Have questions? We're here.
Tree frog spotted in the Amazon

Central America Small Ship Cruises

Travel made your way ™
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Central America & Mexico trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Central America and Mexico with Adventure Life's array of 31 small ship cruises for 2026. Navigate through the azure waters and lush landscapes of the region, exploring vibrant cultures and diverse wildlife. From the Gulf of Panama to the jungles of Costa Rica and the historic marvel of the Panama Canal, each tour offers a unique opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Engage in activities such as snorkeling in marine-rich environments, hiking through biodiverse forests, and observing untamed wildlife in their natural habitats. With expeditions ranging from 1 to 15 days, there is an ideal journey for every traveler seeking to uncover the wonders of Central America and Mexico. Don't miss this chance to embark on a transformative voyage - contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
Filter (31 Results)
  • Start Date
    OR, More specific start
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • Central America & Mexico
Spot stunning wildlife in the tree canopy
from $4,579
EXPLORE

Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja

6 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Navigate Costa Rica’s Guanacaste
  • Discover diverse tropical ecosystem
  • Enjoy Isla Tortuga’s beaches
  • Explore volcanic landscapes
Starts / Ends
San Jose / San Jose
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste, on a 6-day voyage aboard National Geographic Quest. As you venture from uninhabited isles to wildlife-rich jungles and friendly surf towns, bask in the “pura vida” that infuses this ecologically rich country.
Cruise Details
0
Panama adventure
from $2,010
EXPLORE

Panama to Costa Rica

Balboa - Puerto Caldera - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Explore Balboa’s buildings
  • Discover San Jose Island
  • Snorkel Iguana Island’s clear water
  • Encounter Coiba’s rare marine
Starts / Ends
Balboa / Puerto Caldera
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise from Balboa to Puerto Caldera aboard the Star Clipper, exploring highlights like San Jose Island and Coiba National Park. Enjoy diverse activities like snorkeling, surfing, and visiting Manuel Antonio National Park before disembarking in Puerto Caldera.
Cruise Details
0
A pod of long-beaked common dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico
from $6,450
EXPLORE

Baja California: Among the Great Whales

Loreto, Mexico Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture
  • Observe California gray whales
  • Hike across desert islands
  • Experience the Baja California
  • Snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends
Loreto / Loreto
Activity Level
Variable
Board National Geographic Venture in Loreto and explore the Gulf of California on an 8-day cruise. Kayak, snorkel, and hike on uninhabited islands, search for whales in Pacific lagoons, swim with sea lions at Los Islotes, and visit marine parks including Cabo Pulmo and Isla Espíritu Santo before returning to Loreto.
Cruise Details
0
Day time aerial view of Playa Balandra, an iconic beach in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
from $7,500
$500 Off
EXPLORE

In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

La Paz Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Sail around Isla Espiritu Santo
  • Spot diverse bird species
  • Search for majestic whales
  • Snorkel with sea lions & reef fish
Starts / Ends
San Jose del Cabo / San Jose del Cabo
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 11-day cruise aboard the Safari Voyager to explore Baja California's marine wonders. Discover marine life at Punta Marcial, snorkel Isla Catalina, and kayak Bahia de los Angeles. Enjoy whale watching between Catalina and Santa Rosalia, visit historic Santa Rosalia, and bird-watch on Isla San Esteban.
Cruise Details
0
Collected a starfish while snorkeling.
from $6,500
$500 Off
EXPLORE

Baja California's Whales & Sealife

La Paz Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Snorkel with young sea lion pups
  • Visit the Sea of Cortes
  • Search whales in the Sea of Cortez
  • Kayak around coastal rocks
Starts / Ends
La Paz / La Paz
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 7-night adventure aboard the Safari Voyager, discovering the stunning marine life and landscapes of Baja California. Starting in La Paz, visit Isla San Francisco, Bahía Agua Verde, Honeymoon Cove, and more. Snorkel with sea lion pups, kayak, hike, and spot dolphins, whales, and birds along Baja’s rugged coastlines.
Cruise Details
0
Dolphins Jumping in Baja
from $7,500
EXPLORE

