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Central America Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the unparalleled beauty of Central America and Mexico with Adventure Life's array of 19 small ship cruises for 2025. Navigate through the azure waters and lush landscapes of the region, exploring vibrant cultures and diverse wildlife. From the Gulf of Panama to the jungles of Costa Rica and the historic marvel of the Panama Canal, each tour offers a unique opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Engage in activities such as snorkeling in marine-rich environments, hiking through biodiverse forests, and observing untamed wildlife in their natural habitats. With expeditions ranging from 1 to 15 days, there is an ideal journey for every traveler seeking to uncover the wonders of Central America and Mexico. Don't miss this chance to embark on a transformative voyage - contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Central America & Mexico
Spot stunning wildlife in the tree canopy
$4,490
EXPLORE

Wild Costa Rica Escape

6 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Navigate Costa Rica’s Guanacaste
  • Discover diverse tropical ecosystem
  • Enjoy Isla Tortuga’s beaches
  • Explore volcanic landscapes
Starts / Ends:
San Jose / San Jose
Activities:
Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Discover the treasures of Guanacaste, one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, on a six-day voyage aboard National Geographic Quest. Snorkel and kayak among untouched corals and palm-lined beaches in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike, ride horseback, and zipline …
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Costa Rica
$6,420
EXPLORE

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Colón - Puntarenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Champlain
  • Discover San Blas
  • Experience Panama Canal
  • Explore Fuerte Amador
  • Visit Darien National Park
Starts / Ends:
Colon / Puntarenas
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to explore the natural splendors and cultural richness of Panama and Costa Rica. Start your journey in Holandes Cayes, part of Panama's San Blas Islands, known for their white sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sail through …
Cruise Details
0
Cabo Pulmo
$6,981
EXPLORE

Baja California: Among the Great Whales - Eastbound

San Carlos - Loreto, Mexico - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture
  • Observe California gray whales
  • Hike across desert islands
  • Experience the Baja California
  • Snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends:
Puerto San Carlos / Loreto
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Experience Baja in full with visits to lively La Paz and lovely Loreto. La Paz invites you to follow your curiosity into a maze of quaint streets and sun-drenched promenades, promising discoveries of all kinds. Loreto, a charming coastal town spectacularly backed by the Sierra de la Giganta …
Cruise Details
0
San Blas
$7,090
EXPLORE

Secrets of Central America

Colon - Puntarenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore Fort San Lorenzo
  • Discover San Blas Islands
  • Experience Panama Canal
  • Swim in the Pearl Islands
Starts / Ends:
Colon / Puntarenas
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on an 11-day expedition cruise from Colon to Puntarenas aboard the Le Bellot. Visit San Lorenzo’s Fort, an extraordinary fortress safeguarding transatlantic trade. Next, explore the San Blas Islands, home to the Kuna people and their vibrant craft of molas. Cross the legendary Panama …
Cruise Details
0
Keel-billed Toucan
$6,054
EXPLORE

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Cross the Panama Canal
  • Punta Culebra Nature Center at STRI
  • Snorkel on beautiful Holandes Cayes
  • See Darién National Park rainforest
Starts / Ends:
Colon / Puerto Caldera
Activities:
Rainforest Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
The San Blas Islands of Holandes Cayes, Panama City's Old Quarter, and the Darién National Park are highlights of Le Bellot's journey in Central America. Proceed to Fuente Amador and start your exploration of the Panama Canal. In Costa Rica, you may encounter sloths, the noisy howler …
Cruise Details
0
Crossing a stream on Osa Peninsula
$11,295
Savings
EXPLORE

Costa Rica & Panama Canal

Costa Rica - Colombia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Costa Rica's wildlife
  • Discover vibrant bird species
  • Learn about the Emberá tribe
  • Cross the Panama Canal
  • Visit Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Starts / Ends:
San Jose / Colon
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Photography Seminars, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Village Visits, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Immerse in the coastal landscapes of Costa Rica and Panama on this 12-day cruise aboard Greg Mortimer with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Costa Rica stands as one of the world's most biodiverse regions, offering opportunities to explore lush tropical rainforests with a remarkable …
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Costa Rica
$1,640
EXPLORE

Costa Rica & Panama

Puerto Caldera Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Enjoy Isla Tortugas
  • Discover diverse tropical ecosystem
  • Explore Coiba National Park
  • Visit Golfo de Chiriquí
Starts / Ends:
Puerto Caldera / Puerto Caldera
Activities:
Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
This 8-day Central America adventure cruise departs from Puerto Caldera. The waters of San Jose Island are considered to be among the best deep-sea fishing grounds in the world due to their abundance of tropical game species. Then, spend a few days at sea exploring islands and participating in Star …
Cruise Details
0
Transitioning the Panama Canal
$362
EXPLORE

Panama Canal Full Transit

1 Day Itinerary
  • See the Panama City skyline
  • Learn the history of the canal
Activities:
Land Exploration, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On a guided tour of the Panama Canal, your boat will ascend and descend 26 meters in three separate chambers. The Gaillard Cut is a major tourist attraction because it was carved through the Continental Divide and is rich in history and natural beauty. Continue on to Gatun Lake and the Gatun Locks, …
Tour Details
0
Trekking through Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.
$6,601
EXPLORE

