Embra Indian Excursion

[jb9991]

I think I remember reading about an excursion which had to do with Embra Indians. It seemed to be very popular. I cant seem to find it for my cruise. It also looks like the route for the Oct 14 Panama Canal is opposite of the usual route. Costa Rica 1st, HMC last. Any idea why?

[CruiserBruce]

Are you saying HAL isn't offering it?

There seems to be a private tour operator called My Friend Mario that offers the tour. If you look here,

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/archive/index.php/t-1097525.html

on the Panama board, you will find some info.

[jb9991]

Thanks for the Info

[CRUISEADIK]

We went with the cruise line (Princess) and it was wonderful. If I had it to do again, I would go with Mario. If you will make a search on CC, you will find some great pictures of the indian village. The ride to get to the village is about 45 minutes in a canoe powered by a small outboard motor. If you can get past that, it is a very memorable excursion. I would go privately, though, unless there is unrest at that time (as it was when we went--remember the tsunami?). Have a great time!

Sandy

[Jade13]

It is on our full Panama Canal transit next year. I am wondering if there is a private operator who could combine this with a visit to the locks visitor center or something else.

If it is not offered perhaps you are only doing a partial transit, and the tour is only on the full transit?

[BillB48]

If you are on a partial transit cruise, one that just locks through Gatun Locks and returns, in the past you had to book your tour through the cruise line. You must have a ship's tour in order to go ashore when the ship reaches Gatun Lake. After the ship goes back through Gatun Locks and docks in Colon you may go ashore, however there is not sufficient time to take a tour here. The primary purpose of the stop in Colon is to pick up the passengers who were on a ship's tour.

[Krazy Kruizers]

That tour was offered on our partial canal cruise on the Zuiderdam a couple of years ago. We did that tour several years ago.

Maybe it will be offered later as the time gets closer to sailing.

There are no private tour operators in Panama -- when you anchor in Gatun Locks -- you must be signed up for a tour inorder to get off the ship. All tours end in Colon.

[kazu]

This tour was offered on our partial transit as well. Warnings on Gatun Lake are correct. If you don't do a ship's tour, you don't get off. Panama Canal security rules, not HAL.

I'd keep checking. Shore excursions get added all the time

[moggyhill]

When we did the tour we had to book via the ship. Also armed police were escorting us to and from the village as previous tours had been subject to armed robbery.

[jb9991]

This tour was offered on our partial transit as well. Warnings on Gatun Lake are correct. If you don't do a ship's tour, you don't get off. Panama Canal security rules, not HAL.

I'd keep checking. Shore excursions get added all the time

I somehow have gotten myself very confused over this port of call. If I go to trip advisor ( and plenty of comments on CC) alot of people go with My Friend Mario and say its great. Where do they take it from, if you can only leave the boat if booked with a ships tour? My itin shows Cristobal entering and leaving the canal, and 4 hours in Colon, which is not long enough for one of those tours. I could swear I saw it listed when I first booked the tour, so I'll keep checking. Also, the init for this cruise is reverse from the normal. Weird.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Some of the other cruise lines DO NOT enter thr locks at all.

They dock either at Cristobol (that is where we ended up after dropping off everyone for their tours when we went to the Gatun Locks) or Colon.

Cristobal is where the ship lines up to enter the locks -- no one gets off here.

All tours begin from the anchorage in Gatun Lake -- you get there about 10 AM -- plenty of time to take the ship's tender to where the buses will be waiting for all the excursions. At the end of your excursion the bus will drop you off at Colon where the ship will be waiting for you. There is plenty of time for the excursion.

When it saids exiting at Cristobal -- that is where the ship leaves the locks -- again -- no one can get loff there.

[jb9991]

:(Some of the other cruise lines DO NOT enter thr locks at all.

They dock either at Cristobol (that is where we ended up after dropping off everyone for their tours when we went to the Gatun Locks) or Colon.

Cristobal is where the ship lines up to enter the locks -- no one gets off here.

All tours begin from the anchorage in Gatun Lake -- you get there about 10 AM -- plenty of time to take the ship's tender to where the buses will be waiting for all the excursions. At the end of your excursion the bus will drop you off at Colon where the ship will be waiting for you. There is plenty of time for the excursion.

When it saids exiting at Cristobal -- that is where the ship leaves the locks -- again -- no one can get loff there.

