Sail the Caribbean to Central America on this 8-day small ship cruise. Begin on the island of Curacao and sail for Aruba, and the coasts of Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica. As you cruise the blue waters, admire the vast horizon and shallow reef system, disembarking almost daily to explore coastal villages. Learn about the fascinating history of the region and fall in love with the culture and people of this charming area.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Aruba, the most westerly island in the Netherlands Antilles, is also the last in the arc of the Antilles before you reach the South American mainland. Its capital, Oranjestad, founded in 1796, shows that everything here is a bit different - Caribbean pastel-colored houses and Delft tiles, carved wooden doors and Dutch gables, all-around balconies and colonial galleries. All of these features combine to create a style which can only have one name - Aruban. Aruba also offers a distinctive natural landscape, with an inland desert, extensive sand dunes, oddly formed cliffs, impressive cactus forests, strangely shaped divi-divi trees and countless aloe plants.
Cartagena was once the richest city in the New World and a popular target for pirate attacks, since a large part of the Spanish treasure was stored there. Sir Francis Drake also instilled terror into the Spanish city. After Drake's invasion, the city was fortified with an 11-kilometer (7 miles)-long rampart and the immense San Felipe fortifications. Today Cartagena is one of the most beautiful colonial cities on the American continent and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Since 1914, the Panama Canal has linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals also comprises two artificial lakes. The GatĂșnsee, one of the world's largest dammed lakes, has now regained a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, nature has reclaimed the lake for itself, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills are now islands on which an astonishing variety of species has formed, due to its isolation. The largest island, Barro Colorado, is completely untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists from all over the world come here to try and discover the jungle's last secrets.
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago in north-western Panama comprises six large and numerous tiny islands. The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is the first marine reserve in Panama and was created in 1988. Whether you visit Isla Bastimentos or Cayos Zapatillas - between mangroves and snow white palm beaches - you will find a rich variety of species swimming around in the water. It is a paradise for marine turtles and even dolphins pay a visit from time to time in the crystal-clear waters. In the unspoiled coral reef you can see a unique underwater world with colorful shoals of fish, sponges and starfish.
Day 8: Puerto Limon
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Puerto Limon and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,295
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Category F
Two portholes, chair, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category E
Two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category D
Two portholes, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category C
Panorama windows, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category B
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, decorative fireplace, console with TV/DVD and mini-bar, dressing table, walk-in closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category A
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, desk, decorative fireplace, TV and DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, four closets, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.