I have been to Cancun & Riviera Maya many times. One thing I have not done in this destination is “swim with the Dolphins”! After meeting with the Amstar representative at our hotel we chose the one offered at Xcaret. You can also pre-reserve this through travel agent or on Amstar website. Upon arrival you are greeted and asked to watch a video on safety & how to handle the dolphins. We were in a group of four adults with 4 dolphins. We spent about an hour interacting in water. Everyone is asked to wear a life vest. They are amazing creatures! They allowed us to touch the dolphins, swim with them and then even do some tricks with them. We saw families, couples and people of all ages. They offer a variety of options you can even be a trainer for a day!
This is a must do when in the Riviera Maya or Cancun area. Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa offers this experience right at the hotel. This summer, so many hotels are offering “Kids stay and eat free”! This would add to your perfect vacation. It is an experience I will never forget!
Gamboa Rainforest Resort (Inclusive). If I was traveling with kids to Panama this would be my choice of hotel. Only ½ hour drive from Panama City brings you into the heart of the rainforest just minutes from the Canal. It has the feel of a really upscale lodge and is set right in the middle of the Soberania National Park. It is reminiscent of a Disney themed property. The rooms are large with a rustic feel and large glass windows that overlook the property and swimming pools. Some have 2 twin beds and a loft bedroom with a king bed accessed by a circular metal staircase. The bathrooms are nicely appointed and done in white and blue tile. There is internet access, a library, and family’s activities room as well as a world class spa. There are 3 restaurants with the highlight being the Chagres River View, which offers fine dining and an extensive selection of wines. The highlight of the property however is the numerous optional excursions offered by the resort, which include biking, boat tours and aerial tram views of the rainforest and canal. The hotel has a tour desk which co-ordinates all of its excursions.
Monkey Island Tour
Ariel Tram
In Panama, I attended The Tinajas Folkloric Show, which was a dinner & historical dance show consisting of a Panamanian style dinner. You are seated family style at large tables. The dancing lasted approximately 1 hour and was done in full native costume. The commentary is done in English and Spanish for those of us that are “multi-language challenged”. Food was good and makes for an entertaining evening out. Very similar to the Mexican folkloric shows offered in Mexico. This might be another optional tour worth offering and a fun time!
I went on a few excursions. The first was Mira Flores Locks Tour. This tour gives an interesting overview of the history and building of the Panama Canal which includes a 10 minute movie (in English) followed by a walk thru of the 3 tiered museum and viewing platform of the locks. You are able to see a transit in action from this high perch. This is a good tour for those that may want to get a taste of the canal without actually having to invest the time in doing an entire transit themselves.
I was also taken shopping at the Artisan village, which is set up like a flea market consisting of numerous stalls all located under one roof. Clients can barter for arts, crafts, jewelry as well as the local molas (hand stitched, brightly colored, quilted embroidery) etc. The vendors are NOT at all aggressive.
Costa Rica is famous for Zip Lines — including the Canopy Tour which we did! We arrived at the jungle area greeted by the English speaking operator for Congo Canopy Tours. We then headed up hill to an open-air building to suit up & fitted out with a harness, gloves and hardhat.