EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Snorkel a coral reef off Mystery Island, an ecologically protected area that is teeming with marine life. Chances are, you will have the reef pretty much to yourself as the island is uninhabited. In other words, it’s a tropical paradise where the natural world reigns supreme. While snorkeling the reef that lies just offshore, you can expect to see all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish, bizarrely shaped coral and perhaps a sea turtle or two.

A guide will snorkel along with you to point out the more interesting marine species such as parrotfish. These neon-colored fish usually swim in schools and have the unique ability to change their color and even gender over their lifetime. You may also spot teeny, orange-and-white striped clown fish taking refuge in the tentacles of sea anemones. The gentle current around the reef will eventually nudge you toward the shore, allowing you to drift snorkel without expending much energy.

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.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel an inner section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is a protected sanctuary for all sorts of marine life. You will sail there on the Island Explorer, a 79-foot catamaran custom-built for snorkeling and diving. The vessel features two air-conditioned levels and plenty of deck space for basking in the sun or relaxing outdoors in the shade, if that is your preference. Along the way, you will pass seemingly endless unspoiled and uninhabited islands that comprise the Whitsundays. Once the catamaran moors at the reef, you will be free to snorkel for several hours and come back on board whenever you wish to relax and enjoy the hearty buffet lunch. While there is no telling what you will see while snorkeling, brightly colored angelfish, parrotfish, groupers and gobies are often spotted. You may even catch sight of green sea turtles and rays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on board a catamaran while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Spend hours snorkeling a protected inner reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Relax on the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch between snorkeling outings.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Paddle across the shallow waters just off Mystery Island in a kayak with a glass bottom that will present a bird’s-eye view of the spectacle below the water’s surface.

After a briefing on how best to maximize your kayaking adventure, you will paddle to the coral reef that surrounds the small island. These are protected waters teeming with marine life, so you can be sure that there will be plenty to see through the glass bottom of the kayak. What could be easier than just looking down into a veritable living aquarium of brightly colored fish? You might see jewel damsels, lemonpeel angelfish and long-bodied trumpetfish. Sea turtles also inhabit the reef and watching one up close is a real treat.

After kayaking, feel free to snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding Mystery Island for a different perspective of the marine life. Or you can simply swim and relax on the beach.

Settle into a seat on a glass-bottom boat and observe the marine life that inhabits the coral reef surrounding Mystery Island. The reef is teeming with tropical fish, and the glass-bottom boat will literally offer you a window to the underwater wonders.

From the comfort of the boat, you can see the abundant sea life without getting wet. Another benefit to cruising on a glass-bottom boat is that the guide can explain what you’re seeing in detail. You might find out how oriental sweetlips got their name, what butterfly fish like to eat and how clown fish live in the venom-filled tentacles of sea anemones without getting stung.

The reef itself is a living organism not a plant, and there is plenty to discover about how it formed on the ocean floor, what it eats and its incredibly slow growth at little more than a quarter inch each year. Considering the size of the reef, you can imagine how old it is.

OVERVIEW

Set sail off Maui’s stunning coastline on a custom-built luxury catamaran for the ultimate whale-watching experience. Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate nearly 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Witness unforgettable moments as these majestic creatures breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop. Our catamaran is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the enchanting songs of the whales—a truly magical experience. Relax and take in the breathtaking views with a drink in hand from our open bar, featuring craft beers from Maui Brewing Company, specialty cocktails crafted with local Kupu Spirits, and Maui-made favorites like Ocean Vodka and Kula Rum. Light snacks will also be provided, ensuring a delightful experience as you soak in the beauty of Maui’s waters and welcome these incredible marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Maui’s scenic coastline aboard a luxurious, custom-built catamaran.
• Observe the world’s largest gathering of North Pacific humpback whales during their migration.
• Listen to live whale songs with the onboard hydrophone—Maui’s most unique “karaoke!”
• Enjoy light snacks and a full open bar featuring Maui’s finest craft beers and locally sourced spirits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers, as it can get breezy on the water.
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and ease of movement.

