watershed Battle of 1804.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Join this scenic tour of Vancouver and discover why it was chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Departing the cruise pier, you’ll head into the heart of downtown, a bustling urban environment surrounded by water and mountains. This tour will pass by the popular Gastown District, home to the antique-style Gastown Steam Clock that whistles to tell the time. You will also pass by Vancouver’s vibrant and historic Chinatown, the second largest in North America, before arriving at Stanley Park. Stanley Park is where the locals come to relax and play and considered one of Canada’s most beautiful national historic sites. The park is larger than New York City’s Central Park and home to old growth trees plus a spectacular display of First Nation Totem Poles. You’ll have some free time to discover Stanley Park and take photos of the North Shore Mountain Range rising just outside of the city before concluding your tour at the Vancouver International Airport.

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