Sail between two seas exploring two national parks, one wildlife refuge, and a conservation area on this 9-day cruise to Costa Rica and Panama. Witness the amazing wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, and discover the Osa Conservation Area´s abundant biodiversity including monkeys, frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird. Experience one of the top bucket-list destinations as you transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panama Canal.
Highlights
Night transit along the Panamá Canal, a marvel of engineering and human tenacity
Search for untamed wildlife—scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, sloths, white-faced capuchins
Visit Granito de Oro islet, snorkel and beachcomb
Hike, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and explore by skiff
Enjoy a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in San José or Panamá City
Welcome to the land of pura vida! On arrival in the capital city of San José, be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel for your overnight stay. Relax and unwind, enjoying the hotel’s amenities or nearby attractions.
Enjoy a morning of leisure or set out to explore nearby sites and cafes. In the afternoon join your fellow adventurers at the hospitality area in the Intercontinental Hotel. After everyone has gathered, travel to the Caldera Port on the Pacific Ocean and meet your enthusiastic crew on the Safari Voyager.
At the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula—in the tangled mangroves of Curu—the cycle of life is everywhere. Local “residents” include everything from exotic birds and deer to army ants, frog-eating snakes, and hungry crocodiles. Step carefully as you cross the swinging bridge, you don’t want to land on the menu! Land crabs shift in and out of their burrows with such force it’s enough to make the earth move. A hike on the Finca de Monos trail is prime monkey viewing. They are everywhere. Off shore, the vibrant, turquoise waters near Isla Tortuga offer inviting opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and paddle board.
Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. The area is known for its diverse plant and animal species—a whopping 2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird. Explore this vast area putting feet to trail on an invigorating hike through the jungle. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a tropical beverage in-hand during cocktail hour and retell stories of the day with your travel-mates.
A birder’s paradise, explore a tropical preserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, mischievous monkeys, and fluttering butterflies—there’s a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, which separates Oso Peninsula from the mainland, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff.
Day 6: Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park, Panama
Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, making a stop at postcard-perfect Granito de Oro islet. Offering a little bit of everything despite its small size, volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center are connected by gorgeous white sand beach. Named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, your day of play features snorkeling among abundant marine life, kayaking around rocky outcroppings, and lounging on the warm sand. It’s another perfect day in paradise.
Ah, another day in paradise. Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches. As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees. Or, slip into the drink for a kayak or snorkel. The water is crystal-clear, and the fish and turtles are swimming! Find balance to your invigorating morning—then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.
The diverse islands and islets in the Gulf of Panamá are all unique, and on your last day, its captain’s choice as you cruise among them. Hosting hundreds of avian species, you may enjoy superb bird watching on a skiff exploration. And watch for mobula rays flying across the water. Later, transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panamá Canal (time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit). Join your shipmates on deck for a toast as the canal lights up and the temperature subsides. A story of engineering and human tenacity, it took over 75,000 workers to build it. Celebrate this unforgettable voyage with a special farewell dinner, and then join your expedition team for a slideshow highlighting the week’s adventures.
Day 9: Panama City, Panama | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After an early breakfast, bid adiós to your crew. Make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks. Then your transfer continues, taking you to the airport for your flight 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.
$4,795
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
Initial deposit is $750 cruises 14 nights or less, $2000 for Galapagos cruises, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard or Discover
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!