Get a candid glimpse into daily life in a small village on the island of Aneityum by visiting with a local family.

When Europeans first landed on volcanically formed Aneityum in 1793, the island’s population was well over 10,000. In time, the Europeans built a trading station to export sandalwood and timber from the indigenous kauri pines, and whalers set up a base of operation. The population is a fraction of what it was, with the inhabitants now living in small villages. One of the local families will show you around and describe their daily routine.

You may learn about the island folklore, the differing roles of men and women in modern times and how plants are used for medicinal purposes. Aneityum has more species of orchids than any other island in Vanuatu, and you can expect to see them flourishing. Your hosts may also demonstrate how the villagers prepare and cook traditional dishes.

Delve into traditional Tahitian culture by cruising to nearby Tahaa to discover how vanilla is grown and black pearls are produced before an island lunch and relaxing on the island’s gorgeous beach.

After departing from the pier in a motorized catamaran, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic cruise across a turquoise-blue lagoon to the island of Tahaa, which lies due north. Your first destination ashore is a vanilla farm. You will probably be greeted by the scent of the spice before arriving as 70% of the vanilla grown in French Polynesia is from Tahaa.

Expect to see and smell fragrant vanilla pods curing in the sun. You may also stroll among the rows of climbing orchids that produce the pods and learn how they are pollinated. There will be some time for shopping before continuing on with a short drive to Motu Pearl Village. Established in 1991, the village cultivates black pearls in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the surrounding lagoon. After hearing the fascinating story of how the pearls are produced, you may shop for jewelry and other items adorned with these prized treasures. Like vanilla, black pearls are synonymous with Tahaa, and both are mainstays of the economy.

After the visit, enjoy a cocktail or a fresh local beer before a traditional Polynesian buffet lunch is served while a live Polynesian group entertains you. It makes for an excellent introduction to the pareo show that follows. A pareo is a wraparound skirt that is essential to Tahitian dance. Finally, you will head for the beach of Motu Mahea to relax, sunbathe or get in the water before returning to the pier.

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.

Experience Fiji's local flavors and traditions in a unique new way during this cruise up the Navua River by long boat, along with a kava ceremony, folk dancing and lunch in a local village.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Suva, en route to the Navua River, where you will embark an open longboat for a scenic journey upriver. Your cruise will be highlighted by endless mountain ranges, a thick tropical rain forest abounding with bird life, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and exotic fauna and flora. You can take a refreshing swim in one of the pools created by the river or under the Magic Waterfall during one of your stops.

Visit Raiwaqa Village, located on a 14-mile-long island at a height of almost 1,000 feet above sea level, you will be welcomed by warriors and villagers with a traditional Fijian kava ceremony and after, tour of the village. Along the way, you will learn about the village’s history, native crops and medicinal plants. You will also have an opportunity to mingle with the villagers and purchase local handicrafts. Watch war dances performed by the men and typical folk dances by the village women. Why not join in and learn some new moves? You’ll also be treated to a typical Fijian lunch cooked in an underground oven.

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.

Discover the beautiful gardens and historic artifacts of the South Seas, and enjoy traditional entertainment at Sabeto Village.

Drive through Lautoka City and down Vitogo Parade, lined with royal palms en route to picturesque Burness House. Your hosts will escort you on a walking tour through their landscaped gardens filled with fruit and flowering trees, anthurium lilies and lovely orchids. View an extraordinary collection of Fijian artifacts, and be served morning tea, fruit juices and homemade cakes at the Burness' home.

Visit Sabeto Village, where its inhabitants still practice many of the old customs and culture. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and escorted to the village hall for a traditional welcome ceremony and cultural entertainment. Take a guided tour of the village and see the chief’s house, church and the school; experience first-hand, the native Fijian way of life.