Panama Canal from, Ft Lauderdale Florida to San Diego California recommended Tours

Being you are meandering, you might want to pick up highway 1 in San Juan Capistrano and take it to Palos Verdes. You get to see lots of ocean views, sometimes Catalina Island across the channel. Stop at Wayfarers Chapel for stunning views. A few miles north is a Subway and a Starbucks that share a patio with a million dollar view.

Head north, go past or through downtown, I believe Griffith Park has some good views of the Hollywood * sign, if that is important to you (Someone help me here please.) Get back on 1 and go north along the coast.

We like Padaro Beach Grill in Summerland and their great ocean view (outdoors) (south of Santa Barbara. They used to allow dogs and we would have lunch there after a day of leash free swimming in the Ocean at Rincon.)

We like Morro Bay. It’s been awhile but we really enjoyed the seafood and clam chowder at Dorns. There was also an outdoor stand for fresh fish- started with a Z.... I want to say Zambonis but I’m sure I’m wrong. It was really good and we had taken picnics from there to the base of Morro Rock. Cool town.

The SD Zoo is a great choice...another venue to consider is the USS Midway. According to Trip Advisor it is the #1 attraction, with the zoo as #2. The ship is located almost right next to the cruise ship dock.

They have a "Junior Pilot Program" for the kids, flight simulators, access to the flight deck and hanger bay etc. Kids of all ages seem to love the experience. At the end of the day your daughter can receive her "Junior Pilot Wings".

My DH is a docent on the Midway and loves meeting all the people who visit from all over the world. Depending on your time frame in SD you might consider that option as well.

Lots to see and do here!! And various areas to stay in as well....downtown, Old Town, the beach areas and Mission Valley. Enjoy!!! LuAnn

I apologize as this is not a recommendation on tours but something that is important on this itinerary. Despite us being from souther US and enduring humidity each summer we REALLY APPRECIATED the chill cloths/cool rags we took to wrap around our necks in port and on deck during day going through canal. We purchased from amazon but I think most places like Lowes and Home Depot sells them as well. You simple wet them and ring them out and they stay cool for hours!! We were given that tip by prior travelers to PC .....enjoy your trip

Being you are meandering, you might want to pick up highway 1 in San Juan Capistrano and take it to Palos Verdes. You get to see lots of ocean views, sometimes Catalina Island across the channel. Stop at Wayfarers Chapel for stunning views. A few miles north is a Subway and a Starbucks that share a patio with a million dollar view.

 

Head north, go past or through downtown, I believe Griffith Park has some good views of the Hollywood * sign, if that is important to you (Someone help me here please.) Get back on 1 and go north along the coast.

 

We like Padaro Beach Grill in Summerland and their great ocean view (outdoors) (south of Santa Barbara. They used to allow dogs and we would have lunch there after a day of leash free swimming in the Ocean at Rincon.)

 

We like Morro Bay. It’s been awhile but we really enjoyed the seafood and clam chowder at Dorns. There was also an outdoor stand for fresh fish- started with a Z.... I want to say Zambonis but I’m sure I’m wrong. It was really good and we had taken picnics from there to the base of Morro Rock. Cool town.

Thank you for taking the time to post all of this for me. I have printed it off for my records when we leave. I will take all my records I have printed off and use them. Thanks again.

The SD Zoo is a great choice...another venue to consider is the USS Midway. According to Trip Advisor it is the #1 attraction, with the zoo as #2. The ship is located almost right next to the cruise ship dock.

 

They have a "Junior Pilot Program" for the kids, flight simulators, access to the flight deck and hanger bay etc. Kids of all ages seem to love the experience. At the end of the day your daughter can receive her "Junior Pilot Wings".

 

My DH is a docent on the Midway and loves meeting all the people who visit from all over the world. Depending on your time frame in SD you might consider that option as well.

 

Lots to see and do here!! And various areas to stay in as well....downtown, Old Town, the beach areas and Mission Valley. Enjoy!!! LuAnn

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, it seems, No matter where we go because my daughter has Down Syndrome they don't let her participate. They say it's because of her age. She is a little bitty thing. 4' 6" and 104 pounds. She looks like a little kid but, She is actually 31. As soon as I am honest and give her age I am told NO. She functions on a second grader level. Reads like a second grader. I try to get her involved in the kids activities and was told, NO...she is too old. It gets quite frustrating. When they have a movie night with pizza for example. She would love that, right up her alley (so to speak), I am told NO.

One cruise I actually had to carry her passport around on the ship because she was not allowed in the Casino or Dance Club. They thought she was a kid.We were on a Carnival Ship. I've asked other ships/Lines if she could participate in things and I have been told NO. So, I gave up. I try to find whatever I can to keep her occupied. Most times on Sea days, we are at the pool all day. until a movie is being show, or there is a show to attend.