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

San Jose - Panama - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Observe animals in their habitat
  • Kayak through magical mangroves
  • Transit the historical Panama Canal
  • Explore Gulf of Panama beaches
Activities:
Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Join the National Geographic Quest on this 8-day expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. Discover diverse wilderness and jungle wildlife coupled with an in-depth crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, and gain special access to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in …
Cruise Details
0
Miraflores Locks - Panama Canal
$284
EXPLORE

Panama Canal Partial Transit

  • Transit through Miraflores Locks
  • Learn the history of the canal
Activities:
Expedition Cruises, Land
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Tour Details
0
$7,820
EXPLORE

Secrets of Central America

Colón - Puntarenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Champlain
  • Discover National Parks
  • Sail through the Panama Canal
  • Encounter with Emberas tribe
  • Visit San Blas archipelago
Starts / Ends:
Puerto Caldera / Colon
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Variable
Join this 11-day Secrets of Central America cruise expedition from Colon to Puntarenas aboard Le Champlain and explore the natural beauty of Panama and Costa Rica. Starting at San Lorenzo’s Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific, visiting places like the …
Cruise Details
0
Dolphins race through the water in Baja.
$12,726
EXPLORE

Baja California: A Remarkable Journey

15 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture
  • See gray, sperm, blue & fin whales
  • Hike islands of Gulf of California
  • Snorkel among playful sea lions
  • Learn photo techniques from experts
Starts / Ends:
Loreto / Loreto
Activities:
Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Your 15-day remarkable cruise offers the most comprehensive Baja California and the Sea of Cortez experience available. This is a true expedition, which means that your captain plans day-by-day movements and itinerary according to the conditions that best offer sightings and up-close encounters …
Cruise Details
0
Collected a starfish while snorkeling.
$6,500
GroupSave
EXPLORE

Baja California's Whales & Sealife

La Paz Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Snorkel with young sea lion pups
  • Visit the Sea of Cortes
  • Search whales in the Sea of Cortez
  • Kayak around coastal rocks
Starts / Ends:
La Paz / La Paz
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Explore Baja island-to-island on this 8-day cruise of Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Your journey begins in La Paz where you join the Safari Voyager for an 8-day exploration of the Sea of Cortes. This island-to-island adventure offers hiking, kayaking, snorkeling with sea lion pups, and wildlife …
Cruise Details
0
Zapatilla Cay, Panama
$6,741
EXPLORE

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Transit the Panama Canal
  • Meet Indigenous people of Guna Yala
  • Look for unique tropical wildlife
  • See colonial architecture
Starts / Ends:
Panama City / Cartagena
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Hike into dense rainforests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity, glide through little-explored inlets by Zodiac …
Cruise Details
0
Scenic Landscape
$3,677
EXPLORE

Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay

6 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
  • Discover whales in Magdalena Bay
  • Hike through island landscapes
  • Kayak on the glassy waters
  • Learn about ecosystems
Starts / Ends:
Loreto / Puerto San Carlos
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Spend six days with majestic gray whales and their curious calves in Mexico's Bahia Almejas, one of the best locations in the world to observe gray whale mother-calf interactions. From the luxury of National Geographic Sea Bird, take in the sights and sounds of the bay before embarking on an …
Cruise Details
0
Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour
$3,830
EXPLORE

Barbados to Panama

15 Day Itinerary aboard Royal Clipper
  • Explore Bridgetown, Barbados
  • Enjoy Grenada's unique aromas
  • Discover Dutch colonial Curacao
  • Transit the historic Panama Canal
Starts / Ends:
Bridgetown / Balboa
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Small Ship Sailing, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Royal Clipper takes you to the seas for a stunning adventure packed with incredible experiences starting at the charming port town of Bridgetown, Barbados. Scour the streets of the UNESCO-listed cities of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and Willemstad, Curaçao. Swim in the protected, …
Cruise Details
0
Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
$3,830
EXPLORE

Panama to Antigua

15 Day Itinerary aboard Royal Clipper
  • Transit the historic Panama Canal
  • Enjoy Grenada's unique aromas
  • Discover Dutch colonial Curacao
  • Swim in paradise in Bonaire
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Small Ship Sailing, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Royal Clipper takes you to the seas for a stunning adventure packed with incredible experiences starting at the charming port town of Bridgetown, Barbados. Scour the streets of the UNESCO-listed cities of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and Willemstad, Curaçao. Swim in the protected, …
Cruise Details
0
Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour
$3,540
EXPLORE

Barbados to Panama

15 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Explore Bridgetown, Barbados
  • Enjoy Grenada's unique aromas
  • Discover Dutch colonial Curacao
  • Transit the historic Panama Canal
Starts / Ends:
Bridgetown / Balboa
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Small Ship Sailing, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Star Clipper takes you to the seas for a stunning adventure packed with incredible experiences starting at the charming port town of Bridgetown, Barbados. Scour the streets of the UNESCO-listed cities of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and Willemstad, Curaçao. Swim in the protected, …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 19 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 382 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 382 reviews on
review score
7 hours ago
The booking was processed efficiently and quickly. We got what we wanted.
Doug Laporte
review score
8 hours ago
Great company. Good communications. Great accommodations, excursions, transport. Guide Elvira was spectacular along with transport, driver, Cesar and activities
Kathy S
review score
1 day ago
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
review score
2 days ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
review score
3 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.
Tim King

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