Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

This exciting tour combines a “whales guaranteed” cruise with Alaska’s finest wilderness salmon bake. Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a waterjet-powered vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, as these graceful giants slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck.

The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe! An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. The operators of this tour guarantee you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour!

Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore at Orca Point Lodge on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy a feast that includes fresh grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, coleslaw, fresh hot rolls and desserts. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before boarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay.

Note: Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the vessel observation deck and for enjoying the natural environment at Orca Point Lodge. Complimentary-use binoculars and souvenir route guides are provided. Participants must be able to walk a distance of 40 to 50 feet to embark and disembark the vessel. less

After a brief tender ride to Belize City, you’ll board a motor launch for a guided tour of the Old Belize River. On this scenic waterway, look out for crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife. Some 20 miles upstream, you’ll disembark at The Olde River Tavern for a tasty Belizean lunch and refreshments. From here you’ll then travel by road to Belize's famous wildlife habitat, the Belize Zoo. This facility is home to the endemic species of the region that are cared for in their natural environment behind protective fencing. Note: Animals in the zoo are not in cages but protected by fences. The zoo is not recommended for wheelchairs, walkers or canes, as it has loose gravel paths. Boats are exposed to the elements. 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.

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Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a connection with these truly remarkable creatures. You’ll have an opportunity to talk, touch, play and swim with gentle and exquisite bottlenose dolphins. Your swim experience begins with a brief presentation on dolphin characteristics, how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin and various safety guidelines. Next, your group of no more than eight participants will head to the Dolphin Lagoon where you’ll wade into the shallow, clear waters to begin your exclusive dolphin experience. You'll meet and play with a dolphin for 30 minutes, getting to know each other through hugs, kisses, rubdowns and ultimately, an exciting belly ride. The duration of the program is approximately 60 minutes, including orientation. After your dolphin swim, enjoy complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and some free time to purchase memories of your experience with the dolphins. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and no less than 4 feet, 5 inches tall. 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

This exclusive opportunity combines Alaska’s favorite experiences, a flight on a De Havilland Beaver float plane, and dining on Alaskan Dungeness Crab! Your flight begins as you take off from the downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks. This bustling Alaskan community will quickly be revealed below, along with panoramic views of the Tongass National Forest. Your flight will include the historic importance of the De Havilland Beaver float plane and the landmarks below! After 30 minutes of spectacular scenery, you’ll land at the remote, yet rustic and elegant George Inlet Lodge. Snack on smoked salmon as you learn about the colorful George Inlet Lodge and its epic journey across 90 miles of ocean to its current location. Sip white wine or Alaskan amber beer as your host entertains you with stories and knowledge of Alaska, Ketchikan, and so much more. Your feast will consist of a fresh romaine salad topped with homemade oriental-style dressing, followed by steamed baby red potatoes and Dungeness crab. A steaming hot second helping of crab will be by shortly. Last but certainly not least indulge in rich, smooth cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries. A quick visit to the George Inlet Lodge gift shop is a must before you depart. You’ll disembark on the second half of your journey enjoying a narrated coach ride along the coastline back to downtown. On this coastal path, you’ll pass and learn about totem poles, a fish hatchery, and the coast guard station in Ketchikan. This is an exclusive experience incorporating the best Alaska has to offer. Note: Flight path is subject to change due to weather patterns. This tour may run in reverse. This tour is non-refundable. less