SHORE EXCURSIONS

Snorkel a coral reef off Mystery Island, an ecologically protected area that is teeming with marine life. Chances are, you will have the reef pretty much to yourself as the island is uninhabited. In other words, it’s a tropical paradise where the natural world reigns supreme. While snorkeling the reef that lies just offshore, you can expect to see all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish, bizarrely shaped coral and perhaps a sea turtle or two.

A guide will snorkel along with you to point out the more interesting marine species such as parrotfish. These neon-colored fish usually swim in schools and have the unique ability to change their color and even gender over their lifetime. You may also spot teeny, orange-and-white striped clown fish taking refuge in the tentacles of sea anemones. The gentle current around the reef will eventually nudge you toward the shore, allowing you to drift snorkel without expending much energy.

OVERVIEW

Spend time on a spacious pontoon moored atop the Outer Reef and discover the exquisite beauty waiting below in the world’s richest marine habitat. Your adventure begins with a scenic 90-minute sail by luxury catamaran to the Marine World activity platform on one of the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s most pristine and versatile sites. You’ll enjoy about four hours on this floating resort, dividing your time among several inclusive activities that showcase this breathtaking environment. Perhaps you’ll take a ride on the semi-submersible to observe the reef’s intricate coral gardens and colorful fish without getting wet. Or slip into the inviting aquamarine water with provided snorkel and mask to explore the reef al fresco. Optional scuba diving and escorted snorkeling tours are also available at an extra charge. The comfortable Marine World platform has multiple decks with sun lounges up top, ample undercover seating, freshwater showers and changing rooms, and its own Underwater Reef Viewing Observatory. Reef life is just meters away, making this a suitable choice for guests of all ages and swimming/snorkeling abilities. Morning and afternoon tea complement your day aboard, and an extensive hot and cold buffet lunch will be laid out for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran.
• Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.
• Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.
• Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.
• Graze an extensive buffet lunch with soft drinks included; bar drinks are available for an additional cost.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing and/or swimsuit with cover-up.
• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Bring a hat, towel from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Visit the Melanesian village of Hnathalo, where ancient customs are still practiced religiously and traditional island values are held in high esteem. Hnathalo is also the name of the tribe living there. Following a welcoming coconut drink, you will walk among the village’s thatched huts, hand-carved totems and open expanses shaded by swaying palms and towering Royal Poinciana trees. It will be like traveling back in time, as little has changed over the years because traditional Melanesian ways are still fervently practiced in Hnathalo. That is especially true in the preparation of dishes such as bougna, a concoction that you will sample after seeing how it’s cooked over red-hot stones in a cleverly designed ground oven. You will also be invited to enter the circular Chief’s Hut, one of the largest of its kind in New Caledonia, and view a church that French Catholic missionaries constructed in 1883. It is decorated with period furnishings that enhance the authenticity.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the traditional Melanesian way of life in the rural village Hnathalo.
• Sample the Melanesian dish bougna, which is cooked in banana leaves in an earthen oven.
• See the interior of the revered Chief’s Hut and a missionary-built, 19th-century church.

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

OVERVIEW

Embark on a mid-morning escape aboard a luxurious catamaran for a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. Skip the early wake-up call and snorkel at one of Maui’s top spots, home to native Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtles). Swim alongside these graceful creatures from a respectful distance as they drift over vibrant coral reefs. Relax onboard with the premium amenities of our catamaran, including freshwater showers, shaded cabin seating, and relaxing bow nets. Savor a tropical taco bar featuring island-inspired flavors like huli chicken, kalua pork, and jackfruit topped with Maui Gold pineapple slaw. Sip handcrafted cocktails, local spirits, and refreshing Maui Brewing Company beers while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a 3-hour luxury snorkeling experience featuring a gourmet tropical taco bar.
• Snorkel at a local favorite location like Turtle Town or the Pali Coast.
• Sip seasonal specialty cocktails, Maui Brew Co. beers, and local spirits from the open bar.
• Enjoy complimentary snorkel gear, flotation devices, and local reef-safe sunscreen.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Bring a swimsuit, and any additional sun protection needed.
• Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for boarding, with the option to go barefoot on deck.

Paddle across the shallow waters just off Mystery Island in a kayak with a glass bottom that will present a bird’s-eye view of the spectacle below the water’s surface.

After a briefing on how best to maximize your kayaking adventure, you will paddle to the coral reef that surrounds the small island. These are protected waters teeming with marine life, so you can be sure that there will be plenty to see through the glass bottom of the kayak. What could be easier than just looking down into a veritable living aquarium of brightly colored fish? You might see jewel damsels, lemonpeel angelfish and long-bodied trumpetfish. Sea turtles also inhabit the reef and watching one up close is a real treat.

After kayaking, feel free to snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding Mystery Island for a different perspective of the marine life. Or you can simply swim and relax on the beach.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel an inner section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is a protected sanctuary for all sorts of marine life. You will sail there on the Island Explorer, a 79-foot catamaran custom-built for snorkeling and diving. The vessel features two air-conditioned levels and plenty of deck space for basking in the sun or relaxing outdoors in the shade, if that is your preference. Along the way, you will pass seemingly endless unspoiled and uninhabited islands that comprise the Whitsundays. Once the catamaran moors at the reef, you will be free to snorkel for several hours and come back on board whenever you wish to relax and enjoy the hearty buffet lunch. While there is no telling what you will see while snorkeling, brightly colored angelfish, parrotfish, groupers and gobies are often spotted. You may even catch sight of green sea turtles and rays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on board a catamaran while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Spend hours snorkeling a protected inner reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Relax on the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch between snorkeling outings.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Gain an understanding of life on Lifou by visiting a prosperous vanilla plantation and the village of Jokin, which overlooks one of the island’s most gorgeous seascapes. Although Lifou’s terrain is rugged, especially along the coast, it is ideal for growing vanilla beans, as you will see firsthand on the plantation. The majority of the vanilla grown on the island is exported to flavor everything from ice cream to perfume, but a small quantity is always reserved for use by the islanders. After a tour of the wonderfully aromatic plantation, you will have the chance to sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee. In the northernmost village of Jokin, you will enjoy free time to wander around and mingle with the residents, who will eagerly share the details of daily life in their small, rather remote village. Jokin perches high atop a fossilized coral cliff overlooking one of the island’s most magnificent bays, and the views are breathtaking.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a vanilla plantation to see how this aromatic flavoring is derived from orchids.
• Sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee and discover other uses of versatile vanilla.
• Mingle with the villagers in remote Jokin and admire the ocean views from its coral cliffs.

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

Meander through a tropical forest and explore a grotto, where you will discover how the local Melanesians have gained great benefits from the natural environment. They have lived off the land for centuries, in particular, by hunting and using native flora for medicinal purposes. New Caledonia boasts more than 2,400 species of indigenous plants, so the islanders have always had a vast array of flora at their disposal. Some plants are used to treat ailments while others contain toxins that are sometimes added to rivers to temporarily paralyze fish so they can easily be caught. This is the sort of engaging information that the guide will impart during the forest walk. Later, you will explore a grotto by torchlight, which will eerily illuminate the interior, so you can see the odd shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will also learn how the Melanesians use traditional methods to gather coconut crabs, trap birds and hunt wild pigs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take a leisurely walk through a forest with a naturalist guide that will describe the flora.
• Hear how the Melanesians use plants for medicinal purposes and hunt in the forest.
• Explore a grotto by torchlight, which will make the interior look all the more dramatic.

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

Get a candid glimpse into daily life in a small village on the island of Aneityum by visiting with a local family.

When Europeans first landed on volcanically formed Aneityum in 1793, the island’s population was well over 10,000. In time, the Europeans built a trading station to export sandalwood and timber from the indigenous kauri pines, and whalers set up a base of operation. The population is a fraction of what it was, with the inhabitants now living in small villages. One of the local families will show you around and describe their daily routine.

You may learn about the island folklore, the differing roles of men and women in modern times and how plants are used for medicinal purposes. Aneityum has more species of orchids than any other island in Vanuatu, and you can expect to see them flourishing. Your hosts may also demonstrate how the villagers prepare and cook traditional dishes.

OVERVIEW

Set sail off Maui’s stunning coastline on a custom-built luxury catamaran for the ultimate whale-watching experience. Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate nearly 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Witness unforgettable moments as these majestic creatures breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop. Our catamaran is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the enchanting songs of the whales—a truly magical experience. Relax and take in the breathtaking views with a drink in hand from our open bar, featuring craft beers from Maui Brewing Company, specialty cocktails crafted with local Kupu Spirits, and Maui-made favorites like Ocean Vodka and Kula Rum. Light snacks will also be provided, ensuring a delightful experience as you soak in the beauty of Maui’s waters and welcome these incredible marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Maui’s scenic coastline aboard a luxurious, custom-built catamaran.
• Observe the world’s largest gathering of North Pacific humpback whales during their migration.
• Listen to live whale songs with the onboard hydrophone—Maui’s most unique “karaoke!”
• Enjoy light snacks and a full open bar featuring Maui’s finest craft beers and locally sourced spirits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers, as it can get breezy on the water.
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and ease of movement.

Explore the natural side of Lifou on an inspiring driving tour along its sparsely inhabited northern shore, followed by a relaxing stop at a pristine beach that rims a lagoon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of coral cliffs, turquoise seas and lush foliage, punctuated with splashes of brightly colored flowers. This is a true tropical paradise with little or no development, much like it has been for centuries. Still, you will drive through the island’s administrative center of We on beautiful Châteaubriand Bay at the end of a sugar-white beach on the east coast. Nearby, you will find Luecila Beach, an unspoiled stretch of sand that ranks as one of Lifou’s most picturesque and enjoyable as there are no resorts or shops to detract from the natural beauty. You will be free to do as you please there, whether it be swimming, beachcombing or simply relaxing in the shade of a coconut palm.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at Lifou’s natural beauty on a panoramic drive along its undeveloped coast.
• Pass through the island’s administrative center of We on lovely Châteaubriand Bay.
• Spend free time relaxing on Luecila Beach, a serene stretch of sand near We.

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

Delve into traditional Tahitian culture by cruising to nearby Tahaa to discover how vanilla is grown and black pearls are produced before an island lunch and relaxing on the island’s gorgeous beach.

After departing from the pier in a motorized catamaran, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic cruise across a turquoise-blue lagoon to the island of Tahaa, which lies due north. Your first destination ashore is a vanilla farm. You will probably be greeted by the scent of the spice before arriving as 70% of the vanilla grown in French Polynesia is from Tahaa.

Expect to see and smell fragrant vanilla pods curing in the sun. You may also stroll among the rows of climbing orchids that produce the pods and learn how they are pollinated. There will be some time for shopping before continuing on with a short drive to Motu Pearl Village. Established in 1991, the village cultivates black pearls in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the surrounding lagoon. After hearing the fascinating story of how the pearls are produced, you may shop for jewelry and other items adorned with these prized treasures. Like vanilla, black pearls are synonymous with Tahaa, and both are mainstays of the economy.

After the visit, enjoy a cocktail or a fresh local beer before a traditional Polynesian buffet lunch is served while a live Polynesian group entertains you. It makes for an excellent introduction to the pareo show that follows. A pareo is a wraparound skirt that is essential to Tahitian dance. Finally, you will head for the beach of Motu Mahea to relax, sunbathe or get in the water before returning to the pier.