Captain's Cruise: In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

La Paz Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Explore remote Baja islands
  • Search for marine mammals
  • Experience local ranch culture
  • Kayak scenic coastal waters
Starts / Ends
La Paz / La Paz
Activities
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Whale Watching, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Travel on a 12-day journey from La Paz through Baja California Sur aboard Safari Voyager. Visit remote islands, search for marine life, and explore coastal sites by kayak, skiff, and guided hikes. Experience local culture, wildlife habitats, and varied landscapes across the Northern Gulf of California.
Cruise Details
0
Guests explore by zodiac cruise in Portobelo, Panama
from $6,150
EXPLORE

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle

Southbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Transit the Panama Canal
  • Explore Darien Jungle
  • Visit Portobelo Forts
  • Snorkel Pearl Islands
Starts / Ends
Panama City / Panama City
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle cruise aboard National Geographic. Quest in Colon and explore Panama’s Pacific coast. Cruise Gatun Lake, hike Barro Colorado Island trails, and visit the Pearl Islands. Discover Darien National Park’s rainforest and culture, explore Punta Patiño Reserve, and return to Panama City.
Cruise Details
0
Cabo Pulmo
from $8,100
EXPLORE

Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California

Loreto to La Paz - 11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture
  • Explore Bahia Concepcion waters
  • Walk historic Santa Rosalia
  • Hike Isla San Esteban slopes
  • See Los Islotes sea lions
Starts / Ends
Loreto / San Jose del Cabo
Activity Level
Variable
Travel through Baja California on an 11-day expedition aboard National Geographic Venture. Sail from Loreto through the Gulf of California, explore Bahía Concepción, snorkel Cabo Pulmo, hike desert islands, kayak mangroves, and swim with sea lions at Los Islotes. Search for whales, dolphins, and rare seabirds.
Cruise Details
0
Blue water and lush rain forest in Panama
from $6,150
EXPLORE

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle

Balboa to Colon - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Panama Canal transit
  • Chagres River cruise
  • Kayak and snorkel at Isla del Rey
  • Explore Playa Muerto
Starts / Ends
Panama City / Panama City
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Rainforest Exploration, Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Panama on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Quest. Transit the Panama Canal, anchor in Gatun Lake, and discover Darien National Park and the Pearl Islands. Kayak, hike rainforests, snorkel reefs, and meet Embera communities in remote villages and protected reserves.
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Costa Rica
from $6,801
EXPLORE

Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

San Jose to Panama - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Arenal Volcano exploration
  • Relax in Ecotermales hot springs
  • Pearl Islands snorkeling
  • Navigate the Panama Canal
Starts / Ends
San Jose / Panama City
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Arrive in San Jose, transfer to La Fortuna and start the 9-day land and sea adventure. Explore Arenal Volcano and rainforest trails. Fly to Panama City and embark National Geographic Quest. Kayak, hike, and cruise the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, and Pearl Islands while snorkeling, exploring fortresses, and discovering tropical wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Costa Rica Toucan Bird
from $2,010
EXPLORE

Costa Rica to Panama

Puerto Caldera - Balboa - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Explore Puerto Caldera’s coast
  • Relax on Isla Tortuga’s beaches
  • Experience Golfito’s rich history
  • Snorkel in Golfo de Chiriqui’s
Starts / Ends
Puerto Caldera / Balboa
Activities
Ziplining
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Star Clipper, starting in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Explore stunning beaches, vibrant marine parks, and rich history before concluding your adventure in Balboa, Panama.
Cruise Details
0
Clear waters of the Caribbean sea
from $11,050
EXPLORE

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys

Puntarenas to Colon - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Darien National Park
  • Embera village visit
  • See Miraflores Locks view
  • Experience Guna community encounter
Starts / Ends
Puntarenas / Colon
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise from Puntarenas to Colon aboard Le Laperouse. Explore Quepos, Darien National Park, Flamenco Island, the San Blas Islands, and complete the full Panama Canal crossing with cultural encounters and wildlife viewing.
Cruise Details
0
Panama Canal
from $5,772
EXPLORE

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Eastbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Observe animals in their habitat
  • Kayak through magical mangroves
  • Transit the historical Panama Canal
  • Explore Gulf of Panama beaches
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness and hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves.
Cruise Details
0
Panama Canal
from $12,795
EBD
EXPLORE

