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The 7 Best Puerto Rico Catamaran Day Trips for 2024

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Ah, Puerto Rico! Always an adventure. No matter what you’re looking to do while on the island, there’s sure to be something that will satisfy your craving for tropical exploration.

One of the best ways to take in all its beauty and culture is by being on the water, some of our favorite vacation memories originated from boat trips! I’ve compiled a list of five amazing Puerto Rico catamaran day trips!

Enjoy stunning sceneries loaded with marine wildlife, snorkeling spots, beaches perfect for sunbathing, and even some delicious local cuisine.

Whatever experience you decide upon, get ready for an unforgettable Caribbean journey through Puerto Rico by taking one (or more!) of these incredible catamaran day trips!

🏆 OUR TOP PICK FOR A CATAMARAN DAY TRIP IN PUERTO RICO – Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise

What to look for in a Catamaran Trip?

There are several things you need to check before finding your perfect catamaran trip. What is “perfect” for me, may be different than what is “perfect” for you.

• Are you feeling social? Check to see if the tour is private (just your party) or a small group made up of different parties.
• What is your budget? When shopping for catamaran tours, be sure and check the price. Specifically, check to see if the price is total, or per person. Enter the number of people you want to bring and see what the price is.
• How much time do you have? Are you in Puerto Rico for 4 days ? Do you have only a few hours as a cruise stop? Make sure the tour you are looking at correlates with the time you have allotted.
• Where are you? Check the details of the tour to see if the departure point is near where you will be staying.
• What kind of vibe do you want? Are you looking for a party boat? A luxurious or romantic dinner? Do you want to swim? Check the details to make sure there are no unwelcome surprises on the day of your catamaran trip.
• Read the reviews. I always read reviews before making a decision. Keep in mind, you can’t please everyone, so there will usually be at least one negative review for the tour operators. Don’t let one review discourage you, but instead, read through a few reviews and notice any patterns. If one subject comes up consistently, it is likely accurate.

The Best Catamaran Day Trips in Puerto Rico

1. private luxury sailing catamaran for up to 6 passengers.

➡️ Click Here To Reserve Your Catamaran Day Trip

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars – ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 6 Hours

Why choose this tour? Local captains and crew members will help you have the best experience possible. You’ll get to visit the best snorkel sights and the best beaches. and even a deserted island! Snorkel gear is provided, so you don’t have to carry a bunch of bulky gear around.

The Private Luxury Sailing Catamaran tour includes :

• Option to bring your own lunch or have it provided
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Only your group will be on the catamaran
•  Beautiful views of the east coastline and nearby cays of Puerto Rico
• Sail over crystal clear waters to a deserted island
• Space to Sunbathe on the boat
• Snorkeling over coral reefs

What Past Guests Have Said:

Amazing Charter! “Captain Carlos & Ezekiel provided an amazing trip. We could not have asked for a more amazing experience. They were thorough throughout the trip, and gave us amazing snorkeling and swimming locations! Completely stress-free day, and we would recommend them for ANY TRIP! We look forward to a return trip with Carlos & Ezekiel! THANK YOU FOR A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!” See more reviews here

➡️ Check Prices and Availability

PUERTO RICO CATAMARANN DAY TRIP

2. culebra day trip by catamaran from fajardo.

➡️ Book Culebra Day Trip by Catamaran from Fajardo

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars- with over 1300 reviews! 🏵 Viator Badge of Excellence ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours

Why choose this tour? This tour starts about one hour from Old San Juan but is one of the few tours to offer transportation from your hotel, which can be a huge money saver.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks are also provided and so is snorkeling equipment.

You’ll spend the day cruising around Puerto Rico with stops along a nature preserve, coral reefs, and pristine beaches.

The Culebra Day Trip by Catamaran from Fajardo includes:

• Juice, water, soda, local beer
• Snorkel gear
• Boat ride to Culebra
• Explore an underwater nature preserve
• Beachcombing

What past guests have said:

“PERFECT TRIP! This trip was everything we expected. Food and drinks were plenty. I’d love to do this again”. Read more reviews here

➡️ Check Availability and Prices Here

Best Puerto Rico Catamaran day trips

3. icacos island catamaran day sail from fajardo.

➡️ Book Icacos Island Catamaran Day Sail From Fajardo

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars- over 600 reviews! 🏵 Viator Badge of Excellence ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 6 hours

Why choose this tour? This tour provides an excellent half-day experience. You’ll get incredible views, rum cocktails, and time on a deserted island.

The Icacos Island Catamaran Day Sail From Fajardo includes:

• Beverages including rum punch
• Floaties and swim fins
• Luxury catamaran cruise to Cayo Icacos from Fajardo Ride to the small and quiet island of Icacos
• Snorkel in a reef area, swim in clear blue waters and relax on the beach Capture beautiful views of El Yunque National Forest and Fajardo’s coastline
• Read more about Icacos Island Catamaran Day

What Past Guests Have Said

Totally Awesome Experience! This trip was absolutely amazing!!! As this was my first time sailing , I didn’t know what to expect. The crew was attentive and knowledgeable and kept it fun!! Would definitely do this again when I come back to Puerto Rico!!! Read more reviews

➡️ Check Prices and Availability Here

Puerto Rico catamaran day trip

4. san juan catamaran sunset sail.

➡️ Book San Juan Catamaran Sunset Sail

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars 🏵 Viator Badge of Excellence ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours

Why book this tour? This sunset cruise tour is convenient because it starts in San Juan, where you are likely staying. It’s a shorter tour, so it doesn’t take up an entire day. You get a local captain and guide, free drinks, and epic sunset views.

The San Juan Catamaran Sunset Sail includes:

• Beverages (sparkling wine, rum punch, beer, rum & coke, soda, water, juices)
• Professional captain and guide
• Views of landmarks like El Morro Fort and San Juan Gate
• A great spot to watch the sunset

Fantastic! Fantastic crew, great cocktails, beautiful scenery. Would absolutely recommend this excursion to anyone Read more reviews

5. Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise

➡️ Book Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 stars – over 1100 5-star reviews 🏵Viator Badge of Excellence ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR : 5 hours 30 minutes

Why choose this tour? One of the highest-rated tours in Puerto Rico this half-day excursion offers you an opportunity to sail across beautiful Caribbean waters, and picnic on a deserted island! What a dream!

The Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise Includes:

• Drinks including Piña Coladas and rum punch
•  Explore the tropical isle of Icacos
• Snorkeling Gear
• Floaties, beach toys, volleyball, and football

You won’t regret it. The crew was fantastic, the views were spectacular and the beach was beautiful. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a day trip while in Puerto Rico. Read more reviews

6. All day Beach & Fun Experience by Catamaran

➡️ Book All Day Beach & Fun Experience

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars 🏵Viator Badge of Excellence ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR : 6 hours

Why choose this tour? Set sail on this family-friendly excursion that takes you to beaches rarely seen by travelers and includes lunch and drinks. You will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience.

The All Day Beach & Fun Experience Includes:

• Alcoholic beverages and soda
• Beach games, kayak & paddle board, water sports, and other games
• Beautiful beach on Culebrita island (with an alternate beach if the weather conditions and water conditions are bad)

We had a great time. The beach was gorgeous, the water crystal clear, the staff was wonderful and the food was delicious. We couldn’t have asked for more. read more reviews here

➡️ Click Here To See Price and Availability

Puerto Rico Catamaran Day Trips

7. 1 hour mosquito bay, vieques island tour.

➡️ Book Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay Tour Here

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 stars out of 5 ⏳ Tour Length : 1 hour

Why choose this tour? Ok, I know this isn’t a day tour, but it is so cool, I couldn’t leave it off our list! Puerto Rico is home to 3 bioluminescent bays , and seeing them at night is an experience everyone should have!

Mosquito Bay is in the Guinness World Records for being the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. This is the ONLY catamaran tour that goes to Mosquito Bay.

