Holland America southern carribean cruise
 

My husband and I are cruising on the HAl Zaandam in December, 2005. We are interested in an informative excursion on the Panama Canal. What are our best bets for finding a tour that gives us the most extensive viewings of the country side and the locks on the Canal? We are willing to hike or kayak for sites. thanks, josiegator

I'm sure you'll have good views from your ship.

The Panama Tourist Railroad does the Panama City-Colon trip in the early morning and Colon-Panama in the late afternoon. That has nice views of the canal and jungle, but I don't know how that would fit with the cruise schedule.

At the Miraflores docks near Panama City there is a nice museum and the sightseeing platforms and the restaurant there offer excellent, close-up views of the locks and ships going through.

--Lan Sluder

As per you request the best tour for you are the Embera indian village, this trip has canoe ride, hiking thru the rainforest to find a small waterfall, indian culture and visit to the Gatun locks.

good lucks

Of all the excursions offered I would say either:
Gatun Locks & Kayak in the Canal to Colon
or
The Panama Railway tour. Take the domed car if you can get it as the views are spectacular,it's a bit more expensive but this is one of the best shore excursions anywhere.

Cheers,
Andrew

When I rode the Panama Tourist Railroad a few weeks ago, there was no extra charge for the domed car. It was all first-come, first-served.

--Lan Sluder