Discover some of the best-kept secrets of Panama on this 9-day cruise. Begin and end in historic Panama City, crossing the legendary Panama Canal and visiting the Guna Yala Islands (previously known as the San Blas Islands), wild Darien Jungle, and the pristine Pearl Islands Archipelago. As you sail, admire the beautiful scenery and take the chance to explore tranquil bays, cultural villages, and the best of the region by kayak or foot.
Highlights
Discover indigenous cultures of the Guna Yala and Emberá people
Snorkel, paddle board, or kayak in the crystalline Caribbean waters
Keep your eyes opened for acrobatic whale spinning & telltable blow spouts
Travel the Mogue River by motorized canoe and look for its vast wildlife
Enjoy an included one-night pre-cruise hotel stay at the Bristol Hotel
Delight in a Panamá Canal night transit; visit Agua Clara Locks Center
Wildlife viewing in Darién Jungle by motorized dugout canoe and on hikes
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Be warmly greeted at the airport upon your arrival and transferred to the Bristol Hotel for your overnight stay. Unwind from your day of travel enjoying the hotel’s amenities, or stretch your legs on a walk to nearby city sites and attractions.
Enjoy a morning of leisure at your boutique hotel or explore nearby city markets and cafes. Later, rendezvous with your shipmates in our hospitality area. As you cross the peninsula overland to Colon, make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks. Then, complete the transfer to the Safari Voyager for a hearty welcome from your captain and crew.
Home to one of the best-preserved Native cultures in the Americas, the indigenous province of Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Islands) encompasses over 360 islands of white sand beaches backed by palm trees and dotted with thatched roofs. Discover the remarkable heritage of the Guna (or Kuna)—don’t pass on a chance to buy their colorful handcrafted “molas.” Enjoy the natural wonders of these islands with a snorkel in the crystalline Caribbean waters.
Another beautiful day awaits you in Guna Yala. Enjoy the islands at a more relaxed pace, lounging on a stunning beach or taking an easy stroll in the sand with views of the brilliant sea. Snorkel, paddle board, or kayak among these picture-perfect islands.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1500s, Portobelo has a rich history including notable characters like Henry Morgan, Francis Drake, and Christopher Columbus. Stroll the passageways of this quaint colorful, village surrounded by jungle. You can sense the past of pirates and explorers before you. Imagine their approach while you take in the views of Portobelo from a kayak or skiff in the bay. Later, prepare for one of the most memorable travel experiences—transiting along the 48-mile marvel, the Panama Canal. (Time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit).
Golden sand meets topaz-colored water, and beaches make way for lush vegetation and rocky volcanic outcroppings on the 90 islands and nearly 130 islets of Las Perlas—the Pearl Islands. Almost entirely uninhabited, the islands are host to a plethora of tropical flora and fauna. Mid-summer through early-fall, the archipelago is frequented by dolphins and humpbacks—so keep your eyes peeled for acrobatic spinning and telltale blow spouts. Select your modus operandi—kayak, paddle board, skiff, or snorkel—and set out in a nature lovers’ dreamscape.
Untouched and untamed, the Darién Jungle is nearly as wild and magnificent today as it was for early conquistadors 500 years ago. Explore the vast Punta Patiño Nature Reserve on foot, part of Darién Province and the largest natural protected area in Central America. Traveling the Mogue River by motorized dugout canoe, your expedition guide helps you spot wildlife—astonishingly-colored roseate spoonbills, ibises, osprey, and raccoons can be seen fishing for breakfast from the water’s edge. After welcoming formalities at a local Emberá village, share their customs and stories, and have an opportunity to buy handicrafts from the villagers, including their highly-prized and intricately-woven rainforest baskets.
Explore the vast Punta Patiño Nature Reserve on foot, part of Darién Province and the largest natural protected area in Central America. Then set sail in search of wildlife, keeping watch for bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, smaller shark species, and early in the season for migrating whales. This festive evening includes a special farewell dinner and celebratory slideshow from your expedition team.
Day 9: Panama City | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After an early breakfast, bid adios to your crew. Transfer to the airport for your flight home or to begin your Un-Cruise hotel stay.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,395
Select a Date
Navigator Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #103-108
Select a Date
Trailblazer Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #205-206, 209-212, 215-222
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy
- Children ages 8-13 are welcome on all sailings and will received a $500 per child savings
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.