Sightseeing drive through rolling hills, high mountains, plains, valleys, and riverbeds is just part of the gorgeous landscape. Costa Rica’s topography is one of the worlds most diverse. You’ll start by heading east to Esparza, a town that has become one of the most picturesque in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region. The central park and its church are emblematic of Costa Rica’s hardworking rural towns. Local kids dancers in colorful dresses will greet you at the park and you’ll enjoy masquerades and handmade souvenir exhibitions while you learn about their traditions. Your scenic drive includes some stretches along the Pacific Ocean passing by mango and cashew plantations, farming areas and most certainly seeing some birds along the way, all examples of sustainable living. Take the opportunity to capture unique pictures, while traveling down to sea level, admiring the most breathtaking views. Conclude your experience with a visit to the CROC Sky Walk Experience Center, where you will observe crocodiles from a scenic viewing platform, enjoy a chocolate-making demonstration, sample tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee, and browse local handcrafted souvenirs.

OVERVIEW

Interact with southern stingrays and a passel of pigs while wading in the crystal-clear waters off Treasure Island. It won’t take long to reach the private oasis, giving you all the more time to enjoy these unusual encounters. Stingrays are abundant there and quite willing for you to touch them. As you will discover by being so close to these graceful, diamond-shaped stingrays, they are used to human contact. You will also have the opportunity to touch starfish, conchs and sand dollars, so you can expect the interaction to be incredibly fulfilling. Perhaps even more surprising, you will be greeted by swimming pigs. The guides will show you how to maximize your time with these friendly porcine animals. They love attention so be ready for a fun and immersive experience as the pigs happily share their swimming hole. They may even follow you ashore to the observation deck that overlooks the sea. Feel free to explore the 5000 sq ft observation deck, visit the retail store for unique souvenirs, and access the bar with breathtaking views. A variety of cold beers, Treasure Island Rum Punch, water, and more are available for purchase.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wade into the shallows off Treasure Island where you will encounter stingrays and pigs.
• Touch and pet the typically docile stingrays as they swim right up to you.
• Interact with the island’s cute resident pigs, who are remarkably good swimmers.
• Touch other marine creatures such as starfish and conchs.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.
• Wear flat, comfortable water shoes.

Your tour begins with a scenic journey along Jamaica’s beautiful coastline. On arrival at Dolphin Cove Negril, you’ll be greeted by a friendly hostess and receive a welcome drink. After a brief orientation, you’ll enter the world of these fascinating mammals. Get to know these gentle creatures from a platform in shallow water, experience the emotion as you caress these beautiful animals, enjoy a splash and even a kiss or two! View the stingrays in their natural lagoon. Then relax and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs in the gift shop. After this exciting experience, you’ll be transported to the world famous Doctor’s Cave Beach located on Montego Bay’s "must see” hip strip. This beautiful white sand beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. Food, drink, umbrellas and beach chair rentals are available at an extra cost. After this relaxing day you'll be returned to your awaiting ship.

Go fishing in the beautiful, crystal-clear waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with highly prized, fun-to-catch fish such as groupers, snappers and jacks. After departing from the pier in a skiff designed for fishing, you will cruise into the turquoise waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with fish. Just settle in and enjoy, as the 32-foot boat races to a spot where the fish have been biting lately. Once the boat anchors, a crew member will outfit you with the necessary bait that the fish should find irresistible. The crew will also offer tips on how best to cast and retrieve the bait to maximize the experience. Jacks thrive here among the reefs and if you catch one be prepared for a fierce fight. Easy to identify by their steep heads and deeply forked tails, jacks are often caught here. If you catch a striped fish that grunts like a pig when you pull it out of the water, it will be a grunt. They make that characteristic sound by grinding the teeth deep in their throats. Grunts tend to school in the many reefs and sea beds off Harvest Caye. Many types of groupers are found in deeper waters near rocks, drop-offs and ledges. Although groupers are slow swimmers, they can be powerful, especially the massive ones.

On this tour you’ll experience Acapulco from a unique perspective, as you cruise through one of the most beautiful bays in the region. Your transfer boat will take you to your vessel on which you’ll set sail for La Quebrada to view the world famous cliff divers as they plunge nearly 130 feet into the ocean below. Continue sailing along the coast, passing by the million dollar mansions of the rich and famous perched on the Acapulco hills. Taste an array of Mexican appetizers and beverages while you enjoy the sights from the bay.

The image conjured by Panama is generally that of the spectacular Canal, considered by many as one of the eighth wonder of the world, and rightly so. The Panama Canal cuts through one of the narrowest saddles of the Isthmus of Panama approximately 80 kilometers long, joining North & South America with the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans.

Today you will have a unique opportunity to travel on board a comfortable air conditioned motor coach and travel from Atlantic to Pacific on a similar route once used by the Spanish Conquistadors and the 49ers seeking a short cut in search of Gold in the West.

Your first stop will be Miraflores Locks, take this opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitors Center.

Continuing with the Panama Canal informative tour, you will visit the Panama Canal Expansion the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Center of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Center of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new center, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a beautifully restored and richly adorned railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars’ worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built. Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

Following your time at locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

This Mexican Outback and Camel Safari is an unforgettable eco-adventure that combines spectacular views, delicious cuisine and an exciting beach camel ride.

