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Playa Manuel Antonio

Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama

Puerto Caldera - Colon - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Panorama
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Experience a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting, along with an exciting voyage of discovery along the Pacific Ocean coastline of Costa Rica. Explore the Nature Reserves and National Parks of Isla Coiba and Manuel Antonio, witness life in the Darrien Jungle, and cross the celebrated Panama Canal, an event for every avid cruise-goer. Each day discovers a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters to cool you, a glimpse of ancient history to amaze you, and rich flora and fauna diversity to intrigue you.
Panama adventure. Snorkeling!Wild Darien jungleGatun Lock of the Panama CanalRuins in Colon, PanamaPlaya Manuel Antonio
Highlights
  • Explore the stunning Manuel Antonio Reserve and admire its unique wildlife
  • Tour Casa Orquideas, a beautiful flower sanctuary
  • Discover the local forest and animal life with a Ship Naturalist
  • Cross through the Panama Canal
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica | Embark

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (3PM - 4PM)
Join them on board and get to know your home for the week, its welcoming crew, and your fellow explorers. After a safety drill, begin the sail to Quepos, welcome drink in hand. Overnight at anchor.

Day 2: Quepos | Playa Biesanz, Costa Rica

Welcome to Quepos, a small town and gateway to the Manuel Antonio Reserve known for its tropical plants and wildlife. After lunch, join them on an optional Forest Canopy tour - this is a zip line across the jungle treetops! The ship will sail on to Playa Biesanz, a stunning beach located within the reserve where you’ll gather for a tropical-themed dinner on board, before a late night sail to Drake Bay. Overnight at sea.

Day 3: Puerto Jimenez | Casa Orquideas | Golfito, Costa Rica

Like much of Costa Rica, Drake Bay is a haven for wildlife. You’ll understand what they mean after an excursion through the tropical rainforest. Here, you’re almost guaranteed to see incredible species including red-eyed tree frogs, quetzals, tapirs, harpy eagles, white-lipped peccaries, monkeys, and scarlet macaws. A swim in the bay is sharing space with marlins, dolphins and pilot whales. See - they told you it’s impressive! In the early afternoon, they’ll start the sail to Golfito.

Day 4: Granito De Oro | Coiba Island, Panama

Hope you had a chance to take a dip in the ocean over the last few days, but if you were too busy wildlife spotting then today is your chance. Midday arrival at Granito de Oro - go on, dive off deck for swimming and snorkeling opportunities. After a barbecue back on deck, you'll sail to Coiba Island, Panama, the largest island in Central America and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is your next chance to swim and snorkel, but first, take a walk with the naturalist to discover local forest life. Overnight at sea, en route to Iguana Island. It’s as intriguing as it sounds.

Day 5: Iguana Island, Panama

Start by saying, yes, there are iguanas at Iguana Island. But there is also so much more! This island was declared a wildlife sanctuary over 40 years ago and is a bird-watching paradise - including for frigate birds - and is also home to 17 different coral species, 350 species of tropical fish, and 200 species of invertebrates. Hike the island paths to see plenty of crabs and iguanas. Snorkel the shallow reefs to gaze at moray eels, rays, and turtles. One thing’s for sure, diving and snorkeling spots don’t come much better than this. **Overnight at sea**

Day 6: Playa Muerto, Darien National Park

Today, join the optional excursion to Darien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre stretching across two continents: Panama in North America and Colombia in South America. You’ll meet the Panamanian Emberá, one of 7 indigenous groups native to the country. They’re sure you’ll be enthralled by their colorful crafts and well-preserved traditions. Then, back to the ship via a quick dip in a natural waterfall. After lunch on board, you sail to Panama City and dock at Flamenco Marina. Overnight at anchor.

Day 7: Flamenco Marina Panama City | Canal Crossing, Panama

This morning’s optional excursion is a tour of Casco Viejo, the historic Panama City. Discover its French and Spanish colonial architecture via squares, cathedrals, and churches. Back on board, you’ll enjoy lunch together before entering the Panama Canal where you cruise through the Pedro Miguel, Miraflores, and Gatun Locks before heading towards Colon.

Day 8: Colon, Panama | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Central America cruise comes to an end today, enjoy one last breakfast from 9AM to wish a fond farewell to your cabin mates.

Ship/Hotel

Panorama

Lounge Room
Lounge & Dining Room
Panorama

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Panama Cruises & Tours.
Panorama - Cat C
Category C
Lower deck, 1 double bed or 2 twin beds. Portholes, A/C, TV, telephone, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, marble en suite bathroom.
Panorama Category B Triple
Category B (Twin)
Lower deck, 2 twin beds. Portholes, A/C, TV, telephone, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, marble or corian en suite bathroom.
Panorama Category A Double
Category A
Upper deck or Main deck, 2 lower beds or 1 double bed. Large windows, A/C, TV, telephone, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, marble or corian en suite bathroom.

Notes

- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.

Single supplement - Single occupancy of a Cat. C or Cat. B Cabin is available at 1.6 times the twin occupancy rate. Single occupancy of a Cat. A Cabins is available at 1.75 times the twin occupancy rate.

Child Discount (in Cat. A only): 
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 11-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted.

3rd Person Reduction (in Cat. A only): 30%
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
  • Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
  • English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
  • Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening , fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port Fees
  • Wifi
  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions

Map

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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