Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Your guide will meet you at the entrance to the cruise ship terminal and give you a 10 minute lesson on the operation of your Trek bicycle. You will start riding along the Point Blanche road to the start of the Boardwalk in the capital, Philipsburg. Your first historical stop will be at the Passangrahan Hotel, St. Maarten’s oldest inn, which was originally the Governor’s House and then the Royal Residence when St. Maarten’s Queen Beatrix would visit. Continue along the Boardwalk for your next stop at the Captain Hodge’s Wharf which is the center of this bustling & colorful town and was the original fishing and shipping venue in the early 1900’s. View the Philipsburg Courthouse which was built in 1793 and see the lawyers and judges congregating every Wednesday for cases as they have been doing for hundreds of years. Pass the oldest traditional West Indian (Gingerbread) cottages and start your first climb up the Little Bay Hill where you can stop and rest at the Look Out Point which offers an incredible view of the town. Enter the beautifully located Divi Little Bay Resort and begin your second short incline to the historical Fort Amsterdam. Built in 1631, this strategic point was the place of many battles between the Spanish and Dutch fleets in the 17th century. The remaining walls and cannons offer a glimpse into St. Maarten’s rich history as well as a sense of tranquility while you view Philipsburg and the Cruise Ship Terminal from this spectacular vantage point. From the Fort, return to Philipsburg along the Boardwalk, stopping at the popular Taloula Mango Restaurant for a dip in the calm sea of Great Bay and a cold drink under the shade while chatting with your fellow cyclists. From there it is a short 10 minute ride back to the Cruise Ship Terminal. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. less

The adventure begins with a scenic motorcoach tour to a secluded mountain lake, where you'll board Indian-style 37-foot, 20 passenger canoes which are fast, stable, and easy to maneuver. Paddle under the direction of an experienced guide, scan the shore for wildlife and learn the unique natural and Indian history of the Ketchikan area. The lake, part of a lush rain forest, is ideal for canoeing and is surrounded by the Tongass, the largest National Forest in the United States. Stop ashore for a Native-style snack including smoked fish, clam chowder, rolls with wild berry jams and beverages. A knowledgeable guide will lead a short nature walk highlighting the flora and fauna of the rain forest, including a carnivorous plant, the Sundew, which uses tentacles with an adhesive "dew" to ensnare small insects. Paddle back to the canoe dock and reboard your motorcoach that returns to the cruise ship pier. This adventure is a rare opportunity to comfortably explore Southeast Alaska in the manner of its original explorers and early culture. Note: Participants must be at least 40 lbs. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian. Not recommended for pregnant women. less

Save, learn, help, protect, enjoy and contribute. This tour is for anyone who wants to leave Cozumel a little better than how they found it. You will be led by the biologist’s team member who spearheads the Save the Endangered Sea Turtle Program. This is a hand’s on tour in that you will actually save the sea turtles. The Save a Sea Turtle Program has been one of Cozumel’s best kept secrets. The groundbreaking new conservation system has been adopted by many other state wide programs with the help from local volunteers. Cozumel boasts the most Sea Turtle nests per kilometer than any other area in Mexico by a 3 to 1 ratio. This increased volume of fertile ground has as much to do with the island’s history as it does with the Save a Turtle Program that had only been open to the local public and is now being open to a select few visitors so they, too, can witness this marvel of nature. There are several aspects to turtle protection & conservation. The portion that we will be permitted due to the hour of the day that your ship is in port is the “save a turtle” portion. Every evening the turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. This is a natural process, but in the frenzy of the nest only about 80% of the hatched turtles actually have the stamina and energy to climb out. You will help rescue the 20% of turtles (who were not ready for the dash to the sea from the previous evening) by digging them out and they will be kept until they are mature enough to be released. This process is extremely heartwarming and satisfactory as you will be directly involved in saving the life of the little turtle so it may have a true chance at life. Never have visitors been able to witness and participate in this truly remarkable event until now. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. This tour is not suitable for guests with physical disabilities or who use walking aids such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs. less

Enjoy a scenic drive in air-conditioned comfort to Dolphin Cove where you will board the Jet Boat for the most exciting way to get to Dunn’s River Falls. Experience the exhilarating and action packed adventure as the custom built boat blasts across the water at speed of up to 65KM per hour. Feel the thrill of high speed spins, turns and twists as you journey to the World Famous Dunn's River Falls though natural and man -made wonders all combined in to one sensational experience. After this thrilling adventure you will arrive on the beach of the World Famous Dunn's River Falls where your adventure will continue when you 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 it plunges directly into the pristine Caribbean Sea. After this invigorating experience you will return to Dolphin Cove, aboard the exciting jet boat. Enjoy the power of this amazing machine as you speed towards Dolphin Cove's private Dock. Relax at Dolphin Cove. Spend time watching the dolphins at play in their natural habitat, the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush tropical jungle and get an up close experience with our beautiful and friendly birds, snakes and iguanas. Mingle with and feed the colorful free flying lovebirds in the bird aviary. Interact with exotic sea creatures in the touch tank display. Enjoy a hands-on experience on how to make unique pottery at Wassi Arts at Dolphin Cove. Watch in amazement as a local wood carver makes ordinary pieces of wood come to life. Visit "Little Port Royal" a replica of Jamaica's most famous pirate "Haunt" and witness pirates roaming through town. Browse through the largest gift shops of any attraction in Jamaica, stocked with the widest range of dolphin souvenirs; visit our jewelry store and craft market for locally hand crafted items. View the rambunctious and hilarious shark show and watch the stingrays in their lagoon as they gracefully glide by. Sample the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee and liquors. Have your hair braided and watch our local fashion show. Learn about our Jamaican culture and enjoy the amenities. Note: Participants must be at least 3’6” tall to participate. This tour is not recommended for those who are pregnant, have back or neck injuries and heart or respiratory conditions. less