You’ll need to spend the night on Vieques though, be sure and read this post for more details.

The Mosquito Bay Vieques Island Tour Includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• 24 Foot Catamaran
• Emergency Life Jackets
• Scenic tours of one of only 5 bioluminescent bays in the world

Amazing! Incredible, definitely recommended. Guides were a wealth of information and the bioluminescence was stunning to see Read more reviews

➡️ Check Prices and Availability Now

What to pack on a Catamaran Day Trip in Puerto Rico

Now that you have decided which catamaran trip to book, you’ll need to know what to bring with you! Never fear, I’ve got you covered.

🤿 MASK AND SNORKEL

Most of these tours include snorkeling equipment, and that is totally fine to use theirs if you wish. However, if you want to bring your own for sanitary reasons, or to ensure they fit the way you like, you can do that too!

This mask and snorkel set is very popular, my kids love this one. I prefer this mask and snorkel combo with a GoPro attachment. I love how it frees up both hands while snorkeling!

➡️ Shop Snorkel Masks

📱 Waterproof Phone Holder

Even though a lot of cell phones are water resistant, salt water can damage them. If you are wanting to take photos from the catamaran or while snorkeling get one of these inexpensive phone holders .

➡️ Shop Waterproof Phone Holders Now

📸 Waterproof Camera

A cell phone can take pretty good photos, but if you want to snorkel and get incredible videos of tropical fish, bring a GoPro ! My GoPro is a must on all snorkeling trips! I even took it with me to swim with sharks in the Bahamas.

➡️ Check out GoPros Here

🏝 Fast Drying Towel

One of the best things to bring on your catamaran trip is a lightweight and fast drying towel . These don’t take up much room in your bag and will be a great item to have for the ride back to land.

➡️ Purchase a Light Weight Fast Drying Towel

☀️ Reef Safe Sunscreen

If you are heading anywhere in the Caribbean you definitely need sunscreen. Be sure to only wear reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the reefs and marine life. I love this combo because it comes with an after-sun gel too! Don’t forget chapstick with SPF protection!

➡️ Buy Reef Safe Sunscreen and Chapstick Here

👙Rash Guard or SwimSuit

Of course, you will need a swimsuit if you planning on spending the day on the water. Another good thing to think about is purchasing a rash guard . This can be in place of your swim suit, or over the top. Rash guards are lightweight, dry quickly, and help protect you from sunburn. This limits the amount of sunscreen you need to put on as well!

➡️ Purchase a Rashguard for Men or Women by Clicking Here

🧢 Hat

Grab a hat to help keep the sun off your face, but also to control your hair after being in the water and wind! This one is super cute, or this one may be more your style.

➡️ Check this hat out , or this one instead

🎒Beach Bag

Grab a cute beach bag to carry all of your things on to the catamaran and beach! I like to bring a pretty large bag , and that way I can keep everything in it and have room for a few souvenirs too!

➡️ Click Here to Buy a Beach Bag

🏖 Floaties

Some tours provide floats or tubes to get in the water with, but you cant guarantee they will have enough for everyone or they will be one you like. I know a float isn’t something most people get excited about but let me tell you how OBSESSED I am with these floaties !

They pack up so small, weigh nothing, are easy to inflate, and are so comfortable in the water. They are a must for me when making my Caribbean packing list !

➡️ Get Your Float Here

Final Thoughts on Catamaran Day Trip in Puerto Rico

Catamaran day trips in Puerto Rico are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is plenty of time to explore on your own or with a group.

These day trips are excellent value for the money, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun activity in Puerto Rico .

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great trip!

Chantelle Kincy

Chantelle is a nationally syndicated travel writer, and travel advisor. An avid cruiser, Chantelle has explored many parts of the world through her travels. She is also a dedicated National Parks enthusiast and loves to hike in these beautiful locations. To further her expertise in the industry, Chantelle has taken numerous courses to become a specialist in various destinations, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Through her blog and advising business, Chantelle shares her love for travel and helps others plan their dream vacations.

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Staying safe on a catamaran: 24 essential tips.

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: March 25, 2020
• Updated: July 8, 2022

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We only recommend products we’ve tried/tested/own (that’s why you won’t find thousands of affiliate links on my site). If you have experience with one of the products we’ve mentioned, please share your experiences in the comments at the end.

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Staying Safe On A Catamaran: 24 Essential Tips For Safe Cat Adventures

When you’re heading out on the water, having a good time is usually the first goal. I mean, let’s be realistic, most people who plan on going out on a boat are thinking first of the fun time, and second about safety. If you intend to go on a catamaran, there’s going to be different circumstances you’ll want to pay attention to depending on the type and size. For your safety and the safety of those on board, of course.

Staying Safe On A Catamaran – 24 Essential Tips For The Would-Be Sailor In You

We’ve put together this guide about staying safe on a catamaran for you with some core and essential tips. Tips for you to help you on your journey to stay safe and have fun out on your cat. Because there’s nothing better than having an excellent time out on the water. Read on for these 21 essential tips for staying safe on a catamaran

1 – Get Licensed

This one might seem pretty obvious for legal reasons, but there is vital and practical importance to this. When you get your pleasure craft operating license, you have to take a test. That means you have to study. The most significant portion of the required knowledge you need to pass is about the ‘rules of the road.’ I mean waters (not road, of course). That’s learning all about buoys and markers and knowing how to approach or pass by another boat. This knowledge is essential to safe boating and avoiding costly and dangerous (possibly even life-threatening) collisions and accidents.

2 – Learn To Swim

Speaking of accidents, a lot of people get lazy when it comes to safety gear. This laziness tends to occur more on larger vessels. We tend to get complacent when we think we are proper and safe. But accidents happen in the blink of an eye. What would you do if you are cruising along, relaxed, not wearing a life jacket, and you fall into the water? If the catamaran is at speed, it will take time to turn around and pick you up. Especially if it’s a sailing cat and there’s decent wind. If you don’t know how to swim, that could be the end for you. I know this one seems like one of those obvious tips, but I think it’s essential, especially for families who intend to bring children out on the water.

3 – Inspect Your Boat

Again something a lot of people take for granted. Especially when it is a newer boat. Before you leave your place of mooring, take a pleasant walk around your cat. Make sure everything is in order and stowed properly. We’ll get to stowing gear in another step, though.

4 – Know The Weather Forecast

Okay, so this doesn’t matter so much if you’re just taking the car out to the supermarket. However, it is an entirely different animal when it comes to going out on the water. Some places can have gale force winds switch direction on you, or a storm cell could come out of seemingly nowhere. When you’re out on the water having fun, it’s easy to lose track of time and thus your surroundings. Making sure you study and know your forecast is essential to a safe journey.

5 – Bring Charts Or Maps

Knowing where you’re going is crucial. I went out on a new lake last year and thought to myself that the lake wasn’t big enough to concern myself with a map. I’m happy my wife convinced me to bring one though and I’ll tell you why. When you look at a map of a lake or area of the sea, it can seem like it’s no big deal just to use the shore as your guide. However, a few hours out and things can be disorienting. Especially if you are in an area with a lot of islands or a jagged shoreline with multiple bays and inlets.

I have nearly become lost in the thousand islands area near Kingston, Ontario, on a couple of occasions. Thank goodness for the maps and charts I brought! And don’t be afraid to have both a physical map and a GPS unit. Just in case the GPS fails, a physical map will always be available. Just make sure you get one that is laminated to protect the map from water damage. Staying safe on a catamaran includes knowing where you’re going, believe it or not.

6 – Make And Follow A Pre-Launch Checklist

Making a pre-voyage or pre-launch checklist is a smart way to keep organized and not forget anything important. How many times have you gone to another room of your house or apartment and realized that you forgot what you entered the place to get? I can tell you I probably do that at least once a day. And most people are the same as me in that respect. It’s so easy to forget something when you’re excited about going out on the water for an adventure too.

