|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||
| Porlamar The east end of the island is where the shoppers' paradise of Porlamar is located. In Porlamar, El Agua beach is the most famous and popular beach on the island. La Restinga National Park Investigate the ecosystem at La Restinga National Park, a labyrinth of crisscrossing natural canals bordering a large lagoon and mangrove swamp, with more than a thousand animal and vegetal species. Tacuanta This rustic, vintage village with humble, clay houses was created to replicate a small Venezuelan town at the beginning of the century. Its museum displays interesting artifacts used in the inhabitants' daily lives |
| Discover Isla Margarita Adult: $39 Child: $31 (12 & under) Duration: 4 1/2 hours Explore this historic “isle of pearls” on an excursion that visits the city of El Valle, tours the home of one of Venezuela’s Founding Fathers, and travels to the island capital of Asuncion. Board your air-conditioned transportation at the pier and travel across the island’s arid landscape to the mountains en route to El Valle. Visit the birthplace of Santiago Marino, a hero in Venezuela’s struggle for independence from Spain. Tour his superbly restored home with its colonialera furnishings as well as a small collection of modern art. See the nearby Shrine of the Virgin of El Valle and explore its museum, which displays offerings and gifts made by the island fishermen. Continue to Asuncion, the island capital, for a visit to Santa Rosa Fortress, built to protect the city from marauding pirates. Your return route to the ship includes a stop at La Aldea to browse for local arts, crafts and souvenirs, and at the picturesque fishing village of Playa Valdes. SPECIAL NOTES Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Shrine of the Virgin and its museum. Passengers must negotiate some steps and uneven surfaces at Fortress Santa Rosa. |
| The Pueblo &
Conuco Adult: $39 Child: $31 (12 & under) Duration: 4 hours Visit two of Isla Margarita’s most interesting attractions: the Tacuantar Museum and Village, a re-creation of a traditional Venezuelan village, and Los Jovos, a small plantation offering a taste of country life. Board your air-conditioned transportation at the pier and travel across the island’s arid landscape to Tacuantar Village. An artisan’s vision of a traditional village, Tacuantar features classic, hand-built adobe houses, shops and a church. Enjoy ample time to explore the village and browse among its shops, which feature a superb selection of Venezuelan crafts. Continue to the small plantation of Los Jovos, stopping for panoramic views of Isla Margarita’s northern coast. At Los Jovos, tour the plantation and its fruit orchards. During your visit, enjoy a tasting of island fruits and juices. Your return route to the shop includes a stop at La Aldea to browse for local arts, crafts and souvenirs. |
| La Restinga
Lagoon & Marine Museum Adult: $39 Child: $31 (12 & under) Duration: 4 1/2 hours Explore the unique mangrove eco-system of La Restinga National Park and then visit a small, but interesting Marine Museum Board your air-conditioned transportation for the drive to La Restinga National Park. Board peneros, small-motorized boats, and set out with your non-English-speaking captain on an approximately 30-minute cruise through the mangroves. This unique biosphere is home to myriad tropical fish as well as pelicans, osprey, cormorants, ibis and frigate birds. After you cruise explore the Marine Museum which features displays on the local marine life and eco-systems prior to your transfer back to the ship. SPECIAL NOTES Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable, loose clothes and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a hat and adequate sun protection. |
| La Asuncion
& Tropical Gardens Adult: $29 Child: $23 (12 & under) Duration: 3 1/2 hours Visit the picturesque Bolivar Square and Santa Rosa Fort in La Asuncion, and then enjoy a stroll around the Tropical Labyrinth, the prettiest garden on the island. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the drive to La Asuncion, the state capital. View the quaint Bolivar Square and the cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Venezuela, prior to visiting the Fort of Santa Rosa. Drive to the Tropical Labyrinth that includes a ficus maze and a vast array of plants and flowers arranged in attractive patterns. Prior to your return to the ship enjoy seasonal fruit and refreshments. |
| Isla Margarita
Past-Present & Beach Adult: $49 Child: $25 (12 & under) Duration: 5 hours Explore a re-creation of a typical village from yesteryear, and then enjoy time on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute drive across the arid landscape of Margarita to a re-creation of a traditional Margarita village, The Tacuantar Museum. View hand-built adobe houses and shops, with an impressive selection of Venezuelan crafts, and displays of daily activities that were part of the Margariteńos life in years gone by. Then drive to the town of Juan Griego which is located along a beautiful bay. See how the fishermen’s boats contrast with the hustle and bustle of a modern city. Ride to Fort La Galera for a superb panoramic picture of the bay, then relax and take in the sun and sea breeze at Playa Caribe, one of Margarita’s beautiful beaches. A beach chair, shade and welcome drink will be provided as you have approximately one hour to enjoy the beach prior to your transfer back to the ship. SPECIAL NOTES The beach does not have lifeguards; therefore use caution when entering the water. At the beach, changing facilities are available and food and beverages are offered for a nominal charge. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. |
