Your cruise
Azamara Onward · 17-night Mediterranean cruise, Cape Town to Las Palmas
May 9 – May 26 · 17 nights ·
Day 1 Cape Town (board) · Day 2 at sea · Day 3 Luderitz · Day 4–5 Walvis Bay · Day 6–8 at sea · Day 9 Jamestown · Day 10–14 at sea · Day 15 Praia · Day 16–17 at sea · Day 18 Las Palmas (step off)
What you do Step inside Namibia's most hauntingly beautiful ruin — a once-opulent diamond-mining town now swallowed by the Namib. Sand dunes reclaim ballrooms and billiard halls in slow motion, creating one of Africa's most surreal and photogenic scenes.
What to expect Your guide leads you through the restored manager's villa, the casino, the skittle alley and the haunting family homes where dunes have risen waist-high through doorways. Every room is a perfectly preserved time capsule of 1920s colonial wealth. The contrast between German Art Nouveau interiors and the encroaching desert is viscerally unforgettable. Guided tours depart at 09:30 and 11:00; the site is open Monday–Friday 08:00–15:00.
Good to know Kolmanskop is 10 km from the Lüderitz pier — a short taxi or private transfer ride. Book tickets online in advance at kolmanskuppe.com to secure your slot. All-aboard times vary by ship; confirm with your concierge, but the 09:30 tour comfortably fits most itineraries. Bring a wide-angle lens and a hat — the desert sun is fierce.
book direct with Kolmanskuppe (Official Ghost Town) → · the full guide →
What you do Penetrate the legendary Sperrgebiet — the 'Forbidden Diamond Area' — to reach the 55-metre natural rock arch of Bogenfels and the eerie ruins of Pomona, a ghost diamond town even more remote than Kolmanskop. Fewer than a handful of operators hold the rare permits to enter.
What to expect A rugged but luxuriously guided 4x4 journey skirts the wild Atlantic coastline and plunges into the Namib's forbidden interior. At Bogenfels, the colossal freestanding arch rises from the desert floor in near-total silence — no crowds, no fences, just raw geological wonder. Pomona's abandoned ore-processing plant and crumbling workers' quarters tell a story of diamond-rush boom and bust. Expert guides narrate the extraordinary history of the Sperrgebiet throughout.
Good to know This is a full-day excursion — confirm all-aboard time with your ship's schedule and allow a full 8–9 hours. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and sun protection. Limited group sizes mean spaces sell out quickly — pre-book well before your port call. Transfer from the pier is included in most packages.
What you do Sail the icy, wildlife-rich waters of Lüderitz Bay aboard a private catamaran to encounter African penguins, Cape fur seals, cormorants and — seasonally — dolphins and whales, all against the backdrop of a pristine desert coastline.
What to expect The catamaran glides out of the sheltered harbour into the cold, turquoise Atlantic, where African penguins — an endangered species — bob and porpoise around the bow. Cape fur seals haul out on rocky outcrops in their thousands, filling the air with their distinctive bark. Your skipper and naturalist guide narrate the ecology of the Benguela upwelling, one of the world's most productive marine systems. Oysters and Namibian sparkling wine are typically served on deck.
Good to know Tours depart from the Lüderitz waterfront, a short walk from the cruise pier. Bring a warm windproof layer — even on sunny days the Atlantic breeze is brisk. Morning departures offer the calmest seas and best light. Book directly with the operator and confirm availability against your all-aboard time.
book direct with Penguin Catamaran Tours Lüderitz → · the full guide →
What you do Explore one of Africa's most unexpected architectural treasures — a perfectly preserved German colonial town perched above the wild South Atlantic, crowned by the landmark Felsenkirche, whose stained-glass windows were a personal gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What to expect Wander the pastel-coloured Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) villas of Diamantberg, each one a statement of colonial-era diamond wealth. The Felsenkirche (Rock Church, 1912) commands the highest point in town, its soaring nave flooded with jewel-coloured light from the Kaiser's windows. Your guide brings the history vividly alive — from the diamond rush to the South African mandate to independence. Finish at the waterfront for panoramic views across the bay to the offshore islands.