I remember doing some river boating down in Costa Rica with my wife, and we were in a bit of a rush to get to our boat before it left for the secluded town of Tortuguero. In our haste, we forgot the sunblock at the hotel. There we were, on a covered boat for 4 hours of travel up the canals, and my wife got cooked from the sun on one half of her body. Even though the ship had a cover, the glare of the hot Central American sun off the water was enough to give her a nasty sunburn. She was a very unhappy tourist for several days while she recovered. Again, I want to stress how easy it is to forget something, so just make a list of things to bring, do, and check and make sure you use the file to the letter.

7 – Staying Safe On A Catamaran Includes Maintaining Minimum Legal Safety Standards

Here in Canada, and also in our neighboring country United States Of America, several legally required items must be on your catamaran. These include proper running lights, a whistle or sound horn, a bailing bucket, personal safety devices like  life jackets , and more.

I wrote an entire article detailing just these  legally required items  for both Canadian and American waterways. There are a few things you must have to be compliant (and safe), so make sure you know and understand what and why you need specific items for the area you’ll be cruising in.

8 – Designate A First Mate

This tip is a two-step tip. First off, I don’t recommend going out on the water alone. I mean, if you have a personal watercraft catamaran, that’s a bit of a different story, of course. But if you’re going out on any decent sized catamaran, I strongly recommend you not only have at least one other person with you to assist with the navigation and so on, but that you also designate one person to be your ‘second in command.’ That person should be able to replace you as a skipper in the scenario where you are incapacitated.  

It may seem that designating a first mate or assistant skipper is silly, but as mentioned, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. You could slip while walking from one part of the cat to another. What if you were to hit your head? Who would secure or pilot the craft if you were unable to do so? Making sure you are accompanied by a competent individual trained to assist in case of emergency is an essential part of sailing safety.

9 – Share Your Travel Plan

Going out on the water isn’t exactly like just taking a stroll around the block. Due to being out on the water, it is necessary to let someone know where you are going and also let them know when you will contact them either once you’ve arrived at your destination or when you have returned to your point of departure.

If a storm were to roll in and you had to drop sail and ride it out, wouldn’t you want someone on land to know you’re out there and maybe get you some help? If no one knows you’re at sea, then there is no one to call the coastguard when you don’t arrive at the port when scheduled. Stay safe, and stay prepared.

10 – Use Your Life Jackets And Safety Gear

Make sure you have a well-fit life jacket or vest. It should comply with regulations. And don’t be a slacker with wearing it. I’ve noticed that here in Ontario, a lot of boaters won’t wear their  life jackets . I think my wife and I may have been the only ones out on the water using our  PFDs  on more than one occasion. It seems to me that most of the time, the single people who use them are those on personal watercraft.  

Taking your life jacket for granted could be the last mistake you make. If you are on any kind of catamaran that isn’t a massive ship like a ferry or military transport, you ought to be wearing your life jacket. At the very least, keep it within arms reach. And stop worrying about what other boaters think. Who cares if you wear a life jacket. Drowning is much less cold than wearing a PFD.

11 – Don’t Drink Or Use Drugs

Again, a no-brainer. Staying safe on a catamaran while drunk or stoned is an oxymoron. Driving a boat has the same rules as driving a car when it comes to driving intoxicated. You cannot even have open liquor on a ship. Well, most boats, that is. It is typically illegal to consume alcohol on a boat unless the boat is also considered a residence. Therefore, no cabin, no alcohol. However, even if the catamaran is large enough to be considered a home, the captain must still observe the law, and the same basic principles of drinking and driving apply to the operator of the vessel.

12 – Ensure Rigging Is Up To Code

If you are riding a sailing cat as opposed to a powered one, then make sure all your rigging is not only in good working condition but also up to code. Having equipment inspected by a licensed professional on a frequency recommended by the manufacturer is a smart choice. A professional rigging expert will be able to determine the safety of your existing equipment and will be able to provide you with either sound advice to replace components, or will let you know all is well. Either way, peace of mind is the result. And there’s nothing worse than having a sail go down due to rigging, especially when you need it most.

13 – Maintain Minimum Safety Equipment

As each country has it’s own rules and regulations for what the  minimum safety gear requirements  are, make sure you know them before you depart. And equally importantly, make sure you not only have all the necessary equipment, at the minimum but also that it is in good working order. This is an essential part of staying safe on a catamaran.

I had a friend go out on his watercraft cat, and he forgot that the whistle that was attached to his life vest had ripped off. He went out on the water and had a sail problem, which stranded him out on the bay for 3 hours before someone noticed he was waving to get their attention. He had a wicked sunburn (he had also forgotten to put on sunblock) and was thoroughly exhausted from trying to get other boaters’ attention. That would have been a lot easier if he had his whistle to signal for help.

14 – Use Sunscreen Or Cover Up

Remember that the sun is deceiving out on the water. We tend to think that if we wear a hat or stay in the shade that we won’t get burned. But the surface of the water acts as a mirror. It reflects a lot of light up off the water. So, even if you have a beautiful umbrella above your head, if you’re on deck, you are getting sun. Sunstroke is a genuine danger when going out on the water for extended periods. A small bottle of a decent SPF sunscreen can make the difference between you feeling quite ill for several days or feeling healthy and ready to go back out on the water.

15 – Drink Plenty Of Water

Speaking of sunstroke, heatstroke, and other exceptional summertime dangers, dehydration is often forgotten when going boating. And it is sort of understandable why we take it for granted. After all, you’re going out on the water. Who would think you’d need to bring water going out on the water? I don’t need to tell you that if we’re talking about the ocean, then, of course, you can’t drink what you’re sailing on.  

Likewise, if you’re out on a lake, you might now want to drink that water either. E-coli and lots of other fun things are floating around out there, and I recommend avoidance. But dehydration needs to be avoided as well.

As mentioned, the water can act like a big mirror causing the sun to reflect up off the water. This deception in the source direction for things like sunburn tends to throw us off when considering water consumption. That’s why it is so essential to bring enough water to stay hydrated. Not only could dehydration make you feel sick, but it can also impair your judgment. And impaired judgment is the last thing you need when operating a catamaran out on the water.

16 – Store Fuel Safely (And Bring Enough)

A part of planning your adventure is making sure you can get where you are going safely. If you intend to travel for a reasonable distance under power, make sure you have an adequate fuel supply. Running out of gas is not something you want to do, especially if out on a large body of water. Not only do you need to plan and bring what you need as well as an emergency supply, but the fuel should be stored safely and adequately.

Keeping your fuel onboard means it should be adequately secured. Never store and sort of gas below deck in a confined cabin area, especially somewhere you might spend time in like a cabin where you would sleep. Just like in a car, you don’t want a jerry can sitting in the back seat. It is always best to store gas on deck, outside where there is no fear of harmful or dangerous vapor builds up. Remember staying safe on a catamaran doesn’t include inhaling gas fumes.

Keep in mind also that when storing gas cans, tanks, or other fuel containers, they need to be secured well. The gas storage container, whether a jerry can or fixed, tank-type ought to be inspected regularly to ensure the safe storage of fuels. The storage location must also be away from any sources of flame-like an onboard stove or similar heating devices, which could ignite the gas if the gas were to leak from the container.

Remember, just because you are out on the water, doesn’t mean that water could put out a gas fire. It won’t so stay safe and store and handle your fuel accordingly.

17 – Balance The Weight Of Gear

The smaller your catamaran, the more important this tip is. If it’s a large cat-like a ferry and you dump a bunch of heavy vehicles or freight on one side of the vessel, that isn’t smart either. But, balancing out your gear on smaller cats is an essential component to maintaining the vessel’s stability.

18 – Don’t Trust A Chart Plotter (In Shallow Water That Is)

Chart plotters are great little tools. They can help you to navigate your journey to your destination. You need to keep in mind though that a chart plotter doesn’t see rocks, coral, or other under surface obstacles that could be relatively dangerous to your hull.

