Exclusive Samana Orientation

Escape the mobbed cruise line tours on this exclusive small-group Samana orientation with no more than 16 guests per guide. Get a real feel for the island through a local's perspective.

After meeting your friendly local guide, you will ride to a typical village in an open-air safari vehicle. Enjoy a presentation of local items that you can sample, including local fruits, nuts, moonshine and some locally-grown and processed hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is unique and tasty - it's like tapping a chocolate tree! Bring along a little spending money, as you will have time in the community co-op/gift shop to purchase cocoa or other local products to take home.

Next, you will pass through a very small town that houses a hand-rolled cigar factory. A stop will be made at the cigar factory if it is open on the day of your tour.

Next, head down a bumpy dirt road to reach a semi-secluded natural beach, where you can take in stunning views of the mountains diving into the ocean. Although the beach is not safe for swimming, the views of its natural beauty are not to be missed.

From there, take a 10-minute walk from the parking area along a fairly moderate trail to the Lulu Waterfalls. Local kids will be on-hand to assist those guests needing help navigating the trail or crossing the river via 6-8 sandbags. If you accept their help, a dollar tip is suggested for services rendered. They do not beg for handouts. Enjoy approximately 20 minutes of free time at Lulu Watefalls to take a quick swim, jump from the rocks above into the water, or just sit and enjoy the setting.

Please Note: Most of the roads traveled during the tour are not paved and bumps are to be expected. If heavy rains make the waterfall or beach inaccessible, alternative sites will be substituted.

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!

Skyline Drive & Island Overview Shore Trip

Riding along the crest of St. Thomas on "Skyline Drive," visitors are treated to vistas of Charlotte Amalie town, harbor as well as Hassel and Water Islands to the south; the Atlantic Ocean, Magens Bay, and Inner and Outer Brass and Hans Lollick islands to the north; and the chain of cays leading to St. John and the British Virgins to the east.

On this St. Thomas excursion, your driver/guide will make stops at various scenic overlooks as traffic/safety allows. You will pass by Drake's Seat, believed to be the spot where Sir Francis Drake himself watched for enemy vessels. A stop will be made at Mountain Top, where you will take in the most amazing views from the balcony of the shopping arcade, and if you choose, purchase a "world-famous" banana daiquiri.

At the end of the two-hour driving orientation, you will have the option of being dropped off in downtown Charlotte Amalie to experience its world-famous shopping or be taken back to the cruise ship dock.

Please Note: Guests departing from downtown will be responsible for their transportation back to their destination. Depending on the number of guests participating, tour will be conducted in vans or open-air safari buses.