Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Rising behind Mazatlan is the Sierra Madre range of mountains, which separates the coastal area of Mexico from the interior. Rich in mineral wealth and extremely rugged, these mountains have become the subject of spectacular legends. Your exploration will carry you from historic Mazatlan to the Durango Highway, stopping at a brickyard where adobe bricks are handmade and fired, much as they have been for several centuries. A short drive along the foothills of the Sierra Madre will take you into Concordia where you’ll visit the 220-year old church and enjoy a refreshing drink at a typical small restaurant. Continue to the village of Copala, once a thriving Spanish gold mining town founded in 1565, where you’ll take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets. See Colonial houses, the jail and a spectacular church dating back to the early 18th century and enjoy a delightful lunch of Mexican food at a local restaurant. Visit a furniture factory and a potter’s home who produces roof tiles, jars, flowerpots and dishes typical of this region. Back at Mazatlan’s Golden Zone you'll have approximately 40 minutes of free time to browse and shop before the scenic drive back to your ship. Note: Guests should be able to board bus without assistance. Bring a hat, camera, and comfortable walking shoes. less

Embark on an open-air gondola ride with a bilingual naturalist guide to safely glide you through a living backdrop of giant trees, hanging gardens, waterfalls and lush green landscapes. Panoramic ocean views and common sightings of wildlife that thrive in the canopy will introduce you to this unique transitional forest. This is also one of the few areas in Costa Rica where you can occasionally see spectacular scarlet macaws majestically soaring above the treetops or sitting in one of the trees. To complete your rainforest experience, visit the Serpentarium, a medicinal plant Garden and Heliconias Gallery. You’ll also have a chance to pass though a snake exhibit set in the tropical rainforest. Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to your ship. Note: Wear light clothes, closed-toe shoes. Bring rain gear and insect repellent. less

An approximately 45-minute drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you'll board a riverboat and head up the New River. While navigating the many little creeks and lagoons, it's easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while crocodiles bask in the sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for 'submerged crocodile') rise into view. As you tour the site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birds and the haunting call of the howler monkeys. less

Begin your adventure by taking a deluxe drive to the Guanacaste flat lands while enjoying the beautiful passages surrounded by trees and cattle fields. Once at the operation base, you’ll have time to change and get ready to paddle after being briefed on safety procedures. Float down the Corobici River and enjoy its great scenery and wildlife. This classic floating trip is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. As you raft along this tranquil river, you might spot one of the more than 300 species of birds from the nearby Palo Verde National Park. The more commonly seen birds are ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and blue, tiger and boat-billed herons. Other wildlife in the area includes otters, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, iguanas and many other lizards. At the conclusion of your trip, a native-style lunch will be served. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh less than 270 lbs. and be in good health. Bring a towel, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes if desired; tour may get you wet. less

Discover the ultimate dolphin adventure by spending an exciting day (approximately 6 hours) working beside the trainers. You’ll gain an insight and understanding of the basic skills needed to care for and train dolphins and sea lions through practical hands-on experience, while being an active member of the team of marine mammal experts. You’ll be in close contact with the dolphins and sea lions throughout the day – both in the pool and poolside - while assisting trainers in every aspect of their work. This is a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A light lunch from the snack bar is included. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Please bring your swimsuit and a towel. less

