EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Observe the wonders underwater by swimming with sea turtles and snorkeling before relaxing on one of the island’s most spectacular stretches of sand. Barbados is known for its natural beauty and it extends well beneath the water’s surface. After cruising to a spot teeming with marine life, you will ease into the crystal-clear water for a wondrous experience. You may see enormous leatherback turtles gracefully swimming by and hawksbills, a species of sea turtle named for the shape of its head, which tapers to a point that resembles a raptor’s beak. Reef fish are also abundant as you will discover by snorkeling. You may spot queen angelfish, schools of brightly colored blue tangs and honeycomb cowfish, which are easy to identify by the honeycomb-like pattern on their scales that serves as camouflage. You can also expect to snorkel over a shipwreck before cruising to a lovely tropical beach to relax.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the gorgeous scenery of Barbados while cruising off its southwestern coast.
• Swim with sea turtles such as hawksbills and leatherbacks.
• Observe an endless parade of colorful marine life by snorkeling the crystal-clear waters.
• Spend free time relaxing on one of the island’s most inviting beaches.

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

OVERVIEW

Race through the countryside in a caravan of off-road vehicles on the way to Eco Del Mar, a secluded glamping hotel where you can unwind on the beach. After a briefing to become familiar with the vehicle, you will hop into a 4-person Can Am Maverick dune buggy and either drive or ride along as a passenger. Either way, it will be adrenaline-pumping nonstop fun. The route will take you through a desert landscape, along the coast and into the rugged hills. Stops along the way will enable you to really take in the dramatic changes in scenery. By the time you arrive at Eco Del Mar, you should be ready to relax and enjoy the serenity of the private beach. It will be easy to find your own slice of paradise whether you stretch out on the sand, settle into a beach chair or continue the adventure by paddle boarding.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a 4-person dune buggy through the countryside or just ride along as a passenger.
• View an ever-changing landscape that includes desert and coastal environments.
• Relax on the private beach at Eco Del Mar, a glamping hotel in a remote location.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

You'll be greeted by the staff at the Stingray City dive shop and given a safety briefing before a fun interaction with the rays. Protected by the fringing reef, the calm crystal-clear waters are home to many southern stingrays. You'll be assisted and supervised by the qualified staff into the stingray habitat where you'll be able to play with, pet, and perhaps even feed the stingrays. Entry into the 3-8-foot deep water is an easy step from the large swim platform. Even non-swimmers can enjoy the rays. These amazing animals will surprise you with their gentleness and with the informative briefing you receive, these once-feared ‘beasts’ will find a special new place in your heart and provide you with an unforgettable memory.

This blend of culture and adventure is an awe-inspiring experience you should not miss during your stop in Belize! Your knowledgeable and experience tour guides take you on an enlightening air-conditioned bus ride through the old capital of Belize en route to the Chukka's Eco Almond Hill Lagoon. During this transfer you are given the interesting history of this small country that is marked by an extraordinary blend of British, Scottish, Maya, Creole and Garifuna cultural traditions. At the Airboat Outpost you are welcomed by the ancestral drums of the Garifuna ethnic group. The Garifuna are of African and Amerindian descent originating from fugitive slaves who were welcomed into local communities. In 2001, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared the Garifuna culture a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. After your welcome and safety briefing, you are off to a thrilling and adventurous 450-horsepower airboat ride through mangrove forest on the Almond Hill. You’ll feel the wind in your face as you skim the surface of the water, zipping through twisting mangrove tunnels or open grasslands. The Almond Hill Lagoon is home to an array of birds and other native wild life that you guide will point out during this fun ride. Return back to Airboat outpost after taking in all the natural beauty and enjoy a taste of Belize as you have the opportunity to shop and sample our local rum and wine while experiencing the more live drumming of the Garifuna culture.

Your adventure begins with a short transfer to the submarine aboard the shuttle vessel Subseeker. Board the submarine just off the southeast coast of Aruba for a thrilling dive to either the mysteriously sunken airplane or the retired Danish sailboat Mi Dushi I, together with the newly sunken coaster, the Morgenster. You’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close view of exotic marine life while diving to depths of up to 130 feet. Be amazed by colorful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens and the mystical beauty of the coral fields. An educational and entertaining narration from your experienced, professional, and licensed crew will highlight this unique experience. All of this is in air-conditioned comfort and without getting wet!

Glide through the jungle on an Aerial Tram and see the rainforest from the same perspective as the monkeys and birds do. You’ll travel to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort located within the Soberania National Park for your tram adventure.

Your gondola will take you from the shadowy forest floor, through the under story and high into the sun-drenched canopy. Keep an eye out for the monkeys and exotic birds that make their home here. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore the various resort exhibits, including a butterfly farm, aquarium and orchid garden.

