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Aerial view of San Andrés, Colombia

Central America Explorer: Panama to Mexico

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard RCGS Resolute
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Famous for its high concentration of wildlife, Central America offers the perfect blend of wildlife watching, active discovery and relaxation in warm waters. With turquoise seas and lush forests, magnificent Mayan ruins, bustling markets and flourishing farms, the Caribbean coast of Central America is packed with opportunities to explore. Swim and snorkel around colourful coral reefs during the day before dancing the night away to reggae music by night. Whether you choose to soak up the sun on palm-lined beaches, hike through protected national parks or kayak to remote bays, this expedition offers something for everyone. 
Ruins in Colon, PanamaSan Pedro Claver Plaza, CartagenaOutdoor Tropical Bar and Souvenirs, Providencia Island, ColombiaCoast of Cozumel island, MexicoAerial view of San Andrés, Colombia
Highlights
  • Visit six spectacular countries in ten days and admire their natural beauty
  • Explore the San Blas Islands, an undiscovered archipelago
  • Swim & snorkel around the pristine and colourful reefs
  • Learn about the historic Creole culture
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: Colon, Panama | Embark

Rendezvous mid-afternoon at a central location in Panama City and transfer by bus to the port at Colon. Upon arriving at the port board RCGS Resolute, your home for the next 10 days. Ideally you arrive a day or two early into Panama City, in order to adjust to any time change, acclimatize, and prepare for our adventure together. You could opt for a day trip through the Panama Canal as your voyage heads straight out into the Caribbean Sea. Having a day or two buffer also helps if you experience any flight delays or other travel hurdles. After embarking and settling into our rooms, gather for cocktails, followed by dinner, after which you can relax on deck and enjoy the tropical sunset.

Day 2: San Blas Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With over 365 islands scattered over 100 square miles, spend an entire year visiting an island each day. Most of the islands are not inhabited, however, the larger islands - Aguja, Kuanidup, Chichime and El Porvenir are inhabited by the indigenous people known as the Kuna, or Guna. Since 1925 the Kuna have maintained political autonomy from the mainland and still practice their traditional form of government. Although the San Blas Islands are a very popular vacation destination for Panamanians, it is recognized that any visitor there is a guest of the Kuna. Their reliance on small crops, fishing and harvesting coconuts has kept the islands largely free of any industry and therefore beautiful and pristine.

Day 3: Cartagena

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cartagena’s ‘Old Town’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by more than 10 kilometres of centuries-old stone walls. Within these walls lie a maze of cobblestoned streets and alleys. Bougainvillea drips off the balconies of colonial houses and a resplendent cathedral appears around every corner. Wander the streets taking in the vibrant colours of the markets, the brightly painted houses, artisan shops and galleries. Be sure to take a break and cool down with a limonada de coco (with or without rum). Later in the day sail for the Rosario Islands. These 28 islands were declared a National Park in order to protect the critical coral reef that
encircles the archipelago. Later in the day, sail for the Rosario Islands, which were declared a National Park in order to protect the critical coral reef that encircles the archipelago. Grab a snorkel, kayak or paddleboard and head off to learn more about the coral and ecosystems first-hand. 

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As you continue to make your way from Panama to Colombia we learn, through a series of educational presentations, about the local flora and fauna encounter in the coming days. Photography awareness play a big role, to ensure you understand the opportunities available to you in order to capture these incredible experiences as you continue to your second of six countries in just ten days. This is a great opportunity to take binoculars out on deck and look for seabirds travelling alongside the ship.

Day 5: San Andrés | Providencia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This quirky pair of islands, San Andrés and Providencia, found off the coast of Nicaragua, are historically connected to England and are politically part of Colombia. The result, socially speaking, is the 300-year-old English-Creole-speaking Raizal culture which bumps up against the much more recently arrived Colombian culture. These islands are a favourite weekend getaway for Colombians who come here to party, shop tax-free, and sunbathe. Fortunately the night life is concentrated in the towns, leaving the rest of the island quite peaceful and pristine. Take the time to investigate the quieter corners, bays, and atolls, perhaps stopping for a snorkel or paddle, to take in the beauty of the coral reefs. On Providencia we can, once again, spend time in the small town, or stretch our legs on a hike up Alto El Pico, for 360-degree views of the entire Caribbean. Those looking for a more gentle stroll can wander the beaches or head to the north end of the island to cross Lover’s Bridge, which takes you to Santa Catalina, the next island.

Day 6: Miskito Cays

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Once a hot-spot for pirates, Miskito Cays may be the least discovered island of Nicaragua. Sitting 80km off shore, Miskito Cays are part of the Northern Atlantic autonomous region, which is recognized by the Nicaraguan government. The Miskito people have maintained their ancient culture, governed by their ‘Council of Elders’ and continue to practice the tradition of no private property. The seascape and marine life in this area is so complex, delicate and interesting, it was declared part of the larger Biological Marine reserve and Coastal Fringe in 1991. What better way to take in this amazing ecosystem than with a tranquil paddle in a kayak or on a stand-up paddle board. If you’d rather keep your feet dry, you can stroll the beaches and head for ‘town’ – a cluster of homes built on stilts in the water.

Day 7: Guanaja

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Originally named Pine Island by Christopher Columbus, Guanaja is both lush and mountainous with its highest peak topping out at 1400 feet. You have the option
of a short hike to the only waterfall on the island, or a longer hike up to Grant’s Peak for amazing views of the nearby islands. Sitting on the second largest barrier reef in the world, it is not surprising that diving and snorkeling are very popular activities. If anyone is interested in catching dinner, there is guided fly-fishing available and for those looking to hit the ‘big city’, Bonacca (actually an island itself) has a store, a bank and a pharmacy.

Day 8: Jeanette Kawas National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Officially named Jeanette Kawas National Park in honour of the environmental activist, this park was previously known as Punta Sal. Here the large lagoon, marine estuaries, tropical rainforests, and mangrove swamps make for an incredibly diverse National Park. Jungle trails allow you to explore the park, a well-known birding destination with over 300 species noted, including the green-breasted mountain-gem and resplendent quetzal. The West Indian manatee and several types of sea turtles also frequent this area. Further inland you may run into howler or white-headed capuchin monkeys. This park is also inhabited by the Garifuna people who have lived here for hundreds of years. Their villages are scattered throughout the park and the Garifuna traditions and culture are also protected by the park’s mandate.

Day 9: Blackbird Caye | Turneffe Atoll, Belize

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
World renowned for their diving, snorkeling and fly-fishing, blackbird caye and the turneffe atoll offer an incredible array of marine life. More than 500 species of fish, 65 species of stony coral, plus sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and a plethora of seabirds, all call this area home. Using our kayaks, paddleboards, zodiacs, or simply our feet, get up close and personal with these hidden treasures. A paddle through the lagoons reveal more than 150 mangrove islands and the incredible marine life that goes with that.

Day 10: Cozumel, Mexico | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Today wake up off the shores of Cozumel, Mexico the final destination of this voyage. After breakfast bid farewell to the crew and disembark the ship. Transportation is provided to the Cozumel airport where you can begin your journey home, or on to further adventures in Mexico.

Ship/Hotel

RCGS Resolute

RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Pool

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,295
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Main Deck Triple
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.  
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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