EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Explore the ruins of a 17th-century sugar plantation before hiking into the rainforest with a naturalist guide that will describe the fascinating flora and fauna. While meandering the grounds of Wingfield Estate, you will see the remains of its aqueduct, mill house, lime kiln and rum distillery, which is the oldest in the Caribbean. It was one of the few distilleries that was water-powered rather than wind-powered. Following this intriguing glimpse into the past, you will hike into the surrounding wilderness, a wonderland of tropical plants that includes palms, bamboo, ferns and poinciana, the island’s national tree. It was named for the first French governor of St. Kitt’s, Monsieur de Poincy, and typically blooms in mid-summer. You may also spot colorful birds such as the bananaquit, purple martin and Antillean crested hummingbird, all of which have been portrayed on postage stamps. The brown pelican is the island’s national bird.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the ruins of 17th-century Wingfield Estate, home to the Caribbean’s oldest distillery.
• Enjoy a leisurely hike into the mountainous rainforest that surrounds the estate.
• Observe exotic flora and fauna in the rainforest, which the naturalist guide will describe.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Float down a slow-moving river on an inner tube and take in the spectacular rainforest scenery while listening to the ambient sounds of the jungle. You will get a genuine feel for rural life while driving through the densely forested countryside on the way to Maya World Outpost, the starting point for your adventure. After a short briefing to help you maximize the tubing experience, you will ease into the river and let the current carry you downstream. Mountain springs feed the river so the water is usually crystal-clear. Along the way, you will pass through a picturesque mountain gorge, over a series of small rapids and under overhanging trees so you will usually be in the shade. The scenery will be ever-changing, which adds to the excitement and makes the trip all the more memorable. Chances are, you will hear squawking tropical birds as they are abundant in the protected rainforest.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Float down a slow-moving river through a pristine rainforest.
• Admire the ever-changing jungle scenery while listening to the sounds of nature.
• Look for wildlife, especially birds such as the keel-billed toucan, Belize’s national bird.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes..
• Wear shoes that are appropriate for the water.

Sail on a catamaran, that’s been specifically designed and built for day cruises and snorkeling. It also features comfortable ladders to provide you with easy access to the water. You’ll see Aruba's beautiful beaches and resort hotels while relaxing on the open decks. The catamaran anchors at the West point of the island for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water where tropical fish may be seen. After a 50 minute stop at the famous Antilla shipwreck, a German WWII freighter that is home to a variety of colorful, tropical fish, you’ll sail to the Pelican Marina to experience Aruba's most famous Palm Beach.

Here on this white sandy beach, you’ll be pampered by crew members serving unlimited drinks. This is a unique opportunity to relax on a beach lounge chair or to take a walk on our famous Palm Beach. The more adventurous can try one of the many water-sports activities available for their recreation. The pier offers Aruba's best and only Seafood Restaurant and Bar located on the water. Your hosts will provide a guided narrated tour of sights along the way. Snorkel equipment and instruction are provided and we recommend that participants wear swim attire and bring a beach towel.

OVERVIEW

Experience two exhilarating rides at the Mystic Mountain eco-adventure park as a warm-up to visiting the natural wonder Dunn’s River Falls. Covered by rainforest, Mystic Mountain rises 700 feet above the sea and the views on the way up are extraordinary. You will ascend on the Sky Explorer, an open-air chair-lift much like the ones used at ski resorts. The higher you ascend, the more thrilling the ride and the more spectacular the views. At the summit, you will hop in a bobsled patterned after the one that Jamaica’s Olympic team rode in the 1988 Winter Olympics. The big difference is that this bobsled follows a twisting track through the dense rainforest. As an alternative to these manmade thrills, you will enjoy an easy but exhilarating climb up gently cascading Dunn’s River Falls, perhaps Jamaica’s most iconic attraction. Pause any time you like to relax in the terraced pools and soak up the tropical scenery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the Sky Explorer chairlift up and down the forested slopes of Mystic Mountain.
• Tear through the rainforest on a bobsled track with countless twists and turns.
• Climb gently tumbling Dunn’s River Falls and enjoy a refreshing dip along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Snorkel around a coral reef and a U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel that was scuttled to become an artificial reef after more than 50 years of military service. The USS Kittiwake lies on the bottom of the sea off the coast of Seven Mile Beach, making it easily accessible for snorkeling. Although the water there is about 60 feet deep, the boat’s top deck is only four feet from the surface. You can just snorkel around the top deck or go deeper if you wish. Regardless, you will see an abundance of marine life that typically includes sea turtles, groupers and all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish. The coral reef lies nearby but in much shallower water, which allows you to get an even closer view of the underwater wonders. The more frequently seen fish include yellow snappers, blue tangs and red soldierfish. You may also catch sight of southern stingrays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters around a scuttled submarine that is now an artificial reef.
• Observe abundant brightly colored fish such as blue tangs, parrotfish and red soldierfish.
• Enjoy an even closer look at the marine life at the reef, which lies in shallower water.

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.

Enjoy a once in a lifetime kiss and hug from one of our Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. This is an interactive program that is fun and educational, ideal for non-swimmers and families with young kids.