Good to know The entire old town is walkable from the pier in under 10 minutes. The Felsenkirche is open to visitors most mornings — confirm current opening hours on arrival. The tour easily fits within a half-day, leaving time for lunch at a local restaurant. Sturdy flat shoes are recommended for the granite cobblestones.
book direct with Namib Offroad Excursions → · the full guide →
What you do Journey to the wild tip of the Lüderitz Peninsula to stand beside the replica of Bartolomeu Dias's 1488 cross — the furthest point of European exploration at the time — while scanning the sea for African penguins on Halifax Island directly below.
What to expect A 4x4 vehicle navigates the dramatic, boulder-strewn peninsula road, passing Agate Beach — where semi-precious stones litter the shoreline — and Shark Island with its sobering colonial history. At Diaz Point, the Atlantic hurls itself against the rocks with extraordinary force, and the padrao cross marks a pivotal moment in world exploration history. Halifax Island, just offshore, hosts one of Namibia's most accessible African penguin colonies, visible through binoculars from the clifftops.
Good to know Diaz Point is approximately 22 km from the pier — a private vehicle is the only practical option. The road is unmade in parts; a 4x4 is recommended, especially after rain. The site is always open and free to access once at the point. Allow 3–4 hours for the full peninsula loop. Kali Tours is best reached via the Cruise Critic contact thread for the most current pricing.
What you do As the Namib's light drains to crimson and then to ink, settle into the world's oldest desert for a private sundowner and expert-guided stargazing session under one of Earth's darkest, most pristine night skies — far from any city glow.
What to expect Your private guide drives you into the desert interior as the sun dips, the sand turning from gold to ember to violet. Chilled Namibian wine, local canapés and warm blankets are laid out as darkness falls with astonishing speed. The guide sets up high-powered telescopes and narrates the southern hemisphere constellations — the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds — with genuine expertise. The silence and the scale of the star-canopy overhead is a profoundly moving experience.
Good to know This excursion is evening-dependent — ideal for ships with a late all-aboard or overnight call in Lüderitz. Confirm departure time carefully against your ship's schedule. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset; bring or request a warm layer. The experience is best on moonless nights — your operator can advise on optimal dates. Private transfers from the pier are included.
What you do Ascend one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a private guide, ride the revolving cable car, and survey 1,000 km of coastline from the summit plateau. This is Cape Town's defining bucket-list moment.
What to expect Your guide collects you portside and drives via the scenic lower cable station approach. At the top, spend up to 90 minutes exploring the plateau's lunar rock formations and indigenous proteas, with Table Bay and Robben Island spread below. The revolving cable car provides 360° views on the descent. The whole experience is unhurried and entirely at your own pace.
Good to know Cable car operates weather-permitting — confirm on the morning. Book cable car tickets at tablemountain.net to avoid queues. Allow 3–4 hours total. The V&A Waterfront is a short drive back to port.
book direct with Cape Town Tour Guide (official private guide service) → · the full guide →
What you do Cross Table Bay to the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. A former political prisoner leads you through the maximum-security cellblock — one of the most profoundly moving experiences on the planet.
What to expect The 30-minute ferry departs the V&A Waterfront (a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal) and crosses to the island. A bus tour covers the island's lime quarry and political exile sites before an ex-prisoner leads the cellblock tour, pausing at Nelson Mandela's actual cell. The emotional resonance is unlike anywhere else in Africa. The return ferry gives views of the full Cape Town mountain backdrop.
Good to know Ferries depart at set times (09:00, 11:00, 13:00); pre-book well in advance as tours sell out weeks ahead, especially on cruise days. Total duration is approximately 3.5 hours. Confirm your ship's all-aboard time — the 09:00 departure is safest.
book direct with Robben Island Museum (official operator) → · the full guide →
What you do A full-day private odyssey along one of the world's great coastal drives — Chapman's Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, and a penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This is the definitive Cape Town bucket-list route.
What to expect Depart the V&A Waterfront and wind south along the Atlantic Seaboard past Clifton's white-sand coves. Chapman's Peak Drive — a cliff-carved corniche — delivers jaw-dropping ocean panoramas. At Cape Point, hike to the lighthouse perch where two oceans meet. Then on to Simon's Town's Boulders Beach, where 3,000 African penguins waddle within arm's reach. The return leg traces the False Bay coastline through charming fishing villages.
