Embark on a 20-day cruise from Rio to Bridgetown, exploring Brazil and the Caribbean. Uncover the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro, delve into the history of Belem, find hidden beaches, and immerse yourself in colonial heritage. Sail through equatorial forests, cross the equator, and the Devil's Island. Experience the Caribbean's charm in Charlotteville, Tobago, and Mayreau, St. Vincent & Grenadines, with their pirate legends and secluded beaches.
Highlights
Visit Rio de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain
Cruise through equatorial forests and the legendary King Neptune's realm
Explore Carlisle's Bay beach and shipwrecks to dive
Discover Mayreau's secluded beaches and St. Vincent & Grenadines' charm
Visit Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at any time in Rio de Janeiro, and check into your hotel by 3 or 4 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.
Rio de Janeiro invokes images of a never-ending festival as a highly celebrated city in the world. Dancing samba on the beach of Ipanema or exploring the art deco influences of Copacabana, the city comes alive. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, visible for miles in any direction, encapsulates the grand feel of the city. On the mouth of Guanabara Bay lies the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where a cable car ride to the top offers exhilarating, bird’s-eye views of city structures that expand to the edges of lush green cliffs into blue waters. Just on the outskirts of the city, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site waits to be explored – Sítio Roberto Burle Marx – a garden designed by the landscape architect after whom the site is named.
.Spend the day on the high seas enjoying spa pampering or deck time. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of exploits, making plans for new ones together once getting to shore.
The city of Ilhéus is renowned for its striking mix of colonial architecture and stunning beaches, as well as its connection to the famous Brazilian writer, Jorge Amado. Discovering its rich history as an exporter of cacao at Fazenda Yrere, sample delicious chocolate produced there while being guided through the process. Notably recognized for Praia Dos Milionarios, enjoying lunch, drinks, and live music at a local cabana is a great option. At Centro Cultural Bataclan, an experience transports back to the 1920s, as history has rendered this city timeless through the building's facade and interior exhibits.
Salvador's blend of colonial and African influences offers an opportunity to fully engage in the energy of Afro-Brazilian culture. The city's food, arts, music, and the vibrant atmosphere of newer neighborhoods immerse visitors in an authentic and diverse adventure.
The former capital of Portugal's New World colony rests along Brazil's northeast Atlantic coast. Vibrant pastel-colored colonial architecture beautifully showcases the city's intricate identity and cultural inspirations. Museums like Misericordia and Bahia Museum of Modern Art provide insight into the culture's history and art, enabling a true understanding of the locals.
Ascending the steps of the Barra Lighthouse, with its black and white structure, provides breathtaking views of the Bay of All Saints. Here, the sea breeze rustles through hair as the bay's expanse on one side and the lush greenery of tropical palms on the other are absorbed. The symphony of waves against the lighthouse's stone fortress becomes exploration's backdrop.
Forte da Capoeira, a former state prison, now serves as the venue to witness a captivating capoeira performance. This distinctive Brazilian tradition originates from African practices that blend martial arts and dance styles. Its cultural significance is so profound that UNESCO has designated it as an intangible world heritage.
Spend the day on the high seas enjoying spa pampering or deck time. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of exploits, making plans for new ones together once getting to shore.
Recife, a significant city in northern Brazil, presents a wide range of neighborhoods to explore. From beaches like Boa Viagem fringed with palms to the vibrant streets, markets, and colonial architecture of Old Town, this destination offers an ideal playground for travelers. Abundant rivers, bridges, peninsulas, and islets ensure there's never a dull moment. The lively Mercado de São José with its colorful streets and architecture showcases the city's vibrancy. Praca da Republica, Catedral de São Pedro dos Clerigos, and Teatro Santa Isabel, through their structures, echo with stories for those willing to listen.
Find all the splendor of Brazil in Natal, perched along the Atlantic coast. Miles of undulating sand dunes that transform into turquoise lagoons during the right season make up the Dune State Park. Experience an exhilarating buggy ride through the Genipabu Beach dunes. For a true feel for the people of Northern Brazil, dive into their cuisine. Trying the local favorite, bobo de camarao, a savory stew prepared with manioc, dende oil, coconut milk, and shrimp, will forever change taste buds. Forte dos Reis Magos, an old, star-shaped fort along the waterfront, stands as a monument to strength and endurance, both for the city and its people.
Fortaleza, the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceara, boasts over 30 kilometers of beaches, creating a sunny paradise of white sands and blue waves. Skyscrapers that line the horizon behind the beaches give a cosmopolitan look and feel that affords travelers all the conveniences of modern-day exploration.
The arts and cultural center of Dragao do Mar (Dragon of the Sea) offers a lively experience with museums, a planetarium, Brazilian films, and other city-wide events. This provides the chance to dive in and immerse oneself among the locals and their history. During the night, the center becomes a hub for nightlife with bustling bars and live music.
For a true taste of Brazil, sampling the local fare is a must. From fresh fish of the day to the country’s national cocktail, caipirinha – a drink that highlights the nation’s sweet fruit flavors with liquor. If a sweet tooth persists, trying a typical tapioca ice cream, a light and often fruity treat that invokes feelings of carefree childhood, is recommended.
Along the coastline of Beira-Mar Avenue, more restaurants are found, enticing with delectable and savory aromas of typical Brazilian dishes. Making it past the food to the end of the avenue reveals a local market. Here, vendors sell local wares like leather goods and colorful trinkets to take home. Moreover, it offers a chance to mingle with the residents and make friends with the locals.