Upon arrival at Sanctuary Bay, one of the most natural and largest protected dolphin facilities in the world, you will begin your dolphin encounter. Learn about these amazing creatures as our professional dolphin trainers conduct an educational orientation. Interact with these friendly dolphins while they splash and jump around you, and then step on to a 3 foot deep submerged platform where you will touch, kiss and hug a dolphin.

Before you depart, don’t forget to say hello to the many tortoise’s that live on the property and have your photo with one of the colorful parrots. Our photographers will be on hand to capture your time with the dolphins and photos are available through our website after your program.

Unwind and enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Gatun Lake. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Wild life abounds in this area, including various species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, iguanas and exotic birds.

You and your interpretive guide will slowly cruise the back channels, island and bays that make up this unique ecosystem where you’ll discover many of the wildlife residents of the area in their natural habitat. Cameras are a must, as this is considered a premier location for viewing monkeys in the wild. National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet all have filmed documentaries on these islands.

OVERVIEW
Relax and unwind on Pearl Island, an idyllic tropical setting with plenty of amenities to ensure that your time is well spent. A short ferry ride across the harbor will bring you to the slender, meticulously maintained private island, where you will enjoy about four hours of free time to do as you please. You might start by climbing the lighthouse for the ultimate view of the island and the azure seas that surround it. Not far away, you will find two beaches that are ideal for basking in the sun and swimming just off shore. If you’d prefer to stretch out on a lounge chair, you are welcome to settle into one beneath a towering palm. Later in the day, you can indulge in an authentic Bahamian lunch that includes barbecued chicken, fish fingers and local side dishes such as pigeon peas and rice. Then round out your day by kayaking or heading to sea on a stand-up paddleboard.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride the ferry the Pearl Island, the closest private island to Nassau.
• While away the hours doing whatever you please.
• Climb the lighthouse, bask in the sun and paddle a kayak along the shore.
• Savor a hearty Bahamian BBQ lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Race through the tropical countryside in an open-air, off-road buggy for an exhilarating experience between stops at several top attractions. You will have the chance to test drive the buggy beforehand so you will feel comfortable whether at the wheel or as the passenger. Then, it’s off into the wilds, where you will drive down country lanes, past rivers and into isolated areas that most visitors never see. If it has rained recently, the ride will be even more fun because your caravan of vehicles can zip through long stretches of muddy dirt roads. In time, you will stop to tour a farm that grows coffee, cocoa for chocolate and tropical produce such as mangoes and carambola, the national fruit of the Dominican Republic. Free time at the beach will follow, during which you can lounge about as you wish, stroll the shore and enjoy an invigorating swim in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Zip down dirt roads and off-road in an open-air buggy.
• See how coffee, cocoa and fruits are grown at a country farm and enjoy samples of them.
• Relax at a gorgeous beach along the north shore and swim in the ocean, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race high above the ground on the exhilarating ziplines at KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park—the island’s largest and most unique themed attraction. Set against crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands, KUZÁ offers more than 50 acres of thrills, relaxation, and Caribbean beauty—all in one unforgettable day. All these exciting activities and more are included so there will never be a dull moment. You will tear through the tree canopy at hair-raising speeds on four different ziplines, each one an adrenaline rush as you soar between the zipline towers. You will be treated to a literal bird’s-eye view of the gorgeous tropical landscape below so don’t blink because it will go by fast. Additionally, the main Penta Tower of the circuit features a climbing obstacle circuit, designed for those seeking an adventurous way to reach the top. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time to relax by stretching out on the beach at Cozumel’s largest private beachfront. Add a selection of Mexican and International dishes in your buffet lunch and unlimited domestic drinks – all included, as well – and it will be a day of nonstop pleasure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours at KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park with an all-inclusive pass.
• Soar through the tree canopy on four exhilarating ziplines. Also enjoy climbing obstacle circuits on the ziplines main tower.
• Stretch out on a beachfront lounge chair or under a palapa if you prefer shade (available first-come first-served basis).
• Enjoy a buffet lunch and unlimited domestic drinks from the open bar – all included.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

When Christopher Columbus arrived in Jamaica in 1494, the Spanish settlers established a capital and called it New Seville in homage to the celebrated Spanish city of the same name. Your tour will take you through St. Ann’s Bay, a town juxtaposed with the spot where Jamaica’s first capital once stood. St. Ann’s Bay boasts a statue of Columbus which you’ll see during your drive through town. The drive along the coast will take you through Runaway Bay where some of the last Spanish settlers fled after the British captured the island. After a scenic drive passing seascapes and mountain ranges you’ll arrive at your destination, the Martha Brae River.

Your raft Captain will tell you the tale of Martha Brae, the magical Indian maiden whom the Spanish colonists tortured to reveal the location of a secret gold mine. She ultimately succumbed to her tormentors and led them to the mine. En route Martha summoned her magical powers to transform the river, drowning the Spanish soldiers and herself as well. Legend says that her ghost still guards the entrance to the mine to this day. Ponder the legend as you glide downstream this 90 minute tranquil river ride.