Whenever in shallow water, I like to ignore my chart plotter to some degree. Always slow it right down in the shallows so you can avoid any possible obstructions and avoid running aground on a rock or reef.

19 – Don’t Trust Autopilot

Autopilot is like the chart plotter. It cannot always be trusted. Autopilot doesn’t see the rocks, corals, or other dangers that you would notice. Never use an autopilot near-shore or shallow waters for this exact reason. Staying safe on a catamaran doesn’t mean trusting something in the wrong conditions.

20 – Steer Clear Of Shipping Lanes

You may not always be able, but for the most part, staying out of shipping lanes is a brilliant idea. Ocean faring shipping vessels are enormous. Have you ever seen one of those container ships up close? Standard container ships today measure upwards of 400 meters. That’s over 1,300 ft long. And they can be 59 meters (193 feet) wide and as high as 73 meters (239) tall. That’s 3.6 football fields long by over half a football field wide and as tall as a 22 story building. How big was the cat you were going out on again? Point being, these massive ships don’t stop on a dime. In fact, by the time they saw you, it would be too late for them to move. And if you were out there at night, well, they might not see you at all, especially if you aren’t in a massive catamaran.

21 – Steer Clear Of Storms

Again, obvious, I think. Storm avoidance is relative to knowing your weather forecast. On any lengthy voyage, you should have the means to keep up to date on current estimates in your area. Having the ability to see a current weather satellite view can be vital in avoiding danger. If you know you can steer around a storm cell, you should. Even with the catamaran being an extra sturdy and stable craft. I’m not a fan of sailing in rough seas, are you? Let me know in the comments below if you’ve ever had a frightening experience on the water due to weather. I’d love to hear about it.

22 – Slow Down In Poor Visibility

Slowing down when in poor visibility conditions is another no-brainer, in my opinion. But, you’d be surprised how many people don’t follow this very basic rule. Let me tell you how a guy on a personal watercraft sized catamaran flipped his cat over right in front of me.

I was out testing a boat from a rental company to write an article for them and was spending the day out on Lake Simcoe here in Ontario. The day was sunny and beautiful with a reasonably decent wind. I was out on a powerboat with an outboard and, as mentioned, was navigating around the shore, taking in the beauty of the day and taking notes for the upcoming content piece I was writing for the marina that had the rental boats.

So, there I was about 200 meters from the shore, out on this little runabout. I was passing by an inlet where I could see there was a small bay, and several small personal watercraft were moving around the bay, also enjoying the day as I was.  

Personal Watercraft Catamarans

One of these crafts was a guy on a small personal watercraft catamaran. He was just flying along, I’m guessing at about 15 knots. He looked like he was just having a grand old time as he piloted the craft out of the inlet and seemingly right towards the path I was on. The wind was coming right for me from where this guy was, and from the angle, I don’t think he could see me, being in a blind spot of his sail.

Well, let me tell you it’s a good thing I grabbed my whistle and started blowing it like a mad hatter. Within a few blows, he finally heard me over the wind. I had stopped my boat to attempt to not collide with this fellow, and I guess he got startled and turned his cat too quick and bam. Down his sail goes, and up goes one of his hulls. He had ditched his cat by going too fast and turning too suddenly.  

Naturally, I went and helped him out, and we had a good chuckle about it, but it could have been an awful situation. And it was bright outside, no fog at all. But it’s an excellent example of how an obstructed view can occur if they aren’t careful, even in normal conditions. I can only imagine what sort of situations a fast cat could get into if it were foggy out. So, come dusk slow it right down. If you can’t see around a corner of an inlet, slow it down.  

23 – Trust Your Gut

When it comes to your ability to pilot your catamaran, trust your guy. Sometimes when we are taking friends out on the water, they tend to push you to take risks, you may not feel comfortable about taking. Trust your instincts. If you aren’t 110% behind an idea, don’t do it. When drowning is possible, always choose decisions on the side of caution.

24 – Be Responsible And Use Common Sense

This last tip may come as a shock. That is, it is so blatantly apparent that I shouldn’t even have to say it. But there are some people out there on the water that make some pretty poor decisions. If you are the captain of your vessel, anyone who is aboard has their lives in your hands. Never forget that. Be a responsible captain and keep everyone safe.

Following common sense will solve half the issue you may face out on the water. For example, you might have planned a cat trip for weeks with friends or family. Everyone could be excited about it, but then a last-minute weather change could throw a wrench into the gears. If you use common sense, you’ll postpone the launch. I’ve heard time and time again about this sort of situation happening, and people go out on the water and put their lives at risk. A little common sense can go a long way to keeping you safe and sound out there on the big drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe are catamarans.

Catamarans are sturdy boats. Due to having two hulls spaced apart, rather than the single hull you’ll find on a monohull vessel. So, how safe are they? Well, technically speaking, a catamaran is more reliable than a monohull boat. The craft is known for its ability to handle rough seas with relative ease compared to monohull ships.

How Hard Is It To Capsize A Catamaran?

To accurately answer this question, we need to refer to a specific type of catamaran, given that the handling is different depending on its size. I wrote an entire article on this single topic alone. To sum that article up, the smaller the cat, the easier to flip over and capsize. Keep in mind catamarans are typically more sturdy and stable than a monohull boat. With this in mind, catamarans are less likely to capsize compared to an equally sized monohull vessel. However, due to their increased speed capabilities, a cat has a higher chance of flipping on fast maneuvers at speed than it does at slower speeds.  

Are Catamarans Safe In Rough Seas?

Yes. It is not uncommon to hear at port how other sailors’ narrowly survived’ the rough gale they went through, while a catamaran may just cruise through the storm with little issue. Not to say one should let one’s guard down when out in rough seas. But a catamaran is a proven platform that is much more stable than a monohull ship.

Do Catamarans Flip Easy?

No catamarans do not flip easily, and yet yes, they do. Confused? Well, as I mentioned, I dive deep (no pun intended) into this topic in another article about capsizing catamarans. It’s like this: The smaller the cat, the easier it is to flip. Why? Due to the extra stability of the catamaran platform, larger sails than that of a monohull are typical. This larger sail size means increased speed. When a catamaran is at high speed, and the wind shifts, a slight misstep when it comes to navigating and the sail can quickly push the craft right over. However, a catamaran is typically more stable than a monohull sailboat of equal length. Therefore, catamarans can only flip over given the right conditions and do not flip as readily as monohull boats. Staying safe on a catamaran is easier than you think.

Staying Safe On A Catamaran Bibliography

• Discover Boating Ontario – Boating Safety For Beginners
• Transport Canada – Safe Boating Guide
• Redcross Canada – S wimming And Water Safety Tips And Resources h
• Multihull Company – Twenty Tips For Making Catamaran Sailing Safer and More Pleasurable

A Complete Guide To Boating Buoys And Markers

Are Catamarans Unsinkable? (2 Amazing Things You NEED To Know)

• A Complete Catamaran Guide

An Easy Boat Repair Guide To Painting Over Gelcoat

This Is WHY Boats Back Into Slips

Pontoon Boats Vs. Catamaran (Pros and Cons For New Buyers)

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GetYourGuide Review [2024]: Are they legit? My thoughts

GetYourGuide sets out to help travelers find highly rated tours and itineraries to popular destinations around the world. But is it legit, and does it hold up to its claims? I checked them out to find out. Explore my review and avoid booking until you find out what I know.

They say you don’t get rich by earning, but by traveling. The world is like a round canvas that serves you with colorful stories. The story changes at every turn, with unknown alleys, changing faces, and shifting cultures.

However, I find it all looks dreamy until reality hits you with the complicated planning of trips. Most of us give up on the idea of a trip because searching for all the details, including accommodations, tour guides, and transportation, is very stressful.

