Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Estimated at over 5 million years old, the Green Grotto Caves is the first historic cave worldwide to receive the Green Globe 21 certification, a global affiliation working with travel and tourism companies and communities to develop and maintain good environmental practices. The caves are characterized by coastal limestone and feature a series of interconnected passageways and chambers, light holes, stalactites and stalagmites, as well as two lakes. Their most striking features are rock formations and the small 'grotto' lake at the innermost cavern. Take a 3/4-mile guided stroll through a maze of exquisite dripstone formations and learn about the sensitive eco-system found within and around the caves. See limestone formations that have been christened after the individuals they resemble, including Abraham Lincoln, Freddie Krueger and the cartoon character, Scooby Doo among others. Your guide will demonstrate the cave’s musical stones and be sure to toss a coin in the wishing well before your departure. A refreshing beverage is provided at the end of the tour. On the return drive to Ocho Rios, you’ll visit Dunn’s River Falls. Climb the spectacular 600-foot waterfall at Dunn’s River Falls and then shop for souvenirs in the center of town before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age and be at least 3 feet tall to climb the falls. This is a walking tour and visitors will be guided through areas that are paved, with uneven surfaces, gravel and rocks. Visitors need to be sure footed and must be able to bend to negotiate small access ways. Slippery when wet caution signs are posted through the caves as a reminder to visitors. There are 62 steps throughout the tour. All visitors are fitted with a sanitary helmet liner and hard helmet and offered a spray of mosquito repellent prior to the start of the 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

Enjoy a full day of water fun at Atlantis! Explore the new Dolphin Cay and play with dolphins in one of the newest and largest dolphin habitats in the world and home to the world-famous ‘Katrina’ dolphins. After a brief orientation, enjoy this one-of-a-kind dolphin experience as you control your speed with hand-held water scooters so you can race alongside dolphin. Cruise along the surface, or dive to the depths of their saltwater lagoon. Feel a rush unlike any other with the signature & foot push, where a dolphin propels you across the lagoon on a boogie board. Your day continues at Aquaventure, the only water park of its kind in the world. This 141-acre aqua-adventure features the Power Tower and Mayan Temple offering eight high-speed body and inner tube slides, numerous children's water play activities, relaxing pools, beautiful white-sand beaches, and a mile-long action river ride that you won't want to miss! Experience white water rapids, rolling waves, gentle currents, themed caves and never-before-seen special effects as you float along in a single or double tube. Note: Participants must be at least 48 inches tall for the Aquaventure portion of the tour. For the Dolphin Swim part of this tour, participants must be at least 10 years of age and a minimum height of 3’. Snorkel equipment is provided. It may be a case where you participate in the Aquaventure portion of the excursion first. The dolphin swim portion of the tour includes 30 minutes in the deep water lagoon, but the entire Dolphin program may last approx 2 hours. This program includes a video orientation and a trainer talk, complimentary wet suit, natural fruit, infused water, personal locker, towels, beach service, and all-day access to Dolphin Cay’s private beach. Wetsuits are mandatory at Dolphin Cay. Due to the amount of walking, numerous steps and inclines, the Aquaventure tour is not recommended for the physically challenged guests or pregnant women. Sandals or ‘aqua socks’ are strongly recommended for children of all ages. Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Guests should bring a credit card for drink and food purchases. This tour is non-refundable. The duration of this tour includes transportation to and from the pier by bus, approximately 25-minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. This tour is not available on the N. Epic and N. Sun. The last transfer back to the ship will be one hour before sailing time. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). To ensure availability, dolphin excursions must be booked no later than 24 hours prior to the port call. Last minute sales will not be available. less

This private canopy reserve is set high in the remote, verdant wilderness of the Sierra Madre. Feel the adrenaline rush as you whoosh from platform to platform, 90 feet above the rainforest floor. A series of thrilling zip lines gives you maximum opportunity to marvel at the beautiful, lush setting as you effortlessly traverse above huge tropical trees, wild orchids and native birds and reptiles. Hanging bridges built into treetops are reminiscent of Tarzan and there is even a gorilla swing for you to try. Two incredible rappel descents to solid ground completes your breathtaking adventure. As safety is top priority, guides have been extensively trained and equipment is the best, with not one, but two safety ropes for your security. This is the most exciting way to explore the depths of the tropical rainforest, for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike! Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh no more than 250 lbs. at least 4 feet tall and in good physical condition. Cameras cannot be taken on the tour for safety reasons but a professional photographer will accompany the group. There will be some time for pictures and souvenirs. less

Designed for maximum adventure, this excursion takes place in a pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. The scenery and incredibly varied flora and fauna you’ll encounter while hiking through the sub-tropical forest makes this the adventure experience of a lifetime. Your adventure begins with a speed boat ride across the bay to a secluded beach, then an off-road adventure to the heart of the tropical forest. From the base camp at 2,000 feet, take a short mule ride to the peeks of the tropical hills where you’ll start a series of fantastic zip-lines that take you soaring 250 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage. The adventure continues as you splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools and negotiate the jungle bridges that bring you back to the base camp for a deserved rest, some snacks, and a chance to see photos of your wild adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. Not for guests with physical disabilities. This tour is physically demanding so you must have strength in your arms to climb a ladder and the ability to walk up steps or hills for 15 minutes. Wear hiking/tennis shoes and shorts, bring mosquito repellent and a change of clothes as you’ll get wet on the tour. Cameras can not be taken on the tour for safety reasons but a professional photographer will accompany the group. Light snacks and bottled water included. There will be some time for pictures and souvenirs. less

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute drive to the infamous mud volcano. On the way to the volcano, pass by the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress situated outside the walled city. Here, you’ll have the opportunity enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Upon arrival at the mud volcano an orientation to the rustic facilities will be provided. A mud volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground and forms what appears to be a huge anthill. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in size, gradually forming what you can see today: a miniature 50-foot volcano with a rich, creamy, mud crater at the top. If you have never been in a mud volcano before, then the initial feeling of mud on your skin is unusual to say the least. When you feel like you are about to become one with the earth, just climb back down the staircase and stroll down to the nearby freshwater lake where you can wash the mud off. Note: The temperature of the mud is very warm to hot, therefore those who are susceptible to heat must not participate on this tour. It's said that the mud has healing properties; however the truth to this statement is not proven. To reach the top of the mud volcano where the pool of mud is located, requires the negotiation of numerous, steep steps. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. less

Your boat will pull up right at the pier where you and other participants will board. Wear your life jackets and get ready for the thrill of your life. As the boat motors out through the Cabo harbor and into the bay, you’ll be fitted with a harness and then one at a time, you’ll sit down on the back of the boat, it’s simple and easy… the boat does the rest! You’ll soar up to 600 feet depending on the wind and water conditions. Tandem is possible depending on the combined weight of the participants and wind speed at the moment. Take your camera up with you and create aerial memories to show your friends and prove that you really did it! Get a bird’s eye view of Land’s End. Return to your starting point dry and sitting down on the back of the boat. Actual flight time is approximately 10 minutes each.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (adult need not fly, but must buy a ride-along ticket). Required minimum weight should be at least 100 lbs. with a maximum combined weight of 550 lbs. Minimum and maximum weight may change as per Captain’s discretion based on wind conditions. This tour is not for pregnant women and those guests with neck or back problems, as boat ride can be rough at times. Bottled water and soft drinks are included. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Comfortable clothing and sun protection suggested. Due to safety regulations, guests under 7 years of age are not permitted on the boat. less