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.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch of traditional Jamaican dishes.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Walk through a series of inland caves formed eons ago and admire the island's natural beauty while driving along the coast. Pirates once used the Crystal Caves as hideouts and legend has it that treasures are still buried in their depths. While following a winding trail through the ancient caverns, you will see eerily illuminated stalactites and stalagmites, a glass-smooth underground lake and a cave whose ceiling collapsed ages ago. The guide will describe how the caves were formed and the wonders that lie within them. Back on the surface, you will settle in for a panoramic coastal drive, during which you will pause for photos at the Wreck of the Ten Sail memorial. It commemorates the convoy 10 British ships that wrecked on the reefs just offshore in 1794 in a massive maritime disaster. You will also stop to witness the coastal blowholes that spew ocean water as high as 20 feet into the air..

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide through the Crystal Caves, which pirates once used as hideouts.
• View a collection of coastal geysers that spray water spectacularly high into the air.
• Stop at a memorial that marks where 10 ships wrecked on the reefs in the 18th century.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy the thrill of racing through the tree canopy on a dozen ziplines and then completely unwind on a beautiful beach nearby. You will soar through the treetops along a spectacularly scenic route that is nearly two miles long. Each zipline is exhilarating in its own way with the longest spanning 1,300 feet and highest starting more than 100 feet high above the jungle floor. You can expect it to be a nonstop adrenaline-pumping experience, quite the contrast to your time on West Bay Beach. The stretch of sand fronting the Paradise Beach Hotel will be yours to enjoy however you please. Feel free to do nothing more ambitious than relax in sun without a care in the world. The water there is typically calm, crystal-clear and ideal for a refreshing swim in the sea. If you wish to dine on your own, plenty of restaurants are in easy walking distance.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Race through the jungle tree canopy on a series of exhilarating ziplines.
• Spend hours on a gorgeous stretch of sand fronting a resort on West Bay Beach.
• Take advantage of the nearby restaurants and bars if you wish to dine on your own.

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

OVERVIEW

See Antigua from every possible perspective, beginning with an exhilarating helicopter ride high above the island's western shore. During the flight, you will enjoy a bird's-eye view of St. John's and two 18th-century forts, only one of which saw military action. You will also pass over your cruise ship and several landmark hotels along the waterfront. A scenic drive to the island's southern shore will bring you to Nelson's Dockyard, a fully restored 18th-century naval base that is so historically important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Following free time there, you will board a boat for an enlightening 30-minute cruise around English Harbour. The guide will point out and describe the historical highlights and the spectacular coastal rock formations known as the Pillars of Hercules. Back on shore, you will drive to Shirley Heights, a former military lookout and gun battery that still offers magnificent views of English and Falmouth harbour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly high above St. John’s and Antigua’s western shore in a helicopter.
• Drive through the island’s picturesque interior to the southern coast of Antigua.
• Spend free time exploring Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Hear enlightening commentary as you cruise around English Harbour.
• Admire the views from atop the lookout at Shirley Heights.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a look at local life by interacting with the fun-loving residents of Monkeyland and by visiting a typical Dominican home. Two families of squirrel monkeys live in the Monkeyland nature reserve, where they spend most of the day in the trees, although not high in the canopy. Unlike other New World monkeys that use their prehensile tails to grasp tree limbs, squirrel monkeys rely on their remarkably human-like hands and powerful feet to hold on. You will see them leaping about the trees, and they will likely come down for you to hand-feed them. If you encourage them, the squirrel monkeys will climb up on your shoulder. They are exceptionally social, highly intelligent and quite vocal as they communicate through dozens of calls such as barks, purrs and squawks. You will also see how many Dominicans live by dropping by a traditional house at Monkeyland for a cup of organic coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact up-close with the gregarious squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland.
• Gain an understanding of their social behavior and high intelligence.
• Enjoy a cup of organic coffee in a traditional Dominican home at Monkeyland.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Soar over the wooded grounds of an 18th-century plantation on a series of ziplines and swim in a meandering river that offers a relaxing completely different experience. Yaaman Adventure Park is on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, but will seem like worlds away as much of its nearly 1,000 acres is covered in forest. It is an ideal setting for the course of seven ziplines that run through the tree canopy, each one presenting a uniquely exhilarating opportunity. You will race downhill at adrenaline-pumping speeds, so don't blink because the sights will zoom by. You will enjoy a different perspective of the tropical landscape from the suspended platforms between the ziplines and while crossing over a swing bridge. Easing into the gently flowing waters of the Secret Blue Hole River will provide a perfect end to the outdoor adventure. Few places are quite so serene, inviting and naturally beautiful.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the tree canopy of an 18th-century plantation on seven ziplines.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of a mountain-fed river surrounded by forest.
• Enjoy the contrast between the exhilarating ziplines and the peaceful river.
• Savor a Jamaican lunch that will likely include jerk chicken.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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

