Compare Half Dome Backpack by Wildland Trekking vs Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami) by Bamba

Day 1

This Yosemite trip begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley on the patio of Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop at 6PM on Day 1. The Mountain shop is located on the street-facing side of the Half Dome Village Pavilion (closest to the parking lot). You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We'll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we'll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone's throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We'll enjoy dinner either at Half Dome Village or in camp.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2200 feet

Our trek begins at the Happy Isles trailhead along the banks of the cascading Merced River in the east end of Yosemite Valley at 4000 feet. We quickly gain elevation as our route follows the world-renowned Mist Trail. Rain gear may be a good idea as the trail climbs a series of stair steps directly in the path of the thunderous spray of Vernal Fall. Topping out above the falls, a quick break allows us to dry off and warm up before we reach the awe-inspiring Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Wisely, we ignore the siren’s call of the waters and stay on the trail...every year hikers are injured or even killed by venturing into theses dangerous cataracts. A hot and dry ascent, the last of the day, brings us to the phenomenally scenic lip of Nevada Fall. Here the towering domes of Mount Broderick and the Liberty Cap dominate the northern skyline as the view west encompasses 6222 foot Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, and Glacier Point across the canyon. Following a leisurely lunch we continue to our campsite along the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley. After setting up camp, we can relax by swimming at "the beach" or just hanging around camp enjoying the pine scented air. Tonight, after a sumptuous dinner, we can swap yarns around the communal campfire as we prepare for tomorrow’s ascent of Yosemite’s most iconic Peak – Half Dome!

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 2700 feet

Elevation Loss: 2700 feet

We will get an alpine start to the morning to avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms on today’s climb to the summit of Half Dome. After coffee and a quick breakfast we will take only day packs and ascend a series of mild switchbacks two and a half miles and 1800 feet up to the base of the sub-dome. Here we begin the real climbing as the trail ascends 500 feet in a half a mile on steep stair steps carved into the sheer granite slope. A short level respite provides an opportunity to rest and prepare for the crux of the hike: the final 400 foot vertical ascent along the legendary cables. At the summit, after a well-deserved celebration, we enjoy lunch, gazing out over all of Yosemite Valley below and much of the high country beyond. An astounding portion of Yosemite can be seen from this vantage: from Buena Vista Crest to the south, to the Sawtooth Ridge along the northern border, all the way to Mts. McClure and Lyell in the southeast corner and beyond, to the coastal ranges over 120 miles to the west. After lunch we will return to our camp in Little Yosemite Valley and celebrate our accomplishment with a victory dinner served up hot by your guide!

Please Note: the ascent of Half Dome involves climbing a section called "the cables," which is a very steep and exposed part of our hike. The National Park Service has installed a pair of cables to use as hand rails, but it is still a physically and psychologically demanding climb. Some of the objective hazards also include mishaps by other hikers, such as people slipping or dropping items. This climb isn't required to do the trip, but it is required to reach the top of Half Dome.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles

Elevation Loss: 2000 feet

Our return to Happy Isles and Yosemite Valley will follow the John Muir Trail, a parallel trail to the Mist Trail. This more relaxing route offers additional outstanding views of the falls, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick and the backside of Half Dome, as it switchbacks down through a Douglas fir forest below the north face of the Panorama Cliffs. Reaching the trails end at Happy Isles, we can celebrate our accomplishment with a foot soak in the cold waters of the Merced or an ice cream cone at the snack shack!

Day 1: West Palm Beach, United States

Board Cruise Ship, safety drill and activities onboard (L/D)
Board your cruise ship in time for a Welcome Aboard celebration at noon and a buffet lunch
After lunch, enjoy optional activities like a pool party or a ship tour
You will have an orientation meeting as the ship leaves port to brief you on the trip and all of the amazing services available on the ship and a quick safety drill
Spend the rest of your day and evening relaxing in your cabin or enjoying some of the many incredible activities on board, from live music to themed happy hours
Enjoy a buffet dinner and get a good rest for your big day ahead!
NOTE: The schedule of the activities will be provided to the passengers day by day.
The ships sail on a two-night itinerary currently from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island
Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
The vessels depart as per our scheduled itinerary with check-in required by 4:00pm
Passengers may check-in beginning at 11:00am the day of sailing and board as soon as the ship has been cleared for embarkation.

Day 2: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Bahamas Stopover (B/L/D)
You will arrive at Grand Bahama Island at 8:00 when local officials will take a moment to inspect and clear the boat for arrival
After they’ve given the signal, you may disembark and say hello to a tropical paradise! One of the last Bahaman Islands to be developed, Grand Bahama is now a popular destination and playground in paradise
Spend the day exploring, laying on the pristine beaches, discovering one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, or partaking in optional activities like jet skiing! Enjoy an included lunch buffet onboard the ship or treat yourself to Caribbean Cuisine ashore.
Return to the boat no later than 18:00 for departure to West Palm Beach
Enjoy another evening of endless entertainment on board, with several different performances, events, and a swimming pool at your disposal.

Day 3: Miami, United States

Transfer from West Palm Beach to Miami
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.