Good to know Full-day tour — allow 8–9 hours. Cape Point entry is additional. Pre-book Boulders Beach (SANParks) online. Depart by 08:00 to make the most of the light and return comfortably before all-aboard.
book direct with Cape Town Tour Guide (official private guide service) → · the full guide →
What you do Journey 45 minutes into the Cape Winelands' UNESCO-listed landscape of oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch manor houses, and world-class Chenin Blanc and Pinotage estates — a sensory masterpiece for the discerning palate.
What to expect Your driver-guide whisks you through the Helshoogte Pass into Stellenbosch, where whitewashed Cape Dutch gables frame centuries of viticulture. Visit two to three handpicked estates — perhaps Meerlust, Rust en Vrede, or Delaire Graff — for tutored tastings of benchmark South African wines. Pair with artisan cheeseboards or a light estate lunch. The drive through vine-quilted valleys is as intoxicating as the wine itself.
Good to know A half-day tour (5 hours) fits comfortably within a port call. Pre-book estate tastings directly to secure a slot — Delaire Graff and Rust en Vrede are particularly sought-after. Stellenbosch is 50 km from the cruise terminal.
book direct with Cape Town Tour Guide (official private guide service) → · the full guide →
What you do The smartest independent way to see Cape Town's iconic landmarks — from the V&A Waterfront and Bo-Kaap to Kirstenbosch Gardens — with a premium combo ticket that includes the Table Mountain cable car ascent.
What to expect Buses depart the V&A Waterfront (a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal) every 20 minutes on two routes covering 26 stops. The premium open-top double-decker comes with audio commentary in 16 languages. Hop off at the lower cable station for the Table Mountain ascent included in your combo ticket, then reboard for the Camps Bay and Sea Point route back. The Bo-Kaap stop delivers some of Cape Town's most photogenic streetscapes.
Good to know Buy tickets online in advance at citysightseeing.co.za to skip the queue. Cable car is weather-dependent — check the morning of. A full loop without stopping takes 2.5 hours; plan 5–6 hours for 4–5 hop-offs. Buses run until approximately 17:00.
book direct with City Sightseeing Cape Town (official operator) → · the full guide →
What you do Face the ocean's apex predator from inside a submerged cage off the world's most celebrated Great White hotspot, Dyer Island — a raw, adrenaline-charged bucket-list encounter that redefines your relationship with the sea.
What to expect A 2-hour transfer from Cape Town brings you to the small fishing harbour of Gansbaai. After a marine biologist briefing aboard a purpose-built shark vessel, you anchor at Shark Alley — a narrow channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape fur seals. Wetsuits on, the cage is lowered, and Great Whites glide past within metres. Even observers on deck experience extraordinary close encounters. A warm lunch and debrief complete the expedition.
Good to know Full-day commitment: depart port by 06:00, return by 17:00 — verify against your ship's all-aboard time. Transfer from Cape Town adds ~2 hours each way. Pre-book directly with Marine Dynamics as capacity is strictly limited. No diving experience required; cage diving is surface-level.
book direct with Marine Dynamics Shark Tours (official operator) → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside Namibia's most hauntingly beautiful ruin — a once-opulent diamond-mining town now swallowed by the Namib. Sand dunes reclaim ballrooms and billiard halls in slow motion, creating one of Africa's most surreal and photogenic scenes.
What to expect Your guide leads you through the restored manager's villa, the casino, the skittle alley and the haunting family homes where dunes have risen waist-high through doorways. Every room is a perfectly preserved time capsule of 1920s colonial wealth. The contrast between German Art Nouveau interiors and the encroaching desert is viscerally unforgettable. Guided tours depart at 09:30 and 11:00; the site is open Monday–Friday 08:00–15:00.
