Caribbean Sea Adventure

Day 1 Colón, Panama

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 10-day expedition – Caribbean Sea Adventure. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 San Blas Islands, Panama

Following in the wake of explorers like Columbus, Balboa and Pizarro, and buccaneers like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, discover an intact ancient culture thriving in alongside a modern world; pristine beaches with a mosaic of sea life just off shore; verdant rainforests filled with a kaleidoscope of wildlife; and adventure and treasure oft in every corner.

Today you are given a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean as it was before the European explorers came here. The San Blas Islands, or Kuna Yala Reserve, is home to the Kuna natives, who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Kuna community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colorful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas. Molas are handcrafted artwork that has become popular tourist souvenirs. Made by Kuna women, these rainbow-colored fabrics are adorned with jungle animals, birds, fish or geometric patterns and brimming with creativity.

During your morning walk around Wacha Wala Island you will learn more about local culture and see presentations of traditional dances. Perhaps get a henna tattoo or traditional ankle bracelet made by one of the Kuna women.

This afternoon the Prince Albert II will reposition to Wali-dup Island, where you are free to shop for local handicrafts, or swim, kayak or snorkel off the pristine, white-sand beaches. This idyllic island is surrounded by coral reef and comprised of coral topped with a light sprinkling of topsoil. September and October are the best months for snorkeling because the waters are the clearest due to a lesser amount of rainfall during these months. Join your onboard Marine Biologist for a lazy drift snorkel and watch the underwater water world go by. These protected islands and reefs shelter a dazzling diversity of marine life, and it is ours to encounter.

Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Kuna, it is asked that women refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts, and men keep their shirts on when moving about the island in places other than beach areas.

Day 3 Cartagena, Colombia

One of the grand ports of the Spanish Main, Cartagena’s founding dates to 1533. With its fascinating history, old walled city, formidable fortresses and colonial architecture, Cartagena is considered one of the most captivating ports in the Caribbean. Look at Cartagena’s colonial heritage, architecture and history. Your guided walking tour takes you through narrow and past stately colonial buildings to Bolivar Square, to Customs Square, and finally to Plaza San Pedro Claver with his namesake church. This sanctuary, originally built in 1580, was reconstructed in the 17th century with exquisite statues and old-world furnishings.

In the Old City, see Las Bovedas (the “dungeons”) that were used as military barracks and munitions depot in colonial times. Today, local artisans display their handicraft and souvenir items here. Stop at the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an important military fort built to protect the city in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Alternatively, join Expedition Team members for a scenic speedboat ride to visit the offshore Rosario Islands. The destination is Hotel San Pedro de Majagua on Isla Grande, one of the 27 mainly private islands that make up the National Natural Park Corales del Rosario. In this peaceful environment you will find a great variety of flora and fauna, two white sand beaches, an enchanting lagoon and ecological paths that traverse the island. The islands are coral formations that have grown in size over hundreds of years, so the underwater world is not to be missed. Scuba diving and water sports activities are available at the island for an additional cost. Visit the Aquarium San Martin de Pajarales, an impressive open-water aquarium, where you will see a dolphin show, sharks, giant turtles, and a variety of tropical reef fauna.

Day 4 At Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 Oranjestad, Aruba

Begin your day in Aruba with a scenic drive along Eagle Beach, past the resort hotels to the oldest lighthouse on the island. See the Alto Vista Chapel, where the Spanish missionaries are said to have converted the island’s Indians into Christians. Your route then runs along the north coast to the beautiful Baby Natural Bridge, right next to the Natural Bridge, which collapsed in 2005. This spot demonstrates the powerful forces of the sea, which over the years have carved through coral and limestone. Continuing on your journey, pass the Bushiribana gold smelter ruins, close to where gold was discovered in 1824, and arrive at the Casibari Rock formation, a group of large diorite and granite boulders. Conclude your tour by heading to the south coast to see the world’s largest water desalination plant.

