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Panama adventure

Panama to Costa Rica

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Star Clipper
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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.
Explore beautiful Costa RicaExplore beautiful Costa RicaAn old fort of PanamaPanama adventure. Snorkeling!Panama adventure. Bridge of the Americas!Blue water and lush rain forest in PanamaBeach in Costa RicaKeel-billed ToucanWildlife of Costa Rica - colorful tree frogPanama adventure
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
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Balboa, Panama | Embark

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.

Day 2: San Jose Island | Pearl Islands, Panama

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.

Day 3: Iguana Island, Panama

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.

Day 4: Coiba Island

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.

Day 5: Golfito, Costa Rica

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.

Day 6: Quepos, Costa Rica

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.

Day 7: Islas Tortugas, Costa Rica

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: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Puerto Caldera is the cruise port that is the major gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Of the many excursions here, a trip to the Arenal Volcano will not be missed.

Ship/Hotel

Star Clipper

Star Flyer/Star Clipper library
Star Flyer/Star Clipper deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,640 2-3 travelers
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 6
Category 6
Located on the Commodore Deck, this inside cabin features upper/lower berths and a bathroom with shower.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 5
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.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin 4
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.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 3
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.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 2
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.
Star Flyer, Star Clipper Cabin Category 1
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.
Owner's Suite view
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.
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.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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