After a restless overnight at a Seattle airport hotel, we were up at 3am to begin the hurry and wait of modern air travel.
Just a few years back, I traveled around the world for a year with one ... Full Journal »
Panama Canal to Costa Rica plus Monteverde
« All Sea Bird & Sea Lion cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Panama City, Embark ship
- Day 2 Barro Colorado Island & Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit
- Day 3 Gulf of Panama Islets
- Day 4 Isla Coiba National Park
- Day 5 Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Day 6 Osa Peninsula
- Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 8 Herradura / Disembark Carara Biological Reserve
- Day 9 Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Day 10 Monteverde / Arenal
- Day 11 Arenal Volcano
- Day 12 Arenal / Sarapiquí
- Day 13 Sarapiquí
- Day 14 Sarapiqui / San Jose
- Day 15 San Jose / Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 1 Single | Cat 2 | Cat 2 Single | Cat 3 | |
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| All departure dates | ||
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Arrive Panama City, Embark ship
On arrival, drive to Colon to board your ship and set sail for the first part of your Panama Canal transit anchoring in Gatun Lake. This unique interruption allows you to be one of the few ships that make the crossing in two days, as well as the only ship permitted the exclusive opportunity to explore impressive Barro Colorado, which you will visit tomorrow. (D)
Day 2 Barro Colorado Island & Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Today combine two of the main reasons many come south of the border: the Panama Canal and the tropical rain forest. By special invitation, board a Zodiac this morning to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument, set in Gatun Lake and home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Inaccessible to most travelers, the island itself is quite unique. Before the building of the Canal it was actually the top of a mountain, and when the river valley was flooded to form man-made Gatun Lake, it became the island you see today. You’ll hike through the lush forest with Smithsonian guides. As always, the forest is full of surprises: monkeys, anteaters, slow-moving sloths, brilliantly colored birds. Reboard your ship to continue the crossing, possibly at night when the Canal is dramatically lit. (A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships.) (B,L,D)
Day 3 Gulf of Panama Islets
Flexibility and adventure go hand in hand. Since you’re not tied to a minute-by-minute timetable, take the day to leisurely explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied birdlife. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, Naturalists will take underwater footage, which animates evening gatherings in the lounge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today make your first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Osa Peninsula
Your ship anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Your exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or kayak. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)
Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so be sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a Naturalist to point out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast and find find a great spot for a final hike or swim. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Herradura / Disembark Carara Biological Reserve
Disembark your ship in Herradura and take a 20-minute drive to the Carara Biological Reserve. View monkeys, iguanas, the endangered scarlet macaw and huge American crocodiles. A drive up the mountain takes you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with lichen, moss and 300 species of orchid. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Monteverde Cloud Forest
Visit a butterfly garden of native species. Explore forest trails; search for the elusive resplendent quetzal. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Monteverde / Arenal
Experience the skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy — considered the last frontier of the tropical cloud forest. Take a leisurely 3 ½-hour drive to Arenal, past verdant Tilaran and around Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, adorned by the mighty Arenal Volcano. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Arenal Volcano
Explore rain-forest trails and take time this afternoon for volcano gazing. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Arenal / Sarapiquí
Cross the northern plains leading to the rich rain forests of Sarapiquí. Go whitewater rafting or river floating on the Sarapiquí River. After lunch check into Sueño Azul, a working hacienda and spa, where you will spend the next two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Sarapiquí
In the morning visit La Selva, a well-known site for research on tropical ecology. In the afternoon walk the hacienda’s grounds, swim in the pool or river, or sample spa treatments. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Sarapiqui / San Jose
After breakfast you’ll take the scenic route to the capital city, San Jose for visit of the city and the Gold Museum. Lunch at a restaurant in the exclusive Escazú area. This evening will be spent at the Doubletree Cariari Hotel. (B,L)
Day 15 San Jose / Return Home
This morning drive to the airport for flights home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is variable by sailing, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cruises for up to 8 nights | . |
| 90 days or more | $250 |
| 89-60 days | deposit |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
| Cruises with 9 more more nights | . |
| 120 days or more | $250 |
| 119-90 days | deposit |
| 89-60 days | 30% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Sea Bird & Sea Lion
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 62
These vessels can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet they comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Cruise remote regions of Alaska, Mexico's Baja, Northwest Pacific and more. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.
Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.
Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.
Our ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Observation Deck; and partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.
Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.
All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
| Cat 1 Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. | |
| Cat 1 Single Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. | |
| Cat 2 Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. | |
| Cat 2 Single Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. | |
 | Cat 3 Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out |