That’s when I turned to a travel agency that would guide me on what to see and how to see the place the best. The Pilot team has reviewed similar services like G Adventures and Viator , but how about GetYourGuide?

That's what I'm getting into today!

GetYourGuide gives you the right kind of travel experience with its efficient touring solutions considering your needs. Here is my GetYourGuide review to help you choose the unmissable things in your travel destination. I'll talk about what I like and what I don't like about GetYourGuide.

Let's get into it...

What Is GetYourGuide?

GetYourGuide is an online tour-organizing company that thrives globally and operates from Germany. It stepped into the scene in 2009 with 4 enthusiastic classmates Johannes Reck, Tao Tao, Tobias Rein, and Martin Sieber.

The squad started off as local guides and, within a decade, expanded to what the company is now.

You can reach out to GetYourGuide through its official website or mobile app for Android and iOS. You can check the right time to travel to your favorite destination, what are the fun things to see, and what places you cannot miss. GetYourGuide has you covered.

The company also serves you with mobile ticketing, discounts, and offers on flight bookings, hotel bookings, and an easy cancellation process.

How Does GetYourGuide Work?

Now you might ask how do I join my guide via GetYourGuide or how it works. Well, I found it works in a pretty simplified manner:

• Check if your desired destination is in the places where GetYourGuide has its services.
• Register through their website or download the GetYourGuide app.
• Specify your travel destination and dates. Also, enter other specifications, like your interests and what kind of places you wish to visit. Remember that GetYourGuide offers simplified filter options like activities, cuisines, outdoors, local sightseeing, nightlife, rentals, etc. You can choose according to your preference.
• Book your activities in advance by selecting from their list.
• Go to checkout, where you must fill in your name, email ID, and credit card details. You'll also enter any GetYourGuide coupon and GetYourGuide promo code to get fun discounts.

What Destinations Does GetYourGuide Cover?

GetYourGuide covers pretty much all the top destinations in the world. This includes places like New York City in the States, Bali in Indonesia, and Paris in France.

I've highlighted a few of the popular countries here:

• From North America , GetYourGuide covers: United States, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama.
• From South America , GetYourGuide covers: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador
• From Europe , GetYourGuide covers: Italy, Germany, Poland, France, Russia, United Kingdom
• From Africa , GetYourGuide covers: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe
• From Asia , GetYourGuide covers: Japan, India, China, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
• From Oceania , GetYourGuide covers: Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, Fiji.

What's Great About GetYourGuide

So I enjoy that GetYourGuide touts comprehensive features with additional perks and benefits. Here are just a few points to showcase the benefits:

• A Wide Range of Activities : GetYourGuide includes more than 50,000 tours and activities worldwide. It also provides attraction tickets, city tours, food and cultural experiences, and many more. There's always something to do.
• User-Friendly Interface : GetYourGuide makes your booking experience so much more enjoyable. It takes me no time to find and book tours with a user-friendly and streamlined interface.
• Check the Customer Reviews : I'm the type of person that needs to know what the reviews say. These reviews help me understand people's previous experiences with bookings and activity tours.
• Get the Tickets on Your Mobile : Once you book your tickets, you can directly get them on your mobile instead of getting your tickets printed. Paper-free, baby!
• No Booking Fee : I love this! You have to pay the cost of your tours and activities, but that's it. GetYourGuide doesn’t charge any booking fees.
• Free Cancellation : If you change your plan, GetYourGuide offers free cancellation without any hustle. But the offer is valid up to 24 hours before the event, so you still have to be on your best planning behavior.

What’s Not So Great About GetYourGuide

I've talked about what's excellent about GetYourGuide, but nothing's without flaws. I've combed through GetYourGuide reviews, so you wouldn't have to.

Let's discuss some of the problems with GetYourGuide.

• One Location and Multiple Tours : GetYourGuide can showcase one tourist attraction multiple times. It happens mainly because various suppliers offer various touring options and prices for one tourist attraction. Even though it’s a good thing because you can choose from multiple options, it can also confuse people.
• Confusion in Meeting Point : Sometimes, the meeting point can get confusing. However, it's not GetYourGuide’s fault since the tour organizer didn’t explain the description correctly.
• Many Options for Tours and Sights : Since GetYourGuide offers multiple tours and activities for any city, people often get confused. For people who only want to do the must-do things, GetYourGuide is not a suitable option.
• Not Useful for Asian Tours and Sightseeing : GetYourGuide works fine for European sightseeing. But for Asian tours and activities, it's not that useful. It happens mainly because, unlike most Asian tours, European tours require pre-booking.

GetYourGuide Reviews

As I mentioned earlier, I have to know what those reviews say. So, what exactly are people saying about GetYourGuide?

There are many mixed reviews online about the company, ranging from a horrible experience on Tripadvisor to one of the best tour companies around. Great, a mixed bag, haha.

Let's talk about the bad stuff first. Previous customers who had a poor experience with GetYourGuide recommend reading all of the fine print before booking. Others have commented that scheduled tours are canceled at the last minute, which would surely spoil your trip.

Hasn't been my experience, but I agree this would be a big bummer for my trip.

However, most of the reviews on Trustpilot tend to skew positive as reviewers mention how knowledgeable and professional the local experts at GetYourGuide are.

What's also great is how easy it is to book tours with banging deals and no hidden fees. People also seem to be rather content with the customer service, mentioning that GetYourGuide is reliable.

Is GetYourGuide Legit?

That would be most peoples' biggest concern, and it was also my first question... "Is GetYourGuide Legit?"

The short answer is yes , GetYourGuide is definitely legit! You're getting experts that know what they're talking about and decent transparency about the operation.

Is GetYourGuide Worth It?

This is the most challenging question to answer because each traveler is unique. If you're headed to Europe, I've found GetYourGuide to be worthwhile.

While its range of activities, zero booking fees, and operation in many countries, the company provides an excellent incentive for budget travelers. That being said, if cost isn't an option, it may be worth more research into local companies.

Certainly, I recommend you exercise caution and read the terms and conditions before you book the tickets. GetYourGuide specifies that it holds no liability for any third-party errors.

Also, if the tour description is confusing, turn around! The reviews show that these have underwhelmed many travelers.

Remember, each booking requires your valid email ID and proper credit card information. You must fulfill their age criteria of 18 years and above.

Generally, the legitimacy of GetYourGuide is entirely dependent on individual experiences and activities. Absolutely, worth a try if you find something that sounds amazing.

My Rating: 3.7/5

• Free, flexible cancellation policy
• Variety of activities
• No booking fees
• Mobile-friendly tickets
• Numerous poorly described tours
• Great only in European Countries
• Confusing tour logistics

General GetYourGuide FAQs

Does getyourguide offer price guarantee.

Yes! In their commitment to ensuring you always get the best value for your money, GetYourGuide has a Best Price Matching policy.

Have you found the exact same activity you've booked via GetYourGuide on another online platform for a lower price? Well, you're in for a treat!

GetYourGuide will refund the difference between what you paid and the lower price you found, provided that certain conditions are met. The conditions you must meet are as follows:

• The activity needs to be identical in terms of conditions, like the date, city, and number of participants.
• The services offered in the activity must be the same.
• It should be bookable with the same supplier.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, you only need to send GetYourGuide the link or a screenshot of the cheaper offer. After they verify that the offer is cheaper, the customer service team will refund the difference, which could even be in the form of a voucher.

It's important to note that offers that are part of loyalty or trust programs aren't eligible for this price match. Keep an eye out for special deals and discount promotions from GetYourGuide, which are always clearly marked.

Is This Platform Good for Last Minute Tickets?

Yes, GetYourGuide can be a good platform for booking last-minute tickets. Many tours and activities offer availability up to the last minute.

Please note that this can vary based on the specific kind of tour or activity, and availability can change quickly.

Can I Change My Booking?