Good to know Kolmanskop is 10 km from the Lüderitz pier — a short taxi or private transfer ride. Book tickets online in advance at kolmanskuppe.com to secure your slot. All-aboard times vary by ship; confirm with your concierge, but the 09:30 tour comfortably fits most itineraries. Bring a wide-angle lens and a hat — the desert sun is fierce.
book direct with Kolmanskuppe (Official Ghost Town) → · the full guide →
What you do Penetrate the legendary Sperrgebiet — the 'Forbidden Diamond Area' — to reach the 55-metre natural rock arch of Bogenfels and the eerie ruins of Pomona, a ghost diamond town even more remote than Kolmanskop. Fewer than a handful of operators hold the rare permits to enter.
What to expect A rugged but luxuriously guided 4x4 journey skirts the wild Atlantic coastline and plunges into the Namib's forbidden interior. At Bogenfels, the colossal freestanding arch rises from the desert floor in near-total silence — no crowds, no fences, just raw geological wonder. Pomona's abandoned ore-processing plant and crumbling workers' quarters tell a story of diamond-rush boom and bust. Expert guides narrate the extraordinary history of the Sperrgebiet throughout.
Good to know This is a full-day excursion — confirm all-aboard time with your ship's schedule and allow a full 8–9 hours. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and sun protection. Limited group sizes mean spaces sell out quickly — pre-book well before your port call. Transfer from the pier is included in most packages.
What you do Sail the icy, wildlife-rich waters of Lüderitz Bay aboard a private catamaran to encounter African penguins, Cape fur seals, cormorants and — seasonally — dolphins and whales, all against the backdrop of a pristine desert coastline.
What to expect The catamaran glides out of the sheltered harbour into the cold, turquoise Atlantic, where African penguins — an endangered species — bob and porpoise around the bow. Cape fur seals haul out on rocky outcrops in their thousands, filling the air with their distinctive bark. Your skipper and naturalist guide narrate the ecology of the Benguela upwelling, one of the world's most productive marine systems. Oysters and Namibian sparkling wine are typically served on deck.
Good to know Tours depart from the Lüderitz waterfront, a short walk from the cruise pier. Bring a warm windproof layer — even on sunny days the Atlantic breeze is brisk. Morning departures offer the calmest seas and best light. Book directly with the operator and confirm availability against your all-aboard time.
book direct with Penguin Catamaran Tours Lüderitz → · the full guide →
What you do Explore one of Africa's most unexpected architectural treasures — a perfectly preserved German colonial town perched above the wild South Atlantic, crowned by the landmark Felsenkirche, whose stained-glass windows were a personal gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II.
What to expect Wander the pastel-coloured Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) villas of Diamantberg, each one a statement of colonial-era diamond wealth. The Felsenkirche (Rock Church, 1912) commands the highest point in town, its soaring nave flooded with jewel-coloured light from the Kaiser's windows. Your guide brings the history vividly alive — from the diamond rush to the South African mandate to independence. Finish at the waterfront for panoramic views across the bay to the offshore islands.
Good to know The entire old town is walkable from the pier in under 10 minutes. The Felsenkirche is open to visitors most mornings — confirm current opening hours on arrival. The tour easily fits within a half-day, leaving time for lunch at a local restaurant. Sturdy flat shoes are recommended for the granite cobblestones.
book direct with Namib Offroad Excursions → · the full guide →
What you do Journey to the wild tip of the Lüderitz Peninsula to stand beside the replica of Bartolomeu Dias's 1488 cross — the furthest point of European exploration at the time — while scanning the sea for African penguins on Halifax Island directly below.
What to expect A 4x4 vehicle navigates the dramatic, boulder-strewn peninsula road, passing Agate Beach — where semi-precious stones litter the shoreline — and Shark Island with its sobering colonial history. At Diaz Point, the Atlantic hurls itself against the rocks with extraordinary force, and the padrao cross marks a pivotal moment in world exploration history. Halifax Island, just offshore, hosts one of Namibia's most accessible African penguin colonies, visible through binoculars from the clifftops.
Good to know Diaz Point is approximately 22 km from the pier — a private vehicle is the only practical option. The road is unmade in parts; a 4x4 is recommended, especially after rain. The site is always open and free to access once at the point. Allow 3–4 hours for the full peninsula loop. Kali Tours is best reached via the Cruise Critic contact thread for the most current pricing.