Rafting is one of those rare pleasures to experience in Jamaica. The Martha Brae River is blessed with lush banks, sweet air and nature's soothing symphony. Your mode of transportation is a 30 foot bamboo raft with seating for two. A raft captain navigates the meandering river while telling you the tale of Martha Brae, an Amerindian maiden who was tortured by Spanish soldiers to reveal the location of a secret gold mine. While leading her captors to the mystery mine, she summoned magical powers drowning herself and the soldiers. Ponder the legend as your friendly captain poles you downstream for an approximate 90 minute ride. Once at the termination point, you'll board your bus for a sightseeing journey through the town of Falmouth before making a brief stop at the Shoppes at Rose Hall. Your tour concludes with a return sightseeing drive through the port city of Montego Bay to the cruise ship terminal.

Many consider Limón to be a magical place and with its lush rainforest and amazing vistas. Join us as we explore the region and learn about its history and people; take a pleasant stroll through the tropical rain forest and cruise the Tortuguero Canals in this half day excursion.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort as your guide points out places of interest around the city that retain its old roots. Limón was originally founded as a city to ship bananas to Europe and North America. As you drive past quaint villages and fertile plantations, you will enjoy a walk through the rainforest using cemented walkways. As you saunter along keep your eyes open (and camera ready!) for wildlife that might peek out, such as monkeys and other creatures that call this paradise home.

Next, board an open-air covered boat for a journey along the peaceful Tortuguero Canals, also known as the Caribbean version of the Amazon. Your boat ride offers one of the most exuberant landscapes in Costa Rica, with a rich biological diversity and more than 400 species of trees, 2,000 species of other plants and 60 species of amphibians. Birds common along the canals which you may see include green and great blue herons, egrets, belted kingfishers and jacanas. Once you arrive at the restaurant facilities, enjoy delicious tropical fruits and natural refreshments. You'll have time to stop by the family gift shop for souvenirs before boarding your transportation for a city tour around Limon, before heading back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Cruise to the Bonaire Marine Park in an electric, emission-free catamaran and snorkel the coral reefs at the island of Klein Bonaire. Being electric-powered, the catamaran runs silently allowing you to fully appreciate the experience and natural beauty without any noise pollution. It won’t take long to reach the first snorkeling site, which the captain will choose based on the water and wind conditions. You will be free to explore the wonders underwater, which are abundant as the marine park sprawls over thousands of acres of coral reefs and seagrass beds that attract every imaginable type of marine life. Hundreds of species of fish inhabit these crystal-clear waters, including neon-colored parrotfish, marbled grouper and red porgy. You may even spot green sea turtles and spotted eagles ray gracefully swimming by. A completely different array of species awaits you at the second snorkeling site. As an alternate to snorkeling, you can remain onboard and simply relax and sunbathe. Drinks are included, alcoholic drinks are provided for after the activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the Bonaire Marine Park on an emission-free electric-powered catamaran.
• Snorkel two different coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
• Sunbathe and relax onboard if you would rather not snorkel.
• Enjoy the open bar on the return cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen.

Sail hundreds of feet above the waters of Belize in tandem while being towed with a brand new parasail boat on this adrenaline pumping experience.

As you travel out of the marina, your parasail flight-crew will give you an orientation and safety briefing and then prepare you for your exhilarating panoramic flight high above the waters off Harvest Caye Island.

OVERVIEW

Ride along the coast caravan-style in a customized dune buggy and then relax on a beautiful stretch of sand in the fishing village of Mahahual. You can drive the four-person, open-air dune buggy or ride along as a passenger. Either way, you will enjoy unobstructed views of the gorgeous shore south of Costa Maya. On the way to the beach, you will stop at a Tequila Hacienda where you will participate in a tequila tasting and learn about the process making of this traditional Mexica spirit. The white-sand beaches in this part of Mexico are wide, pristine and uncrowded as you will discover once you hop off the dune buggy to enjoy the tropical setting. You will be free to do most anything you please on the beach. You might stretch out on a towel and bask in the sun, read in the shade of a palm tree and stroll along the coast. The water is typically calm, crystal-clear and ideal for a refreshing swim in the sea. Be sure to take advantage of the included lunch of traditional Mexican dishes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride along the coast caravan-style in a customized dune buggy made for adventure.
• Spend hours of free time doing whatever you please at a beach near Costa Maya.
• Enjoy a hearty buffet of Mexican dishes right on the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW
Race through the tree canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines and then cool off in the Damajagua River as it cascades through the dense jungle terrain. The five ziplines more or less follow the river and offer a wonderfully unique perspective of the tropical landscape, as they span platforms high above the ground. To reach some of the ziplines, you will need to walk across swaying suspension bridges, which definitely add to the excitement. Afterwards, you will follow the guide along a section of the river with a dozen cascades. You will jump off some of the waterfalls into the deep pools below, while other waterfalls are more easily negotiated by sliding down natural waterslides carved in the rocks. You will also have time to swim in the cool, remarkably blue water between the cascades. Over time, the Damajagua has carved steep canyons into the terrain, so you can expect the scenery to be magnificent.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Fly high above the jungle floor on five ziplines and walk across two suspension bridges.
• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.