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Posts Tagged ‘bareboat vacations’

Bareboat Mexico Cruises: Seeing Mexico in Style

30 Jun
bareboat Mexico

Hussong's Cantina is a "must see" on your bareboat Mexico cruise.

Dreaming of a bareboat Mexico cruise? If you haven’t heard of bareboat cruising, it can be a great alternative to the “big box” cruise outfits. Picture this: You’ve wanted to see Mexico for years, and you’ve finally booked a cruise on one of those mammoth ships. After sleeping in a stateroom the size of a closet for days, you finally reach your first port of call. You head out to explore the local scenery, but guess what? You have to be back at the ship in 6 hours, so you can head off to your next destination.

With a bareboat Mexico cruise, you won’t be herded around and given a schedule. You’ll get to spend as much time in Mexican ports of call as you want. Want to spend an extra day relaxing in Zihuatanejo? Itching to soak in the Mayan ruins? You can do it on a bareboat Mexico cruise.

Here are just a few of the colorful, exciting ports of call you can visit:

  • Ensenada: When you choose to visit Ensenada as a destination on your bareboat Mexico cruise, you can kick back at Hussong’s Cantina, a mainstay of the peninsula since 1892. You’ll also find stretches of peaceful white sand beaches and waterfront restaurants. Between trips to the beach, you can visit the peninsula’s wineries or browse the stalls at more than 100 clothing, jewelry and souvenir shops.
  • Matzalan: If you like beaches, you’ll love Matzalan. This is the largest city on Mexico’s west coast, and it offers miles of calm sandy beaches. While you’re here, check out the 15 mile long carnival, play a round or two of golf or watch swan divers leap from the rocky oceanside cliffs. Venture beyond the tourist attractions and you’ll find the old restored city with its gothic architecture and towering cathedral.
  • Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo: If you’re in the mood for a low-key stop, head for the towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Ixtapa offers plenty of laid-back bars and scenic golf courses, while Zihuatanejo is lined with cobblestone streets and art galleries. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities here. While you’re in Zihuatanejo, head to the El Faro lighthouse, where you can see the sun set over the majestic Sierra Madres.

Sound too good to be true? Fill out the contact form to have a DTS Travel expert help you plan your bareboat Mexico cruise, and you’ll find out just how spectacular Mexican cruising can be!

Image attribution: Canada Good

 
 

Bareboat New Zealand: The Best Way to Explore

28 Jun
bareboat New Zealand

Your bareboat New Zealand cruise can take you to natural wonders

Your bareboat New Zealand cruise will let you see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, from unspoiled beaches to centuries-old architecture. You can also experience the unique culture of the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. From modern cities to primitive villages, there’s something for everyone in New Zealand, and you can enjoy it all on your bareboat New Zealand tour.

  • Auckland: This is the largest city in New Zealand, and the biggest Polynesian city in the world. Four miles north of the city, you can enjoy Takapuna, Auckland’s beach area. For upscale shopping, head for the Queen Street market area, or stroll through Victoria Park Market for food and crafts in a European-style village setting. Auckland also offers plenty of art galleries and antiques shops. Outside the city, you can explore the rural life of New Zealand sheepherders.
  • Christchurch (Lyttelton): This town offers European charm in the South Pacific. The River Avon winds through manicured English gardens and European-style streets. If a trek through nature is more your speed, you can head out to the Orana Park Wildlife Trust or take a countryside tour of the rolling hills outside Christchurch. Don’t forget to stop by the Canterbury Museum and Botanical Gardens before you continue on your bareboat New Zealand cruise.
  • Queen Charlotte Sound: If you want to get away from the tourist areas of New Zealand, sail to Queen Charlotte Sound, which is in the northern part of New Zealand. There is a 40-mile walking track that offers plenty of photo opportunities along New Zealand’s coastal forest. The deep waters surrounding Queen Charlotte Sound are also great for sea kayaking.
  • White Island: Another great choice for adventurous bareboat New Zealand cruisers. Located on the northeast side of New Zealand, White Island is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Trekking across White Island can provide you with spectacular views and plenty of photo fodder, but keep in mind that some areas are restricted.
  • Bay of Islands (Bay of Isles): Located on the north side of New Zealand, this is a perfect destination if you’re interested in maritime history. You can encounter rare sea life and immerse yourself in Maori culture. This is also a great place to fish, swim with dolphins, hike or golf.

Ready to begin your bareboat New Zealand adventure? Get in touch with a DTS Travel expert by completing the contact form today!

Image attribution: Kiwi NZ

 
 

Bareboat Cruises: Your Ticket to the World

24 Jun
bareboat cruises

Bareboat cruises let you see the world on your terms.

Bareboat cruises provide a unique vacation experience for people who want more from a vacation. Most cruise vacationers only get to spend a few hours at each port of call, so they’re limited to the “tourist traps” – the attractions designed to make money, rather than to provide an authentic cultural experience. Some people are fine with a canned cruise experience… but if you’re not one of those people, bareboat cruises offer another option.

It also lets you pass on the destinations you aren’t interested in. Want to visit the Virgin Islands, but prefer to skip the throngs of tourists in Charlotte Amalie? With bareboat cruises, there’s no need to suffer the souvenir shops and Americanized dining options. Instead, you can spend your time scuba diving, hiking along spectacular cays or simply soaking up the Caribbean sun on a pristine white beach.

What’s a bareboat cruise? Rent a yacht, load it up with your friends or family members, stock it with your favorite meals, snacks and games, and head off to the vacation destination of your choice. While you’re there, you visit the ports you want to see, stay as long as you like, and see the sights like few people can.

But aren’t bareboat cruises expensive?

No! Bareboat cruising can be a cost-effective way to take the vacation of your dreams. Since you can split the cost of the yacht rental with your friends or family members who will be joining you, you can have a unique cruising experience for about the cost of a “canned” cruise. The only difference is that you’ll have a much more enjoyable vacation experience.

Ready to start looking for bareboat cruises? Just get in touch with a DTS Travel expert by filling out the contact form, and you’ll be on your way to your freestyle vacation experience!

Image attribution: Caribb