EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW
Enjoy an inspired wine tasting and gourmet lunch at a winery restaurant in the Guadalupe Valley, a fertile area known as the Napa of Mexico, in part because the vast majority of Mexico’s wines are produced there. During the drive inland, you will notice the terrain becoming hillier with an abundance of sprawling farms and idyllic valleys such as Guadalupe. Its microclimate is similar to that in the Mediterranean as the summers are relatively cool with constant ocean breezes. Red wine grapes, in particular, flourish there, and over the past three decades or so, more than 150 wineries have become established along the valley’s wine route. Your introduction to one of the premier wineries will begin with an enlightening, behind-the-scenes tour. Afterwards, you will sample a wide selection of characteristic wines that beautifully represent the Guadalupe Valley. They will be paired with cheeses and artisan bread, which will perfectly complement the fabulous 3-course lunch that follows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through the Guadalupe Valley, the Napa of Mexico.
• Gain an understanding of the valley’s terroir by touring a premier winery.
• Sample several representative Guadalupe Valley wines and enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch.

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

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at Las Caletas, a paradisical resort that is only accessible by boat. The former home of movie director John Huston – who discovered Puerto Vallarta while filming “The Night of the Iguana” there in 1963 – Las Caletas has been expanded to include amenities such as an indulgent spa and a fine restaurant. Even so, this exclusive private property has remained remote and wild as it is tucked away on a long stretch of beach backed by precipitous cliffs and dense jungle. Although you will be free to do whatever you wish at the resort, you might explore the forest on a guided nature walk, ease into a hammock with a good book, bask in the sun, kayak and snorkel just offshore, and join a mezcal tasting and Mexican cooking class. There is no end to the possibilities as the only scheduled event is a bountiful buffet lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Las Caletas, a resort that can only be reached by boat.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the sea, kayaking and most anything else you wish.
• Join a mezcal tasting, learn to make authentic margaritas and participate in a cooking class.
• Savor a buffet lunch of international dishes and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Sample the highlights of San Diego during this guided excursion. Take a city drive to see the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and downtown San Diego. You'll drive through the magnificent 1200 acre Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Then onto the seaside village of La Jolla, considered the "Jewel of Southern California." Indulge in free time to shop and explore this affluent, hilly seaside resort community featuring boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Last stop is San Diego’s historic Old Town offering the finest in theater, galleries, shops and free, live entertainment.

Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers.

You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch with a colorful Mexican folkloric show. Your escort will guide you to a place to change and show you where lunch will be served.

The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four.

Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.