Changes to your booking can often be made, but it depends on the specific terms and conditions of the tour or activity you've booked.

What Happens If the Operator Cancels a Tour or Activity I've Booked?

If the operator cancels a tour or activity, GetYourGuide will typically offer a full refund or try to reschedule your booking, depending on your preference.

How Will I Receive My Tickets?

After booking with GetYourGuide, you'll typically receive a confirmation email with a voucher or ticket that you can print or show on your mobile device.

What Should I Do if I Have Issues With a Tour or Activity I booked Through GetYourGuide?

If you have any problems with a booking, you should contact GetYourGuide's customer service. They can help resolve issues or answer any questions you have.

What Are Alternatives to GetYourGuide?

There are many other platforms offering similar services to GetYourGuide. Some of the popular ones include Viator, Klook, Expedia, and Airbnb Experiences.

Plan Your Trip With Pilot!

After reading this review, you might consider GetYourGuide booking some of your upcoming excursions. Whatever platform you use, you'll want a plan to keep your travels organized, and Pilot is here to help with that!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Breeze Airways celebrating spring with special promo discount. Here's how to get deal

March 19 was officially the first day of spring , and Breeze Airways is celebrating with a special offer.

Book a flight for a spring — or summer or fall — getaway and use a promo code to get 34% off all roundtrip fares from any of Breeze's available destinations.

Here's how to get the special promotion to celebrate the spring equinox from the budget airline.

Enter promo code to get 34% off Breeze flights

Book a flight from any of Breeze Airways' destinations to received 34% off all roundtrip base fares to celebrate the spring equinox.

Use the promo code SPRING at checkout on the Breeze app or at flybreeze.com.

Supply is limited, the airline said in a news release.

What's the deadline to get the Breeze spring discount?

Flights must be booked by 11:59 p.m. March 22.

Are you limited to specific travel times to get the Breeze Airways deal?

Yes. Travel must be between March 27 and Oct. 1.

Can you change an existing flight to get the new Breeze discount?

No. The 34% discount applies only to new reservations for roundtrip flights.

Breeze offers services at 7 Florida airports

Don't see service to a particular location?  Some of Breeze's routes are seasonal . Keep checking the booking calendar for when it becomes available.

• Fort Myers , RSW
• Jacksonville , JAX
• Orlando , MCO
• Sarasota , SRQ
• Tampa Bay,  TPA
• Vero Beach,  VRB
• West Palm Beach,  PBI

What to know about Breeze: How to pick your bundle on Breeze Airways. 11 things to know about the budget airline

Breeze Airways tripled number of flights to Florida in fall 2023

“With our expansion in Florida,  Breeze now offers the most Florida destination s from six cities in our network” said Tom Doxey, Breeze Airways’ president in September.

• Portland, ME – Orlando, FL (started Sept. 6)
• Raleigh-Durham, NC – Tampa, FL (started Sept 7)
• New Orleans, LA – Orlando, FL (started Sept. 22)
• Charleston, WV – Tampa, FL (started Oct. 4)
• Pittsburgh, PA – Tampa, FL (started Oct. 5)
• Columbus, OH – Tampa, FL (started Oct. 6)
• New Orleans, LA – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 2)
• Norfolk, VA – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 2)
• Providence, RI – Vero Beach, FL (started Nov. 2)
• Providence, RI – Jacksonville, FL (started Nov. 3)
• Pittsburgh, PA – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 15)
• Portland, ME – Fort Myers, FL (starts Nov. 15)
• Richmond, VA – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 15)
• Akron-Canton, OH – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 16)
• Columbus, OH – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 16)
• Louisville, KY – Fort Myers, FL (starts Nov. 16)
• Raleigh-Durham, NC – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 17)
• Syracuse, NY – Fort Myers, FL (started Nov. 17)
• Plattsburgh, NY – Orlando, FL (started Nov. 28)

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Frugal Traveler

A Cheapskate in Monterey

We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a few splurges.

The jellyfish exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Caif. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium, the author writes, “is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.” Credit... Jason Henry for The New York Times

Supported by

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

• March 20, 2024

My first view of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast was thrilling — a raft of 40-something sea otters — and free. The next time I would get close to them, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium , it cost nearly $60. That split between free access to outdoor wonders and investment-grade attractions epitomized my experience in the area.

Like so much of coastal California, the Monterey Peninsula, home to famous Pebble Beach golf courses and exclusive towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea (known simply as Carmel), connotes wealth. It is encompassed by Monterey County, a roughly 3,300-square-mile area, which includes Big Sur, where accommodations at luxury resorts like the Post Ranch Inn start at around $1,500 a night.

With a budget of less than half of that for three days, I put Monterey — the town and the county — to the frugal test. In January, a quiet and thrifty time of year, I trusted parks and preserves, unsung hotels and small businesses to keep things economical, even if sampling the variety of Monterey — ranging from historic cities to redwood forests, tide pools and vineyards — required renting a car ($175).

Seeking Steinbeck

My introduction to Monterey, John Steinbeck’s 1945 classic novel “Cannery Row,” describes its waterfront lined in sardine canneries as “a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” It’s hard to find that gritty romance along today’s Cannery Row , which boomed in the 1930s and ’40s, before overfishing killed supply.

Now chains such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Sunglass Hut replace “weedy lots and junk heaps,” though a central plaza with bronze sculptures of Steinbeck and some of his characters pays tribute to the past.

Still, the spirit of the book’s protagonist, Doc — a marine biologist based on the real-life scientist Ed Ricketts — lives on at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is housed in the former Hovden Cannery. At $59.95 for admission, the aquarium is a worthy splurge, offering opportunities to encounter creatures large, small, wondrous and rare.

“We bring the ocean to people to inspire them with things they might not get to see otherwise,” said Madi Frazier, an aquarium naturalist, as she guided me to a kelp forest modeled on the one found just beyond the bayfront building’s glass walls.

A wing devoted to deepwater ecology held bright red bloody-belly comb jellyfish, stringy bioluminescent siphonophores and four-foot-high Japanese spider crabs that inched along in the gloom. A dune-style aviary offered opportunities to observe a normally skittish red knot at close range. Bat rays glided beneath tentative fingers in shallow touch tanks.

A few blocks away, Katie Blandin named her five-year-old cocktail bar Pearl Hour after “the hour of the pearl,” described in “Cannery Row” as “the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.”

We met during happy hour — 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday — when classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver No. 2 go for $10 (normally $13). Ms. Blandin plants the bar’s back patio in succulents, flowers and herbs, many of which make their way into her cocktails.

“I think even a cocktail should have a sense of terroir,” she said.

Old Monterey

The oldest part of Monterey — an outpost of Spain and then Mexico dating back to the 17th century — lies just over a mile south of Cannery Row in a pedestrian-friendly downtown where signs flag historic adobe buildings.

Among several modestly priced hotels there, I booked the Hotel Abrego , where my $130-a-night room included a Keurig coffee machine and spacious glassed-in shower. Its $20 nightly resort fee, included in the room total, covered parking, a hot breakfast buffet and a glass of wine.

It was easy walking distance to lively Alvarado Street, lined in restaurants and shops. A 19th-century complex, the Cooper Molera Adobe , includes an orchard, barn and house museum (free) behind its walls, and the Alta Bakery and Cafe , where I sipped coffee ($3) on the tranquil patio.

Down the block, Ad Astra Bread Co . sells aromatic loaves of sourdough ($10 each) from Ron Mendoza, the former pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Aubergine in nearby Carmel.

“For the last five years, some of our leading chefs have abandoned fine dining and opened artisanal food businesses,” said Deborah Luhrman, the editor and publisher of the food magazine Edible Monterey Bay , who recommended both bakeries.

The brewpub Alvarado Street Brewery was buzzing when I stopped in for a quinoa bowl ($16) and a Mai Tai tropical I.P.A. for $8. Nearby, my favorite cheap find, El Charrito Express , served substantial barbacoa wraps stuffed with marinated beef, beans and rice for $6.99.