Check in at the pier, sign your waivers, and make a quick bathroom stop. Continue with a short walk to board your A/C vans for the scenic 45 minute drive into the heart of the Baja outback and Rancho Tierra Sagrada.

Upon arrival at Rancho Tierra Sagrada, you will be greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable local expert who will give you a briefing of the adventure that awaits you.

Start by meeting our friendly camels, these gentle giants will then take you on a fun and unique caravan across the white sands of the beach. From your perch high atop the camel, you'll have excellent views of your surroundings and in the winter months, you'll want to keep an eye out for whales which are sometimes spotted off-shore.

After you've dismounted your camel, your good times continue as you expert guide leads you on a guided tour through desert vegetation, pointing out the indigenous flora and fauna, making this a true eco experience.

The pathway of your nature walk will lead you to the restaurant of our local ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where you'll have a chance to catch your breath and savor some traditional Mexican food of hand-made tortillas, beans and salsas. Your guide will continue with a Tequilla sampling and a short class on how to make traditional tortillas.

Then it's time to head back to the pier. Re-board the A/C van and enjoy some breathtaking views of the Baja desert while you drive beside the Pacific Ocean coast line.

Visit one of the largest animal parks in Guatemala. Depart on a scenic one hour ride towards a drive-through zoo called the Auto-Safari Chapin – a natural reserve founded in 1980 and one of the largest animal parks in Guatemala. Its mission is to help preserve the fauna and to educate the public about the vital importance of animals. Upon arrival at the premises, your coach will stop at the entrance for a brief orientation and a written guide to the nature park will be distributed.

Then relax and enjoy as the coach drives through the park and you see a variety of animals such as hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, zebras and many other animals from Africa and Guatemala. After the drive through the park, you can walk around another area that is more like a zoo to see other animals including birds and reptiles.

OVERVIEW

Discover two of Costa Rica’s most remarkable ecosystems on this full-day adventure that combines a canal cruise with an in-depth rainforest experience. Begin with a scenic bus transfer to a private dock, where you will board a covered boat for a gentle cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” As you drift past orchids, water lilies, and lush mangroves, your naturalist guide will help you spot wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, and other tropical birds. After enjoying a seasonal tropical fruit snack, continue to the Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, set high in the mountains. Here you will explore frog and reptile exhibits, one of the country’s largest butterfly gardens, and the Foundation laboratories to learn about groundbreaking scientific research. Then glide through the rainforest canopy aboard the Sky Gondola, descending from the mountaintop to the river below with spectacular views along the way. Enjoy a nature walk on the Trail of the Giants or choose the more challenging 350-step trail to the Puma Waterfall. Your visit concludes with a delicious Costa Rican lunch and free time for souvenir shopping in the gift shop, where proceeds support local rainforest conservation efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the lush Tortuguero Canals and spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Explore the Veragua Rainforest, including frog and reptile exhibits and the butterfly garden.
• Ride the Sky Gondola for a breathtaking view of the rainforest canopy.
• Take a guided nature walk or optional hike to the Puma Waterfall.
• Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and shop for local crafts that support rainforest research.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a poncho or umbrella.
• Bring cash or credit card for optional purchases in the gift shop.
• Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Experience the thrill of an Iron Chef-style cooking challenge, where you can put your skills to the test with fellow passengers. With breathtaking rooftop views of San Francisco as a backdrop, classes are taught by local hosts who bring their expertise and passion to each session.

Spend hours with a chef as they demonstrate culinary techniques and provides cooking tips, all in the interest of improving your skills in the kitchen. Whether you are somewhat of a novice or a highly experienced cook, this course has plenty to offer. During the session, you will learn how to prepare dishes using seasonal ingredients that are nutrient-rich and responsibly sourced. You will also discover the principles of flavor composition so you can create memorable dishes without following a recipe when you return home. Much of the course will be hands on, allowing you to better understand the principles by practicing the techniques under the chef’s watchful eye. Afterwards, you will enjoy a lunch made with garden-fresh ingredients that reflect California international cuisine. The exact dishes will be determined by what’s in season, but past offerings have included Thai, summer vegetable galette, balsamic Swiss chard tart and buckwheat crepes with tarragon zucchini.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend time in a hands-on cooking class with an accomplished chef in her home kitchen.
• Learn techniques to better prepare nutrient-rich, responsibly sourced dishes.
• Gain an understanding of flavor composition so you can prepare meals without a recipe.
• Dine on dishes that reflect California cuisine.

OVERVIEW

You'll be escorted to the embarking point in the port, where your adventure begins. Sail to the pristine beach that rims Bahia de las Aguilas in a regular motor boat for a one-hour boat ride to your pop-up beach adventure. You may even spot manatees, which thrive in the crystalline waters as the bay lies within the protected Jaragua National Park. Bahia de las Aguilas translates to Bay of the Eagles, a name that may refer to the sea eagles that feast on the fish there. The area couldn’t be more remote or undeveloped, which is much of its appeal. The captain will pick a spot that will be ideal for you to relax on the beach and within a carpeted tent ideal for glamping.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the gorgeous tropical scenery as you cruise to secluded Bahia de las Aguilas.
• Relax on a lengthy stretch of beach chosen for its privacy and natural beauty.
• Enjoy access to a tent with a carpet to enhance your glamping experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.