Shore activities

Here are some excursions you can select in a few of our destinations:

BELIZE

Altun Ha Maya Site & River Wallace (Duration: 5.5 hours)

A double treat awaits you in the Belize district. First, enjoy an exhilarating boat ride along the city´s scenic coast before before entering the Belize River, also called Rio Wallace. Besides an abundance of various species of birds, the river is also home to crocodiles, manatees and even dolphins. After your expedition on the river, you´ll board an air-conditioned coach for a trip to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. Altun Ha was the Mayan ceremonial center where the famous jade head of the Sun God Kinich Ahau was found during an expedition led by Professor David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum. The site, which is set in the prestine rainforest, has three plazas and thirteen structures whithin its epicenter and was a vital trade center during the Classic Period (250-900 AD).
Note:The river tour will take about 1,5 hours. Since the boats are partially uncovered, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Toilets are available at Altun Ha. The coach ride back to the pier will take about 45 minutes. Dependent on the number of participants, the tour may operate in reverse.

Land Rover & Cave Expedition (Duration: 5 hours)

You´ll feel like Indiana Jones as you traverse through raw jungle trails in a rugged 4X4 Land Rover and trek through ancient Mayan caves along the river Sibun. The majestic river Sibun offers you the opportunity to experience the jungle´s natural beauty as you make your way from the Tourism Village into the heart of the rainforest where the basecamp of your expedition is situated (the ride will take about 45 minutes). Here you´ll get a short orientation before your expedition begins. Then convoy along the highway to some of the most challenging terrain immaginable in the jungle around Gracie Rock. Arrive at another basecamp where local guides will lead you in small groups aver a foot suspension bridge and reach the first cave that tunnels through the mountain and emerge into a hidden cirque. Be outfitted with a safety helmetand headlamp before your guides lead you through the caves and entertain you with various stories along the way. Back at the camp, you can swim in the river or simply relax as you enjoy some light refreshments. Take an open-air 4X4 jungle truck back to the Tourism Village.
Note: Minimum age for participation is 8 years. Guests wishing to drive the Land Rovers must be at least 21 years of age and show a valid driver´s license. All vehicles are manual transmission. This excursion may operate in reverse to faciliate departure times and is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back problems. Life jackets must be worn for the river portion of the tour. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repelleant are recommended.

COZUMEL

Isla Passion by Twister (Duration: 5 hours)

Feel the adrenaline rush through your body in this extreme boat ride to Isla Pasion! Following a safety briefing, you´ll head out towards a private island on northern Cozumel. Experience incredible acceleration and high speed maneuvers, including 360° turns at high speed as Twister skims along the Caribbean waters! After your thrill ride, you´ll arrive at a secluded beach where you can enjoy its amenities, away from the crowds. Wiggle your toes in the sand as you relax in your beach chair at Isla Pasion´s white sand beach or let the gentle breeze rock your hammock. Go for a swim, jump on the water trampoline, cayak around the calm turquoise waters, or shop for silver jewelry, pottery and clothing at the open-air mini mall. Your kids will have lots of fun at the Ewan-O club, jumping on the trampoline or painting their own Mexican handcrafts. Enjoy a complimentary Mayan lunch buffet and open bar during your stay at Isla Pasion.

Mayan ruins of Tulum (Duration: 7 hours)

In ancient times, the Mayans developed a paradise kingdom that rose high above the magnificent crystal blue Caribbean Sea. Three towering walls and a steep cliff protect this ceremonial center. This walled city was given the honorable name of Tulum.