Enjoy a full day of water fun at Atlantis! Explore the new Dolphin Cay and play with dolphins in one of the newest and largest dolphin habitats in the world and home to the world-famous ‘Katrina’ dolphins. After a brief orientation, enjoy this one-of-a-kind dolphin experience as you control your speed with hand-held water scooters so you can race alongside dolphin. Cruise along the surface, or dive to the depths of their saltwater lagoon. Feel a rush unlike any other with the signature & foot push, where a dolphin propels you across the lagoon on a boogie board. Your day continues at Aquaventure, the only water park of its kind in the world. This 141-acre aqua-adventure features the Power Tower and Mayan Temple offering eight high-speed body and inner tube slides, numerous children's water play activities, relaxing pools, beautiful white-sand beaches, and a mile-long action river ride that you won't want to miss! Experience white water rapids, rolling waves, gentle currents, themed caves and never-before-seen special effects as you float along in a single or double tube. Note: Participants must be at least 48 inches tall for the Aquaventure portion of the tour. For the Dolphin Swim part of this tour, participants must be at least 10 years of age and a minimum height of 3’. Snorkel equipment is provided. It may be a case where you participate in the Aquaventure portion of the excursion first. The dolphin swim portion of the tour includes 30 minutes in the deep water lagoon, but the entire Dolphin program may last approx 2 hours. This program includes a video orientation and a trainer talk, complimentary wet suit, natural fruit, infused water, personal locker, towels, beach service, and all-day access to Dolphin Cay’s private beach. Wetsuits are mandatory at Dolphin Cay. Due to the amount of walking, numerous steps and inclines, the Aquaventure tour is not recommended for the physically challenged guests or pregnant women. Sandals or ‘aqua socks’ are strongly recommended for children of all ages. Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Guests should bring a credit card for drink and food purchases. This tour is non-refundable. The duration of this tour includes transportation to and from the pier by bus, approximately 25-minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. This tour is not available on the N. Epic and N. Sun. The last transfer back to the ship will be one hour before sailing time. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). To ensure availability, dolphin excursions must be booked no later than 24 hours prior to the port call. Last minute sales will not be available. less

Enjoy a day at Atlantis Dolphin Cay, one of the world's newest and largest marine habitats. Wade into waist-deep waters and come face to face with your new Sea Lion friends. Here, you'll kiss, touch and hug them as they show off their playful side through some of their favorite behaviors. Your friendly interaction begins with an orientation and includes 30-minutes in the water. Next, continue to Aquaventure, the only water park of its kind in the world. This 141-acre aqua-adventure features the Power Tower and Mayan Temple offering eight high-speed body and inner tube slides, numerous children's water play activities, relaxing pools, beautiful white-sand beaches, and a mile-long action river ride that you won't want to miss! Experience white water rapids, rolling waves, gentle currents, themed caves and never-before-seen special effects as you float along in a single or double tube. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Bring your swimsuit. For children under 10 years of age, a parent or appointed guardian must participate in the program. Children must be able to comprehend and follow instructions. Wet suits, personal lockers, beach towels, will be provided for your interaction program. Wetsuits are mandatory for the Sea Lion portion of the tour. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). Due to the amount of walking, numerous steps and inclines, the Aquaventure tour is not recommended for the physically challenged guests or pregnant women. Sandals or ‘aqua socks’ are strongly recommended for children of all ages. Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Guests should bring a credit card for drink and food purchases. This tour is non-refundable. The duration of this tour includes transportation to and from the pier by bus, approximately 25-minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. The last transfer back to the ship will be one hour before sailing time. This tour is not available on the Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Epic. To ensure availability, dolphin excursions must be booked no later than 24 hours prior to the port call. Last minute sales will not be available. less

Come explore an amazing series of caverns connected by underground waterways. Incredible natural formations will meet you around every corner as you walk, wade, and swim through the easy 600m route. This protected natural reserve has astounding stalactites, stalagmites and other formations that will amaze you with their variety and natural splendor. Your expert guide will inform you of the cultural importance of the caverns as you marvel at the magical subterranean world that until now has remained unexplored for millions of years. Afterward, enjoy a delicious snack and beverage before returning to your vessel. You will have the opportunity to spend free time in Playa del Carmen before the ferry ride to Cozumel. The ferry ride to and from Playa del Carmen is included This adventure is perfect for all ages and everyone will be amazed as they explore one of the most unique caverns in all of Mexico. Notes: Participants must be at least 6 years of age. Bring swimsuit and a change of dry clothes. Tour includes a 45-minute ferry ride to the mainland. The following items may not be taken inside the cavern: watches, jewelry, photo or video cameras. Pregnant women or guests on medication that carry a warning about any impairment of any physical or mental abilities may not participate. Wetsuits will be provided for those participants weighing less than 250 lbs. Participants weighing over 250 lbs. should bring an extra t-shirt or rash guard shirt. less

