Located close to the airport of Toulon-Hyères, about 35 km from the shipyards, this attraction offers several tracks and more than one hundred karts for adults or kids. They also have quads and can organize 'real' competitions with prize giving! One of the favorite attractions for crew in the shipyards, who organize races between yachts and the yard’s staff for everybody’s enjoyment! Closed on Mon and Tues, except during school holidays.
Tel: +33(0)4 94 38 76 99
www.speedkart.fr
Must do: Whether you want to drive or bike, La Route des Crêtes, linking La Ciotat to Cassis is one of the most scenic roads on the coast. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole region.
About 50 miles of carriage roads, crisscrossing through woods and fields are open to bikes. Eagle Lake Loop, going around Eagle Lake, the park’s largest lake, is very popular among families. Trails from Eagle Lake wind to Jordan Pond, home of the Jordan Pond House and its famous tea. A more challenging trail is the 11-mile loop ‘Around the Mountain Trail’, with an extended climb up the northwest side of Parkman Mountain.
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s highlights and a paradise for outdoor sports and nature lovers. Explore miles and miles of trails for biking or walking, and stunning peaks to climb. The park is home to many plants and animals, lush forest, quiet ponds and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
The island is very well suited to dinghy sailing, and is a popular training ground for competitive sailors to practice and perfect their skills.
The waters and beaches around Formentera are unique and amazing to most new visitors.
It is sometimes hard to believe that you are in the Mediterranean! The crystal clear waters and abundant sea life make for good diving and snorkeling.
Formentera Yoga offers retreat sessions, pilates and massage. Set in wonderful surroundings.
Tel: {0034} 606 117 373
A major attraction along the east coast is the profusion of caves, a large number of which can be visited. Best known is probably the Cove del Drach (Dragon's Cave) next to Porto Colom, with its subterranean lake. Most caves are spectacular, with some intricate limestone formations and many other features slowly carved by nature from the sandstone. Sound and light shows to classical music are sometimes included, reportedly not to everyone’s taste. The Cuevas de Arta close to Capdepera also boasts enormous caverns and an underground lake. Cuevas del Hams, is also close to Porto Cristo.
These two companies offer balloon flights over the eastern part of Mallorca, at a fairly affordable rate.
The views are said to be superb.
(Instituto Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza) ICONA
Close to the town of Santanyi this is a protected area of natural coastal beauty. Local groups fought to protect this area covering 785 hectares from development; it was granted the status of national park in 1992. This is a perfect example of Mallorquin coastline and landscape, rich in bird life and flora. There are several different walking tours to be taken throughout the area.
This company offers tandem jumps from a gentle slope above Alcudia, for a nice flight with great views over the bay. They also offer guidance to paragliding enthusiasts on other local flying sites and conditions.
Tel: {0034} 633 342 843
Horse riding school offering a choice of horseback excursions, as well as group or individual horse riding lessons.
Tel: {0034} 971 854 121
Son Serra De Marina
CR Arta -Alcudia KM 13.7
07458, Santa Margalida
Mallorca
This nature reserve was founded in 1988, spans mostly an area of wetlands grassy banks, and boasts over 200 species of birds.
Even if you are not a keen bird watcher the park is pleasant for walks and cycling tours.
A winding road goes all the way from Port De Pollensa to Cape Formentor, Mallorca’s north eastern most point.
The scenery along the way is dramatic, with tall cliffs falling hundreds of meters to the sea, and the road goes through a perfectly wild landscape. Well worth the tour.
Just over the tunnel on the way to Palma, this large country house and gardens are open to the public in season. The complex pre-dates the Spanish conquest of Mallorca, but the house itself has been rebuilt over the centuries and has lost much of its Moorish appearance. Nevertheless it makes a pleasant stopover on the way to or from Plama.
Tel: {0034} 971 613 123
Carretera de Palma a Soller km. 17
07110, Bunyola
Mallorca
A stroll around the gardens will let you discover the wide array of Mallorquin flora. This is not only a display for visitors; the organisation is also a conservation and research centre. The Gardens are closely linked to The Balearic Museum of Natural Science.
Tel: {0034} 971 634 014
There are day trips from Soller to the scenic bay of Sa Callobra, at the head of the magnificent canyon formed by the torrent de Parreis. A great day out if Sa Callobra is not included in your cruising itinerary.
Pontoon Mallorca
If you are looking for a crew day out, this motorboat could be the answer. Day trips with up to 12 people, ideal for ‘cala’ hopping or out for a pick nick and some sunbathing. The boat is based in Santa Ponsa and can pick up from your base and take you to your choice destination.
Tel: {0034} 971 691 447
C/ Valencia 14
07180, Santa Ponsa
Mallorca
The Island of Sa Dragonera can be visited thanks to tourist boats offering day trips from St Elm and Andratx. The island is a national park and there are no inhabitants aside from the caretakers and facilities for visitors are limited to a small visitors centre. There are however a number of interesting walks around the small island, leading to the various lighthouses and all the way up to the 350 meter high summit, with its impressive cliffs dropping straight to the sea on the north side.
Any boat visiting Mount Desert Island should cruise up the 6 mile long Somes Sound – the only natural Fjord on the U.S. East Coast – to enjoy unforgettable scenery. The entrance is only 1.2 miles from Dysart’s Marina and it is well protected with very deep water. John Williams Boat Company rents moorings for transient boats.
Sky Dive Newport
Specialize in tandem jumps with a certified instructor, above Aquidneck Island and Newport. Just enjoy the ride and see Newport like never before! Located at Newport State airport.
Tel: (401) 845 0393
Ranch San Diego
Route de Santa Manza 20169
Corsica is a wonderful place for horseback riding. This ‘ranch’ located 3km from the harbour offers horseback rides on the beach and in the country side. Pick up possible at the harbour with a car or directly with the horses.
Tel: +33(0)4 95 73 01 67
Over the last years, Immersion Caraibes has been recommended by numerous Captains who used their services for themselves and the crew during a long break in Martinique; and also for visiting guests and owners. Located within a colourful wooden shack inside the Marina, this diving school run by the very friendly Christophe is open to any “a la carte” suggestion. Christophe speaks very good English and will personally take his clients to all the best spots in Martinique. As a true sea lover, he likes to share his passion with others.
This kitesurfing school is ideally located on the beach of the Cap Est Lagoon resort - in a beautiful lagoon of Le Francois, on the windward coast - offering perfect conditions for kitesurfers of all levels. Fun Caraibes is run by the friendly and English speaking Lionel Sauvaget, who started his school in 1999 and was the first one in Martinique. They have all the latest equipment including brand new ‘bow kite’ - the new wing technology with better safety. They offer classes from first time beginners to advanced riders with 3 clients max per session.