What you do As the Namib's light drains to crimson and then to ink, settle into the world's oldest desert for a private sundowner and expert-guided stargazing session under one of Earth's darkest, most pristine night skies — far from any city glow.
What to expect Your private guide drives you into the desert interior as the sun dips, the sand turning from gold to ember to violet. Chilled Namibian wine, local canapés and warm blankets are laid out as darkness falls with astonishing speed. The guide sets up high-powered telescopes and narrates the southern hemisphere constellations — the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds — with genuine expertise. The silence and the scale of the star-canopy overhead is a profoundly moving experience.
Good to know This excursion is evening-dependent — ideal for ships with a late all-aboard or overnight call in Lüderitz. Confirm departure time carefully against your ship's schedule. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset; bring or request a warm layer. The experience is best on moonless nights — your operator can advise on optimal dates. Private transfers from the pier are included.
What you do Plunge into one of Africa's most surreal landscapes where 100-metre Namib dunes collapse directly into the Atlantic surf. A private 4x4 takes you deep into Sandwich Harbour, a UNESCO-listed wetland with no roads, no crowds — just you and the raw edge of the world.
What to expect Your private 4x4 deflates its tyres at the beach and powers over shifting dune faces that drop sheer into the ocean — a spectacle found nowhere else on Earth. The guide interprets the Benguela Current ecosystem, the endemic Welwitschia plants, and the birdlife of the lagoon. A gourmet picnic with local snacks and cold drinks is served on a dune with panoramic views. You return to port along the shore just as the golden-hour light ignites the sand.
Good to know Tours depart from the cruise terminal and take approximately 4–5 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard time and request early-departure slots. Pre-book directly to secure the private vehicle. Bring a windproof layer — the sea breeze on the dunes is fierce.
book direct with Alter Action Sandwich Harbour Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Board a sleek catamaran to encounter Namibia's Marine Big 5 — Cape fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, leatherback turtles, African penguins, and flamingos — all within Walvis Bay's extraordinary lagoon. Oysters and sparkling wine are served as the wildlife comes to you.
What to expect The catamaran glides out of Walvis Bay harbour into the Benguela Current-rich lagoon, one of Africa's most productive marine ecosystems. Thousands of Cape fur seals loll on the jetty pontoons and often haul themselves onto the boat's stern. Oysters are shucked fresh from local beds and paired with Namibian sparkling wine mid-cruise. Bottlenose dolphins frequently surf the bow wave just metres from where you stand.
Good to know Cruises run approximately 2.5–3 hours and depart from Walvis Bay Waterfront — a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal. Book the morning departure to maximise dolphin activity. Dress in layers; the Benguela Current keeps the bay brisk even on sunny days.
What you do Paddle a sea kayak alongside 80,000 Cape fur seals at Pelican Point, where a Victorian-era lighthouse stands guard over a bone-white beach strewn with shipwreck ribs. This is the most intimate way to meet Namibia's marine wildlife — eye-to-eye at water level.
What to expect After a short transfer along the Walvis Bay spit, you launch your tandem sea kayak into the calm inner lagoon. Within minutes, inquisitive juvenile seals bob around your paddle blades, occasionally leaping clean over the bow. Your guide narrates the ecology of the Benguela upwelling and points out flamingo flocks feeding in the shallows nearby. The paddle rounds Pelican Point itself, where the 1910 lighthouse and skeletal shipwreck frames make for extraordinary photographs.
Good to know No kayaking experience necessary; the lagoon is sheltered and calm. The excursion runs approximately 2.5 hours. Combine it with an afternoon Sandwich Harbour 4x4 for the ultimate dual-landscape day — operators on both sides support the combo. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes; curious seals will splash you.
What you do Step into Namibia's most atmospheric colonial-era town — a place of German-Wilhelmine architecture, crisp ocean air, and extraordinary dune-backed streets. A private guided tour unlocks the hidden history of this improbable desert port, from German colonial rule to the uranium-boom present.
