Construction of the Panama Canal:  Construction of the Panama Canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects in history.  Workers were challenged by multiple problems, including complex terrain, serious tropical diseases, and international intrigue.  When the canal was completed in 1914, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans were finally connected.

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The Panama Canal Transit:  A transit of the Panama Canal is one of the great maritime adventures of the 21st century.  During the 51-mile passage, travelers pass through locks and canals, across lakes, and under bridges.  The proximity to the shore gives unparalleled views of spectacular scenery; including lighthouses, dams, cities, other ships, and the diverse wildlife of the Panamanian rain forest.

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The Sea of Cortez:  Formed by volcanoes and earthquakes, the Sea of Cortez is youngest sea in the world.  This tropical inland sea, called the World’s Aquarium by Jacques Cousteau, is home to fish and marine invertebrate species found nowhere else in the world.  In recognition of its unique natural beauty and biodiversity, the Sea of Cortes has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

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The Amazon River and Rain Forest:  The Amazon River basin is home to the second longest river in the world.  The Basin also contains the world's largest tropical rain forest, which consists of a mosaic of ecosystems that support the highest biodiversity of any place on the planet.

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The Canadian Maritimes:  The Canadian Maritimes consist of three eastern Canadian provinces known for their rugged coastline and distinct maritime culture.  This region was originally inhabited by a number of indigenous people with interesting historical and cultural roots.  French and British forces vied for control until the French were definitively expelled.  Today, visitors to the Maritimes can discover many small, friendly communities with amazing natural beauty and diverse cultural activities.

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The St. Lawrence Seaway:  The Saint Lawrence Seaway is one of the engineering marvels of the twentieth century.  It is the longest deep-draft passage on Earth, and its construction exposed the American heartland to be world of maritime commerce. Indigenous residents called this region the “Garden of the Great Spirit; its 1000 islands support a very rich blend of Canadian and American culture.

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The Saguenay Fjord:   Millions of years ago, land along the shore of the St. Lawrence River collapsed, creating a deep valley.  During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved this valley into its current form.  As the glaciers retreated, sea water flooded the valley, creating the beautiful Saguenay fjord, the only navigable fjord on the North American continent.

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