HAL Panama Canal Excursions-NO Mobility issues.

[Bxianesq]

We will be on a HAL Panama Canal Cruise in March (partial transit). 

  I normally book independent excursions, but I think that I would be more comfortable booking an excursion through the cruise line for the canal area.  Neither of us has any mobility issues.  Advice appreciated.  

 

Here are the options that I am considering:

Option1:

Rainforest and Gatun Lakes and Lock cruise:

Travel to the Melia Panama Canal Resort and board a tour boat for a 1½-hour eco-cruise on Gatún Lake. Gatún is a large artificial lake in the Republic of Panama. It forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River. The hills bordering the valley of the Chagres open up widely around the area of the lake, but come together to form a gap at the location of the dam.
Glide over the water, passing lush rain forest. You're headed to a secluded region of Lake Gatún -- the perfect spot to experience firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you may see in their native surroundings -- they are part of the much larger population of reptiles, mammals, insects and birds that inhabit the Panamanian forest. In fact, the more than 50,000 acres of rain forest here is home an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. And, amazingly, this is one of the most accessible green zones in the world.
Next, take a walk through the rainforest and visit the ecological trail that surrounds the lake. Your naturalist guides ensures that you have an outstanding nature experience by not only pointing out the wildlife, but also educating you about the animals and their habitat.

Afterwards, re-board your air-conditioned transportation for a tour of the new Agua Clara Locks on Panama Canal.). Spend approximately one hour at the Visitor Center observing the locks in operation. Your guide explains the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. These New Locks give you a modern perspective of the Panama Canal as they are part of the expansion project that allows the canal to accommodate the larger neo-Panamax class of ship. 

Edited December 13, 2019 by Bxianesq
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[Bxianesq]

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Option 2: Monkey Watch and Canal Nature cruise to Colon:

Join this natural adventure -- a wealth of sight and sound, combined with the thrill of speeding through the Panama Canal next to the mighty ships transiting this man-made wonder.

An exhilarating 30-minute boat ride at high speed takes you right through the heart of the Panama Canal.

Slow down to enter the labyrinth of jungle-covered islands of Lake Gatún. In this protected area the wildlife is plentiful, and you are likely to encounter capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloth, howler monkeys, various kinds of toucans and other bird life as well as caimans, crocodiles, turtles and numerous butterflies. This is an exceptional place to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle up close.

Your trained naturalist guide will ensure that you have an outstanding nature experience throughout this jungle and canal adventure.

Notes:

Wear light clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sneakers or sandals. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. This excursion will depart from Gatún Lake and will end in Colón, where you will re-board the ship.

[BillB48]

A good thing in opting for a ship's excursion because on a partial they only allow you off the if you have purchased a ship's excursion!  On the other hand, either  excursion I am sure will be  pleasant... On the first excursion you will be in some of the more remote areas of the lake, so if you expecting to see more of the Canal proper, you really won't see a whole lot.  It does include the new locks which may be something of interest to you.  The second one you mentioned will take to Gamboa where part of the boat trip will be in the main channel of the Canal where you may experience some ship traffic and may be of interest.  You will see a bit more of the country on the second tour which will be mostly rural in nature.

 

On the second excursion I am sure you will see the Capuchin monkeys as they have been coming to the area for some time and  providing a treat for them... so they will be looking for you.  All the other wild life listed will be an added bonus.

[Bxianesq]

Going with option 1-thanks. 

Edited January 13, 2020 by Bxianesq