Spend the day on the high seas enjoying spa pampering or deck time. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of exploits, making plans for new ones together once getting to shore.
In the economic hub of Belém, referred to as "The City of Mango Trees," lies a cultural center enriched with art galleries, museums, and historic sites. Along the quay, fishing boats and canoes are lined up, unloading their goods, which range from ceramics to herbs and acai berries. While strolling through the historic district, encounter Mercado Ver-o-Peso, the largest open-air market in Latin America that dates back to 1625. A day spent at Mangal das Garças, a zoo and botanical garden, offers captivating flora and fauna, including an aviary with exotic birds, giant iguanas, and a butterfly house. From this port, a day trip to Ilha do Combú is possible, an island filled with natural wonders and locally known as the land of cacao.
One of the most coveted experiences is crossing the equator. Those who can claim to have sailed through the middle of the Earth possess unique bragging rights and a captivating tale to share upon returning home. Approaching the equator, the domain of King Neptune is entered. This is where mettle is tested to determine if deserving of entering the realm. At least, the narrative behind the Equator Crossing ceremony suggests so. Each initiation varies from one voyage to another, yet a common theme persists. Guests and crew come together in a spectacle to commemorate the significant instant of crossing the equator line.
Spend the day on the high seas enjoying spa pampering or deck time. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of exploits, making plans for new ones together once getting to shore.
Devil’s Island, known as Cayenne, is a penal colony of French Guiana with a haunted history. Here lie the crumbled remains of a prison opened in 1852 and shut down in 1953. Infamous for housing French political prisoners, it even served as the backdrop for the 1973 action-thriller film Papillon. Nestled among palm trees and tropical settings hides a turbulent past truth.
The currents near Devil’s Island are so strong, visitors can only access by Zodiac. Upon arriving on the island, roaming among the ruins is possible, gazing at the fallen walls that once housed the likes of prisoners like Captain Alfred Dreyfus. A quiet befalls this uninhabited island weighed with such a troubled history.
As the wind blows through the palm trees and the remains of the island are traversed, a sense of eerie calm in its isolation becomes apparent. Moss and vines grown over the remains of buildings create a feeling as if it's a part of history that happened long ago, but actually only ended within the last century.
Walking through what remains of the corridors leading to the former prison cells is accompanied by the rustle of the winds and the distant sounds of animals scurrying about the island. A solemn air permeates the atmosphere until stepping back out of the shade of the palms and into the warm sunlight.
Spend the day on the high seas enjoying spa pampering or deck time. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of exploits, making plans for new ones together once getting to shore.
The sleepy fishing village of Charlotteville offers the charms of a tropical Caribbean expedition with the remote feel of small-town living away from mainstream tourism. Positioned on the northeast tip of Tobago along Man-o-War Bay, this quiet, beachside retreat provides travelers with the blue waters and palm trees desired, along with fewer crowds.
Tobago’s history of pirates calls out to the adventurer in all. Explorers can descend the stone steps leading into the Pirates’ Bay cove where legends like Black Beard, Henry Morgan, and Captain Finn once made the base of their escapades. Legend has it their treasure is still buried under the sands.
For a truly secluded experience, explore the small strip of Lover’s Beach, accessible only by boat. With pink sands that sparkle in the sun, the effects of a shoreline made of crushed seashells, and surrounding cliffs lush with green, it’s easy to see how this bay earned its romantic reputation.
A short walk away from the village of Charlotteville lies the historic site of Fort Campbellton. The cannons at the hilltop of the old fort point out toward Man-o-War Bay, leading the eye to a mesmerizing landscape. From this vantage point, the sight of surrounding mountains and sandy beaches below can be taken in.
Along Tobago’s beaches, stopping at a local bar and restaurant to order a dish of the catch of the day is possible. Fishing being the island’s main industry guarantees fresh seafood plates wherever one roams in Charlotteville.
Situated in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines evoke visions of a serene island living in a less-traveled destination. Among these islands, Mayreau stands as possibly the most remote, and it is also the smallest of the Grenadines. Notably, Mayreau boasts Salt Whistle Bay, an untouched beach shielded from the turbulent Atlantic waves by a land strip extending into the ocean. This unique geography creates an ideal setting for spending a tranquil day under the sun's warmth, sipping on a crafted cocktail. Bask in the sun's embrace while relishing a beach gathering along its pristine shores.
Day 20: Bridgetown, Barbados | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The historical capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, showcases centuries of colonial architecture that depict the expansion of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses numerous old structures that hold the captivating history of the island's evolution. Positioned along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown also presents stunning and tranquil beach vistas adorned with soft, white sands. Furthermore, it beckons as an alluring destination, with ancient shipwrecks to dive into and explore near the coastline, such as the S.S. Stavronikita – among the most renowned dive sites across the Caribbean. A journey to Barbados wouldn't be complete without savoring the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the Caribbean's oldest distilleries.
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Adventure Oceanview Stateroom (AO)
Located: Deck 3
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 183 sq. ft.
• Sitting area with chair, desk and TV
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Horizon Stateroom (A2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
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Horizon Stateroom (A1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
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Veranda Stateroom (B2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
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Veranda Stateroom (B1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
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Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (E2)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 300 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Living room with sofa and vanity
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Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (E1)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 300 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette • Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Interior seating area with sofa and TV
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Journey Suite (JS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 382 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
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Discovery Suite (DS)
Located: Deck 5
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 445 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
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Navigator Suite (NS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 465 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Double sinks and tub
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Initial deposit is $1000/pp for stateroom and/or $1500/pp for suite rooms, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Credit Card, Wire/bank Transfer
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