AH! Thank You. I wasnt thinking about ships not going in! I thought I was crazy. Now to decide which tour. I notice there are quite a few comments in ref to bathroom facilities either on boats or buses. This is a big deal for me. Anyone have any idea which would be best for one with a weak bladder? :(

[dogo88]

:(

AH! Thank You. I wasnt thinking about ships not going in! I thought I was crazy. Now to decide which tour. I notice there are quite a few comments in ref to bathroom facilities either on boats or buses. This is a big deal for me. Anyone have any idea which would be best for one with a weak bladder? :(

We took the Embera Indian tour last Oct off the Zuiderdam. I can't begin to tell you how great it was and halfway up to the village it started to pour! But we have a fantastic time. Bathroom facilities on the bus are the usual room at the back. At the village it's a hut with a hole on the ground.

Dan

[sailandcruise]

The Embera village tour hasn't showed up on the HAL website for the January 6, 2012 partial transit on the Zuiderdam either. :( Only six excursions are available for purchase on this cruise at Gatun Lake -- Gatun Lake Eco Cruise and the Locks to Colon, Gatun Lake Safari to Colon, Miraflores Locks Observation Center to Colon, Panama Railroad Standard Rail Car & Motor Coach to Colon, Panama Railway Dome Car & Motor Coach to Colon, and The Shaping of Panama to Colon. None of these are rated "strenuous" -- just moderate or easy for activity level. :( As someone who prefers more active shore excursions, I find this very disappointing. :( And since my first choice for this port is to visit the Embera village, I have to find a substitute activity.

More disturbing, when I go to the HAL web site without logging in to my account, ten shore excursions are listed for Gatun Lake, but not the Embera Indian village. In addition to the six that I can purchase for my cruise, they list the Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter to Colon, Fishing at Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal to Colon, Gatun Locks & Kayak in the Canal to Colon, and The Canal Experience to Colon. So perhaps they are not offering the Embera Indian village excursion at all any more. :confused: I'm hoping that at least these will be added to my cruise so I can have choose a "strenuous" activity that day. (The Aerial Tram and the Kayaking excursions are both rated "strenuous".)

[Jade13]

It is available on our Veendam full transit from Fuerte Amador, Panama in April 2012. It is a 6 hour excursion starting at 8:00AM.


"Authentic Embera Indian Village

For every global citizen who has ever dreamed of either giving back or paying it forward, the innovative Cruise with Purpose Collection is quite simply about improving our planet one voyage at a time. Assist in scientific research, bring much-needed supplies to an orphanage, participate in a fair trade scheme or cultural exchange, replant native forest or restore fragile habitat-your footprint will be light and your soul enriched


Step aboard your motor coach which will feel more like a time machine as you travel back more than 600 years to a Central America only a few ever experience. This is a journey into the lives of the Emberá Native Tribe—a proud people who maintain their traditions and lifestyle as it was before the Spaniards colonized Panama. A knowledgeable guide will give you an overview of Panama on the way to the jungles of the Central Region and share the history and customs of the Emberá Natives who are the keepers of the rain forest and the Chagres River. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will leave the comfort of your vehicle to board a dug-out canoe that will take you to the Emberá village. Although far from luxurious, the dug-outs are sturdy craft which were critical in the conquering of the jungle and in establishing supply lines for both Natives and Spaniards. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the rivers edge. In the village, the Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality. A series of dances have been arranged to add to this cultural exchange. Feel free to wander through the village, ask questions and interact with these quiet people. As you will be guests in their home, a common sense approach and sensitivity to their privacy is appreciated. The Emberá people are spectacular craftspeople and produce beautiful items available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this unique experience.

Notes:

Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. There are no restrooms on the boat. Restroom facilities are limited and basic throughout the tour; at the Embera Village only latrines are available. Boarding local canoes requires only a minimum of dexterity and flexibility. The landing consists of a rudimentary "put in" that lacks handrails or proper steps. Many hands will be available to assist, however guests will be required to step up into the vessel."

[dogo88]

It is available on our Veendam full transit from Fuerte Amador, Panama in April 2012. It is a 6 hour excursion starting at 8:00AM.


"Authentic Embera Indian Village

...

Notes:

Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. There are no restrooms on the boat. Restroom facilities are limited and basic throughout the tour; at the Embera Village only latrines are available. Boarding local canoes requires only a minimum of dexterity and flexibility. The landing consists of a rudimentary "put in" that lacks handrails or proper steps. Many hands will be available to assist, however guests will be required to step up into the vessel."

The latrine at the village is a hut with a hole in the ground. The canoes are carved out of tree trunks and are about 15-20' long powered by an outboard and barely sit two to the seat. canoe capacity was about 12-18. It's an experience and I would go again.

