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.

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.

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.

OVERVIEW

Celebrate like a local at the Mexican fair held daily at El Tenampa, a restaurant in a country-like setting. You will first visit the 19th-century Mazatlan Cathedral for an understanding of how religious traditions influence Mexican fairs and the annual Carnival that is held in the spring. To prepare for those festive events, many locals shop at a nearby market, where you will see a variety of colorful merchandise. After a short walk through the historical district, you will drop by a store that sells jewelry much like that worn during Carnival. By the time you arrive at the restaurant, you will be well versed in the traditions of Mexican fairs. After dining on an array of dishes that may include gorditas and tacos filled with ingredients such as Jamaican flowers – which are dried red hibiscus buds – you can join in a host of games typically played at fairs. Tastings will also be offered.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Play traditional Mexican games at a restaurant that celebrates every day with a lively fair.
• Dine on a hearty lunch of classic dishes usually served at Mexican fairs.
• Visit a market and jewelry store where locals buy merchandise in preparation for fairs.
• See how religious tradition influences fairs by visiting Mazatlan Cathedral.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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 and select 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. Because of the proximity of the sea, Sinaloa cuisine tends to focus on seafood – especially shrimp – cooked with fruits and vegetables and seasoned with spices such as chipotle and guajillo chili peppers. 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.

OVERVIEW

Take full advantage of the amenities at the Veleros Beach Club, which include an open bar and a beautiful beach that rims an enviable spot on the Sea of Cortez. It won’t take long to reach the exclusive beach club, giving you all the more time to relax as you please. The beach is private and spacious, so you can easily find your own quiet piece of paradise. You might stretch out on a cushioned lounge chair and bask in the sun or lie in the shade under a beach umbrella. If you wish to explore a bit farther, feel free to stroll along the shore. The sea there is one of the few swimmable spots in Cabo San Lucas, so a refreshing dip is another great option. Music will be playing to enhance the ambiance and the bar will be open for the first two hours after you arrive.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours relaxing at the exclusive Veleros Beach Club.
• Relax on the private beach, which rims one of the few swimmable spots in town.
• Bask in the sun or lie in the shade on a cushioned lounge chair.
• Enjoy the open bar, ambiance music and chips and salsa for a snack.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Ultimate thrills and excitement are guaranteed on this off road 4 x 4 adventure. Head of out Cabo to a private Canyon, located on the highway to the Capital of La Paz. On arrival, meet the team and gear up as you board your 4 x 4 UTV. Follow your expert guides as they lead you into secluded canyon road ways, ascend steep climbs, speed through natural waterways, test your skills as you drive expertly over natural rock formations and explore the desert areas of the Baja. The guides are fun and enthusiastic, but are also experts on the local flora and fauna and you will have the chance to learn more about the indigenous plant and animal life of the area. Complete your off road adventure in a beach front terrace where you will enjoy freshly made, classic Mexican Lunch with a choice of traditional Mexican dishes, all with the unique Baja touch. A great way to explore the Baja with you behind the wheel. less

OVERVIEW

Cruise to the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula in a spacious semi-submersible that offers panoramic views from the open deck and through large windows in the climate-controlled cabin just a few feet below the surface. Along the way, you will pass Neptune’s Finger, a thin rock formation that rises straight up out of the sea. The sights will be equally spectacular underwater as the rock attracts all sorts of colorful tropical fish. Before long you will reach Land’s End, the peninsula’s appropriately named terminus. Its dramatically rocky landscape is so photogenic that it has become a Cabo San Lucas icon, especially the huge arch that the sea and wind have carved out of the granite at Land’s End. The only inhabitants are sea lions, which you can expect to see frolicking on shore and swimming in the sea. An open bar and nachos on board will enhance the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in a semi-submersible to the iconic rocky arch at the end of the Baja Peninsula.
• Watch frolicking sea lions from the vessel’s open deck and enjoy the panoramic views.
• Observe the marine life underwater through the windows below the water’s surface.
• Snack on nachos while enjoying the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Drive into the heart of the Baja outback to a secluded, private ranch. After short safety speech, gear up with your protective pads and helmet and then prepare to ride like never before! Have fun on our new, easy-to-use electric bikes with specialized wide wheels that handle well through both sandy and bumpy mountain trails. Cactus lined sandy trails, hilly terrain and a beautiful, soft-sand beach beside the glistening Pacific are all part of the picturesque route on our Electric Mountain Bike Adventure. With a specially designed electric motor, the bike does all the work for you! Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and learn about the abundant wildlife as your guide accompanies you throughout your adventure. Complete your day in an Ocean top ranch with stunning views and enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet and drinks, all-included. The most Eco way to explore the Baja.

This excursion combines the charm of both the old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

One of the most popular activities in Los Cabos is snorkeling and this is the perfect way to snorkel and so much more! Board one of our inflatable fast boats and head out to the famous Arch and sea lion colony, the famous land mark of Cabo San Lucas. Then hold on tight as the captain opens up the motors as you speed out to a secluded bay. After a short safety briefing, dive into the depths to explore the wide array of ocean life. Enjoy kayaking around the bay, grab a sea scooter and speed through the clear blue waters, try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or spend time snorkeling the area, searching for tropical sea life, star fish and colorful corals. Back onboard, take a fast ride past the homes of the rich and famous as you return back to the marina for an ice cold beverage and light snack.

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!