SHORE EXCURSIONS

Travel along the coastline while you learn about the history and culture of Acapulco. Stop at El Mirador, above La Quebrada to enjoy a drink while admiring the world-famous cliff divers. From a vantage point near Las Brisas Hotel, marvel at the incredible beauty of the panoramic landscape and the bays of Acapulco and Puerto Marques. Continue to the outskirts of town and pass by one of the most impressive hotels in the Acapulco Diamante hotel zone, the Acapulco Princess Hotel, constructed to resemble an Aztec Pyramid.

Take an approximately 45-minute boat tour along the tip of this long and desolate peninsula. View pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed Los Arcos - a dramatic natural rock that arches out of the sea. A complimentary beverage will be served aboard while you listen to an recorded narration by Jean-Michel Cousteau about the underwater life and fragile ecology of Baja California.

You’ll be escorted to your motorcoach for an approximate 15-minute drive through town to a hand-blown glass workshop to witness artisans, as they create artwork from molten glass. You’ll have an opportunity to purchase items before continuing to a scenic stop for an unforgettable view of Land’s End, its famed arch and your ship at anchor. Here you’ll have ample time to enjoy a complimentary beverage, take pictures or just relax and enjoy the view.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Experience the wonders of the Panama Canal on this spectacular partial canal transit. Arriving in Panama City, you will disembark the ship and take a short transfer by coach to the La Playita dock where you will board a spacious ferry and begin your unforgettable tour of the Panama Canal. The first lock you will pass through is the Miraflores Locks, where your ship will be raised the first 56 feet and enter Miraflores Lake. From here, you will transit through the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will be raised the second 28 feet and enter Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Crossing the Continental Divide at this point, you will continue to Gaillard Cut. The Gaillard (or Culebra) Cut, was the most challenging section of the canal to build. As you pass through the Cut, you'll see the continuing excavation that keeps this passage open to marine traffic. Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ferry before your fascinating tour of the Canal ends in the small village of Gamboa. While not large, Gamboa is home to the headquarters of the Panama Canal dredging division and some of the largest floating cranes in the world. After leaving your ferry, board a waiting motorcoach for the just over 1-hour drive back to the ship at Amador. Each tour participant will receive a certificate that commemorates their crossing of the Canal.

Set out by comfortable motorized catamaran on a delightful coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, unspoiled beaches and secluded coves. View spectacular golf resorts and impressive developments along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean coastlines and the famous arch at Land's End. The waters of the Sea of Cortez are visited by thousands of whales that migrate yearly toward the warmer tides. At least six different types of whales spout and breach as they swim around the gulf. They include California gray whales, the finbacks, the humpbacks and the mighty blue whales – the largest animals to inhabit the earth. Whale watching is a favorite pastime, so keep your cameras poised. The Cousteau Society has done some of its best film making right here. Admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited rum, margaritas, tequila, beer and sodas and munching on chips and salsa.

View the famous cliff divers at La Quebrada while enjoying a complimentary drink. Tour main avenue and stop near Las Brisas area for stunning panoramic views. Shop for handcrafted items or jewelry. Stop at the Hotel Los Flamingos, where you can enjoy a drink while you travel back through history and visit the home of movie legend Tarzan in its original setting.

The tour ends with an outside visit to the Fort of San Diego, the most important museum in the state and a testament to Acapulco's history.

Boarding your mini-coach at the pier, you'll commence a 40-minute drive to fascinating Panama City. Panama City is located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and is an exciting city with a colorful history. The city today combines a rich collection of both modern and colonial architecture, historical monuments, and tree-shaded boulevards.

Your tour of the city begins by viewing highlights of the part of the city that is referred to as Old Panama, and which was founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila and later destroyed by Captain Henry Morgan. Old Panama City was the first city of the Pacific Coast of the Americas and played a major role in the conquering of South America. In later years, it was the place where gold was sent to Portobelo and then on to Spain.

Following your tour of Old Panama, you will make your way to what is known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. This area of the city was founded in 1673 after the original capital was left in ruins following Captain Henry Morgan's attack two years earlier and features some lovely French and Spanish architecture. Several points of interest in the city are the Cathedral, the National Theater, and Las Bovedas.