Thanks again for the information.

I apologize as this is not a recommendation on tours but something that is important on this itinerary. Despite us being from souther US and enduring humidity each summer we REALLY APPRECIATED the chill cloths/cool rags we took to wrap around our necks in port and on deck during day going through canal. We purchased from amazon but I think most places like Lowes and Home Depot sells them as well. You simple wet them and ring them out and they stay cool for hours!! We were given that tip by prior travelers to PC .....enjoy your trip

This is a great ideal!! Thanks. On the look for them now. I appreciate the information.

Help Please! On the Volendamn

 

I've been reading through threads and noticed a lot of people have a lot of experience going on the Panama Canal itinerary For those that have. Please tell me what were the BEST shore excursions you would suggest. These are the ports,

 

Cartagena, Corinto, Puerto Quetzal, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, I have Costa Rica taken care of with other members on our ship. Just would like to hear from others who have done this itinerary before. Thank you in advance.

We have done Panama Canal a couple times and will be doing it again from SD to Ft Lauderdale on 11/3/18. Here's some ideas.

Puerto Vallarta-Taxi to Marriott Resort and buy a day pass for $40pp. Includes some food credit. We have done this in the past and doing it again.

Cartegena-Dora the Explorer. We have done mud volcano in the past and it was fantastic!

Puerto Quetzal-Going to take ship bus to Antigua and do it on our own or hire a tour guide there.

Corinto-We will not get off the ship-Port does not sound very good. We may change our plans as it gets closer.

Huatalco-Walking to beach near port and renting chairs for the day.

I got a little chuckle at this as, he called me and told me to do just that. Change our flight from San Fran back to FT Lauderdale. At least one of us's brain is working. lol.....Thaanks Tiogacruiser, Appreciate the help.

I live in San Diego and have driven to SF many times. Taking highway 1 is awesome but make sure it is completely open after the mud slide over a year ago. I think it has just opened but be sure to check. There are great stops along the way as other posters have mentioned. Another stop is near Pismo Beach to see the Elephant Seals along HWY 1. You can find it on google and hear about their story. They are there in the winter months. Also stop at the Madonna Inn just to have a look. You may want to make reservations in advance at Hearst Castle. Have fun!

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, it seems, No matter where we go because my daughter has Down Syndrome they don't let her participate. They say it's because of her age. She is a little bitty thing. 4' 6" and 104 pounds. She looks like a little kid but, She is actually 31. As soon as I am honest and give her age I am told NO. She functions on a second grader level. Reads like a second grader. I try to get her involved in the kids activities and was told, NO...she is too old. It gets quite frustrating. When they have a movie night with pizza for example. She would love that, right up her alley (so to speak), I am told NO.

 

One cruise I actually had to carry her passport around on the ship because she was not allowed in the Casino or Dance Club. They thought she was a kid.We were on a Carnival Ship. I've asked other ships/Lines if she could participate in things and I have been told NO. So, I gave up. I try to find whatever I can to keep her occupied. Most times on Sea days, we are at the pool all day. until a movie is being show, or there is a show to attend.

 

Thanks again for the information.

The Midway allows "kids of all ages" to participate in the Junior Pilot Program!! Many adults get their "wings" as well. If you think she would enjoy the ship I don't think you would have a problem at all. What days of the week will you be in SD? DH works Thursday and Friday PMs and I can assure you he would love to have your daughter receive her wings from him! I'm so sorry you run into all those problems...I can imagine it is very disheartening. LuAnn

We got off in Corinto and would not worry with it next time. Very impoverished and undeveloped so next time we will just enjoy the ship that day

Corinto-We will not get off the ship-Port does not sound very good. We may change our plans as it gets closer.

We got off in Corinto and would not worry with it next time. Very impoverished and undeveloped so next time we will just enjoy the ship that day

There's no question the area around the port in Corinto looks fairly undeveloped, but rather than stay on the ship, you might consider a tour to León to see the white Cathedral with its white roof. The roof is fantastic in the literal sense (it reminded me of Gaudi), and you are allowed to walk on it (no shoes!).

(photos by turtles06)

I live in San Diego and have driven to SF many times. Taking highway 1 is awesome but make sure it is completely open after the mud slide over a year ago. I think it has just opened but be sure to check. There are great stops along the way as other posters have mentioned. Another stop is near Pismo Beach to see the Elephant Seals along HWY 1. You can find it on google and hear about their story. They are there in the winter months. Also stop at the Madonna Inn just to have a look. You may want to make reservations in advance at Hearst Castle. Have fun!

