La Paz, Mexico

There is a long history behind Mexico's arts and crafts. Get to know its origins while on a scenic and shopping tour of La Paz. After a scenic ride along the bay you'll head downtown for a tour of the shops, boulevards and beautiful mile-long waterfront promenade. In addition to the many sights you'll see, you'll also have time to stop and shop for authentic Mexican handicrafts. Your first stop is a pottery factory where you can browse for handmade decorative items, glazed tiles and tableware. Next, is a weaver's shop where you can purchase placemats, hats, bags, and blankets. You will find a diverse collection of pottery, folk art, paintings, sculptures, and more. Included is a guided walking tour of the Down Town area. When your excursion comes to an end, you can return to port aboard your transportation or continue to sightsee and take a later shuttle.

Enjoy a two-and-a-half hour excursion meeting some of the world's rarest and most dangerous reptile species at El Serpentario Reptile Center in La Paz.  Once you arrive, a naturalist guide will explain how exotic animals like birds, snakes, iguanas, lizards and tortoises play an important role in the world's ecosystem.  Then, you're free to roam the Center on your own and observe Mexican animals, as well as reptiles from around the world like albino cobras and giant python.  You can touch harmless specimens during a live show and meet informative experts who can answer your questions.  This is a great photo opportunity so have your cameras ready.  In addition to reptiles there's also a variety of birds and a creepy crawly arthropod collection that's full of spiders, scorpions and centipedes.  When your exciting excursion comes to an end, you'll climb back aboard your waiting transportation and return to the pier along the same scenic route.

Explore the wonders of La Paz on a four hour guided tour through Baja's desert landscape to the colorful waterfront promenade of the "City of Peace." When you arrive you'll stop at a beautiful boardwalk in town, to have a nice guided walk and admire the amazing sculptures that symbolize the history and treasure of this land. You will also have free time to explore and shop amongst the many local artisans for handicrafts and souvenirs. Next, you will visit the Museum of Anthropology and History to see exhibits ranging from the history of The Sea of Cortez pearls to the history of Baja California. Continue to explore with your guide at the lovely Cathedral of La Paz. Built in 1861 atop the ruins of a 140-year-old Jesuit mission, the Cathedral's interior boasts beautiful stained glass windows and a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with infant child. Finally, sit back and relax to beautiful scenic coastal views during your return to transportation to your ship.

Your transportation will pick you up at the pier for a fun two-hour excursion that will take you on a scenic drive along the pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez to Paradise Cove in Balandra Bay. When you arrive, at the beach you'll hop out onto the soft, powdery sand and learn how to properly handle your kayak. After your instructional briefing, you'll be assigned a kayak and your guide will lead you to the warm waters of Paradise Cove. Donning your life vest, you'll enter the tranquil water and have over an hour to skim the glassy water, which at times has a depth of less than a foot. A thicket of mangrove trees dot the cove and provides a perfect cover for egrets, herons, pelicans and frigate birds. Once you return to the beach, you can relax with a refreshing drink before you board your transportation, which will take you back to the pier.

During your half-day adventure, you'll snorkel in the marine-rich waters of Gaviota Island then relax on one of the soft, sandy beaches around Balandra Bay. After a brief orientation from a team of skilled trainers in how to properly use your snorkel equipment, you'll enter the water for an enjoyable 50-minute dive (snorkeling gear is provided). What you see will amaze you – this underwater paradise is filled with an array of anemones in colors that rival a box of crayons. Then, you'll surface and climb back aboard your vessel and head towards beautiful Balandra Bay, which is famous for its unusual rock formation called Mushroom Rock. Once you disembark you'll have two-and-a-half hours to relax on the beach, take a hike in the low-lying mountains, or snorkel in the salt lagoon. Then, you'll return to your awaiting vessel, which will whisk you back to the pier.

Your day of adventure begins as you board your air-conditioned transportation for a ride to the Pacific coastal town of Todos Santos. During your 75-minute Journey to Todos Santos,(I feel ( A total of 2.5 h of travel) your English-speaking guide will share his knowledge of Baja as you sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. As you approach Todos Santos, you'll be captivated by the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, swaying palms, mango groves and avocado trees. After stepping off the transportation at the main square, you'll tour the historic district. Your visit includes the Mission of Nuestra Señora el Pilar de La Paz. Next, you'll browse the quaint shops and art galleries before heading for a delicious Mexican sampler snack at the Hotel California. Visit an amazing and colorful Art Gallery As your exciting day comes to an end, you'll return to your transportation for the 75 min ride back to your ship.

Make lifetime memories as you swim with sea lions, angelfish, moral eels and more on a three-and-a-half-hour snorkel adventure in the turquoise waters of San Rafaelito Bay. After a briefing at the pier you'll climb your boat and cruise through to San Rafaelito Bay where you'll disembark and don your snorkel gear. Have your underwater camera ready as you enjoy up to two hours of snorkeling and sightseeing. There's a small sea lion colony on the island so don't be surprised if these friendly creatures swim alongside you. Then, you'll head over to Balandra Bay for a snack and refreshments. Here, you can relax on the beach, gaze out at the vivid turquoise water, take a hike in the low mountains, or snorkel in the picturesque lagoon. When your exciting adventure comes to an end, you'll return to the boat for a restful ride back to the pier.

Your unbelievable adventure begins when you board the dive boat and cruise out to the bay of La Paz. Once you arrive, your guide will brief you and help you properly gear up in your equipment before heading out into the bay in search of whale sharks. Once a whale shark is spotted, you'll don your mask and enter the water near one of these gentle giants. Don't let its massive size fool you, it really doesn't pose any threat but there are a few things to remember: don't ride a whale shark and let the animal come to you. There will time to relax in the sun on the boat while the alternative group is in the water.