OVER THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
A short transfer brings you to the heliport where your helicopter takes to the sky eastward over Charlotte Amalie and its beautiful natural harbor. Approaching the west shore of the island, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and many of the British Virgin Islands come into view. Continuing over nearby St. John see Caneel and Hawksnest Bays, ruins of plantations, and pristine beaches where pirates once roamed. On the return across Pillsbury Sound to St. Thomas, Thatch and Grass Cay come into sight as well as the rugged coastline of the north side of the island. The unique Coral World Observatory and the Mahogany Run golf course are seen from this remarkable perspective. Finally cross over the mountainous center of St. Thomas at 1,700 feet to enjoy a breathtaking view of Magens Bay before returning to the heliport.
Notes: Actual flight time is 17 minutes. Participation is very limited.
ST. THOMAS HIGHLIGHTS
Place a new roll of film in you camera before you depart on this introduction to St. Thomas, as some of the most stunning panoramas in the islands are yours to capture today. From the pier, depart for St. Peter great house. Formerly a private hideaway, today it is open for visitors to stroll its gardens, native stonework, and classic Caribbean architecture. The observation deck perched 1,000-feet above the sea offers views of over twenty surrounding islands. Continue on for a walk along the new Nature Trail Awaits, where you enjoy peacocks, lorikeets, parakeets and even love birds. Lovely flower and fauna awaits you in this lush and lovely setting. Next, begin your descent from the top of St. Thomas, pausing at Drake's Seat overlooking the heart shaped beach of Magens. Then continue along Skyline Drive for another excellent view of the bustling port of Charlotte Amalie. Your final destination is St. Thomas' highflying attraction - the Paradise Point Tramway. A smooth 8-minute ride whisks you to the top of Paradise Point, 700 feet above the sea. Take in the commanding views of the harbor from an entirely different perspective while another beverage is offered. Following your lofty excursion of St. Thomas, return to the pier.
VIBE POWER CATAMARAN ADVENTURE
The ultimate in luxury! Sit back and enjoy your own private power catamaran, as you glide through the pristine waters of the Caribbean. Allow your experienced captain to cater to your every need as you charter your own custom-made catamaran. Visit Waterlemon Cay and Lovango Cove, both teaming with abundant corals and brilliantly colored tropical fish. We know where the hidden gems are in the Caribbean and you have four blissful hours to take it all in. Perfect for the beginner or more experienced snorkeler. Don't like our suggested itinerary? No problem - you can have your experience customized to your own specifications. After snorkeling and back in your vessel, enjoy beer and rum drinks served with platters of tropical fruits; soda and water are always available. All snorkel gear and instruction are included.
Notes: Maximum capacity is six guests, and price of tour is based on six participants. Please wear your swimsuit, and bring along a towel and sun protection. Participants enter the water and then back into the boat by a ladder.
MIAMI HIGHLIGHTS & VILLA VIZCAYA
Discover the tropical beauty, international flavor, and unique cosmopolitan atmosphere of Miami and Miami Beach. Catch a glimpse of the impressive yachts and mansions, take in the glitz and glamour of South Beach and the unique Art Deco District, take a drive along Brickell Avenue's towering skyscrapers of Miami's Financial district and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Coconut Grove.
Visit one of South Florida's most impressive National Landmarks, the magnificent Italian-style Villa Vizcaya. Located in a beautiful setting overlooking Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya was the former winter retreat of industrialist James Deering, heir to International Harvester Company. Today, the museum stands as testament to the history of Miami and to the Italian Renaissance period. The artwork and furniture that adorn this previous estate spans over 400 years of European history. The mansion, which took over two years to complete, sits on 180 acres of lush, tropical land. Three architects participated in the estate's creation and 1,000 workers were hired to do the hard labor, which in 1916 represented ten percent of Miami's entire population. Enjoy a tour of the estate and gardens followed by free time to explore the unique gift shop featuring replicas of antique pottery, metalwork and tapestry, as well as Italian crafts and costume jewelry.
Then it is off to the Bohemian village of Coconut Grove, once populated primarily by artists and radicals. The Grove still retains its zany charm and energy, which you experience during approximately an hour of free time to meander its tree lined streets and discover a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty stores and interesting cafes and restaurants. Finally, travel across the causeway and into the hustle and bustle of South Beach; a scenic drive takes you through the eye-catching Art Deco district and all the glitz and glamour of South Beach and Ocean Drive before heading back to the port in Fort Lauderdale.
Notes: This tour is available to guests who are intransit (those remaining onboard and continuing on the next sailing).
VENICE OF AMERICA YACHTING
Take in the sites of Fort Lauderdale from the water as you ply its calm waterways aboard a luxurious yacht, sipping sparkling wine along the way. Board your air-conditioned transportation for a scenic drive of the Fort Lauderdale area en route to your luxury yacht. Your captain and crew welcome you aboard for a private cruise on the New River, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Be treated like royalty as you relax out on deck or inside the beautifully appointed cabin. Sip sparkling wine or mimosas and enjoy canapés as your captain expertly navigates the vessel through the calm, protected waterways. See homes of the rich and famous and enjoy the colorful history of Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America. As your tour concludes, you are transferred directly to your departure airport, or back to Port Everglades.
Notes: This tour is available to guests who are intransit (those remaining onboard and continuing on the next sailing), or with departing flights from Fort Lauderdale International Airport after 2 pm, or Miami International Airport after 3 pm. Tour is 4 hours in duration for those guests departing from Miami International Airport.
