EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

You’ll journey to the ancient place of Mayan pilgrimage known today as Chacchoben, also known as "The Place of Red Corn". At the pier, you’ll be greeted by a bilingual guide who will direct you to an air-conditioned bus. Onboard the bus your guide will brief you on the interesting history and unique attributes of this sacred Mayan site. Upon arrival at Chacchoben you’ll be surrounded by jungle. Your guide will escort you through the ruins, giving you a complete explanation of the sacred temples and other structures seen there. See original red paint on the stucco walls of one of the pyramids and the temple where a mural was found showing the astronomical positions of the planet Venus. You’ll have time to climb the Gran Basamento taking you above tree level. Here archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating to around 1000 B.C. Your guide will also explain about the wildlife and medicinal plants that are used by the modern-day descendants of the ancient Mayan people. During the tour, you will reach a structure known as the Gran Basamento, which is not a pyramid, but an elevated platform.

Your adventure takes you to a hidden underground world the Mayans called Chaak Tun–named for the Mayan god of rain–literally meaning “Chaak’s Rain of Stone.” Explore the mysteries of the cenotes and sacred Underground River as you cleanse your heart, mind and spirit while learning of the mythology behind these natural wonders. Visit two mystical caverns and underground rivers, discovering its amazing formations; stalactites and stalagmites reaching from floor to ceiling while snorkeling and swimming through the crystal-clear, sacred waters that purify and rejuvenate. Before the next experience, you will be greeted and welcomed by a local shaman to the Temazcal. Learn about the importance of this ancient cleansing process and experience it yourself. Savor the time for yourself while you purify your body through a relaxing steam bath with the use of medicinal plants, an ancestral ritual practiced in Mesoamerica employed for cleansing, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Enjoy a Small buffet rajas with cream (vegetarian option) chicken tamalito in banana leaf, rice, beans, tortilla, fruit, flavored water, soft drink and bottled natural water At the conclusion of this memorable adventure, return to Playa del Carmen to board the ferry that will take you back to the ship's pier.

Discover the lasting influence of King Kamehameha by exploring sites that were of great importance when he ruled Hawaii. Kamehameha is revered for uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom in 1810. About a decade earlier, the volcano Hualalai erupted, leaving hardened lava in its wake. While walking atop this rugged landscape, you will see petroglyphs and ingenious fishponds that the early Hawaiians created. Not far off, you will find a lava-rock temple built in the 18th century to fulfill a prophecy that Kamehameha would unite the islands. It is known as House of the Whale for the humpbacks often spotted just offshore. Following a simple lunchbox style meal at a statue of Kamehameha that was erected near his birthplace in Kohala, you will be free to explore Hawi, an artistic community with all sorts of eclectic shops. You will also tour a macadamia factory and sample these iconic Hawaiian-grown nuts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow in the footsteps of Kamehameha, the king that united the Hawaiian Islands.
• Walk across hardened lava from a volcano that erupted in Kamehameha’s time.
• See petroglyphs, ancient fish ponds and an 18th-century temple built with lava rocks.
• Dine under a statue of Kamehameha near his birthplace in Kohala.
• Spend free time in the artistic community of Hawi and tour a macadamia nut factory.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear long pants and closed-toe walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Interact with southern stingrays at aptly named Stingray Beach and then come ashore for a relaxing and fun-filled experience on the beach. As you will discover, these relatively flat, diamond-shaped marine animals typically measure 3 to 4 feet across with the females being larger than the males. During your time with these remarkably docile and graceful creatures, feel free to pet, hold and even feed them. Be sure to rub their skin, which feels rough in one direction and silky smooth in the other. Stingrays are used to human contact, so you can expect an immensely fulfilling experience. Afterwards, you can snorkel with stingrays and other marine life in a larger protected enclosure with a coral reef. More good times await on the beach, where you will enjoy a buffet of Mexican dishes and an open bar during the meal. You could also take a refreshing swim and watch an entertaining hermit crab race.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Encounter southern stingrays face to face and see how docile they can be.
• Touch the stingrays and feed them if you wish.
• Snorkel with stingrays and an array of colorful tropical fish in another enclosure.
• Relax on the beach, go for a swim and enjoy the Mexican buffet and open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Treat yourself to an amazing adventure! See the Caribbean from a totally unique point of view – gliding over the coral reef in your clear kayak. This is the ultimate dry snorkel experience! You’ll visit exclusive Uvas Beach for your guided Clear Kayak Tour, Snorkel Excursion, and Beach Break.! Paddle your 2 person kayak out into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, but that’s not all that’s crystal clear! Look down through your transparent kayak to see an amazing underwater world of tropical fish swimming right beneath you. When your unique journey over the sea is done, put on a mask and fins and head down under for a closer look at Cozumel’s marine life in an inspiring snorkel excursion and a great opportunity to take underwater photos.

Ready for a rest? Then return to the beautiful beach club facilities to soak up the sun, swim in the pool, or relax in the shade of an umbrella. Take advantage of 2 complimentary drinks and if you’ve worked up a bigger appetite, you can order food from the restaurant. When time’s up, you have the option to either return to your ship or stay at Playa Uvas and extend your day in this tropical paradise. (Taxi coupons will be no longer available, but the transportation will be offered as agreed, at our own expense).

