Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Experience the panoramic views of two countries as your narrated tour, in an air-conditioned coach, takes you through the Dutch capital of Philipsburg to the French side of the island. At the Butterfly Farm, the guides will lead you through the lush enclosed tropical gardens for a unique experience to see up-close, all the stages of the butterflies' lifecycle. Don't miss the opportunity to walk amongst hundreds of butterflies from all around the world; you can learn how to handle these beautiful creatures with care as well as the caterpillars if you dare! After the tour enjoy a complimentary drink and browse the extensive selection of butterfly gifts in the shop. Reboard your coach and drive to Marigot, the French capital, for browsing and duty-free shopping. Have your camera ready for picture taking at the Cole Bay International Look Out Point. Your tour ends in Philipsburg for those wanting to explore the Dutch capital and continues to the dock for those returning to the ship. less

Explore one of the most interesting Mayan sites in the region, a collection of ancient stone carvings dating from roughly 300 BCE to 100 BCE. These carvings were found at the Izapa Ruins and depict the Mayan ideas of the creation of the universe and their religious beliefs. Among the carvings is a particularly interesting and complex one called Stella 5 that depicts the Tree of Life as well as about a dozen human figures, animals and more. This complex carving has led to many different theories about its subject matter. Most theories concern the Mayan religious beliefs; however some involve speculation about visitors from other continents before the arrival of Columbus. The Tree of Life in the Mayan world is depicted as a Ceiba tree. This tall tree is commonly found in Chiapas and the Mayan jungles. It is easily identifiable by its extraordinary height, high crown and large, buttressed roots. For the Mayans, the tree represents a connection between the three realms of the universe- the underworld, earth and the heavens. Afterwards, take a short bus ride to Chocolate Discovery. Here, you’ll learn about the discovery and history of the sacred cacao bean and its importance to the Mayan people. Learn how the cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate right at the main square. Also, see a variety of local handcrafts and exotic flowers of the region. Local dances and marimba players will share their skills with lively performances. After a short stop to see the local church, you will be on your way back to your ship. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Relax during your short drive to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls where you’ll climb 600 feet of cool refreshing water as it cascades over natural limestone terraces. Guides are provided to assist you when ascending the rushing waters as they plunge directly into the pristine Caribbean Sea. After this invigorating experience, you’re transported to Dolphin Cove where you are met by friendly hostesses and given a complimentary fruit drink. This unique cove surrounded by lush tropical jungle, is home to our beautiful family of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, snakes and iguanas. There you’ll participate in a brief orientation and then enter the world of nature’s most fascinating creatures - the dolphins. Get to know the animals as you interact with them in deep water. Experience the thrill of 'riding' the dolphin belly to belly. Dance, sing, play and even enjoy a kiss or two. After enjoying this unique experience, spend the rest of the day at Dolphin Cove and all that it has to offer. At the conclusion of your tour you’ll have the option of being dropped-off at a local shopping plaza for shopping time at your leisure and then make your own way back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Participants must weigh no more than 250 lbs. Shuttle buses are available at 10-minute intervals to return you to your ship. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems, mobility/balance problems or pregnant women. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less

Glacier Gardens Rainforest, nestled alongside Thunder Mountain, is a stunning combination of flowered pathways and temperate rainforest. Enjoy a guided tour from your covered transportation into the rainforest. Your guide will provide a narrative through the mile-long journey to the 580-foot level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mendenhall wetlands, Gastineau Channel, and Admiralty Island from the viewpoint on Thunder Mountain. Next, it’s off to the Mendenhall Glacier. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

Board your guided air-conditioned transportation and pass through Puntarenas and its surrounding mangroves. Then, proceed southward along the coast past the port of Caldera and small fishing villages, such as Mata de Limon. Next, head inland into the coastal range of mountains passing by small farming communities such as Tivies and Ceiba. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see typical Costa Rican rural life. Along the way, you may encounter different species of birds as well as sugar cane, bananas, coffee, mangos and other crops that are often exported to North America and Europe. Continue traveling south until you reach Tarcoles River, where sightings of very large crocodiles can frequently be seen. This is where your Canopy Tour adventure will begin. Upon arrival to the canopy tour reception, you’ll get geared up with the necessary equipment and briefed on safety instructions. You’ll be guided on a 15 to 20 minute walk through the tropical transition forest to the beginning of the tour. Once here, you’ll proceed to the first horizontal traverse cable. The Original Canopy tour consists of nine observation platforms, and eight horizontal traverse cables connected between the immense trees of this tropical paradise. Your journey through the trees will take approximately one hour. Here, you may see deer, monkeys and a variety of birds including the endangered scarlet macaw, orchids, bromeliads and mahogany trees. At the end of the tour you'll receive a complimentary bottle of water. Other beverages and souvenirs will be available for purchase once back at the reception area. After a few minutes of relaxation, you’ll board your bus for the return journey to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and weigh no more than 275 lbs. Although wildlife sightseeing are common, they are not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for guests with seizure disorders, heart, back, neck or balance problems. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring insect repellent. A change of clothing is recommended. less