What to expect Your private guide collects you dockside and drives the coast road to Swakopmund, narrating the astonishing story of how Germany built a functioning colonial port in the middle of the world's oldest desert. The walk through the town centre takes in the Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (the Old German courthouse), the Lighthouse, the Kristall Galerie, and the landmark Hotel Swakopmund. Lunch at a quayside restaurant — local yellowtail or Namibian oysters — is built into the itinerary. The return skirts the vast salt pans, often pink with flamingos.
Good to know Walvis Bay to Swakopmund is approximately 30 km (30-minute drive). Allow 4–5 hours minimum; confirm the all-aboard time before booking. The Kristall Galerie houses the world's largest known single quartz crystal cluster — entry is NAD 50 (~USD 3). Book private transfer in advance to guarantee port pick-up.
What you do Watch the Namib go molten gold as the sun drops behind 100-metre dunes inches from the open Atlantic — one of the most dramatic sunsets on the planet, enjoyed with chilled champagne on a private dune crest with your own guide and vehicle.
What to expect Departing Walvis Bay mid-afternoon, the 4x4 tackles the tidal beach corridor as the light softens to amber. The guide reads the dune faces like a pilot, climbing to a private vantage point above the surf line just as the sun descends. Sundowners are served from a cool-box while flamingos glow pink in the lagoon below. The return drive by starlight — the Milky Way ablaze over the Namib — is an experience unto itself.
Good to know Sunset timing varies by season; confirm departure time against your ship's all-aboard. This tour is only viable if your ship overnights or has a late (post-20:00) departure from Walvis Bay — verify with the bridge before booking. A warm layer is essential after sunset on the dunes.
book direct with Alter Action Sandwich Harbour Tours → · the full guide →
What you do The Walvis Bay Lagoon hosts the largest congregation of greater and lesser flamingos in southern Africa — up to 150,000 birds turning the shallows cerise. A specialist bird guide leads an intimate small-group exploration of this Ramsar-listed wetland, the ecological crown jewel of the Namibian coast.
What to expect The guide drives the levee roads between the industrial salt pans and the tidal lagoon, where vast flamingo flocks feed in the pink-tinged brine. A short kayak section allows you to drift soundlessly to within metres of roosting birds; the silence is broken only by the collective murmur of 50,000 wingbeats. The guide identifies species with a spotting scope — from chestnut-banded plovers to Damara terns — and explains the extraordinary Benguela ecosystem that sustains this abundance. Fresh Namibian oysters and local sparkling wine conclude the morning at the lagoon edge.
Good to know Morning departures (07:00–08:00) are essential for flamingo feeding activity and the best photographic light. The excursion runs approximately 3 hours. Wear neutral-coloured clothing; bright colours disturb the birds. Long lens cameras (200mm+) are highly recommended. Bookings fill fast — reserve well before your cruise date.
book direct with Eco Marine Kayak Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Explore the remote, volcanic wonder of St. Helena with Aaron, the island's most celebrated local guide. From hidden valleys to dramatic coastal cliffs, this private tour reveals the soul of one of earth's most isolated islands.
What to expect Aaron tailors every route to your interests, threading together dramatic volcanic ridgelines, the eerie High Knoll Fort, the remote south-west coastline and Plantation House — home of Jonathan the giant tortoise. He narrates island life, history and ecology with infectious passion. Stops are unhurried; you travel in a private vehicle and set the pace entirely. Expect candid conversations, impromptu detours and photography opportunities that would be impossible on a larger group outing.
Good to know Book directly with Aaron well in advance — he is frequently fully reserved. Full-day tours easily fit within port hours; confirm all-aboard time and he will plan accordingly. Bring cash in GBP or USD; card facilities are limited on-island.
book direct with Aaron's Adventure Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Plunge into some of the most untouched Atlantic waters on the planet with St. Helena's only dedicated dive operator. Extraordinary underwater visibility, endemic marine life and a complete absence of crowds make this a once-in-a-lifetime dive.
What to expect Launches depart from Jamestown's compact harbour and reach dive sites within minutes. Underwater, expect 30-metre-plus visibility, dense schools of endemic fish, resident whale sharks (seasonal), sea turtles and dramatic basalt formations draped in soft coral. The team briefs thoroughly and paces the dive to your experience level. A surface interval aboard the rigid inflatable, with views back to the Jamestown cliffscape, is a memory in itself.
