This 8-day Central America adventure cruise departs from Balboa, Panama, to Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The waters of San Jose Island are considered to be among the best deep-sea fishing grounds in the world due to their abundance of tropical game species. Then, spend a few days at sea exploring islands and participating in Star Clipper's activities while being transported to stunning ports. Head to Islas Tortugas, which stands as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. Your voyage culminates in the Costa Rican port city of Puntarenas.
Highlights
Visit the epicenter of the Caribbean yachting world
Swim & snorkel at the calm and breathtaking Pearl Islands
Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches
Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and on foot
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Along the piers of Balboa, the port marking the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, you'll see yachts from all over the world. Balboa was built to house the American administrative headquarters for the Canal and many of the buildings are handsome examples of the American colonial style of the early 1900s.
San Jose Island is the second largest in the Pearl Islands. It's located just 90 kilometers from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. The waters of San Jose abound in tropical game fish and are considered among the best deep-sea fishing grounds in the world. They host an abundance of tuna, black marlin, coberra, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, and giant oysters. Coconut palms and wild sugar cane pepper the irregular coastline. There are also a stunning array of beaches to be found that vary in color from coral white to ebony black and golden.
Iguana Island is a natural attraction of the Azuero Peninsula offering the only white sand beach in the region and beautiful clear waters. Accessible only by boat and Inhabited by rare birds, purple and red crabs, and of course iguanas, it's considered to be a wildlife refuge. It is great for snorkeling and you may spot more eels, rays, and turtles swimming in the warm waters. There is also a hiking trail that you can follow where you can see nesting birds.
Coiba Island lies 30 miles off of the south coast of Panama. It is the largest among the 38 islands constituting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba National Park. The island boasts 1,450 plant species, and its rainforests house hundreds of diverse animals. The surrounding waters host the eastern Pacific's second-largest coral reef, offering particularly rewarding scuba diving experiences. Witness whale and tiger sharks, manta and eagle rays, and large schools of fish. Coiba Island has a fascinating history, having served as a penal colony and remained largely isolated for the past century.
Golfito is Costa Rica's southern port town. It was built on bananas – the United Fruit Company moved its regional headquarters here in the '30s and remained until its departure in the 1980s. Today it acts as a gateway to visitors who wish to surf at Pavones or take part in sport-fishing. There are plenty of other activities on offer including horseback riding, kayaking, and trips to nearby mangrove forests.
The small busy town of Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the rapid rise in ecotourism has meant that Quepos has been descended upon it, has largely retained its authentic feel. There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.
Isla Tortuga is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder-soft white sand beaches that are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise. You can also play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or even get a ride on a glass-bottom boat. However, if you are feeling adventurous you can ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.
Day 8: Puntarenas, Costa Rica | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Puntarenas is a cruise port that is also a gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Visit the Paseo de Los Turistas promenade near the beach with its many bars and restaurants.
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.
$1,840
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Category 6
Located on the Commodore Deck, this inside cabin features upper/lower berths and a bathroom with shower.
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Category 5
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this inside/outside cabin features a raised double bed, two lower beds, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
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Category 4
Located on the Commodore Deck, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
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Category 3
Located on the Clipper & Commodore Decks, this outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
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Category 2
Located on the Clipper Deck, this large outside cabin features two lower beds, double bed, or triple berths, and a marble-lined bathroom with shower.
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Category 1
Located on the Main & Sun Decks, this deluxe deck cabin features two lower beds that can convert to a double bed, minibar, marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool bath, and cabin doors that open onto the deck.
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Owner's Cabin (Double)
Located on the Clipper Deck, this deluxe outside cabin features a double bed, sitting area, minibar, and marble-lined bathroom with whirlpool.
Notes
Single supplement: A single supplement fare is available at 150% of the published cruise fare for categories 2-6 during the season in which passengers are traveling. It is available at 200% for category 1 cabins, Deluxe Suites, and Owner's Suites. Single space is capacity controlled.
Children's rate: Savings may be available for children under 18 years when traveling with a full-paying adult on select sailings and subject to availability. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is $400 pp for Cat 2-6 and $800pp for Cat 1, Deluxe and Owner's, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
All meals and snacks (open seating) including: Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Different juices are included only for breakfast.
Ocean transportation to remote ports.
Complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, and sunfish sailing (subject to weather conditions and
local authorities).
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Gratuities
Visa
Port Fees
All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
Laundry services
Medical services
Shore Excursions
Alcoholic drinks and sodas.
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 164 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 164 reviews on
9 hours 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.
Anne Petty
1 day ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
2 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 days ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