The perfect day to do everything or nothing starts on board the Catamaran in Banderas Bay. Enjoy a beach day full of activity or complete relaxation. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park and the cove of Mismaloya, where you’ll have great photo opportunities. First stop is at Colomitos Beach where you can practice your snorkeling and may be able to closely watch beautiful species of tropical and Pacific Ocean fish, sea horses, sea urchins and marine wildlife in general. You may choose to just spend a little while relaxing at the beach. The following destination will be Majahuitas, a white sandy beach with clear and calm waters, where you can again enjoy the sand and surf or if you prefer, do some kayaking or snorkeling. During your catamaran cruise, depending on the season, you might get to see some wildlife such as dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles or humpback whales. On the way back to shore, enjoy music and entertainment to put an end to your perfect day at Banderas Bay. Note: Continental breakfast and a light lunch are included in the price of this tour. less

Walk across the bottom of the world-famous Mayan Temple Shark Exhibit at Atlantis. Utilize state off-the art, clear glass helmets, and come face to face with the Caribbean reef and nurse sharks in this unique environment. After a safety briefing, walk throughout the tank with these creatures and other marine life. Next, continue to Aquaventure, the only water park of its kind in the world. This 141-acre aqua-adventure features the Power Tower and Mayan Temple offering eight high-speed body and inner tube slides, numerous children's water play activities, relaxing pools, beautiful white-sand beaches, and a mile-long action river ride that you won't want to miss! Experience white water rapids, rolling waves, gentle currents, themed caves and never-before-seen special effects as you float along in a single or double tube. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. No snorkeling or Scuba experience necessary. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). Due to the amount of walking, numerous steps and inclines, the Aquaventure tour is not recommended for physically challenged guests or pregnant women. Lounge chairs, towels and life jackets are provided. Sandals or 'aqua socks' are strongly recommended for children of all ages. Wetsuits are mandatory for in the shark tank. Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Guests should bring a credit card for drink and food purchases. This tour is non-refundable. The duration of this tour includes transportation to and from the pier by bus, approximately 25-minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. The last transfer back to the ship will be one hour before sailing time. This tour is not available on the N. Sky and N. Epic. less

Your scenic drive begins as you travel west by Pier 39, lively Fisherman's Wharf, along the Marina District, by the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio. You'll continue to drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge for a brief photo stop at Vista Point. Then it’s on to Sonoma for wine tasting, where you'll visit two wineries located in the Carneros Region, with time in between for lunch on your own at Sonoma Town Plaza. This plaza offers a shady park and picnic grounds surrounded by charming boutiques, superb cuisine and educational landmark buildings, eclectic shops and fabulous restaurants. You’ll return to San Francisco by way of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to view the city's picturesque skyline. less

Experience Xcaret, one of the world’s most famous ecological parks where you will find underground rivers, natural pools and a myriad of attractions including the first Butterfly Pavilion in Mexico and a coral reef aquarium. This unique theme park offers many exhilarating activities and more than 40 attractions. It is pure fun and enjoyment in a natural setting. As you get off the ferry in Playa del Carmen, your bi-lingual guide will take you to your transportation for a short ride to Xcaret. At the park, your guide will assist you with planning your day, advising you where to go and what you can do. You are then on your own to explore and experience the park. Choose from the butterfly pavilion, museum of Popular Mexican Art, cemetery, Henequen Hacienda, a bird sanctuary, botanical gardens, aquarium, restored Mayan ruins, a replicated Mayan village, beautiful beaches and natural pools. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in an underground river. Other activities are available at an additional cost: the dolphin swim, snuba diving, Sea Trek and Temascal (an ancient Mayan ritual in a pre-Hispanic sweat lodge). Please bring your bathing suit. Note: Not recommended for pregnant women. less