| Margarita
Highlights Adult: $29 Child: $23 (12 & under) Duration: 3 1/2 hours Take in the scenic highlights of this “isle of pearls” on a narrated tour that is designed for passengers who prefer little or no walking. Board your air-conditioned transportation and drive through the island’s arid coastal landscape to the more mountainous interior. During your excursion, your English-speaking guide points out the sights of interest and relates interesting facts about the island, its people, and its history. See El Valle, the birthplace of Venezuelan hero Santiago Marino and home to the Shrine of the Virgin of El Valle. Continue to La Asuncion, the island capital, for a drive through this historic city, founded in the 16th century. Your return route includes a brief stop at La Aldea, where you browse for island arts, crafts and souvenirs. Travel the modern streets of Porlamar and see the quaint fisherman’s beach at Playa del Valle before returning to the ship. |
| Isla Margarita
Shopping Spree Adult: $20 Child: $16 (12 & under) Duration: 4 1/2 hours This relaxed tour visits two of the island’s prime shopping areas: Sambil Mall and Santiago Marino Street. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the drive to Porlamar. Your first stop is Sambil Mall, where you will have approximately 90 minutes to explore the shops before meeting at the designated rendezvous. Then travel to Santiago Marino Street, home to the island’s most prestigious shops and boutiques. During your trip, your English-speaking guide remains with the group to provide general assistance and to set meeting times. Vendors accept U.S. dollars as well as Visa and MasterCard credit cards with photo ID. |
| Shore &
Desert Horseback Riding Adult: $89 Child: $89 Duration: 4 1/2 hours A two-hour guided trail ride explores Isla Margarita’s arid coastal terrain and visits a beautiful secluded beach. Meet your guide at the pier and board your van for the approximately 45-minute drive to an island ranch and stables. At the stables, you are assigned a mount based on your level of riding experience and receive a route orientation, safety helmet, and basic riding instruction if needed. Your horse is a Venezuelan llanos, a sturdy animal well adjusted to the tropical heat and humidity. Set off on your guided trail ride, traveling desolate trails across the island’s arid coastal terrain with its wind-battered trees, cacti and scrub. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean as you ride in the surf along a beautiful secluded beach. After you return to the ranch, enjoy a few minutes to rest and stretch before your return to the ship. SPECIAL NOTES This most active excursion is suitable only for passengers in very good physical condition. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. The maximum weight limit per rider is 200 pounds. Participants must wear a helmet. This tour does not include a ride into the ocean. |
| Dolphin
Encounter Adult: $109 Child: $109 Duration: 3 hours Travel to Waterland for an up-close and personal aquatic encounter with dolphins – it’s an experience you will always treasure. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute transfer to Waterland, Isla Margarita’s acclaimed aquatic attraction. On arrival, the staff guides you to a training room for an introductory video on dolphins and an orientation to your aquatic encounter. Head for the dolphin pool, where you enter the water. During the first 10 minutes of your encounter, the dolphins swim around you, becoming familiar with your presence. Then, under the supervision of the dolphin trainer, you have approximately 20 minutes to interact with the dolphins. Touch these graceful marine mammals, dance with them in an aquatic ballet, and thrill as they perform acrobatics about you. SPECIAL NOTES Passengers must complete a liability waiver before entering the water. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. Sun protection can only be applied after the dolphin encounter has been completed. Observers are allowed. Please check onboard for details. Participation is very limited. Women who are pregnant may not participate on this tour. |
| Coche Island
Cruise Adult: $69 Child: $55 (12 & under) Duration: 5 hours Board your 65-foot, modern motor cruiser for the approximately 45-minute cruise to Coche Island. Sit back, listen to lively Caribbean music, and enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages. Anchor off Coche Island with its white sand and calm, clear waters. During your approximately two-hour stay you may use the beach games, relax in a complimentary beach chair with umbrella, swim, or stroll the beautiful beach. The party continues when you board your motor cruiser for the return trip to Isla Margarita. SPECIAL NOTES Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel, hat and adequate sun protection. Restrooms are available onboard the catamaran. |
