Exclusive Antigua Culture and History Tour

Enjoy this exclusive small-group tour to Antigua's beautiful and historic South Coast. Smaller groups allow for more personalized visits to locations, including Shirley Heights, Dow's Hill Interpretation Center, and Nelson's Dockyard.

English Harbour, Antigua's historic district, is centered around the 15 square miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Developed as a base for the British Navy during the great age of sail, the harbor served as headquarters for the fleet of the Leeward Islands in the late 18th century.

Although the dockyard was greatly expanded under Horatio Nelson, it was gradually abandoned in the nineteenth century and closed in 1889. Today, Nelson's Dockyard has been completely restored and remains the only Georgian dockyard in the world.

Further above the harbor, at Shirley Heights, you'll find the partially restored fortifications of the harbor's colonial observation post. The view from Shirley Heights stretches out over the harbor and across the Caribbean to neighboring islands.

Dow's Hill Interpretation Center offers an engaging multimedia presentation on Antigua's history, from its earliest settlements to independence. Observation decks at Dow's Hill provide another fine view of the harbor and the ruins of Fort Berkeley, located on the far side of the bay.

The tour continues along the island's scenic Southern Coast, through lush rainforest and charming rural landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a stop at Clairmont Pineapple Farm, where owner and farmer Mr. Grant personally leads visitors through his working farm. Guests can see how Antigua's famous black pineapple is grown and enjoy a taste of the fresh fruit during the visit. The farm is situated in a peaceful rural area, reached by a short ride along a dirt road that offers a glimpse of everyday life outside the main towns.

Relax and enjoy the ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus as you experience Antigua's natural beauty, local culture, and rich history.

Snorkel El Cielo, Colombia Reef & Playa Mia Beach Excursion in Cozumel

After arriving at the pier downtown, you will board your boat with a maximum capacity of 75 guests and set sail on the shimmering water for one of Cozumel's best reef areas, Colombia and El Cielo, located inside the National Marine Park. In transit, your crew will prepare your snorkeling equipment and give instructions on its use during the approximately 1-hour trip.

Jump in with both feet and begin your Cozumel cruise excursions as you will first enter the water from the boat and drift snorkel (carried along by the tide) as the wonderful underwater world of Cozumel appears below you. You will spend approximately 35 to 40 minutes in the water at each vibrant reef.

At El Cielo, named after heaven itself, marvel at the starfish that decorate the sandy ocean floor. This sandbank in the southwestern tip of Cozumel is an incredibly beautiful spot with turquoise waters and shallow areas where the starfish are known to gather. The water depth at Cielo is very shallow, usually only waist deep, and is known as a sandbar. El Cielo is only accessible by boat and is about a half mile from the coast. The powder white sand will massage your feet with every step you take.

For the next part of your Cozumel tour to Colombia Reef, a sublime snorkeling spot hailed as one of the Marine National Park's finest. Mild currents greet you in a protected bay-like area where the shallow coral heads rise around 10-30 feet above the sandy ocean floor. Situated near Colombia Lagoon this area sometimes gets cool, fresh water coming from the lagoon. With excellent visibility and a diverse variety of marine life, Colombia Reef is a perfect place to spot sea turtles, coral communities, barracudas, eagle rays, and schools of shimmering fish.

From here, you will climb back aboard your boat and make your way to Playa Mia, which is only 15 minutes away. Upon arrival at Cozumel's most popular full-service beach, you will have approximately 1 hour of fun.

Playa Mia offers something for everyone. In addition to the white sand beach and beautiful Cozumel water, there is a shopping area, swimming pool, lounge chairs, beach volleyball and soccer courts, ping-pong tables, restrooms, kayaks, paddle boats, water bicycles, floating mats, and relaxing oasis island pool and hydro massage tub.

Your time at Playa Mia also includes the delicious buffet at the main restaurant with international and national specialties such as fajitas, a salad bar, chicken wings, rice, and more. For an additional fee, the following activities and items are also available at the park: drinks at the espresso bar, beach umbrellas, snorkel gear, other water sports equipment, outdoor massage, hair braiding, a fish spa, and more.

For the younger kids, there is Buccaneer Bay, complete with a pirate ship, water cannons, and slides. For the older kids and kids at heart, there are two 200-foot water slides in addition to the pool and ocean. Under the ocean, there are sunken Mayan relics you can snorkel over and discover.

