Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

There is a little something for everyone on this tour, as the water depth varies from 2-25 feet. You’ll be greeted by a tour guide and escorted to a taxi for a five-minute ride to the facility. Upon arrival, the energetic staff of PADI-certified dive masters will brief you on the coral reef, safety procedures and snorkel equipment. You’ll have unlimited time to stay and enjoy the location and facilities. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Fresh water showers, a restaurant/snack bar and restrooms are available. There are lockers available for rental and photos are available for purchase after the tour. less

View the stunning sea life and tropical fish of St. Maarten's marine world, in the cool comfort of a cruising, underwater observatory. Departing Philipsburg, your overland transfer takes you through the mountainous middle region to your destination into French Grand Case. Once onboard the semi-submarine 'Seaworld Explorer', our guide will entertain you en route to Rocher de Creole. Here, a daring diver surrounds himself with clouds of brilliant-colored fish, leading them alongside the viewing chamber for you. Sea turtles, eels, barracudas, and stingrays are just some of the reef residents that you'll spot. Before returning to your ship, relax on the upper deck, quenching your thirst with an island punch while enjoying the scenery across the channel to Anguilla. Note: Participants must be able to walk 100 feet from bus to boat and negotiate seven steps into hull of boat. less

Begin with a scenic ride along Skyline Drive offering breathtaking panoramas of Charlotte Amalie harbor, the Caribbean Sea, British Virgin Islands and Magens Bay, rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic magazine. Enjoy a photo stop before continuing down to the heart-shaped beach and crystalline waters at Magens Bay for two hours of swimming and relaxation. Experience the world-famous Blackbeard's Castle and the Kongens (King's) Quarter, sometimes called "The Williamsburg of the Caribbean." Learn about the island's legacy of pirates, slavery, and life as you visit National Landmark Properties dating back to the late 1600s. Pass the famous 99 Steps and visit the Caribbean World Amber Museum, the Rum Museum and Factory, and West Indian Treasure Company. Your tour concludes on Main Street to indulge in the recommended downtown shopping. Note: Wear your swimsuit, sun protection and bring a towel. Tour duration is approximately 5 hours, depending upon your personal touring and shopping time. In order to allow for a leisurely shopping experience, this tour ends Downtown. Return to the ship is on your own and taxi safaris are readily available Downtown. The cost is approximately $4.00 per person. For Sunday calls the tour may operate in reverse order; allowing for shopping in town before the beach visit. Changing facilities are available at the beach and Blackbeard’s Castle. There is a swimming pool for your use at Blackbeard's Hill. There are numerous steps to walk down from Blackbeard's to Main Street. less

Head out to the second largest barrier reef in the world to learn about Roatan’s history underwater. Yes, you'll actually learn about it while snorkeling the pristine, calm waters just inside the reef as you visit the Underwater Museum. The coral garden will showcase the abundant marine life on the island. Roatan’s history goes back to the Maya civilization, and travels through time witnessing the arrival of the Conquistadores, the Garifuna and the fishing industry. During your tour today, you'll visit the Underwater Museum which showcases artifacts from each of those periods - including a sunken Spanish galleon - all surrounded by a beautiful coral garden on the barrier reef. After departing the pier on the way to the museum, your friendly guide will provide you with very useful and important information about the island. Upon arrival at the museum, you'll receive a safety briefing and your snorkel equipment and will head out to the starting point just a few yards off the dock on a boat for the 60-minute snorkel tour. Your snorkeling guides will be with you all the time to make sure you follow the path. Bring your waterproof camera as this is truly a unique snorkeling experience. After the snorkel tour, you'll have some free time to take photos and relax before returning to the cruise ship pier where your tour will come to an end. Note: Mask, snorkel, fins and vest are included. Knowing how to swim is preferred but not required to take the tour. Snorkeling is done in 5 to 20 feet of calm water on the inside of the reef. Two snorkeling guides for every 15 guests accompany the tour on the water. Please bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and bug spray. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the museum. 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 can enjoy watching the dolphins at play in their natural habitat, the Caribbean Sea. 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, and visit our jewelry store and craft market for locally hand crafted items. Listen to the rhythms of the Caribbean music and sample the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee and liquors at our very own 'Starbucaneers'. Have your hair braided and watch our local fashion show. Learn about our Jamaican culture and enjoy the amenities. 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: Shuttle buses are available at 10-minute intervals to return you to your ship. You will not interact with dolphins on this tour. 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