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5 unusual ways to explore our cruise destinations

Speedboat rides, self-drive sports cars and more.
One of the best things about sailing with Marella Cruises? The shore excursions. Forget standard sightseeing tours. We're talking high-speed boat rides, snorkelling sessions and all sorts of unexpected ways to explore our destinations. Here are five of our favourites.

Psst! These excursions (and tonnes more) are bookable in the Cruise Control app.

Once you’ve had a read, check out all our cruises.

Scenic Self-Drive Formula Car Tour – Palma, Majorca

Go from cruise ship passenger to racing car driver (well, sort of) on this three-hour tour of Majorca’s scenic sights. Get behind the wheel of a Formula 1-style three-wheeler and follow your expert guide along the island’s picturesque coastline towards Palma, stopping off at places like the uninhabited Malgrats Islands, Palma’s Nautical Club, the iconic Palma Cathedral and the chic harbour town of Port Andratx. Psst! You'll be picked up from your ship and dropped back off afterwards, so you can focus on the views instead of watching the clock.
A person driving a Self-Drive Formula 1 three-wheeler with a passenger.

Kotor Bay speedboat – Kotor, Montenegro

From dramatic mountain backdrops to centuries-old palaces, the one thing Kotor isn’t short of is spectacular scenery. The best way to take it all in? On a speedboat tour, of course. You’ll start at the seafront (just a short walk from where your cruise docks), before spending around 45 minutes gliding along the water to the Blue Caves. Named for the way sunlight creates a striking blue glow in the clear water, they’re one of the best places in Montenegro to take a dip. After the Blue Caves, it’s on to a beach stop at Zanjice Beach. Here, topping up your tan or snoozing in the shade has never looked so good...
A group of people on a Kotor Bay speedboat tour.

Turtle snorkelling by underwater scooter – St John’s, Antigua

Ready to explore Antigua’s underwater world? From the colourful capital of St John’s, you’ll head along the coast to one of the island’s top snorkelling spots – Galleon Beach. After a quick briefing from your expert guide, it’s time to hop on an underwater scooter (yes, you heard us right) and glide through calm Caribbean waters, keeping an eye out for tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles and more. Once you've dried off, sit back and relax on the scenic drive back to your ship, soaking up even more of the island’s scenery.
A turtle with a red-brown shell swimming above a bed of green seagrass.

Views of Funchal by sidecar – Funchal, Madeira

Forget the usual sightseeing tour – this is Funchal with a twist. Hop into a vintage-style sidecar and let your expert driver take you on a ride through Madeira’s capital. Cruise through the Old Town, weave down charming streets and take in views of the marina before heading to Pinaculo for a seriously stunning photo stop. Next up, it’s time to visit Ponta do Garajau, home to a giant Christ the Redeemer-style statue and some of the island’s best ocean views. Keep your camera ready – you might even spot whales, dolphins or seals in the waters below.
Two people on a side car travelling along a curved coastal road overlooking Funchal.

Bamboo River Rafting – St Lucia

Think it’s all palm trees and blue seas in the Caribbean? Think again. Swap the beach for the river on this laidback bamboo rafting experience through St Lucia's Roseau Valley. Start with a local rum punch or homemade Amaretto Sour, then hop aboard your handcrafted raft and let the river do the rest. Float through rainforest scenery, spot tropical wildlife and soak up the kind of views your camera roll was made for.
A person standing on a bamboo raft, using a long pole to navigate a river that's surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Ready for an adventure? We thought so.

Find your perfect Marella Discovery itinerary.

And if you’re craving more inspo, check out which destinations Marella Cruises sail to and why you should choose an All Inclusive Marella Cruises sailing.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Laura Wilkinson

Last updated: 20.08.2026

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