At the appointed time and place you will meet for your return trip.

Please Note: There is an $11 US marine park entry fee per person that is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

St. Kitts Island Highlights

Your St. Kitts Island Highlights Tour is chock full of interesting sites and informative background. It begins in the capital city of Basseterre. Founded in 1627 by the French, it served as capital of the French colony. By 1639, the town had become a large, successful port and was made the capital of the entire French West Indies colony, which included the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

When the British took control of the island in 1727, the city was made capital of the island. On your St. Kitts Highlights tour, you will see the British influence in the Georgian architecture, cobblestone streets, and the squares and monuments.

The city of Basseterre has had a tragic history, having been destroyed repeatedly by colonial wars, fire, earthquakes, floods, riots and hurricanes. Despite this, a considerable number of well-restored buildings still exist in downtown Basseterre.

Next on your St. Kitts excursion, you will visit Caribelle Batik, set on the grounds of Romney Manor. Using ancient Indonesian methods to keep the dye from reaching the material, Caribelle has created many designs for which they have become associated. During your St. Kitts excursion, you will see the artists demonstrating the techniques while you listen to an explanation from one of the experts. Then it's on to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is a monument to the ingenuity of the British military engineers who designed it and to the skill, strength and endurance of the African slaves who built and then maintained it. It is one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. At the fort, a video presentation on the fortress is shown. This magnificent fortress, sitting impressively atop 38 acres of limestone and sulfur composites, is the result of 100 years of slave labor and has endured many wars fought between English, French and Spanish troops for its control.

From the fortress, your St. Kitts tour will return to the pier via the Basseterre Caribbean Sea coastal road.

St. Maarten Half Day Snorkeling & Catamaran Sailing

Sint Maarten may not be named in the song 'Kokomo,' but that's the vibe you'll experience on this half-day snorkel and beach adventure. Join us for a day filled with sun, sea, and unforgettable memories!"

Cruising from the Great Bay of Philipsburg, you will see history, beautiful scenery, and incredible villas and yachts. Enjoy the incredible view as you sail along the coast past the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, Little and Cay Bays, and Pelican Key on your St. Maarten Catamaran Tour.

Our 40-foot catamaran comfortably accommodates up to 20 guests, offering a spacious sun deck and a shaded area for your 3.5-hour adventure. Your captain will chart a course to a local underwater snorkel park, where you'll stop over a shipwreck and a sunken helicopter from long ago. Dive in and swim 100 feet to explore this unique underwater museum, teeming with aquatic life. Watch as hundreds of fish surround you during the fish feeding experience. It's perfect for all ages, so don't forget your underwater camera! We'll spend 30-40 minutes at this unforgettable snorkel spot.

Once the snorkelers are back on board, we'll treat you to a quick snack of chips and fresh fruit. Then, it's time to relax and enjoy our famous signature 'Captain Sneaky Rum Punch,' along with a selection of beers and other beverages, as we continue our journey.

Next, we head to a beach with the bluest waters we can find--whether it's Indigo, Karakter, Simpson Bay, Mullet, or the lagoon. We'll anchor about 30-40 feet from the shore, where you can swim to the beach, search for shells, float with a beverage in hand, or simply relax on the boat. If we're lucky, we may even spot playful pods of dolphins, and we'll take a moment for photos and to enjoy the spectacle. No two trips are ever the same. A light lunch will be served as we enjoy this scenic stop.

The moment will come to head back to Philipsburg. On the return journey, our friendly crew will pamper and entertain you with some lively vacation tunes. Guests can relax in the net, take stunning photos, ask questions, and get to know the crew. Don't miss the chance to have your picture taken sitting in the captain's chair--whether you're an adult or a child! And for those of age, there's an opportunity to enjoy a special adult tasting treat."

Upon arriving back at the dock, don't forget to check out our Plan B gifts and t-shirts! You can take a leisurely stroll back to your cruise ship or, if time allows, head downtown for some shopping to pick up gifts for your loved ones. Our goal is to encourage you to relax and enjoy every moment--'Don't Worry, Be Happy'--while having hours of fun and creating unforgettable memories. Just remember to bring a towel and a big smile!