Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

At Gumbalimba Park you’ll witness the raw beauty of the Caribbean at Roatans finest preservation park. Explore unspoiled trails where flowers and butterflies give way to the shade of the tropical forest canopy. Make the crossing over Gumbalimba Pond via a scenic rope bridge and delight to the tranquil sounds of our garden waterfall. Befriend the brilliant winged citizens of our bird sanctuary where friendly parrots and macaws bring the colors of the Caribbean alive. Ever dreamt of frolicking with monkeys? Enter Monkey Refugio where spider, white faced, and howler monkeys are eager and willing for you to hold and play with them. Trace the steps of the real pirates of the Caribbean inside Coxen’s Cave where you’ll encounter the infamous Captain John Coxen. Roam through the Botanical Garden and learn more about exotic plants indigenous to the region. Ready to bask in the sun? Imagine a place where jungle meets the ocean. You’ll visit a place where you can bask in the sun in private sun loungers at the waters edge or retreat to the shade of lush tropical vegetation. After that, take a dip in the ocean and let the cool trade winds of the Caribbean cool you off while you enjoy your barbecue lunch. Imagine Tabyana Beach - by far Roatans best beach. The cave you will be visiting is not natural, but man-made. less

Departing Ogden Point, your driver/guide will point out Mile Zero, the western end of the Trans Canada Highway, Beacon Hill Park and Thunderbird Park en route to Craigdarroch Castle an outstanding landmark home standing most affluent in a city steeped in heritage. Craigdarroch was built between 1887–1890 by Robert Dunsmuir and boasts a unique collection of residential stained and leaded glass, period furnishing, and excellent wood paneling and carving. Enjoy your self-guided visit in the castle with docents available to answer any questions you may have. After your visit, rejoin your driver/guide returning via Chinatown and welcomed by the Gates of Harmonious Interest. Continue to the inner harbor framed by some of Canada's most recognizable landmarks, the majestic Parliament Buildings aglow in 3,333 light bulbs and the ivy-covered Empress Hotel. At the inner harbor and shopping district you'll be given some free time to take in the local sights and sounds prior to your return journey to the pier and your ship. Note: Must have good mobility and be able to negotiate a gradual uphill walk to the castle and 87 steps to view all four floors of the castle. Referred to as a 'castle', the building is more a stately mansion with castellated features. Your visit of this unique neighbourhood stately home is self-guided with docents available to answer any questions you may have. Order of sights may vary. less

Explore the secluded beaches of Mazatlan on a scenic and exciting ATV Adventure and then enjoy free time to relax on the beach. You’ll travel approximately 30 minutes by bus or van to Delfin Beach where your semi-automatic ATV will be waiting. Upon arrival, your guide will provide instructions and safety gear. Hop on your one-person ATV and travel caravan-style along the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path beaches in Mazatlan. Stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the natural wonders that surround you. Ride for approximately 1½ hours, and then return to a beachfront restaurant. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare your own quesadilla on site which is made with handmade corn tortillas and enjoy refreshing soft drinks before returning to the ship. This tour is perfect for both the beginner as well as the more advanced off-road rider. Note: Participants must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and weigh less than 290 lbs. Due to rough terrain this tour is not for pregnant women, guests with heart or respiratory conditions, back or neck injuries. Participants should wear long shorts or pants and closed-toe shoes; bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel if you wish to swim. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Activities may be reversed to accommodate participants. A complementary snack is included in the tour. less

This "reduced environmental footprint" experience will appeal to all of your senses. See Victoria’s highlights, smell the fragrant flowers at Butchart Gardens and tantalize your taste buds with an organic gourmet picnic. While your knowledgeable guide points out some of Victoria’s most interesting sights, you'll travel in comfort aboard a B100 coach fueled by biodiesel, made from recycled waste cooking oil collected from cruise ships visiting Victoria. With views of Beacon Hill Park as well as rolling landscapes and farmland en route, you'll arrive at Canada’s famed National Historic Site, Butchart Gardens. The gardens have been transformed from a lifeless rock quarry to a horticultural masterpiece over 100 years ago. Stroll at your own pace through 55 acres of beautiful blooms and themed gardens.

Upon arrival you'll be directed to your picnic site (the residence lawn) and provided with your wicker basket and gourmet picnic prepared from fresh and locally grown organic produce. You may choose to enjoy your picnic on the lawns (over a ground cover) or at a picnic table. As an added bonus, guests visiting on Saturdays in July and August will be treated to the Butchart Gardens fireworks display, choreographed to music. Norwegian Pearl sailings only. On your return, enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour of Victoria’s downtown area, including Chinatown, the historic Empress Hotel and the picturesque Parliament buildings. Your participation on this excursion will help support the local James Bay Community School, allowing vulnerable families the opportunity for their children to be able to partake in youth getaways & summer sports camps. Approximate time at Butchart Gardens is 3 hours.

Adrenaline will be pulsing through your veins after experiencing this canopy adventure! Situated approximately one hour outside of Mazatlan, the sprawling La Vinata Los Osuna plantation, where blue agave is grown and processed into tequila, is home to this exhilarating tour. Once you step off of your motorcoach, you'll be transported into a world that will take your breath away. The fun begins with the rush of an off-road experience in a classic Swiss Army Pinzgauer 6 x 6 vehicle delivering you from the valley floor into the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range that surround the plantation. From here, the action really begins to take-off. You'll get a thorough briefing on the techniques and safety measures used during the canopy adventure by a certified staff member who will provide equipment of the highest quality. A series of 12 platforms with nine zip lines, a flex-walk bridge and nature trek await you. The course provides extraordinary views of the plantation's diverse flora and fauna while soaring above the valley floor. A rappel from the final platform located in an ancient Huanacaxtle tree will bring you safely back to earth among the vast rows of blue agave. Before returning to your ship, you'll have time to visit the Los Osuna, a tequila distillery. There you'll see how this popular liquor is produced and be able to taste it as well. The return to your ship will be along Mazatlan's magnificent oceanfront boulevard passing by the Golden Zone, where you may choose to stay on your own for some shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with a heart condition, knee pain or injury, spinal and/or neck problems or limited mobility should not participate. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. Signature on liability waiver is required. There are two nature treks during the course of the tour, participants must walk approximately 1/2-mile (735 yards) over some uneven terrain, climb steps up to platforms and rappel 40 feet (12 meters) down to the ground from the final platform. less