Explore with Viking—Panama Canal

Enjoy a guided walk along the lush Carambola Botanical Gardens pathways, 40 acres of impeccably maintained trails. Transfer to your motor coach, then take a drive with your local host to the gardens in Sandy Bay. Upon arrival, you will set out on foot through a protected forest that hugs the hillside of Carambola Mountain. As you explore along its pathways, admire dozens of native plant types, from orchids and fruit trees to spice and medicinal plants, plus the popular “chocolate tree” and the famous Honduran mahogany tree. Gain insight into the local flora from your knowledgeable guide as you cross charming bridges over babbling brooks and relax in the tranquility of your idyllic tropical surroundings. At the end of your time at the gardens, you will board your coach and return to your awaiting ship. En route back to your ship, enjoy a brief tour of Roatán.

Take a scenic drive, cruise the waterways of the Tortuguero Canals and enjoy a train ride in the countryside. The city has a strong Jamaican influence—the islanders first came here to build the railroad in the 19th century, after which they remained to work on cacao and banana plantations. Leaving Puerto Limón, continue into lush tropical forests, passing plantations and small towns. At the Eco Jungle dock, embark on a boat for a tour into the Tortuguero Canals, with its maze of watery passageways connecting lagoons, deltas and small villages. The canals support a diverse array of wildlife, including sloths, river turtles and caimans, making it one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding nature experiences. Later, board a historic open air train for a relaxing journey. In 1890, this railway helped birth the banana industry. After a scenic ride through the countryside, return to your ship.

Explore the waters of Gatun Lake on an eco-cruise, then revel in human ingenuity at the Panama Canal locks. Transfer to the Rainforest Lodge and Marina, where you will board your catamaran-style boat for a cruise on Gatun Lake—a large, man-made freshwater lake created when the Gatun Dam was built during the early 20th century. Its jungle-covered islands and the surrounding waters are home to numerous flora and fauna. Your knowledgeable guide will offer insight into this delicate ecosystem and point out wildlife. Sail past the stumps of old mahogany trees that stick out above the water and keep watch for capuchin and howler monkeys jumping through the trees; you may also see exotic birds, sloths and crocodiles in their natural surroundings. Afterward, continue to the Agua Clara Visitor Center for panoramic views of the Panama Canal and an opportunity to see the locks operate.

Set sail amid the mangroves on a jungle boat to observe local wildlife and discover Costa Rica’s crocodiles. Your adventure unfolds near the Carara National Park, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The Tarcoles Estuary is noted for its mangrove forests, and the mouth of the Tárcoles River is considered to be one of the richest sites for seabirds and shorebirds. Keep your eyes peeled for the cuckoo, hummingbirds, Panama flycatchers and many herons and egrets that live here. Be sure to watch the shoreline as well for iguanas and lizards. The riverbanks are home to a large crocodile colony, with some of these reptiles measuring nearly ten feet in length. Before returning to your ship, you will also have the chance to visit a local market. Here, you can browse for mementos, sample delicious tropical fruit or taste Costa Rican coffee before returning to your ship.

Discover Costa Rica’s cloud forest biodiversity along beautiful trails and suspended bridges amid the tree canopy. The tour starts with a short downhill walk that leads to an open hummingbird garden, where many species of these tiny, brightly colored birds gather around and amaze you with their spectacular acrobatic maneuvers. Then, the more adventurous portion of this tour commences as you arrive at the first of four suspended bridges that cover over half a mile of verdant terrain, and rise up to 126 feet above the ground. As you continue your way over rivers and cascades your senses will be delighted as your naturalist guide points out the most outstanding features of this misty forest. Look for many species of birds, butterflies and small mammals, and flora such as orchids, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads and more.

Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature as you float down the Great River on a bamboo raft. Leaving the ship, enjoy a scenic drive along Jamaica’s rugged and picturesque north coast. Travel through pretty countryside to the village of Lethe, the former home of a banana plantation. Enjoy a glass of refreshing fruit punch, then follow your expert guide to the river’s edge, where you will climb on board a 30-foot-long bamboo raft built for two. Learn about local life and discover the history of the land and your vessel, once used for transporting sugar to the sea. Cruise gently down the Great River under a canopy of looming trees, listening to the melodic birdsong amid bamboo and fern groves. A soothing limestone foot rub will add to your tranquil experience. Afterward, you will board your motor coach and return to your ship.

Learn about efforts to save and protect endangered species from extinction at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary. A conservation charity, this wildlife refuge is home to a variety of the native flora and fauna that is in danger of vanishing due to human actions. The sanctuary has a designated area where the orphaned animals continue their life in the most natural environment possible, surrounded with native trees of different species. Embark on a scenic drive through the Costa Rican countryside to the refuge. Upon arrival, you will take a short walk, stopping at different observation stations for an opportunity to view the resident animals. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, macaws and more that inhabit the sanctuary while listening to a local expert give insight into these extraordinary animals. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing snack before returning to your ship.

Join your guide for an intriguing visit to the ancient city of Xunantunich. Drive through the countryside to the banks of the Mopan River. Here, traverse the river to visit the Maya temples, using a centuries-old hand cranked ferry crossing. Once a major ceremonial center, the area features five main plazas and is surrounded by 25 palaces and temples. Perched on a ridge, the site provides panoramic views of the Cayo district and boasts one of Belize’s most impressive structures—the Belize El Castillo, a looming 130-foot pyramid. A steep but short climb to the top is recommended for you to witness the enormity of the jungle, the Mopan and Belize River valleys and the stunning mountain landscape. Continue to the town of San Ignacio and enjoy a delicious lunch. After, visit the farmers market, where you can purchase locally made delicacies and crafts.

Discover the history, culture and natural beauty of Roatán during this wide-ranging excursion. Meet your guide and travel to the bustling Macaw Container Market for a taste of handmade chocolate at an artisan chocolate shop. Continue to charming French Cay, where you will board a small, covered boat for a cruise through the protected mangrove forest and harbor, home to seabird colonies and an array of marine life. Next, continue to an animal sanctuary to meet a troop of curious monkeys and catch a glimpse of other local wildlife. Cap your excursion at the Las Palmas beach resort, where you will learn about the culture of the Garifuna people. Watch a traditional dance performance, sample cassava bread and learn the history of the Garifuna, who were forcibly moved to Roatán during the mid-18th century. After, enjoy free time on the beach before returning to your ship.

Witness the engineering ingenuity of the Panama Canal and the precision of the Miraflores locks in action. Since opening more than 100 years ago, over a million vessels have traveled through the famous waterway, connecting culture and commerce from around the world. The locks were one of the greatest engineering feats ever undertaken when they opened in 1914. No other concrete construction of comparable size was carried out until the Hoover Dam. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, watch an IMAX movie about the canal and see the Miraflores locks from a unique perspective while visiting the operational area with a private guide from the Panama Canal Authority. After lunch, visit the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center to learn more about this engineering marvel and the massive Panama Canal Expansion Project, which doubled the waterway’s capacity when completed in June 2016.

Journey through Panama’s past and present while touring a once-mighty fortress and a feat of modern engineering. You will visit the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, a 16th-century Spanish citadel that sits at the mouth of the Chagres River, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by 30,000 acres of protected rainforest. Learn about the fortress’s turbulent history from your guide as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire striking views of your surroundings. After lunch, you will head to the Agua Clara Visitors Center to learn more about this engineering marvel and the massive Panama Canal Expansion Project, which doubled the waterway’s capacity and was completed in June 2016. Here, you might have the opportunity to observe massive cargo ships transiting the canal from mere feet away as they pass through the 1.7 miles of lock structures along this stretch of water.