Thank you so much. I've been printing off every bodies good advice and recommendations. We are soooo excited beyond words to be blessed enough to get to do this. We are going to make the best of it. We will need a vacation from our vacation when we get back lol...just to rest. But we don't care. We are living life to the fullest!!!

After all the things we have had happen and the scares we have had we need this!!

The Midway allows "kids of all ages" to participate in the Junior Pilot Program!! Many adults get their "wings" as well. If you think she would enjoy the ship I don't think you would have a problem at all. What days of the week will you be in SD? DH works Thursday and Friday PMs and I can assure you he would love to have your daughter receive her wings from him! I'm so sorry you run into all those problems...I can imagine it is very disheartening. LuAnn

LuAnn,

We arrive in port on Saturday November 3rd. We are taking her to the San Diego Zoo for the day. We are staying the night then driving on down the cost towards San Fran. See what we can see. We only have 4 days, then we fly back the 5th day to Fort Lauderdale. Stay the night and then drive home the next morning. I'm wondering if she would enjoy doing the Pilot Program over the Zoo.

The reason we our heading to San Fran is because I've always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. 2 main things. We plan to be back again when we start our travels with a camper. He will be retiring in 4-5 years and we want to go state to state see everything in that state then move on. We our bringing camper because we have two dogs. I just inherited my dads dog (Pom) and I have my Chiweenie. So if not this time, next time. Thank you for the information though. I really appreciate it.

We have done Panama Canal a couple times and will be doing it again from SD to Ft Lauderdale on 11/3/18. Here's some ideas.

Puerto Vallarta-Taxi to Marriott Resort and buy a day pass for $40pp. Includes some food credit. We have done this in the past and doing it again.

Cartegena-Dora the Explorer. We have done mud volcano in the past and it was fantastic!

Puerto Quetzal-Going to take ship bus to Antigua and do it on our own or hire a tour guide there.

Corinto-We will not get off the ship-Port does not sound very good. We may change our plans as it gets closer.

Huatalco-Walking to beach near port and renting chairs for the day.

Oh you are getting on the ship after we get off. Have fun!!

We are doing a tour with shipmates in Costa Rica

Cartegena We have some friends who sent us some information who live there and so we are doing that on our own.

Puerto Quetzal, We are taking the ships transportation to Antigua and do it on are own.

Corinto I keep leaning about staying on the ship.

Hutalco I have booked a city tour with Enrique. Posted about it in this threat if others want to join. It's only $38.00 a person.

LuAnn,

 

We arrive in port on Saturday November 3rd. We are taking her to the San Diego Zoo for the day. We are staying the night then driving on down the cost towards San Fran. See what we can see. We only have 4 days, then we fly back the 5th day to Fort Lauderdale. Stay the night and then drive home the next morning. I'm wondering if she would enjoy doing the Pilot Program over the Zoo.

 

The reason we our heading to San Fran is because I've always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. 2 main things. We plan to be back again when we start our travels with a camper. He will be retiring in 4-5 years and we want to go state to state see everything in that state then move on. We our bringing camper because we have two dogs. I just inherited my dads dog (Pom) and I have my Chiweenie. So if not this time, next time. Thank you for the information though. I really appreciate it.

The Zoo versus the USS Midway? If she loves animals the zoo is amazing!! If you can only do one of these personally I'd pick the zoo for her!! :)

BTW...just an FYI...living in So Cal we say we are going "up" to SF...not down!! :) :) :) guess it's because on the map it is above us??? You will love SF...very different than So Cal in many ways. Sounds like you will have a ball! LuAnn

Cartagena, we didn't dock here

Corinto, husband and I got off and walked around, very new port for cruises, and very poor desperate country. I would not have felt comfortable on my own. Not good for anyone with mobility issues. Constantly offered a ride in a carriage behind a bike - we wanted to walk but felt like maybe we should just go for a ride to help support them working.

Puerto Quetzal, toured a banana plantation and went to a young childrens school for a tour where we gave supplies and they danced for us. We enjoyed this port. HOWEVER a week or so after we went a cruise tour bus was robbed in this area with passengers on it December 2015 (google it). Advised not to wear jewelry or take much cash by another cruiser, and now we know why.

Huatulco, we did a river raft/float down the river. it was nice. not aggressive rafting. husband went in the water and didn't get any funky health issues. I stayed in the dingy. Also, there was a beach steps from where we docked and we spent some time hanging out on it before heading back to the ship.

Puerto Vallarta, Playa Mia which is a private beach. We liked it because there wasn't anyone selling goods along the way. It was not a ship only excursion however it wasn't crowed, it was a white beach. they also had kayaks you could use for free and life guards on the beach. I don't recall if you said you have kids - if so they have kids zip lining and a monkey that stands on kids heads (with helmets) and a donkey ride. we enjoyed our day.