This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

Are you ready to try Mexican salsa, margaritas and learn how to dance the Salsa? Then this tour is for you. Upon arrival at one of Mazatlan’s beachfront resorts, you’ll learn the art of making the best Mazaritas “Mazatlan Margaritas” in town and experience a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn about spices and make a variety of sassy salsas while snacking on fresh cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos. After your cooking lesson, get ready for some real fun. A salsa instructor will show you step by step, the moves and swings of the salsa. By the end of the tour, you’ll be ready for the dance floor and armed with fantastic recipes. After the class, you’ll have the choice to relax on the beach, enjoy one of the hotel’s pools, or shop at the stores of the Golden Zone which is just a short stroll from the resort.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through the surrounding waters in a spacious double-deck catamaran and snorkel at two prime locations. The scenery will be absolutely spectacular the entire way, but especially at El Arco, the natural arch that the tides and wind have cut out of the sheer granite over thousands of years. Few spots are so photogenic, especially if sea lions are present. In time, the captain will select an ideal spot to snorkel depending on the conditions. You can expect to observe an ever-changing parade of tropical fish in the Sea of Cortez, whose waters famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World.” The second snorkeling site will be teeming with marine life as well. Colorful parrotfish, vertical-striped Moorish idols and bright-blue damselfish are just a few of species frequently spotted. When you are not snorkeling, you can partake of an array of snacks, a boxed lunch and the open bar.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to the tip of the Baja California peninsula aboard a spacious catamaran.
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters at two locations teeming with marine life.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch, various snacks and drinks from the open bar throughout the cruise.
• Look for sea lions on the rocky shoreline at El Arco at the peninsula’s tip.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise through the Sea of Cortez on a double-deck catamaran and look for whales breaching the water’s surface. Along the way, you will pass El Arco – the iconic arch-shaped granite formation at the tip of the peninsula – where you will likely see sea lions along the rocky shore. Still, the star attractions are the whales that migrate to breed or give birth. More than a dozen species of whales frequent these waters, including humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales. It is always a breathtaking sight as one of these behemoths comes up for oxygen. Humpbacks are particularly mesmerizing to watch as they acrobatically breach the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive. When blue whales surface to exhale, the spray from their blowholes can shoot as high as 30 feet into the air. As you observe these massive cetaceans, appetizers will be served and the bar will be open.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for whales and other cetaceans while cruising through the Sea of Cortez.
• Learn fascinating facts about whale behavior and their breeding patterns.
• Enjoy appetizers and drinks from the open bar on the catamaran.
• Look for sea lions on the rocky shoreline at El Arco at the peninsula’s tip.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Browse the exclusive marina that has transformed coastal Puerto Vallarta and then head to a hacienda in the countryside for an entertaining class in piñata-making. A monumental sculpture of a humpback whale and calf – which a Mexican artist created to symbolize the importance of family – will be among the first sights you see in Marina Vallarta. You will also discover that there is more to this luxurious setting than yachts as you wander about the upscale shops and galleries. Art is also the focus of the experience at the hacienda, where you will learn step by step how to make a piñata, a handicraft that in Mexico dates to the 16th century. Whether traditional or contemporary, the designs of these vibrant icons filled with candy and treats are often highly symbolic. Following the workshop, you will enjoy lunch and time to shop for ceramics and folk art that the indigenous Huichol people created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how the luxurious Marina Vallarta has transformed Puerto Vallarta’s coast.
• Explore the marina shops and see the iconic seaside humpback whale sculpture.
• Participate in a hands-on piñata-making workshop at a rural hacienda.
• Enjoy lunch at the hacienda and shop for traditional folk art.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Sabal Playa Beach Club, an exclusive resort that overlooks an absolutely gorgeous stretch of sand. It won’t take long to reach the club, which allows all the more time to enjoy the amenities. You might bask in the sun on a lounge chair as the waves gently lap at the shore. Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the coast without a care in the world or do most anything else that you find relaxing. There is plenty of shade under the coconut palms and beach umbrellas if you prefer that setting. You are also welcome to enjoy the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. Other options include dining on your own in the open air restaurant or even poolside, and taking advantage of the ocean kayaks and paddleboards. Everything imaginable is at your fingertips to ensure that your time at Sabal Playa Beach Club is carefree and immensely pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Relax in complete comfort at the exclusive Sabal Playa Beach Club.
• Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean and the infinity pool.
• Lounge around the beach, poolside and in the shaded grassy areas.
• Enjoy access to the restaurants and watersports such as kayaks and paddleboards.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed-toes.

OVERVIEW

Participate in a hands-on cooking class at a premier Mexican restaurant and dine on the array of dishes that the chef will help you prepare for lunch. As an introduction to the cuisine of Sinaloa, the state in which Mazatlan is located, you will browse the stalls of a local market that offers every imaginable traditional ingredient. The guide will describe the ones that will be used in your cooking class at El Presidio restaurant. The exact menu will depend on what seasonal items are freshest to ensure that the dishes will be bursting with flavor. The group will learn to cook traditional seasonal dishes from the Sinaloa Cuisine. Learn about the secrets and origins of each dish and the Mexican culinary techniques during your hands-on class. Before sitting down to dine, you will sample several tequilas whose tastes are wonderfully complex and characteristic of Sinaloa.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to prepare several signature local dishes in a hands-on cooking class.
• Help select the ingredients for the class in a market that the locals frequent.
• Dine on the dishes that you have prepared in class at El Presidio restaurant.
• Enjoy a tequila tasting to enhance your dining experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Humpback whales visit the shores of the Baja each year and Los Cabos is famous for whale watching. Board our specially designed, inflatable fast boats and journey out of the bay. Accompanied by an expert marina mammal guide and local captain, begin your exploration, searching for these gentle giants. With a variety of boats located in the bay and communication between all captains, these rapid ocean vessels are fast at finding the whales in the deep blue oceans. Each boat hosts a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the whales sing and communicate between each other in the ocean depths. These low level watercraft allow everyone onboard to capture that special photo and to enjoy the amazing breaches, tail splashes and interaction between these giant mammals. Complete your adventure with a short stop at the famous arch and sea lion colony to see nature at its best before heading back to the marina. Definately an adventure not to be missed!