Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Experience the Mayan Reality on a cultural adventure that will both educate and delight you. Many visitors think of the Mayans as an ancient civilization that disappeared long ago, but the fact is that while many other indigenous groups have vanished or been absorbed into the general population, the Mayan culture, customs, language and beliefs remain strong on the Yucatan Peninsula even today. On this tour you’ll witness the reality that faces these remarkable people as their ancient culture collides with and blends into the modern world. Begin your adventure in a small, contemporary Mayan community built up around the remains of an ancient Mayan settlement and visit one of the fascinating ruins located right in the middle of town. Follow your guide into an authentic Mayan house where you’ll learn about the local food and the ancient medicines. You’ll hear about the sacred Mayan tree and its role in the cosmos as well as legends, lore and prophesies written in the Mayan calendar. If you’ve visited any Mayan ruin or are remotely interested in the first people that populated the Americas, then you’ll be surprised, fascinated and left with a new-found respect for this long-lived culture and the legacy they leave here in Costa Maya. less

Experience an unforgettable journey along the eastern side of White Pass aboard the world famous narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, built more than 100 years ago through some of the North's most rugged terrain. Board a comfortable, vintage rail car and retrace the original route beyond the summit of White Pass at 2,865 feet through breathtaking scenery. Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia, you’ll board a motor coach for the journey down the west side of White Pass Canyon as you hear about Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls.

Stop at historic Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp located at the foot of the White Pass and nestled beside a waterfall. The camp was named for the journalists whose reports on the Klondike Gold Rush included tall tales of the prospectors’ exploits. Browse the authentic camp exhibits, including antiques and garments left behind. A cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will entertain you with a hilarious melodrama and a poem. You’ll then be set free in the Liarsville gold fields, where you are guaranteed to find some gold of your own! Enjoy a snack, shop for souvenirs or have your photo taken with a dance hall girl or the camp’s sled dog mascot, Denali.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both U.S. and Canadian borders. This tour may operate in reverse order.

Your dolphin encounter in Roatan takes place in a natural setting that resembles a Tahitian island village. The resort is laid out on two small keys, one of which is the private home to a large family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. You’ll travel across the resort's lagoon to Bailey’s Key where your encounter will begin with a brief orientation at a beachfront cabana. Following the orientation, you'll walk along a white sandy beach to into gin-clear, waist-deep Caribbean waters and join trained naturalists, where you'll receive a personal introduction to a resident dolphin. The trainer will describe the dolphins’ characteristics, anatomy and behaviors and give you the opportunity to touch, kiss and play with a member of this friendly family of marine mammals. During the session you'll have excellent photo opportunities in addition to professional photographs that will be taken of you and your new friends. These photographs will be available for purchase following the encounter. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age. less

Take a short drive to the Dolphin Center at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. After a brief presentation, head down the dock to a 14,500-square-foot holding pen and as you stand waist-deep in the water, you’ll be introduced to the beautiful Pacific bottlenose dolphin in a hands-on, up-close encounter for approximately 15 minutes. They are as curious about you as you are about them. Take full advantage of this unique opportunity to pet them gently and you’ll even receive a dolphin kiss. During your encounter you’ll also learn ways to ensure their preservation and foster the well-being of these amazing creatures. After your activity with the dolphins, enjoy a complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and free time to purchase souvenirs or photos to remind you and your family of this incredible experience. Note: Participants must be at least 1 year old. Infants 1 to 3 years of age can join at no charge in the arms of a participating adult. Children age 4 to 8 who are less than 4’ 5” in height may also participate in the arms of a participating adult, but they will be charged. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. Lockers available free of charge. less