Discover some of the best-kept secrets of Panama on this 8-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 Dariel Jungle, and the pristine Pearl Islands Archipelago. As you sail, admire the beautiful scenery and take the chance explore tranquil bays, cultural villages, and the best of the region by kayak or foot.
Highlights
Enjoy a visit with the locals, revealing traditional customs & daily living
Hike through vibrant jungle forest passing forest farms
Transit from ocean-to-ocean along the 48-mile Panama Canal
Go whale watching and spot dolphins, sea turtles, and whales
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the airport and meet the ship's representative. Transfer to the hospitality area to relax with your shipmates until it is time to board the Safari Voyager. Cross the peninsula overland to Colon, where the ship waits at anchor. Settle in to your cabin and attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail.
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) with a village visit to an arts and crafts market, traditional cemetery, and communal house of the chiefs. Enjoy an afternoon with the locals, revealing traditional customs and daily living. 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. Hike through vibrant jungle forest passing forest farms along the way and snorkel, paddle board, or kayak among the picture-perfect islands.
The 'world’s most valuable river,' and Panama’s largest, was the route by which Incan gold was transported in Colonial times. Today, it is still a vital artery of the Canal. Walk among the battlements and canons of San Lorenzo Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—built in the 1500s by the Spanish crown as a military stronghold and sacked multiple times by swashbuckling pirates. And if conditions allow, see the wild side of the river by skiff, paddle board, and kayak. Hundreds of avian species live in this migration hot-spot—ground cuckoos, crested eagle, trogons, toucans, white hawks, with their “neighbor” monkeys, wild pigs, white tailed deer, and other wildlife. Later, prepare for one of the most memorable travel experiences—transiting ocean-to-ocean along the 48-mile marvel, the Panama Canal.
Day 5: Pearl Islands Archipelago
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 will help 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, they’ll share their customs and stories, and you’ll 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 migration, whales. This festive evening includes a special farewell dinner and celebratory slideshow from your expedition team.
Day 8: Panama City|Disembark
1 Breakfast
After an early breakfast, bid adios to your crew. Transfer to the airport for your independent travels home.
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 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.