Your adventure begins with a 45-minute ride aboard a fast ferry to Playa del Carmen where you will board an air-conditioned motor coach. Enjoy a narrated and informative one-hour ride to Tulum with a 30-minute restroom stop along the way at a local Mayan cooperative where hand crafted souvenirs can be purchased. Upon arrival at the ruins, your bilingual guide will escort you on a 45-minute narrated tour of the walled Mayan city of Tulum. Visit the famous castle ruins situated on a spectacular 40 ft. bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the Temple of the Frescos, known for its detailed carved figures and frescos, depicting original Mayan paintings and writings. You will also see the Temple of the Descending God, the House of Chultun and the House of Columns. After your guided tour, you will have approximately 1,5 hours of free time to explore the ruins on your own and take photos or enjoy the crystal clear waters and white powder sand beach adjacent to the ruins. Relax during the drive back to Playa del Carmen while enjoying a light snack or bottled water. Once you arrive at the pier in Playa del Carmen, you will board your private, fast ferry for your ride back to the ship.
Note: The tour duration includes a 45-minute ferry ride to/from Playa del Carmen on the mainland. The ferry ride may be tough depending on weather conditions. The Mexican government will collect $3.50 from guests whishing to take a video camera into the ruins. No tripods or professional video equipment are permitted. This excursion is not recommended for wheelchair guests or guests with walking difficulties. An optional trolley shuttle from the bus stop to the ruins entrance is available for a fee of $2.00 roundtrip per person. Comfortable clothing and shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, bathing suit, towel and change of clothes are recommended. A light snack and soda/bottled water are included.

GRAND CAYMAN

Best of Cayman Island Tour (Duration: 3 hours)
Explore the island of Grand Cayman in air-conditioned comfort and visit the island´s hot spots. Listen to your knowledgable tour guide as he/she informs you about the island´s history and culture as you drive through George Town, the capital. Drive past historic buildings and landmarks, including Fort George, and the beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Have a brief photo opportunity outside of the Governor´s Residence before continuing to the district of West Bay where you´ll see a historic Cayman house resembling a gingerbread house. Your next stop will be at the Cayman Turtle Farm where you will have the opportunity to hold and photograph turtles and see a turtle weighting in excess 600lbs.! Continue on, and sample rum cake and fruit juices at the famous Tortuga Rum Cake Outlet before proceeding to the town of Hell where you´ll see an interesting rock formation. Conclude your excursion in George Town, next to the pier. Browse the shops and enjoy duty free shopping before returning to your ship.

Stingray City Sandbar & Rum Point Beach Safari (Duration: 4.5 hours)
Snorkel at the world famous Stingray Sandbar and have some fun-in-the-sun at Rum Point Beach. Take a short ride along beautiful Seven Mile Beach Road from the pier to your awaiting boat. Sit back and relax for a 30 minute ride to the world famous sandbar. Enter the waist deep water to interact with the stingrays. This trip is suitable for everyone – snorkeling experience is not necessary. Tour guides always accompany the group. Then board your vessel to the Rum Point Beach, where you can enjoy the beach, dip in the crystal clear water or take some drink or snack at the bar (not included). Spend approximately 1,5 hours at the beach before the journey back to your ship.
Note: Snorkel equipment is included. Complimentary fruit punch, lemonada and water are available on board the vessel.

ISLA ROATAN

Roatan West Side Island Tour (Duration: 4 hours)
Enjoy an entertaining and scenic adventure to the West Side of this beautiful tropical island. Take an approximate 30-minute ride to the Carambola Botanical Gardens where an experienced naturalist guide will led you on a 50-minute walk through the jungle garden. Learn about the variety of hummingbirds while walking through parks of ferns, herbs, orchids and flowers. After a short rest stop and fresh fruit tasting move on to the Roatan Butterfly and Bird Park. Learn about the butterfly´s life circle, see where lost and injured bird species are cared for and take some photos with a colorful parrot or toucan. Travel next to the West End Village to do some shopping and exploring on your own, or just relax sitting at the beautiful waterfront bar where you can enjoy a complimentary Honduran coffee, iced tea or lemonade before you return to your ship.
Note: There is a fair amount of walking on this excursion. Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellant are highly recommended.

Discover Roatan (Duration: 3.5 hours)
Explore the exotic, undeveloped East End of Roatan with its picturesque landscapes and learn about the history and local culture of Roatan and the Bay Islands during your 30-minute drive to Dixon Cove Harbour. Here you´ll board an island-style boat for a narrated trip around the reefs, keys and visible shipwrecks. After the trip, you´ll be brought to Punta Gorda, a private enclave inhabited by the Garibuna people – descendants of the Black Carib Indians who settled the region in 1797. Visit the statue of their chief “Satuye” and enjoy “Yubu: The Garifuna Experience”. Meet Garifuna people and learn about their history and culture through music and traditional dances.
Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Water and soft drinks are included.