Dan

[jb9991]

I'm hoping they add it for the OCT sail. On the website, there were some reviews that were not that good. Maybe thats why they dropped it for now.

[Who knew?]

I think I remember reading about an excursion which had to do with Embra Indians. It seemed to be very popular. I cant seem to find it for my cruise. It also looks like the route for the Oct 14 Panama Canal is opposite of the usual route. Costa Rica 1st, HMC last. Any idea why?

You are apparently on the Zuiderdam, doing only a partial transit. I don't think the Embera excursion can be done on a partial transit -- or at least not on this one. You'd have to get it from Colon and the Zuiderdam is only in Colon from 4 to 8 PM.

The Costa Rica/HMC thing is probably just a scheduling variation. On any given cruise line you'll see for similar itineraries, some stop at the private island on the way out, some on the way back. Probably depends on a variety of factors, including how many ships can be in the same port on the same day, and other such things.

I'm hoping they add it for the OCT sail. On the website, there were some reviews that were not that good. Maybe thats why they dropped it for now.

For more information on the quality of the excursion, go to the Panama Canal Ports board
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=89 and search there for "Embera" (note sp). There are several Embera villages that different tours may go to, and some of them are more authentic than others. Besides Mario, also search Jane Gordon. Her husband if I recall is a member of the Embera.

But it's still a moot point if that excursion isn't available on your partial transit.

Linda:)

[dpm321]

You are apparently on the Zuiderdam, doing only a partial transit. I don't think the Embera excursion can be done on a partial transit -- or at least not on this one. You'd have to get it from Colon and the Zuiderdam is only in Colon from 4 to 8 PM.

Linda:)

Doing the Embera excursion on a partial transit is not a problem. The tours leave the ship while it is in Gatun lake waiting for rentry to the locks. The ship then docks at Colon to pick up passengers that left the ship on excursions. This is a trip well worth taking if you have the opportunity. Its the best cruise line excursion we have experienced.

[Who knew?]

Doing the Embera excursion on a partial transit is not a problem. The tours leave the ship while it is in Gatun lake waiting for rentry to the locks. The ship then docks at Colon to pick up passengers that left the ship on excursions. This is a trip well worth taking if you have the opportunity. Its the best cruise line excursion we have experienced.

I believe the OP said it appeared not to be offered by the ship during his cruise. The other discussions centered around private excursions available from Fuerte Amador and (possibly?) Colón. According to those who've been there, from Gatun Lake on a partial transit, a ship's excursion is the only option for Embera.:)

[sailandcruise]

The Embera village tour hasn't showed up on the HAL website for the January 6, 2012 partial transit on the Zuiderdam either. :( Only six excursions are available for purchase on this cruise at Gatun Lake -- Gatun Lake Eco Cruise and the Locks to Colon, Gatun Lake Safari to Colon, Miraflores Locks Observation Center to Colon, Panama Railroad Standard Rail Car & Motor Coach to Colon, Panama Railway Dome Car & Motor Coach to Colon, and The Shaping of Panama to Colon. None of these are rated "strenuous" -- just moderate or easy for activity level. :( As someone who prefers more active shore excursions, I find this very disappointing. :( And since my first choice for this port is to visit the Embera village, I have to find a substitute activity.

More disturbing, when I go to the HAL web site without logging in to my account, ten shore excursions are listed for Gatun Lake, but not the Embera Indian village. In addition to the six that I can purchase for my cruise, they list the Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter to Colon, Fishing at Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal to Colon, Gatun Locks & Kayak in the Canal to Colon, and The Canal Experience to Colon. So perhaps they are not offering the Embera Indian village excursion at all any more. :confused: I'm hoping that at least these will be added to my cruise so I can have choose a "strenuous" activity that day. (The Aerial Tram and the Kayaking excursions are both rated "strenuous".)

They are now up to 9 excursions offered. :) They've posted the Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter to Colon, Authentic Embera Indian Village to Colon, and The Canal Experience to Colon. So I now have to decide between the uniqueness of the Embera Indian Village or -- if it gets offered -- the kayaking, which my sons might enjoy more. Or maybe take the ferry to see the other side of the canal. What to do? :confused:

[kazu]

They are now up to 9 excursions offered. :) They've posted the Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter to Colon, Authentic Embera Indian Village to Colon, and The Canal Experience to Colon. So I now have to decide between the uniqueness of the Embera Indian Village or -- if it gets offered -- the kayaking, which my sons might enjoy more. Or maybe take the ferry to see the other side of the canal. What to do? :confused:

We did enjoy the embera village excursion (and we don't do many ships tours!). you do ride a dug out canoe to and from the village which your sons might find interesting. It's a unique experience. Can't advise on the kayaking as we haven't done that. I do know when we sailed, this tour was sold out, so you may have to decide shortly and book (you can always cancel and switch up to 3 days before the cruise without penalty)

[Fragile-Beauty]

I see that the Embera Village is available for our October 24 sailing. I have read also that there are several villages and some are more "staged" for tourists benefit and not as authentic as others.