Cruise into the Gulf of Mexico on a catamaran and observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat before snorkeling along several reefs. The catamaran is open-air but with covered areas that allow for uninterrupted views of the dolphins. These highly intelligent aquatic mammals usually travel and hunt in groups called pods. You may be surprised by their speed, grace and agility as they zip through the water, often in the catamaran's wake. You might also see the dolphins leap acrobatically into the air and hear them whistling and clicking, sounds that they may use as sonar for navigation and finding food. After cruising into shallower water, you will have the opportunity to snorkel along the reefs and isolated coral formations. You may see schools of yellowtail snapper, neon-colored parrot fish, bright red squirrelfish and spotted eagle rays, which at times leap out of the water much like dolphins. Scientists aren't sure why they leap.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the gorgeous scenery while cruising on a catamaran through the Gulf of Mexico.
• Watch for bottlenose dolphins, which are commonly seen swimming in these waters.
• Observe a remarkable variety of marine life while snorkeling reefs in the shallows.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Fly between Cozumel and mainland Mexico in a helicopter for the ultimate sightseeing experience and explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum after landing. Once you take off, you will soon look down on attractions such as the Punta Sur lighthouse near the island's southern tip and the adjacent El Cielo sandbar. Not long after crossing Cozumel Channel, you will touch down in Tulum. Although not the largest or most elaborate archaeological site on the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum may be the most beautiful. The Maya built the walled city of Tulum in the 11th century to control maritime commerce, and the city-state's excavated temples and buildings are spectacular. As you meander about, you will see El Castillo - a cliffside tower that probably served as a landmark for sailors - and the Temple of Frescoes, an observatory used to track the sun's movements. The building was once painted red and you can still see remnants of that hue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly high over southern Cozumel and the Riviera Maya coast before landing in Tulum.
• Wander through the ruins of Tulum, a Mayan walled city built in the 11th century.
• Explore excavated buildings such as the temple that the Mayas used as an observatory.
• Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a restaurant in Tulum.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Behold the natural beauty of St. Maarten from several perspectives, perhaps the most remarkable being from a Sky Explorer chairlift as it glides up and down towering Sentry Hill. The chairlift is just one of attractions on the restored 17th-century Rockland Estate, which includes a small museum that details its history. From the hill's summit, you will enjoy spectacular 360° panoramic views of the island and neighboring Saba, St. Barts, St. Eustatius and Anguilla. Few sights will be quite so memorable. Across the border in St. Martin - the French side of the island - you will enjoy free time in the capital of Marigot. Rows of brightly colored houses, sophisticated shopping and a laid-back ambiance are but a few of its charms. You will also stop at Maho Beach, a lengthy stretch of sand at the end of the airport's runaway. There is no better spot to watch planes landing and taking off.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the Sky Explorer up and down Sentry Hill, one of the island’s highest points.
• Take in the spectacular tropical views from the summit.
• Independently explore Marigot, the fashionable French colonial capital.
• Watch airplanes land and take off right over your head from Maho Beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Ride horseback through the north shore's lush countryside and snorkel the crystal-clear waters off one of the island's premier beachfront resorts. Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort will be the setting for your outdoor adventure, and it couldn't be prettier as the property sits atop a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You will be paired with a horse suited to your riding ability and follow a gently winding trail through the jungle-like setting that surrounds the resort. Although you will catch glimpses of the sea while horseback riding, you will truly experience it while snorkeling just off shore. These waters are teeming with marine life, so you can expect quite the underwater show. Brightly colored species such as parrotfish, Atlantic blue tangs and angelfish are commonly spotted. The remainder of your time will be spent beachside, where you might stretch on a lounge chair, relax in the shade of a palapa and dine on a classic tropical lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Ride a horse through a jungle-like setting on Roatan’s rather remote north shore. • Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters just off the Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort. • Take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including the beach, pool and lounge chairs. • Enjoy a leisurely tropical lunch made with fresh seasonal ingredients.

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

OVERVIEW

Observe the natural wonders above and beneath the water's surface by kayaking and snorkeling off Antigua's northeastern shore. To maximize your time on the water, a Carolina skiff will take you from the fishing village of Seatons and on into the North Sound Marine Park. There, you will paddle along in a caravan of kayaks, pausing to observe birds such as pelicans and to listen to the naturalist guide elaborate on the natural environment. Red mangroves line the islets, providing shelter for wildlife, stabilizing the coastline and filtering the water to keep it crystal-clear. That clarity will be especially helpful as you snorkel off Great Bird Island, which you will reach by speedboat. You can expect to see marine life such as blue parrotfish, banded butterflyfish and a type of grouper known as red hinds. You may also see stingrays and spotted eagle rays, which are related but noticeably different.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak among the mangrove-lined islets in North Sound Marine Park.
• Look for birds and other animals that find shelter in the red mangroves.
• Snorkel through the crystal-clear waters off the natural habitat Great Bird Island.
• Cruise to the kayaking and snorkeling sites in a Carolina skiff and by speedboat.

HELPFUL HINTS

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