CHUKKA 4X4 SAFARI
Experience the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk in this exciting off-road adventure by 4x4 F250s. Along the way, learn about Grand Turk's rich history and culture, as it was reputed to be the place where Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the West Indies. Drive to the airport to view a replica of the space capsule in which Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Grand Turk, followed by a visit to the island's capital city, Cockburn Town.
Your driver then skillfully navigates the 4x4 along the quaint and charismatic Front Street, which is lined with turn-of-the-20th-century Bermudian style architecture. A wealth of historical information is provided as you make your way to the center of town. Here you view the ruins of the old salinas, which depict how salt was derived through the natural process of "solarization," and observe the remains of the windmills that were used to funnel natural sea water from one salina to another.
Proceed off the beaten path, where tour coaches dare not venture, right alongside the impressive town salina where you might just catch a glimpse of the famous endangered pink flamingos that are seasonally seen foraging through the silted bottom of the salina ponds in search of brine shrimp and other crustaceans. Then make your way uphill to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop Breezy Brae, before going to the Lighthouse at the northern end of the island.
Your adventure takes you past the North Creek, the last remaining safe hurricane shelter for yachts traveling between Nassau and Puerto Rico, and where many locals moor their boats year round. From there, enter the North Wells by way of a narrow sand track, home to many indigenous wild horses, donkeys, and cows in search of fresh water. On departing North Wells, pass St. Thomas Anglican Church, the first church built on Grand Turk by Bermudian settlers. Enjoy grand vistas of Gibb's Cay and the many little uninhabited islands visible in the Atlantic from atop Gun Hill before continuing on to Governor's Beach. Relax and enjoy a brief 15-minute dip in the crystal clear waters before commencing the return drive back to the cruise terminal.
Notes: Maximum weight is 250 pounds; minimum age is 6 years. Please bring along water shoes, swim wear, sun protection and a towel.
CHUKKA HORSEBACK RIDE & SWIM
Depart the pier by motorcoach and head out on a scenic 15-minute ride from the Grand Turk Cruise Center to the other side of the island. Pass by Governor's Beach, the local airport, and several of Grand Turk's natural salinas that are representative of the island's salt industry that was its main source of income in the 19th century. Drive through the charming little city of Cockburn Town, the administrative and political capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands, before reaching the Grand Turk Indigenous Horse Shelter where your ride on horseback begins.
Once mounted, take a leisurely walk along a bluff overlooking the beach while enjoying a view of the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the history of the Lighthouse and water-catchment area that can be seen in the distance. The horseback trail ride culminates with a home-stretch along the beach. On dismounting, your guides unsaddle the mounts and prepare them for the swim. Afterwards, remount your horse with a halter and water-blanket and enter the ocean on horseback. When your ride concludes, enjoy a shower and time to relax before it is time to commence the return transfer to the pier. Along the way, enjoy the view of the North Creek where many locals have their boats moored and which is the only hurricane shelter for yachts traveling between Nassau and Puerto Rico. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the famous endangered pink flamingos while they bask in the sun in one of the many salinas on the island.
Notes: Maximum weight is 250 pounds; minimum age is 6 years. Please bring along water shoes, swim wear, sun protection and a towel.
JOST VAN DYKE SAIL AND SNORKEL
Board a sleek catamaran and sail throughout the Jost van Dyke collection of islands. The ship anchors off Sandy Spit, where you can snorkel and swim over a fascinating reef. Then set sail for Diamond Cay - a tiny islet completely surrounded by powdery white sand, azure blue waters and an underwater world filled with colorful marine life. Swim, snorkel or sun directly off the catamaran before returning to your anchorage. Refreshments are provided for your pleasure.
Notes: Please wear your swimsuit under your clothes; bring a towel, a dry t-shirt or sweatshirt, and sun protection. Masks, snorkels and snorkel vests are provided. Snorkel and swimming destinations may vary according to sea and weather conditions.
SNORKEL TO NORMAN ISLAND
Board a twin-engined snorkel launch and enjoy the scenic 35-minute ride across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to one of the British Virgin Islands' prime snorkel sites. An experienced snorkel instructor leads you to the uninhabited legendary Norman Island. This island's reputed history of piracy is immortalized in Robert Louis Stevenson's famous book, "Treasure Island." Snorkel in pristine surroundings at the Indians or the Caves at Treasure Point, where pirate treasure is said to have been hidden. Then relocate to a second site for more swimming and snorkeling in shallower waters before returning back to Jost Van Dyke.
Notes: Alternative snorkel sites may be selected depending on sea and weather conditions. Masks, snorkels, fins and snorkel vests are provided as well as instruction for novices. Actual snorkel time is approximately 1-1/2 hours. Please bring along your swimwear, sun protection, and a towel.
SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS
An experience of a lifetime awaits those who participate in this unique activity. First enjoy a scenic 20-minute transfer by local tender to Tortola and a 30-minute ride by coach to the Dolphin Lagoon at Prospect Reef. A 20-30 minute briefing provides introduction to the facility and the dolphins, and the procedures to be followed during your swim. Then the fun begins with a 20-30 minute session in close contact with the dolphins including interaction in the water and on the swim platform. Typically, each participant experiences 4-6 behaviors while in the water.
Notes: Minimum age to participate is 8 years. Pregnant women, or those who suspect they may be pregnant are not permitted to participate. All participants must wear swim wear; a limited number of non-swim observers my view the session for an additional fee - please consult with the Destination Manager. An in-house photographer is available and photos and video's are available for purchase following the swim.
Please note, the shore excursion options you see listed here are shown to give you an idea of what is available for each cruise and port. The actual offerings for your specific itinerary can be seen upon logging in to our Already Booked section at the link above.