Since we are on a partial transit with Zuiderdam we are not able to take a non-ships tour.

After reading several ship reviews, it seems that most people have enjoyed this tour. Although several did say that it was not worth the money and looked very faked. Does anyone NOT recommend taking this excursion? It would be great to hear from more people that have taken this ships excursion.

Thanks for your help

[maysdot]

I see that the Embera Village is available for our October 24 sailing. I have read also that there are several villages and some are more "staged" for tourists benefit and not as authentic as others.

Since we are on a partial transit with Zuiderdam we are not able to take a non-ships tour.

After reading several ship reviews, it seems that most people have enjoyed this tour. Although several did say that it was not worth the money and looked very faked. Does anyone NOT recommend taking this excursion? It would be great to hear from more people that have taken this ships excursion.

Thanks for your help

I took the excursion to Embera Village during a partial transit cruise on the Maasdam in 2009. I have travelled all over the world and can honestly say that this was the best tour I have ever been on. There were 2 bus loads (one from our ship and one from a Princess ship) We all got into dugout canoes (everyone was given a lifejacket) Don't know what village the Princess group went to but they weren't at the one we went to. It started to rain as we got to the boat launching we were all given rain ponchos. I was surprised to realize that we were quite high in the mountains.

The 45 minute boat ride was interesting in itself...with interesting scenery along the way into the jungle. We were met at the village by a group of villagers and made to feel most welcome to explore their village. The village we went to was definitely authentic and not "staged" at all.

We climbed a ladder up to the cooking hut (had to take shoes off once inside) Very interesting to watch the women cook our lunch (fish caught by the men that morning) Also interesting to watch a young girl make the pockets that would hold our food....made from banana leaves.

The village income comes from the crafts that they sell. Very beautiful wood carvings and basketware. One of the ladies on our bus said that she visits Africa often and the workmanship of these baskets was the best she had ever seen. NOTE: The crafts are not cheap. Most of us did not take enough US cash with us!!! I bought a small basket (about 6" across) for $15. I took a photo of the young girl who made it (and her 3 month old baby).....It is a wonderful memory of an amazing tour. The colours are amazing. Our tour guide (the only native who spoke English) explained how they died the grasses to achieve the various shades.

After spending time looking around the village and looking over the crafts, we all sat on wooden benches and were served lunch and given a talk by our guide explaining their lives and how they produce their crafts. All of this took place in a shelter very similar to our Native Indian Long Houses. After the talk, the entire village put on a dance. After that it was back to the dugout canoes for the trip back to our bus. I think it took about 1/2 hour to meet the ship. For those who don't want to spend the time or money on this excursion, I saw that many Embera natives were in the building at the pier selling their wares. Don't know the cost as we had to make a quick trip through the building to reboard the ship.

I hope that this will give you a better idea of what this excursion is all about so that you can decide if this is something you would like. Bathrooms are definitely an issue....I took a photo of the WC....certainly didn't use it!!! Our guide told us ahead of time about the lack of bathrooms and we made a stop along the way in the middle of nowhere where there were public bathrooms....sort of portapotties made of concrete blocks!!! ;)

Jane

[durangoscots]

I took this tour on our full transit from the Statendam in 2010 and I really enjoyed it. Interesting food, fun trip up the river and the village itself is very interesting. Staged? Yes - a bit. Which does not detract from the experience. Surely people do not expect the inhabitants to be living totally in the past!!!! And those dugouts do have motors.

Susan

[Fragile-Beauty]

Thank you maysdot and durangoscots, it sounds like a wonderful excursion and very unique.

We will sign up as I don't think I will have an opportunity to visit something like this again any time soon.

Thanks again

[sailandcruise]

They are now up to 9 excursions offered. :) They've posted the Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter to Colon, Authentic Embera Indian Village to Colon, and The Canal Experience to Colon. So I now have to decide between the uniqueness of the Embera Indian Village or -- if it gets offered -- the kayaking, which my sons might enjoy more. Or maybe take the ferry to see the other side of the canal. What to do? :confused:

Kayaking (i.e., Gatun Locks and Kayak in the Canal to Colon) has been added. :D