Alternatively, you can choose to experience turquoise waters and spectacular marine life by motorized catamaran. Gorgeously colored fish perform their water ballet as you cruise smoothly by rugged and beautiful coral rock formations. A leisurely tour of the island’s best snorkeling spots includes the 397-foot-long Antilla shipwreck, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Afterward, enjoy sweet tropical drinks, bask in the sun and delicious breeze on deck, and relax to the pulse of island rhythms.

Day 6 Los Roques, Venezuela

Los Roques Archipelago National Park was created to protect a marine ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. The park covers 221,120 hectares (546 acres), making it the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. Its coral reefs host incredible underwater fauna and flora, and its beautiful beaches of white sand and crystalline waters make it a diving paradise. These waters contain 61 species of corals, 200 species of crustaceans, 140 species of mollusks, 45 species of echinoderms, 60 species of sponges, and 280 species of fish. In addition, 92 bird species, 50 of which are migratory, can be seen in the park. Four globally endangered sea turtle species nest regularly on the islands.

Day 7 At Sea

Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 8 Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Also known as Mucura, Port of Spain is the capital and commercial centre of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The local population is an astonishing melting pot of African, Asian, Indian and European, as is the architecture. From Hindu temples to gingerbread rococo it represents the eclectic international mix that represents the city’s peoples and cultures.

Your scenic drive takes you past magnificent buildings overlooking the Queen’s Park Savannah as we head east to Lopinot Village, one of the few villages that has held on to its heritage. The village is named after a Frenchman who came to Trinidad in 1800 and settled in this area with land granted to him for services rendered to the British Crown. Lopinot is rich in history and culture and your knowledgeable guide will bring this to life through stories and parang songs. Parang is the traditional music of Trinidad’s Christmas sung in Spanish and played on string instruments. Visit an old cocoa and coffee plantation to learn how the Spanish settlers grew and processed these products in the traditional way. Have the opportunity to taste the sweet cocoa beans. Also visit an organic herb and spice garden before returning to the port.

Alternatively, join your onboard naturalists who will be keen to point out the variety of flora and birdlife on a visit to the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre, a 200-acre bird sanctuary and conservation centre located deep in the hills of the Northern Range. Following your 1-1/2 hour drive you will be met by a knowledgeable guide for an informative nature walk through the lush tropical forest of exotic trees and colourful flowers. While sightings are not guaranteed, you’ll want to keep a watchful eye out for toucans, manikins and hummingbirds as well as graceful butterflies that live in this unique environment.

Day 9 Bequia, Grenadines

Bequia is the largest island in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chain and home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Visit this nursery for young Hawksbill turtles run by islander Orton “Brother” King with the goal of preventing the extinction of this beautiful ocean species. Take in the sights from atop Mount Pleasant, the highest accessible point in Bequia and then head back down to one of Bequia’s stunning white beaches for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing with a refreshing cocktail.

In the afternoon, a historian/folklorist will delight you with tales of the island depicted in true Caribbean fashion. Hear the beat of the drum as the slaves toiled daily. Watch the French Quadrille and feel the infectious rhythms calypso and soca. The presentation is infused with poetry, drama, music and a touch of humour, allowing us to easily get lost in the spirit of the island.

Day 10 Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

The Government of St Vincent & the Grenadines established the Tobago Cays as a marine park to protect, conserve and improve the area’s natural resources. Uninhabited and accessible only by water, the Tobago Cays are recognized as the "jewel in the crown" for marine tourism in the Southern Grenadines. Four of the Cays – Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Jamesby and Baradal – are enclosed within the aptly named Horseshoe Reef, while the fifth Cay, Petit Tabac, lies just to the east. Other reefs and shallows surround the islands, such as Egg Reef and World's End Reef on the eastern side, and Mayreau Gardens to the west. In this tranquil, idyllic setting spend the day kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and exploring by Zodiac with the Expedition Team.

Day 11 Bridgetown, Barbados

Arrive at Bridgetown in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.