EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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

Salmon, cod, rockfish, and lingcod are the order of the day on this highly adaptable adventure fishing excursion! On the Alaskan Combination Fishing trip, you and your guide are free to chase whatever species offers the best chance of action that day. This five-hour trip is about fun, fishing flexibility, and adventure. If the salmon are running, your guide is likely to recommend a day spent trolling through schools of pink, silver, and the elusive mighty king salmon. If you’re looking to have fun hooking fish on light tackle, you’ll be seeking out schools of rockfish suspended in the water column. On a particularly calm day, you might run farther in search of pacific cod and lingcod. Along the way, you’ll see primeval forests, mountains soaring up from the sea, and have a good chance of spotting marine mammals such as whales; porpoises; seals; and more! Though we can’t retain halibut on this trip, you may end up fighting some of these mighty fish in the process of chasing other species on the bottom. While we love catching and eating fish, we also love to safely release them back into the wild. Our company, and this excursion, are about accessing the absolute best experiences Alaska has to offer.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish in protected, relatively remote waters away from other anglers.
• Use the crew’s advice and fishing tips to increase your chances for landing a big fish.
• Watch for breaching whales, seals and eagles when cruising to and from the fishing grounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing and light rain gear.
• Wear flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

Embrace the exceptional beauty of Sitka's pristine surroundings from a unique perspective during this memorable sea kayaking adventure. In keeping with the philosophy of Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, we hope that this tour will inspire people to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems. Meet your guide on the dock in Sitka and prepare for your adventure by suiting up in quality raingear and lifejackets. Climb aboard the fast, custom-built vessel for an exciting sightseeing tour en route to a floating base camp. Your knowledgeable Captain will scan the sea for wildlife, including whales, and identify points of interest along the way.

Upon arrival at the floating base camp, you’ll be instructed in the use of your safe, oceangoing, two person kayaks by your knowledgeable guide. These stable yet maneuverable craft let you enjoy the beauty of the protected bays and inlets near Sitka from a serene, natural perspective. Groups of up to six kayaks will be led by an experienced guide, well versed in paddling techniques and the marine environment of the area. Each of the waterways traveled holds unique attractions in store, be it colorful intertidal invertebrates, an eagle swooping from the tree tops, or the grandeur of the lush rain forest. You may even see brown bear, harbor seals, or a Sitka black-tailed deer. Afterward, you’ll return to the base camp for a hot beverage and snack before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW
Escape to a nearby private island and enjoy the amenities on land and just off shore by snorkeling. The ferry will bring you to Pearl Island, where you can relax however you see fit. For starters, you might climb the lighthouse, as the views from the observation deck are superb. If you prefer to simply relax in the sun, there are two beaches, so you will have plenty of room to stretch out on a blanket or on a lounge chair in the shade of a towering palm. The water surrounding Pearl Island is so beautiful that you can’t help but take a refreshing swim in the sea. The water is also crystal-clear, making it ideal for snorkeling. All sorts of marine life, ranging from colorful fish to graceful sea turtles have been spotted along the coral reef that lies just 50 feet off shore. Having worked up an appetite, you can then indulge in a traditional Bahamian lunch.

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 snorkel the coral reef just 50 feet off 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

Look for whales and other marine life while cruising through the pristine waters not far off from port, a luxury that most other destinations can’t offer. The bays, channels and passages within just minutes of Juneau are teeming with marine life, none more spectacular to watch than humpback whales. They put on quite the show while feeding on massive amounts of shrimp-like krill, their favorite food. A single humpback whale can eat a literal ton of these tiny creatures in one day using its baleen – a sort of strainer attached to its upper jaw – to separate the krill from the water. Sometimes, several humpback whales work together in a behavior known as bubble-net feeding to push the krill into a giant ball before consuming them from underneath right before breaching the water’s surface. It is a spectacular display of the power, beauty and ingenuity of these extraordinary marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the waters just off Juneau and look for marine life, especially humpback whales.
• Hear commentary about the animals that inhabit the waters surrounding Juneau.
• Enjoy whale watching in a time frame that allows for exploration of other areas in Juneau.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