Following your tour of Panama City's most notable sights, you will make the return transfer back to Amador and your waiting ship.

While the ingenuity of the Panama Canal is world renowned, few know about the amazing history that shaped Panama and this tour invites you to discover it. Enjoy a scenic view of the skyline while traveling to the old Panama City, founded in 1519 and destroyed by the infamous Welsh Captain Henry Morgan in 1671. This scenic excursion takes you to see the ruins of the churches and convents, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings that attest to the city’s history and grand past.

As you make your way along the coastline, take the opportunity to discover the tales of gallantry and piracy that wait in the narrow streets of Colonial Panama. You’ll walk through the old French Quarter, founded in in 1673 by French colonists. On a leisurely 45 minute walk, you’ll appreciate the many changes of the city by viewing its unique architecture, influenced by a combination of French, Spanish and Italian styles.

Discover all the color, charm, and excitement of Puerto Vallarta when you board your air-conditioned coach and settle in for a relaxing sightseeing. Experience the ride along the main highway to the beautiful Old Town. Known for its varied architecture, sparkling beaches, and festive atmosphere, that welcomes you with an easy mix of historic sights and natural beauty. Enjoy the Malecón, a mile-long walkway along the expansive coastline of Banderas Bay. Keep an eye out for the famous Seahorse statue by artist Rafael Zamarripa. Continue past the Palacio Municipal and the main plaza with its cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs as you head to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe before continuing your drive toward the vibrant hotel strip.

From a distance, you can view the villa-dotted hillside enclave called Gringo Gulch, where many of the rich and famous have their homes. Take in the breathtaking view from Olas Altas, one of the most popular beaches and well known as the Zona Romantica and Conchas Chinas, famous for its dramatic vistas and architecture. Then we´re going to head to a traditional Mexican market for a complimentary margarita and free time to browse the Huichol art, artisanal candies, tequila, and silver handcrafts. If you like, you can stay in town longer and make your own way back to ship by taxi ride or local bus.

Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest. The tribe is proud to share their culture and traditions with you. Your expedition starts with a transfer by coach to the jungle, while your guide provides you with an overview of Panama and prepares you for your visit with the Embera people. You’ll travel to the village aboard traditional dugout canoes, which were critical in establishing supply lifelines.

As your motor up the river, keep your eyes open for wildlife which is abundant along the water’s edge. Upon arrival at the village, the chief will welcome you with traditional Embera hospitality and a series of dances will be performed for you. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs of your unique experience. A light lunch is included.

Set course on a delightful two hour coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited beer and soda. Enjoy views of impressive resorts, as you cruise along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastline.

Cruise by the famed El Arco, a dramatic natural rock that arches out of the sea at the very tip of the longest, most desolate peninsula in the world. You’ll pass a sea lion colony and the idyllic Lover’s Beach - one of the few beaches in the world that shares two seas, before heading back to the marina.

OVERVIEW

Ride an open-air trolley through Old Town and hop off at attractions where the city’s history comes to life. Being on the coast, Mazatlán has long revolved around the sea as you will discover at the Monument to the Fisherman, a statue by the large, multi-colored letters that spell “Mazatlán”. Nearby, you will see street vendors selling freshly caught shrimp and pause to watch daring cliff divers leap into the crashing ocean 50 feet below. Playa Olas Atlas – Mazatlán's Old beach front (not recommended to swim)– helped fuel its early tourism in the 1950s and is still a popular draw. Even so, Old Town’s attractions aren’t all water related. The trolley will also allow time for shopping and to visit the twin-spired 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral. From Watchman’s Hill, you will see why the Spaniards found Mazatlán's natural harbor so appealing when they established a settlement there nearly 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Old Town on a trolley for an outstanding overview of Mazatlán.
• Drop by the Fisherman’s Monument and pass by the city’s Old Beachfront..
• Admire architectural treasures such as the 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
• Watch cliff-divers perform death-defying leaps into the sea.
• Snap a selfie at the sign that spells “Mazatlán” in large colorful letters by the Fisherman´s Monument.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a hat.