Chancing it in Carmel

From the outset, it felt like a losing bet to take my penny-pinching budget to chic Carmel-by-the-Sea, the one-square-mile seaside town where the actor Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

Even getting there comes at a price: 17-Mile Drive , the coastal scenic route, costs $12 to drive. Fortunately, it’s free to cyclists, which helped take the edge off the cost of the bike I rented to explore some of Monterey’s celebrated cycling routes .

From the bike shop Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Monterey, I rented an electric bike ($40 for four hours) to assist in the long ride — about 28 miles round-trip — and its hills. The deal included free valet parking for my car at the adjacent Monterey Place Hotel & Spa.

On a cool January morning, frothy aquamarine waves broke on the granite rocks that barricaded the coast, tempting me to stop every half mile or so to admire their churn. A thick fog blew in as I reached the area’s renowned shorefront links, dramatizing their sand bunkers and wind-shorn cypress trees. I passed a landscape painter and jaw-dropping Pebble Beach mansions before coasting into Carmel.

Amid luxury retailers like Tiffany and Bottega Veneta I found the new Korean restaurant Jeju Kitchen in the outdoor Carmel Plaza . My salmon rice bowl was not cheap at $26, but it was delicious, substantial and only a few dollars more than food truck options at the Carmel Farmers Market across the street.

Monarchs, redwoods and waterfalls

It was far easier to stretch my budget seeking nature in Monterey, home to 99 miles of coastline.

I started at the 2.4-acre Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary , where mature Monterey pine trees attract overwintering butterflies that are known to cluster in groups of up to 1,000 from November through February (free).

Using binoculars, I spied bright orange monarchs catching early-morning rays from the tips of pine boughs like mini-solar panels. A pair of deer grazed in the shade below while a set of acorn woodpeckers chattered in the treetops. The abundant bird life drew the attention of two red-shouldered hawks, which glided in silently.

Continuing south along the coast, I spent a sunny afternoon at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (admission $10). The craggy headland has been the setting for classic Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” and attracted the photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams .

The reserve, which has a special conservation status within the state park system, was created by a land donation to protect its cypress grove, according to Kathleen Lee, the executive director of the nonprofit Point Lobos Foundation , which supports the park with fund-raising and docent training. In a phone interview, she directed me to the forest, noting that it is “one of only two native Monterey cypress groves remaining in California.”

Atop vertiginous cliffs, a trail wound bravely through the wind-sculpted trees. Below them, harbor seals appeared in the backwash of coves. A short drive south, I scrambled over wet rocks at Weston Beach — named for the photographer — to find tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones and hermit crabs.

Waning light chased me from the park as I set out south, eager to make the drive down famously curvy Highway 1 in Big Sur before dark. The rugged coast of towering redwoods and mountains that plunge into the ocean was named El Sur Grande , or the Big South, by Mexican colonizers as an unmapped wilderness.

Twenty-two miles south of Point Lobos, Ripplewood Resort got its start when the highway was being built in the 1920s. I booked a rustic but comfortable cabin there for $135 a night and woke to find it ideally located just a few miles north of Big Sur Bakery , a beacon of artisanal baking that seemed impossible in such a remote location (a Cheddar-and-chive scone cost $5.50).

Ripplewood also lies close to a series of coastal parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , where the four-mile Buzzard’s Roost Trail ascended amid redwoods to ridge-top ocean views (admission, $10, good at all state parks for the day). Nine more wiggly miles south, McWay Falls cascades onto a pristine beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park . Between them, I stopped at frequent turnouts to scan for migrating gray whales exhaling telltale spouts.

A safari and a tasting

The survival of southern sea otters in California is a comeback story. Hunted nearly to extinction for their thick pelts, sea otters managed to hang on in the most remote coves and crags of Big Sur, where a few individuals were discovered in 1938. Now numbering about 3,000, the endangered marine mammals are some of the most charismatic residents in the Central Coast’s kelp beds.

They also thrive in Elkhorn Slough , a coastal wetland preserve in Moss Landing, about 27 miles north of Monterey. There, I boarded an electric catamaran from Monterey Bay Eco Tours to troll the calm waters on a 90-minute cruise ($45).

Within minutes, we spotted harbor seals hauled out on muddy banks shared by marbled godwits, black-necked stilts and whimbrel, some of the park’s more than 300 species of birds. Mother otters fed their babies sea cucumbers, gave them swimming lessons and carried sleeping pups as they floated on their backs.

“Elkhorn Slough is a low-stress environment for them,” said Cindy Rice, a naturalist guide leading the tour.

The drive to my last stop — Monterey’s vineyards — took me through the agricultural flats surrounding Salinas, which grows 70 percent of the nation’s salad greens, some 20 miles to the Salinas Valley , which nurtures pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in the foothills of the Santa Lucia range.

Attracted by vintage tractors, I turned into the family-owned Rustiqué Wines and found its convivial tasting room lodged in a former dairy barn filled not with hushed aficionados swirling and evaluating wine, but with a sociable crowd enjoying glasses of estate pinot noir and oaked chardonnay in the spirit of happy hours everywhere.

The winemaker Chad Silacci and two other family members worked the bar and the crowd. The winery, established in 2006, has built a following through concerts, events and warm hospitality (tastings cost $20, waived with a two-bottle purchase).

“We want it to be comfortable,” Mr. Silacci said, indicating the tasting room’s sofas and chairs arrayed around a wood-burning stove. “It’s kind of like walking into our family’s living room.”

I finished an earthy pinot, thinking the investment, like so many in Monterey, paid unanticipated returns.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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It's tax season. Here's what to do if you get a rebate.

• This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here .

Welcome back! Turns out the dogfighting and flying in the "Top Gun" movies is spot-on, according to an actual TOPGUN instructor .

In today's big story, the top habits of financially free people could serve as inspiration for what to do with your tax rebate.

What's on deck:

Markets: These market experts see a bubble forming as valuations outpace earnings.

Tech: What to expect from the "Woodstock of AI" event hosted this week by Nvidia.

Business: How to post on LinkedIn and not be ashamed of it .

But first, what to do with that money from Uncle Sam.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Spring has nearly sprung. The blooming flowers and warmer weather probably have you thinking of one thing: Filing your taxes.

In reality, tax season can be a pain, but at least there's new free software to do it , thanks to the IRS.

For many filers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a rebate.

(Of course, that's not the case for everyone. But as my grandfather used to say, better to owe the government money than ask for some of yours back. To be fair, he was not an accountant, so don't take that as financial advice.)

If you do snag a rebate, what should you do with it? It's a question plenty of Americans contemplate every year. And with so much turmoil in the economy currently , it's even more pressing.

Business Insider's Kathleen Elkins has interviewed dozens of financially independent people who don't need to work thanks to passive income or their investments.

To get inspiration on what to do with your rebate, I asked Kathleen about some of the themes she constantly hears from these financial wizards.

Pay off your high-interest debt first. The top priority often cited by the financially independent is tackling debt with high interest rates. The rationale is the longer you wait, the more it will snowball. And with no definitive timeline on when rates will be lowered , that snowball could quickly become an avalanche.

Establish an emergency fund. Saving up a safety net is something else those on the path to financial freedom look to do before they even consider investing. Kathleen told me the standard amount was typically three to six months of living expenses.

Keep it simple. Investing doesn't have to be complicated, according to these experts. Many often opt for index funds over individual stocks or, dare I say, crypto . They're also not worried about timing the market since they almost always take a long-term approach.

The power of an HSA. Health savings accounts are a favorite among this group thanks to their triple tax advantage : contribute pretax dollars that grow tax-free over time until you withdraw your money tax-free to cover qualified medical expenses. The case for HSAs was so compelling Kathleen even opened one up for herself .

