Latin America Sojourn; Costa Rica, Panama, Cartagena

Welcome to Cartagena! Your transfer is waiting, and after a warm airport greeting, you’re off to our hospitality area in the city.  Later, it’s all smiles and champagne as you board the Safari Voyager, meet your crew, and settle in for the week ahead.
 

A historical tour of the colonial walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena shows off its highlights. Wander narrow streets lined with colorful houses. Visit the Palace of Inquisition, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, or the oldest church in the city. Afterward, set sail for the archipelago of San Bernardino. With its clear water and vibrant corals, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding are all options. 

Cruise the Caribbean coast of the Darién Gap to the tiny, almost-forgotten coastal towns of Capurganá and Sapzurro. Hike between the towns through the dewy Darién jungle, home to toucans, parrots, howlers, and squirrel monkeys. Or, take to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters for snorkeling and beachcombing. 

The Captain will find the best spots for today's adventure based on our traditional wildlife, weather, and whim! Slather on the sunscreen and be sure to hydrate for a full day of adventures. Kayak, snorkel, swim, or hike - choose your own adventure.

You’re in the Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Islands)—360 islands dotted with palm trees, thatched roofs, coconut groves, and white sand beaches—and they’re perfect for snorkeling. Look around for a rainbow of reef fish, corals, rays, and sea turtles. Anything’s possible in paradise. On land, meet the Guna people, one of the best-preserved cultures in the Americas. Learn about their culture and don’t miss the chance to buy their detailed handcrafted “molas.” In the Guna culture, an ornate mola with a detailed design is an item displayed with pride. 

Islands, forts, and sea life—bring your adventurous spirit. You’re headed for the Panamá Canal and along the way, your captain has the say. Transiting the 48-mile passage is a bucket list experience. A story of engineering and human tenacity, it took over 75,000 workers to build and takes you about eight hours to transit. Joined by a Canal Authority Pilot, watch line handlers manage the ship by changing sea levels in the locks. Paired with videos and onboard narration, you’ll cross the locks with a better understanding of this engineering marvel. Celebrate your transit with a top-deck barbeque! (BLD) 
 

Wake up in paradise. Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches on deck. As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees. Slip into the drink for a kayak or snorkel. Go exploring by skiff. Or, just kick back in a hammock under swaying palms. Then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.

Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park. Named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, your day of play features snorkeling among abundant marine life and kayaking around rocky outcroppings. Hop to the park’s main island for a stretch of the legs on a trail through this tropical jungle. Mantled howler monkeys, crested eagles, and four turtle species call Isla Coiba home.

A birder’s haven, explore a botanical reserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, mischievous monkeys, and fluttering butterflies—there’s a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, the “sweet gulf” which separates the Osa Peninsula from the mainland and one of only four tropical fjords on the planet, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff. Bottlenose spotted, and spinner dolphins also swim in the waters of this tucked-away wilderness. 
 

Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. Drake Bay, named after its discoverer Sir Francis Drake and fabled to house the explorer’s hidden treasures, is also known for hundreds of distinct species of plants and trees and its diverse plant and animal species. A whopping 2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird. Explore this vast area putting feet to trail on an invigorating hike through the jungle. Cap off your week with a celebratory Farewell Dinner, and then join your expedition team for a slideshow highlighting your adventures.

Enjoy an early breakfast aboard and say adios to your crew. Upon arrival at the port, you’ll be transferred to San Jose to connect with your flight home or begin your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour.