Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

For those who have always wanted to Scuba, now is your chance. You'll proceed to a private 186-acre island for a brief training session on the principles of Scuba and use of equipment. Then it's off to the Barrier Reef for your Scuba diving adventure and the opportunity to see exciting marine life. Fresh fruit, juice, and purified water are available throughout the excursion. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and able to swim. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. Due to restrictions by the Dive Provider, any Scuba participants currently taking any medication or with a previous medical condition should bring a note from their primary physician stating that they are medically cleared to participate on a Scuba excursion. less

Soar over the massive Juneau Icefield on this signature tour, the Glacier Adventure by Helicopter. Visit a landscape from another world. Experience the spectacular icefalls and rock formations of the Juneau Icefield from the air and on foot. Accessible only by air, the region is filled with lush forests, glassy alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and awe inspiring glaciers. On this unforgettable journey you may find Alaska’s unique glaciers in differing stages: advancing, retreating, cascading, or a one-of-a-kind floating glacier. After flightseeing over these amazing glaciers, your pilot will gently land on one of these ancient "rivers of ice". Under your pilot’s expert guidance you'll get the chance to walk on an Alaskan glacier, explore the ancient landscape, and experience the otherworldly blue of Alaska's glacial ice! Note: Participants must be at least 2 years of age. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes, with an approximate 20-25 minutes landing on a glacier. Although the glacier landing is not ADA accessible, guest will remain on board the aircraft with the doors opens to enjoy a scenic view of the glacier. Wheelchair access may be limited, for details please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. Guests weighing 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. This tour is non-refundable once booked. less

Experience on-the-water excitement with a two-man Rhino Rider; a 10-foot inflatable motorboat that is yours to command. Following your guide, you'll maneuver safely through anchorages for hundreds of boats and alongside mega-yacht marinas before exiting the lagoon into Marigot, the French capital of the island. View historic Fort Louis before continuing along the picturesque coastline to your final destination at Happy Bay. It’s your choice whether you hike the trail, snorkel the reef or build sandcastles on the beach - the time is yours to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and at least 18 years of age to operate the Rhino. Maximum combined weight is 400 lbs. per boat. Tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems. Snorkel gear is provided. This tour is on the French side of the island, where some nudity may be observed. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. less

Everybody Loves our friendly Rays! Enjoy two great ray activities; a personal encounter plus shore-side snorkeling, then relax and have fun at our private shore club with its resident, friendly critters, and water trampoline. Mere minutes from your ship, you are given all your snorkeling gear, then you're briefed on equipment and the rays. Your guide works with small groups to give you personal attention. First, you’ll encounter the rays in a shallow area and get to feed them if you like. Then, you'll move to a larger area for snorkeling with a larger school of rays and all their colorful fish friends. Finally, you’ll have some beach club leisure time, complete with a snack bar, souvenirs and photos available of your experience. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years old. No pregnancies, back or heart conditions. Facilities are available to shower/change clothes, (please bring your own towel). All stingray barbs are trimmed. Includes transportation and for those participants over the age of 5 years of age will be provided all snorkel gear. less

The Marietas Islands have been classified as a National Wildlife Preserve due to the numerous species of birds, marine mammals and fish that live here. This tour will let you experience the ecological sights and sounds of this natural environment. From the pier, an eco-guide will escort you to your state-of-the-art catamaran where you’ll meet your crew and receive a brief orientation. Leaving the dock, begin the 1-1/2-hour trip across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands. En route, get acquainted with the area through interesting and historical commentary. Keep an eye out for wild dolphins and sea turtles, which thrive in these waters. During the winter months (December to March) humpback whales are also a common sight. If encountered, your boat will pause to observe these creatures. As you approach the islands, your crew will provide you with detailed instructions on both snorkeling and kayaking. You’ll be fitted with snorkeling equipment and a review sheet, which contains information on the types of fish and animals you may encounter. After a 10-minute guided bird-watching trip around the islands by boat to familiarize you with the water conditions and to see the various species, your boat will drop anchor and you’ll have approximately 1 1/2 hours to explore the waters by kayak and/or snorkel. Enjoy a deli-style lunch and open bar aboard the catamaran on the way back as you just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by your enthusiastic crew. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll make a beach stop on the return back to your ship. Note: Participants must be in good health. We recommend that you bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. 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