Don't forget yourself. People looking to achieve financial freedom are known to cut costs wherever possible. But Nischa Shah, an accountant and former investment banker, preached the value of spending money on yourself . That could be building a new skill, attending a conference, or hiring a coach.

Your Monday headline catchup

A quick recap of the top news from over the weekend:

Why the scale of Putin's landslide win matters so much .

Ukraine drones attack multiple oil refineries in the campaign against Russia's strategic energy industry .

Trump couldn't bring himself to condemn Putin for Alexey Navalny's death .

Sacramento will soon give low-income Black and Native American families $725 a month, no strings attached .

Dell workers can stay remote — but they're not going to get promoted .

The end of the Realtor monopoly .

3 things in markets

Market gurus are getting worried about a bubble. Experts like former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers are worried about stocks' lofty valuations. With stocks outpacing earnings, these six market watchers detail how things could turn ugly .

What part of the stock market will get the AI lift next? Nvidia, which makes AI-enabling GPU chips, was the initial benefactor of the AI boom. But Goldman Sachs sees three more broad stages of the "AI trade ." That includes infrastructure players behind the tech and software and IT services with tools that will help companies utilize AI.

Bitcoin's looming halving feels like a big deal. The token's fourth halving, which is expected to take place in April, is unlike others before it , crypto market experts told BI. It's unlikely to be a "sell the news" event as the excitement surrounding spot ETFs continues to build, they said.

3 things in tech

All eyes are on Nvidia's Jensen Huang. The Nvidia CEO is set to host his GPU Technology Conference (GTC) this week. Nvidia employees are already referring to it as the "Woodstock of AI" and Huang is anticipated to lift the lid on B100 , the next-generation version of H100 GPU — which will be a big deal if so.

AI's hottest new job. Demand for prompt engineer roles has skyrocketed amid the ChatGPT hype. That's probably because you don't need a formal tech background to do the work, and companies are offering salaries that echo the buzz. But some are warning that the job is merely a fad .

Advance could win big from Reddit's upcoming IPO. The Condé Nast owner's stake in Reddit will be worth $1.7 billion if the social news company's listing this week pans out the way bankers are expecting. It's a rare case of a big media company investing in a digital property and not living to regret it , BI's Peter Kafka writes.

3 things in business

Quince vs. Quince. There's "Quince," the three-Michelin-starred restaurant founded in San Francisco in 2003, and then there's "Quince," the e-commerce startup known for affordable cashmere that launched in 2020. The restaurant is suing the startup, which now sells cookware, for encroaching on its territory. The startup says it's done nothing wrong. Which Quince will come out on top?

The shame of LinkedIn. As much as it is a professional platform, something about posting on LinkedIn feels really personal. But that's not a dunk on the platform. It's actually pretty helpful. You just have to get over the cringe part — here's how .

Some DINKs want kids — but can't afford them. In the current economic climate, more people are deciding that having children is too expensive. That's the dark side of the "Dual Income, No Kids" lifestyle , BI's Juliana Kaplan writes.

In other news

China says moves to ban TikTok will 'eventually backfire on US.'

I'm a junior in high school. Here's the real reason my generation is falling behind .

Target is taking a chunk of its ad business in-house to compete with Amazon and Walmart .

Anthropic-backer Menlo Ventures is preparing for a 'gold rush' of infrastructure startups. Here's why .

Solving the looming retirement crisis means thinking differently about aging, economist says .

We asked ChatGPT and Claude to analyze Biden's cognitive abilities based on the Joe Biden-Robert Hur transcript. Their verdict: the president is doing fine .

What's happening today

Don Lemon will release his interview with Elon Musk.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco , deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Hallam Bullock , editor, in London. Jordan Parker Erb , editor, in New York. George Glover , reporter, in London. Grace Lett , associate editor, in Chicago.

• Main content

Forget Amazon Big Spring Sale — Fitbit Charge 6 just crashed to $139 at Walmart

Google's flagship fitness tracker for 13% off right now

Until 2023, if you wanted to track your fitness, monitor your sleep, and keep tabs on your heart health, you'd have needed one of Fitbit's larger smartwatches, like the Fitbit Sense 2. But what if you wanted something smaller on your wrist?

The Charge 6 packs all of that fitness and health-tracking tech into a more discrete wearable with a vibrant color display, and it still manages to last six days between charges. And, helpfully, the Fitbit Charge 6 is sale for just $139 right now at Walmart , down from $160. That also beats the Amazon Big Spring Sale price of $149 at Amazon.

Fitbit Charge 6: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FFitbit-Charge-6-Champagne-gold-aluminum-activity-tracker-with-infinity-band-silicone-coral-NFC-Bluetooth-1-33-oz%2F5087333627" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> was $160 now $139 @ Walmart We tested the Charge 6 and found that it was easily the <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-fitness-trackers,review-2066.html" data-link-merchant="tomsguide.com"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"">best fitness tracker for most people. The on-device menus are easy to use, the screen is bright even in direct sunlight, and the tracker lasts six days between charges. It's an ideal option for keeping tabs on your daily activities and light exercise, with all the data accessible in the Fitbit app. Plus, the Charge 6 has Google Maps and Google Wallet (for contactless payments) and an ECG for keeping tabs on your heart health.   Price check: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FFitbit-Exercise-Equipment-6-Months-Membership%2Fdp%2FB0CC644KMJ%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="tomsguide.com"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $149 @ Amazon

In our Fitbit Charge 6 review , we said it felt like a return to form after the slightly disappointing Charge 5. Plus, it was pretty exciting to see the return of a physical button to make it easier to interact with the on-screen menus. 

And it's also one of the first trackers to get access to Google Wallet for contactless payments, YouTube Music, and Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation on your wrist, following Google's acquisition of Fitbit. 

As you'd expect from a Fitbit tracker, it keeps tabs on your steps, tracks your sleep, and can record your workouts. But there are some useful new features, like heart rate streaming to connected exercise equipment from NordicTrack and Peloton. 

You also get access to Fitbit's range of stress monitoring tools, thanks to the skin temperature and heart rate sensors, and an ECG to alert you to irregular heart rhythms you might want to get checked out by a medical professional. 

However, to get more detailed insights and personalized recommendations, you'll also need to take out a Fitbit Premium membership for $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. Though, your new Charge 6 comes with six months access for free too. 

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James is Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing.

His interest in fitness started after being diagnosed with a chronic illness, and he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation to manage the symptoms. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.

Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.

He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.

Amazon Big Spring Sale is here — here’s 5 fitness tracker deals I’d buy now

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March Madness expert picks: Our bracket predictions for 2024 NCAA men's tournament

The experts have dissected the men's NCAA Tournament bracket , providing sleepers, Final Four matchups and upset predictions. Your chances of filling out a perfect bracket are miniscule , but maybe you need a few tips to win your office pool. We've got you covered with a look at how to pick an upset and a look historically at how the seeds have performed in the NCAA Tournament.

Still need help? Here's a closer look at each region: East , West , South , Midwest

Three of our five USA TODAY experts have UConn as their picks to win the national title on April 8. Here are our expert picks:

WOMEN'S PICKS: Our bracket predictions for 2024 NCAA women's tournament

Jordan Mendoza

Full bracket

IT'S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY's NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.

• Final Four : UConn, Arizona, Houston, Creighton
• Final : UConn vs. Houston
• National champion : UConn

Paul Myerberg

• Final Four: Iowa State, North Carolina, Houston, Creighton
• Final: Iowa State vs. Houston
• National champion: Houston

Erick Smith

• Final Four: Iowa State, Baylor, Houston, Purdue
• Final : Iowa State vs. Purdue
• National champion: Iowa State

Eddie Timanus

• Final Four : UConn, North Carolina, Houston, Purdue
• Final: UConn vs. Purdue
• National champion: UConn
• Final Four: UConn, Saint Mary's, Houston, Creighton
• Final: UConn vs. Houston