Begin your tour with a 40-minute scenic boat ride through historic Nassau Harbor to Blue Lagoon Island. Upon arrival you’ll attend a fun and interactive orientation covering the natural history of sea lions, animal training techniques, ocean conservation and wildlife guidelines. This educational and entertaining encounter is your chance to experience sea lions up-close. You’ll have the opportunity to hug, feed and play with these humorous marine mammals. Your interaction will take place from specially designed, waist-deep submerged platforms in a calm, private island lagoon with ten or less guests in your program. It will be a unique adventure, you’ll never forget! Upon completion of your Sea Lion encounter, stay and enjoy the beautiful and always calm lagoon beach.

Sail along the island’s beach-blessed eastern shore, taking in the magnificent scenery and stopping along the way to swim and snorkel. One of the most beautiful stretches of sand is Kalithea Beach, which earned a Blue Flag eco-designation for the high quality of its water and strict environmental preservation. Because the sea is so clear there, snorkeling is particularly popular. Schools of porgies, brightly colored wrasses and damsel fish are commonly spotted along the rocky bottom just offshore. You will also visit a beach farther south that is so gorgeous that Anthony Quinn purchased it after filming “The Guns of Navarone” in the area in 1960. Named for the actor ever since, the beach offers excellent snorkeling and swimming as the waters are remarkably transparent. The smallish cove that shelters the beach couldn’t be more photogenic. Following your beach activities, you will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in a lovely setting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous coastal scenery as you sail along the eastern shore of Rhodes.
• Swim and snorkel at Kalithea, a Blue Flag beach known for its excellent water quality.
• Relax on a spectacularly beautiful beach that actor Anthony Quinn once owned.

Sail to an uninhabited island that supposedly inspired the setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Treasure Island” and snorkel the crystal-clear waters that surround it. You will sail in comfort on board the Soul Rebel, a 50-foot catamaran that will cut across Sir Francis Drake Channel to ruggedly beautiful Norman Island. The snorkeling here is spectacular, and the underwater wonders include colorful marine life such as doctorfish tangs, queen triggerfish and ocean surgeonfish. You may even catch sight of a spotted eagle ray gracefully gliding by.

You will also have the opportunity to snorkel/swim off Pirate’s Bight, another gorgeous part of the island. Or you may simply relax on the powdery beach that makes this a favorite spot for enjoying the tropical scenery. If you are feeling a bit more ambitious, you might beachcomb along the shore and swim in the sea before sailing back to Road Town.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes and come away with a deep appreciation of its volcanic formation. After pausing at America’s southernmost bake shop, where you might try a mango malasada treat, you will travel to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. The jet-black sand is made of volcanic materials and lava fragments and is quite the sight, especially if you spot a green sea turtle basking on the beach. Symbols of wisdom and good luck, they are the only sea turtles known to sunbathe. The wonders of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be even more extraordinary. The terrain and natural diversity there are so unique that UNESCO deemed the park both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will see volcanic craters, the active volcano Kilauea and hot water vapor rising from countless steam vents.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the volcanically formed black sand beach at Punalu’u and perhaps see a green sea turtle.
• Drive through stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Don’t think… just trust and launch yourself from the Flighthouse platform. Feel the adrenaline surge and the wind gust as you soar 100 feet above the Manatee Lagoon. The first three zips crisscross Harvest Caye, each zip long enough for you to feel the rush and enjoy the sensation. To enhance the thrill and excitement we have added a transverse over the elevated suspension bridge. Allowing you a bird’s eye view of guests below or to search the horizon and take in panoramic views of the Mayan Mountains on the mainland or the turquoise waters of the outer reefs. The experience concludes with the side by side “Double Beach Run” racing face down in a superman position or sitting upright, either way it is 1,300 feet at 40 mph! No experience required. The flight crew will provide you with equipment and safety briefings. This is a tour the whole family will remember for years to come. This tour includes the Lagoon Zipline and the Superman Zipline.

Explore the beautiful and picturesque villages of Corfu by mountain bike. Leave the port by coach to Dassia where you’ll be outfitted with your bike and receive all necessary instructions. Accompanied by a local guide, your mountain bike expedition begins with a short and easy uphill climb to the village of Kato Korakiana. Once you reach the village, stop for a short rest at a traditional coffee shop before continuing on to another village.

The foothills of Mount Pantokrator offer stunning views of the inner plains of the island, which stretch out below you. Through a narrow paved alley, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Saint Marcos, an old Venetian settlement with carefully restored stone built houses and a Byzantine chapel. At a local tavern in this village, enjoy a Greek snack before you take the road down the hill.

OVERVIEW

Pedal a beach cruiser along the incredibly picturesque Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path and stop at your pleasure at the eclectic shops and restaurants along the way. Although the paved coastal trail is about eight miles long, you can bike just a small segment of it or pedal much farther. Your beach cruiser has seven gears so you can easily negotiate the elevation changes. This being a self-guided adventure, you will be free to ride at your own speed and stay at the attractions until you are ready to go. A digital app will make navigation simple and clearly show the points of interest along the bike path. Or simply ask the local walkers, joggers and other bicyclists about their favorite places. Interpretive signs will describe the easy-to-access archaeological, cultural and historic sites nearby. The endless seascape may be best attraction of all, as it is spectacular the entire way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a beach cruiser along a scenic bike path that follows the sea.
• Pedal at your own pace, bike as far as you wish and stop whenever you please.
• Use the digital app that describes points of interest along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

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