In your intimate group setting, watch for humpback whales while cruising Stephens Passage and walk a scenic trail near Mendenhall Glacier accompanied by an expert nature photographer as your guide. You will meander down the Trail of Time, a gentle path that passes waterfalls, wildflowers and beaver dams, offering a multitude of excellent photo opportunities, including shots of the glacier. The guide will show you the best vantage points for taking pictures and provide tips to enhance your images, if you wish. More natural wonders await you while cruising Stephens Passage aboard a covered exploration vessel with large windows that provide panoramic views of the surroundings. The wildlife seen varies cruise to cruise, but you can expect to spot Humpback Whales breaching the water’s surface, Sea Lions and possibly Orca. The surrounding landscape is equally photo worthy, as it may include blue-hued glaciers, rugged mountains and foggy channels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In an intimate group setting, cruise Stephens Passage, a waterway where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Walk a nature trail that offers extraordinary photo opportunities.
• Enhance your photos with tips from a nature photography expert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Bring along a camera with plenty of film or storage to capture every moment.
• A snack including water is provided during the tour.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure even more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board a vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on the lodges crab chowder and Dungeness crab s paired with five unique craft beers from two local breweries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a utility task vehicle off-road through densely forested, mountainous terrain.
• Cruise past the gorgeous Mahoney Glacial Cirque.
• Feast on Dungeness crabs and local craft beers at the historical George Inlet Lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Alaska's diverse marine and wildlife are yours to discover during this intimate wildlife-viewing adventure aboard a deluxe expedition-style catamaran, and a visit to a remote island. Depart the pier aboard a beach landing vessel for a cruise along Sitka Sound's rugged coastline. Your captain will use understanding of tides, weather and seasonal changes to design an expedition uniquely suited to the day. The high speed and maneuverability of your vessel will allow you to explore areas unreachable by conventional boat and witness the very best of Sitka Sound's marine and coastal wildlife. During your ride, you may see whales, sea otters, brown bears and other diverse species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the captain will skillfully maneuver the vessel to provide optimal viewing, and your naturalist guide will explain their fascinating life cycles and behavior. You can take in this encounter from the comfort of the window-lined cabin or indulge all your senses by experiencing it from the open deck. Next, you will step ashore on a remote island to explore colorful tide pools, trace the meandering tracks of wildlife, or settle on a giant beach log and take in the splendid beauty of your surroundings. While beachcombing, keep your eyes peeled for Japanese fishing floats and other exotic flotsam.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise serene Sitka Sound in an exclusive beach landing vessel, looking for marine life such as whales.
• Take in majestic scenery in every direction.
• Visit a remote island of the captain’s choosing to observe marine life in the tidal pools.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Minoh Park while walking through a serene forested wonderland that is home to several Buddhist temples. Once you leave the urban sprawl of Osaka behind, the landscape will gradually become more wooded and less crowded. The sights will be especially enchanting as you follow a winding path of about two miles through a verdant valley and on to Minoh Falls. Along the way, you will pause for photos of Ryuan-ji temple, a spiritual retreat that Buddhists founded in the 7th century. The cascade will be equally soothing as the water gently plummets over a rocky cliff. Nearby, you will find Katsuo-ji, another Buddhist temple nestled in a tranquil mountain setting. The colorful dolls scattered throughout the complex are darumas, which are considered to be symbols of good luck and perseverance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Leave the hubbub of Osaka behind and escape to Minoh Park.
• Walk through the wooded parkland to the serene cascade Minoh Falls.
• Stop at two Buddhist temples in tranquil settings that invite contemplation.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic drive along Bermuda’s picturesque southern shore with stops along the way at the most alluring attractions. After crossing the world’s smallest drawbridge, you will travel past a lengthy nature reserve in surprisingly bucolic Somerset Village, around the Great Sound and on to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase of this whitewashed beacon – the world’s oldest cast-iron lighthouse – and you will be treated to 360° views of southern Bermuda. As you will notice while pausing at some of the loveliest beaches that rim the southern shores, they feature pink sand. The magnificent pastel hue comes from a combination of white limestone sediment and red single-cell organisms called foraminifera. Pastels also dominate Hamilton, Bermuda’s winsome capital, especially along Front Street. The colors beautifully complement the harbor’s turquoise water. During free time in Hamilton, you might shop in the one-of-a-kind stores or simply meander about enjoying the stylish ambiance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the considerable highlights in southern Bermuda, both natural and manmade.
• Cross the world’s smallest drawbridge and stop at the world’s oldest cast-iron lighthouse.
• Pause on occasion to admire the naturally beautiful pink-sand beaches along the southern shores.
• Enjoy free time in Hamilton, Bermuda’s wonderfully traditional capital.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Lounge about one of the most beautiful beaches on Nassau doing most anything you please for hours on end. This jaunt is named the Express Beach Break because it won’t take long to reach the beach, giving you all the more time to enjoy the tropical setting. Depending on the conditions and the time of day, you will be dropped off on a gorgeous stretch of sand on the preferred beach of choice, Good Man's Bay Beach. There you will spend hours relaxing however you see fit. Stretch out on the beach and bask in the sun, lie in the shade under a coconut palm, stroll along the lengthy shore and take a refreshing swim in the sea. The contrast of the wide white-sand beach and the turquoise waters makes for an idyllic setting that you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours relaxing on one of Nassau’s most beautiful beaches.
• Do most anything you please as the time is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
• Bask in the sun, lie in shade and stroll the lengthy beach whenever the mood strikes.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

An orientation tour of some of the city highlights, with free time to explore on your own, grab a bite or shop gives you the perfect combination of a guided tour and at-will exploration. Always a favorite, Seville offers a wide variety of compelling and famous sights. Enjoy a panoramic drive with a brief photo stop at Plaza de España.

Follow your guide on a stroll through the old Jewish Santa Cruz Quarter with its labyrinth of narrow streets, wrought iron-grilled windows, whitewashed buildings and tiled patios. Renowned as the largest place of worship in Spain and one of the largest in the world, the Cathedral of Seville boasts an impressive exterior, together with La Giralda, an imposing 322-foot tower, formerly a Moorish-style minaret from a mosque that once stood on this site.

Enjoy approximately 3 hours of free time to explore on your own. Lunch is not included, to allow you maximum flexibility. Be tempted by one of the many cafes and restaurants within the area.