Good to know Pre-book as far ahead as possible — slots are extremely limited. Bring your PADI/BSAC certification card. Non-divers can join as snorkellers on the same boat. Allow at least half a day; confirm timings against your all-aboard call.
What you do Conquer the world-famous Jacob's Ladder — 699 near-vertical steps cut into the cliff face above Jamestown — and be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the entire South Atlantic.
What to expect The ascent from the base of Jamestown's narrow valley takes a fit walker around 15–20 minutes; the steps are steep and uninterrupted, rising 183 metres in one dramatic straight line. At the summit, Ladder Hill Fort frames a sweeping vista over the turquoise South Atlantic and the colourful Georgian streetscape below. Many visitors descend and re-climb the steps as a personal challenge. The surrounding fortifications are freely explorable and wonderfully photogenic at golden hour.
Good to know Wear good walking shoes and bring water — there are no facilities at the top. Allow 1–1.5 hours total. The Ladder is a short walk from the pier, making timing against all-aboard very manageable. Avoid midday heat if possible.
book direct with St. Helena Tourism (self-guided, managed by St. Helena Government) → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside the island's finest cultural repository and trace 500 years of extraordinary history — from Portuguese discovery to Napoleon Bonaparte's final exile — in intimate, expertly curated galleries right in the heart of Jamestown.
What to expect Beautifully housed in a historic Jamestown building, the museum displays Napoleon's personal effects, East India Company artefacts, endemic natural history specimens and the remarkable story of the island's freed slave community. Curators are on hand and eager to share stories beyond the labels. The Napoleon collection alone — including items from Longwood House — is of international significance. A visit pairs perfectly with the short walk to Saint James' Anglican Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in the Southern Hemisphere.
Good to know The museum is a short stroll from the pier along Jamestown's main street. Opening hours typically align with ship days — confirm with the museum directly ahead of arrival. A private guide session should be arranged in advance by email.
What you do Discover the world's most remotely produced rum at St. Helena Distillery — a tiny, artisan operation crafting award-winning spirits from locally grown sugarcane on one of earth's most isolated islands. A rare sensory privilege.
What to expect The distillery occupies a characterful Jamestown premises where the entire production process — fermentation, distillation and ageing — unfolds on a human scale you can observe at close quarters. The guided tasting covers the distillery's signature white rum, spiced expressions and aged reserves, each reflecting the island's volcanic water and Atlantic climate. The team is wonderfully hospitable and bottles make exceptional, highly giftable souvenirs unavailable anywhere outside St. Helena.
Good to know Pre-contact the distillery to arrange a guided tour slot on your ship's port day — walk-ins are welcomed but space is limited. The distillery is within easy walking distance of the pier. Export of bottles is straightforward via Jamestown's small customs process.
What you do Meet Jonathan, the world's oldest known living land animal — a 190+ year-old giant tortoise who has roamed the lawns of Plantation House since before Queen Victoria's coronation. An encounter with living history unlike anything else on earth.
What to expect Plantation House is the official residence of the Governor of St. Helena, set in immaculate grounds in the island's cool central highlands. Jonathan — a Seychelles giant tortoise — has lived here since approximately 1882 and is listed in the Guinness World Records. He is surprisingly sociable and visitors may approach closely under the guidance of resident staff. The Georgian plantation house itself is architecturally magnificent, and the highland setting, with views across rolling pasture to the Atlantic, is serenely beautiful. The half-day format pairs this stop with High Knoll Fort for a complete highland experience.
Good to know Plantation House grounds are open to visitors most mornings (confirm with Aaron or the Governor's office ahead of arrival). The site is approximately 5 km from Jamestown — a private vehicle is essential. Allow a half day; timing against all-aboard is comfortably achievable.
book direct with Aaron's Adventure Tours (private transfer & guided visit) → · the full guide →
What you do Ascend to Gran Canaria's iconic volcanic monolith — a 65-metre basalt needle at 1,813 m — through cloud-forest trails and the achingly pretty village of Tejeda. This is the island's single most dramatic landscape, full stop.
