Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

This experience allows for an intimate glimpse inside one of the most important aspects that defines Costa Rica as the strongest nation in all of Central America. Coffee cultivation has been the primary source of income for many Costa Rican families since the turn of the 19th century. You’ll visit a 670-acre cooperative farm owned by more than 2,300 farmers of who 60% are women. Each member contributes almost 10 acres of land to the coop. The coffee that they cultivate and produce is sold directly to one of the largest coffee companies in the world, Starbucks. This coffee is also purchased by Rainforest Alliance, an organization that focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. You’ll experience first-hand the coffee roasting process and have the chance to sample the flavorful brewing. Also see how the coffee beans, also known as cherries, are picked, sorted, peeled, fermented and sun-dried. Learn many interesting facts that will change your appreciation for this highly consumed beverage. Feel free to browse the selection of hand-made souvenirs before heading to the town of Sarchi. A photo-stop will be made at the largest oxcart monument ever built and stop at the factory that made it; see the ancient water wheel that propels most of the machinery they use to cut and saw the wood. Note: Minimum amount of walking over even surface and some steps. For wheelchair restricted customers, advance notice is required. Motorized scooters cannot be handled, only foldable wheelchairs. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and bring a camera and a light jacket. 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

Untouched Alaskan wilderness awaits you on this premier fly-fishing quest. Combine the highlights of Southeast Alaska with classic floatplanes, world-renowned fishing in remote waters, experienced local guides and abundant wildlife in a pristine wilderness setting. This foremost guiding service caters to the first timer with hands-on instruction. The experienced fly caster will enjoy the challenge of Alaskan fishing and the guide interaction. All fishing is done on an eco-conscious catch-and-release basis. Fishing species include cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and various salmon species. All first class gear and equipment is provided, and an Alaskan smoked salmon snack and beverages are included. The only way to experience Alaskan fishing at its finest is to experience the heart of the Alaskan wilderness--something road access simply doesn't allow. Your guide will choose the stream or river fishing location based on current fishing reports, weather and scenic/wildlife variables. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman, a photographer, or a discriminating traveler looking for the true wilderness experience, this is a once in a lifetime adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and able to walk up to a 1/2 mile on uneven terrain and shallow streams. Alaska State Law requires a fishing license which can be purchased in cash from your guide for $20. Gear, snack and beverages are provided. For more details about this tour please visitwww.flyfishingjuneau.com
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Your quest for the perfect mix of adventure and knowledge starts here in the heart of the Belizean jungle. Be one with nature and the most sacred elements of the ancient Maya, whose underground world of ceremonial caves and the canopies of ancient trees were used to send offerings up to their gods. Board your comfortable air conditioned bus accompanied by your friendly and knowledgeable guide for an approximate hour and a half ride to your jungle camp. This journey will be filled with interesting facts about Belizean culture, history and geology as you drive through savannas and quaint villages to reach your hidden destination. Once there, your guides will fit you with your harnesses and give you a safety briefing before you start your tour. A short winding trail through thick jungle where you are dwarfed by towering cohune palms takes you to a limestone cliff that is your launching pad to your zip line adventure. Feel the rush as you fly 500 feet across the jungle for a bird’s eye view of a cavernous opening to one of the Maya’s ancient ceremonial caves and the start point of your next adventure. But this is just the beginning as your next traverse takes you to an unrivalled 700 feet across the jungle, so don’t forget to look down onto the dense flora that used to be the Mayan hunting ground and source of almost all their everyday needs. Throughout your adventure, your guides will highlight some of the trees and bushes and the purpose for which these ancient people used them and still do today. Adrenaline pumping and anticipation high, it’s time to switch gears from harness to life vests as the second leg of you quest begins. Be prepared to be 'wowed' by this adventure that puts you up close and personal with the unique phenomenon of crystal caves. Your journey begins as you float into a chamber where high ceilings and a stalactite lined wall give the feeling of a cathedral and its mighty pipe organ welcoming you into a sacred place. Crystal encrusted cave formations dazzle you with their beauty as you meander up the river. But this is just a taste of what’s to come. As you disembark your tube and enter the crystal chamber to explore the sacred underworld of the Maya, your guide will reveal hidden pottery dating back to 300-900 AD used by the Maya in ancient sacrificial ceremonies. Be prepared as your hike takes you through a tiny passage and you emerge in front of a 'frozen water fall' column and glittering rim stone dam that will take your breath away. Back in your tube, you’ll make your way to an underground lagoon boarded by a mini waterfall, which signals the end of your subterranean adventure. Don’t forget to visit our photo desks to buy your memories from photographers who captured spectacular shots of you on your adventure. Sip on local beer or munch on a tasty snack at the snack bar as you reflect on the expedition you just experienced. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, be at least 48 inches high and weigh no more than 265 lbs. Shorts must be worn on the zipline portion of the tour. less