Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

At Gumbalimba Park you’ll witness the raw beauty of the Caribbean at Roatans finest preservation park. Explore unspoiled trails where flowers and butterflies give way to the shade of the tropical forest canopy. Make the crossing over Gumbalimba Pond via a scenic rope bridge and delight to the tranquil sounds of our garden waterfall. Befriend the brilliant winged citizens of our bird sanctuary where friendly parrots and macaws bring the colors of the Caribbean alive. Ever dreamt of frolicking with monkeys? Enter Monkey Refugio where spider, white faced, and howler monkeys are eager and willing for you to hold and play with them. Trace the steps of the real pirates of the Caribbean inside Coxen’s Cave where you’ll encounter the infamous Captain John Coxen. Roam through the Botanical Garden and learn more about exotic plants indigenous to the region. Ready to bask in the sun? Imagine a place where jungle meets the ocean. You’ll visit a place where you can bask in the sun in private sun loungers at the waters edge or retreat to the shade of lush tropical vegetation. After that, take a dip in the ocean and let the cool trade winds of the Caribbean cool you off while you enjoy your barbecue lunch. Imagine Tabyana Beach - by far Roatans best beach. The cave you will be visiting is not natural, but man-made. less

This is an ideal opportunity for bird watchers and nature lovers to spend a day in absolute relaxation. In the tropical atmosphere of the Mexican Pacific Coast, one mile south of Mazatlan, is where your boat is ready for an estuary run to admire the natural beauty of four miles of mangroves. From your boat, you’ll see your ship, the 104-year-old Pacifico Brewery, the Mexican Navy Base and the shrimp and tuna fishing fleets along the harbor. Enjoy your guided cruise down mangrove and palm tree-lined waterways in Mexico’s largest estuary/wetland system. Explore the private world of the Mexican brown pelican, blue heron, sea hawk, osprey and other exotic water fowl in this protected wildlife refuge, the best place for nature lovers. Disembark and board your transportation for a ride through a peaceful area where a variety of fruit trees are grown and through a coconut plantation on the way to a typical beachfront restaurant to enjoy a delightful fish lunch and have time for a swim or just relax. On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass by a small traditional village and return directly from the island to the embarcadero. Don’t forget your camera! Note: Participants must be in good health conditions. We recommend that you bring a towel from your ship if you plan to swim. less

At the ruins, your guide takes you through this breathtaking site named after the majestic cahoon palm tree that grows fronds up to 40 feet tall. Kohunlich Ruins include a sunken palace, acropolis, ball court, courtyards and the main attraction - the masks. Climb the pyramid-like temple for a view of the unique 10-foot high sculpted masks of the sun god 'Kinich Ahau.' Built before 500 A.D., these marvelous masks still retain some of their original colored stucco. Note: There is a government tax of $5-8 US for the use of video cameras at the site. No tripods and/or professional video cameras are allowed. A boxed lunch and a complimentary bottle of water is included. less

Relax on board a modern catamaran as you cruise south of Puerto Vallarta following the spectacular tropical coastline of Banderas Bay. Your journey takes you past some of the most picturesque scenery in Vallarta, where dolphins and humpback whales are often sighted during the winter months. The morning is spent at the tranquil cove of Majahuitas, an unspoiled area of natural beauty on the southern coast of Banderas Bay. Only accessible by sea, Majahuitas offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. After lunch aboard your catamaran, head off to Yelapa, an old charming Mexican fishing village set in it's own natural bay. Long a famous day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa has become a must on most tourist's lists, but since there are no roads in, this tropical paradise is only accessible by boat. The tiny village is a true escape from civilization. If you love the outdoors and want to spend time exploring nature, this idyllic spot is perfect for you. Hike through the jungle to the waterfall, swim in the cove's protected waters, or just relax on the expansive beach. As you cruise back to Puerto Vallarta, the on board fiesta wraps up a day full of fun-in-the-sun with an open bar, dancing, music and entertainment provided by the friendly crew. Note: Snorkel and kayak equipment are provided, minimum age for these activities is 8 years old. Bring your swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen and a light sweater or windbreaker. There is a 100-yard walk from pier to boat and a 500-yard optional hike up to the waterfalls. In Yelapa, walking is on uneven sandy surfaces with some rocky paths. less