What to expect Your private driver-guide collects you portside and winds south through the dramatic caldera interior, stopping at panoramic miradors before the short hike to Roque Nublo's base. The views sweep from the Atlantic to Teide on a clear day. You return via Tejeda for local wine and almond sweets before a scenic descent back to Las Palmas.
Good to know Pre-book directly with Shore Emotion to secure a private vehicle. The round trip takes 5–6 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard time and request an adjusted itinerary if needed. Wear sturdy walking shoes and a windproof layer — the summit is brisk even in summer.
book direct with Shore Emotion (Private 4×4 Tour) → · the full guide →
What you do Ranked among Europe's finest aquariums, Poema del Mar is an architectural and marine marvel just steps from the port — its centrepiece a 33-million-litre deep-ocean tank inspired by an underwater volcano. A private guide transforms it into an intimate marine biology masterclass.
What to expect Move through immersive biotopes replicating the Canarian coastline, tropical reefs, and open ocean, culminating in the spectacular 8-metre-deep tunnel beneath the main tank. The private guide narrates the conservation mission behind each habitat. Conclude with a coffee at the aquarium's sky-view terrace overlooking the harbour.
Good to know The aquarium is a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal — ideal if time ashore is limited. Book private guided slots directly via the official website. Open daily; morning slots offer the quietest experience. Allow 2–2.5 hours.
book direct with Poema del Mar (Official) → · the full guide →
What you do The largest botanical garden in Spain and the finest in the Macaronesian islands — 27 hectares of dragon trees, giant Canarian palms, endemic laurel forest, and cliff-face cactus gardens carved into a ravine. With a private botanist-guide, it becomes a living encyclopedia of island evolution.
What to expect Your guide leads you through the Dragon Tree Forest, the Macaronesian laurel collection, and the spectacular cliff gardens, pausing to explain the unique adaptations of each species. The garden's upper terraces reveal sweeping views across the Guiniguada ravine. The experience is as much philosophy as botany — an intimate meditation on isolation and evolution.
Good to know Located 20 minutes by taxi from the port (approx. EUR 15 each way). Arrange private guided tours via the official website's contact form well in advance. Best visited in the morning before the heat peaks. Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain includes steps and slopes.
book direct with Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo (Official) → · the full guide →
What you do The smartest, most flexible way to cover Las Palmas's greatest hits — from the golden arc of Las Canteras beach and the art nouveau Santa Catalina Park to the UNESCO-listed Vegueta quarter — on a panoramic open-top double-decker with live or audio commentary in multiple languages.
What to expect Board steps from the cruise terminal and ascend to the open-top deck for unobstructed panoramas as you loop through the city's 14 key stops. Hop off at Playa de las Canteras — one of Europe's great urban beaches — for a swim or a seafood lunch, then re-board to continue to Vegueta. The live English-speaking guide on select departures adds rich local colour.
Good to know Book online directly with City Sightseeing for e-ticket access and to guarantee a morning departure. The full loop takes approximately 75 minutes non-stop. The cruise terminal stop is the logical starting and ending point, making it effortless to return for all-aboard.
book direct with City Sightseeing Las Palmas (Official) → · the full guide →
What you do Gran Canaria's wine culture is one of the Atlantic's best-kept secrets — volcanic soils, ancient listán negro vines, and trade-wind-cooled microclimates produce wines of extraordinary character. A private visit to Bodega San Juan, one of the island's most respected producers, is a connoisseur's revelation.
What to expect Your host walks you through the estate's volcanic vineyards before descending into the cellar to explore fermentation and ageing techniques unique to the Canary Islands' appellation. The tasting table features five to seven estate wines, each paired with local Canarian specialities — Flor de Guía cheese, sobrasada, and mojo-dressed bread. The session closes with an exclusive bottle selection for purchase.
Good to know Located approximately 30 minutes from the port; arrange private taxi transfer in advance (approx. EUR 30–40 each way). Contact Bodega San Juan directly to reserve a private session — group sizes are intentionally small. Allow 2.5–3 hours. Confirm all-aboard time before booking and build in comfortable transfer time.
Before you sail · near Cape Town
Fly in at least a day early — every seasoned cruiser does, so a delay never costs you the ship. This is what is worth that day within reach of the port.
