Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

The sea around the Azores is incredibly rich. This is probably the place in Europe with the most sea diversity, especially where cetaceans are concerned; whales and dolphins. The abundance of dolphins is amazing, they are everywhere in groups of variable size, travelling from one place to another, feeding or simply playing their never-ending social games. On a single trip you can find the common Atlantic spotted dolphin, the bottlenose, risso's dolphins and striped dolphins. The goal of this tour is to provide you with a rare learning experience about the dolphin's world, by fitting them into our research team of animal behavior. The observations allow us to learn how to proceed in order to protect the dolphins in their habitat. We respect animals by avoiding pressure or interference when they are feeding or resting. This voluntary attitude has been praised by many ecological and scientific organizations that consider the work a contribution to the better knowledge of the dolphins surrounding the islands of the Azores. Note: This tour takes place on a semi-rigid zodiac boat. Not recommended for guests with back problems and/or heart condition, those with physical disabilities or who are pregnant. Wildlife sightings are frequent but not guaranteed. less

Become a part of the pod while swimming and snorkeling with over a dozen dolphins at Anthony’s Key Resort! Upon arrival to AKR, you'll take a short boat ride across the resort's lagoon to Bailey’s Key, the private home to a large family of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins! Once there, you'll receive a brief orientation and then enter the water from a gently sloping beach to meet a friendly member of the pod. During the 30 minute beach encounter, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, touch, kiss, play, take photos and be photographed by professional photographers. Then, with a limited number of fellow participants, you’ll outfit in snorkel gear to enter the deeper water where you'll swim, snorkel and enjoy maximum physical contact with these friendly marine mammals as they swim along with you throughout the two-acre enclosure for up to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you'll enjoy free time for photo and souvenir shopping- and great sightseeing and photo opportunities around the resort's spectacular grounds. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age to participate and all participants between 8 to 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water. less

Departing from Ponta Delgada, drive to the north side of the island to reach the city of Ribeira Grande where you’ll have the opportunity to observe the Baroque architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Continue driving along the north coast stopping at the belvedere of Sta Iria, at a tea factory to taste the tea and at Pico do Ferro viewpoint. From here you can observe the largest and oldest volcanic crater at the bottom of which lays Furnas Lake and where the spa of Furnas Valley is located. Once in Furnas village, visit the hot springs, an area with diverse forms of volcanic activity, fumaroles spouting boiling water and medicinal mud, one of the most spectacular being Caldeira de Pero Botelho. Furnas Valley is crossed by two fast-flowing streams, one with cold water and the other with warm water colored by an iron suspension, being one of Europe’s richest hydrological regions, with 22 thermal springs. This village is an important thermal center where the water of its mineral springs and the sulphuric mud of its volcanic solfataras are used to treat respiratory affections, reumathism, heart ailments, gastritis, depressions and nervous arrithmia, among others. After the visit to the village, drive to the quiet and romantic Furnas Lake with the Gothic profile of Chapel Nossa Senhora das Vitorias reflected on its clear waters. On its shores the volcanic solfataras and the ‘natural kitchens’ where the Cozido das Caldeiras is cooked, buried in the soil for a few hours with the proper condiments in hermetically closed pots. Once in the restaurant, your lunch consisting of this typical dish will be served, a unique flavor of the island. Return to Ponta Delgada along the southern coast passing by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island and the home of the artesian potteries. Note: Tour involves approximately .62 mile (1,000 meters) of walking on uneven ground, gravel and cobblestone. Ribeira Grande, tea factory, hot springs area and restrooms not wheelchair accessible. less

Don’t miss this highlight of your Alaskan Cruise. Come fishing with us! Experiencing a narrated tour of the city and outlying areas, learning about the history and lifestyle of Ketchikan from a seasoned and knowledgeable charter Captain, snacking on a seafood treat while you fish for wild Alaskan salmon – what better way to spend your time in the “Salmon Capital of the World”? We at Knudson Cove Marina relish the opportunity to show you, your family, and friends the charm and majestic beauty of Southeast Alaska. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Ketchikan, Knudson Cove Marina boasts a locale on prime fishing grounds. And due to its convenient location, you'll only be a few minutes from the dock before your lines hit the water. With only 4-6 passengers assigned to each fishing boat, our fleet offers you the chance for some truly individualized attention. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice to the fishing world, your Coast Guard-licensed Captain will treat you to a memorable excursion as he shows you the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of fishing in Alaska. In between reeling in your catch, you can marvel at the wildlife – seals, sea lions, otter, porpoise, and even whales might treat you to a show, while bald eagles will offer you a superb photo opportunity as they swoop down to grasp their own “catch of the day.” Note: Please bring cash for fishing license - $20.00 plus $10.00 for King Salmon tag (May - July)and a credit card for fish processing. This tour is not recommended for infants and toddlers. less

Enjoy your visit to Ketchikan with a bird's eye view of this historic town. Your flight takes off from the Ketchikan waterfront, flies over the community, and immediately enters the wilderness. Your expert local pilot/guide will point out the highlights and provide insights of Alaskan lifestyles. Make sure your camera is loaded and ready as your pilot watches for bear and mountain goats in this area of pristine grandeur. See how the residents of this frontier-style community live amongst islands and at the edge of a rich wilderness. Experience a richly forested fjord, lined with massive granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a multitude of lakes below. Marvel at the close-up views of the spectacular snowcapped Ketchikan Alps, including Deer, Fish, Achilles and Buck mountains. Your experience unfolds as you descend through a lush valley and over the rustic Herring Cove community. Your pilot will carry you along the Revillagigedo Island coast and by the Saxman Native Village. Admire Saxman's many totem poles as they tower into the sky and have one more glimpse of the mountainous background of town before descending onto the Ketchikan waterfront. Your flight path will be weather dependent and hand selected by your pilot. Note: Binoculars and telephoto lens are recommended. less

Enjoy a narrated transfer by motorcoach to Knudson Cove where you will board a motorized rigid hull inflatable Seahawk for an exciting 30 minute cruise along Clover Passage to a remote island in the Tongass National Forest. During your cruise you are likely to view marine life including whales, sea lions, seals, porpoise as well as bald eagles. Arriving on the island you’ll be given an orientation on Geocaching and be divided into small groups. Each group will be provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device already preloaded with the coordinates that you'll need to find your caches. Groups will be given a separate coordinate to start the hunt and you'll be searching for your treasure on the beach and along a well maintained boardwalk trail through a beautiful old growth rainforest. Each cache discovered will reveal coordinates for the next cache until the ultimate destination cache is found. Your guide will meander among the groups to assist as needed and provide interesting information about the botanic species native to the area and historical information about the importance of the forest to the early Natives of the region. Once your group has found its treasure, you'll gather around a campfire and enjoy an Alaskan style snack before heading back to the marina to board your motorcoach to return to your ship. Note: Participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13-17 years of age must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian. Not recommended for pregnant women. less