Costa Rica and The Panama Canal

San Jose - Panama - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Cross Panama Canal
  • Explore biodiverse rainforests
  • Visit Coiba National Park
  • Enjoy Manuel Antonio National Park
Starts / Ends
San Jose / Panama City
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle to explore Central America's rich ecosystems, from Costa Rica's diverse wildlife to Panama's vibrant coral reefs. Experience a memorable daylight transit through the historic Panama Canal, witnessing this engineering marvel firsthand.
Cruise Details
0
Crossing a stream on Osa Peninsula
from $7,200
$250 Off
EXPLORE

Costa Rica's Pure Life Adventure Cruise

Liberia Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Hike Murciélago Bay trails
  • Snorkel Isla Tortuga reefs
  • Paddle Curú mangrove waterways
  • Spot monkeys in Osa
Starts / Ends
Liberia / Liberia
Activity Level
Variable
Sail Costa Rica’s wild Pacific coast on this 8-day roundtrip cruise from Liberia aboard Safari Voyager. Hike remote trails in Murciélago Bay, explore the wildlife-rich Curú Wildlife Refuge, and paddle through the tropical fjord of Golfo Dulce. Enjoy expert-led kayaking, snorkeling, and scenic hikes.
Cruise Details
0
Playa Manuel Antonio
from $7,195
EBD
EXPLORE

Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

Roundtrip San Jose - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio
  • Discover Punta Leona's reserve
  • Traverse Curu Refuge's trails
  • Snorkel at Isla Tortuga
Starts / Ends
San Jose / San Jose
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 7-day cruise on Sylvia Earle to explore Costa Rica's protected jungles and vibrant ecosystems. Discover unique wildlife like the Scarlet Macaw and spider monkeys through land treks and sea excursions.
Cruise Details
0
Gray Whale tail splashing
from $35,560
EXPLORE

In Search of the Great Whales – with Smithsonian Journeys

Cabo San Lucas Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Relax on Cabo San Lucas beaches
  • Guerrero Negro whale watching
  • Snorkel Cabo Pulmo coral reefs
  • Visit Los Islotes sea lions
Starts / Ends
Cabo San Lucas / Cabo San Lucas
Activity Level
Variable
Sail along Baja California on an 11-day cruise aboard Le Bellot. Start and end in Cabo San Lucas, explore UNESCO marine parks, snorkel at coral reefs, encounter sea lions, grey whales, dolphins, and admire volcanic islands, deserts, and colonial towns for an unforgettable wildlife and cultural journey.
Cruise Details
0
Look for unique birds and other wildlife in the rain forest!
from $12,965
EBD 30%
EXPLORE

Natural Wonders, Engineering Marvels

Puntarenas - Colon - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Cloud Spirit
  • Explore Nicoya Peninsula beaches
  • Visit Pearl Islands Discover Pea
  • Discover Marina Flamingo
  • Relax at Playa Panama
  • Sail through the Panama Canal
Starts / Ends
Puntarenas / Colon
Activities
Small Ship Sailing, Fishing
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the essence of “Pura Vida” on a 13-day Panama cruise from Puntarenas to Colon. Visit Punta Leona, Marina Flamingo, Playa Panama, Quepos, Puerto Jimenez, the Pearl Islands, and the San Blas Archipelago, exploring rainforests, beaches, & marinas while encountering diverse wildlife and witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 31 Results
  • 1
  • 2

We do the homework for you.

Talk with an expert trip planner 1.800.344.6118

Plan My Trip
Clara Tort Adventure Life employee profile
Clara T.
Sunset on the Pacific coast
Central America & Mexico

Chat Central America & Mexico with a specialist

Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.

Let's Chat
1.800.344.6118

Where is your next adventure?

Contact Chat Call
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Central America & Mexico Travel Guide

Favorite Central America & Mexico Central America & Mexico All Trips

Top Central America & Mexico Travel Destinations

Central America & Mexico Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Central America & Mexico

Central America & Mexico Trips by Duration

Central America & Mexico Trips by Activity

Clara Tort Adventure Life employee profile
Clara T
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118