Explore a city with over a million inhabitants, paradise beaches, and national parks on this incredible 14-day cruise that transits the Panama Canal and makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Discover a phenomenally diverse range of unspoiled natural scenery, from rainforests, imposing volcanic scenes, and mysterious river banks to picturesque beaches and national marine parks. One of them, Coiba National Park, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Corcovado National Park, one of Costa Rica’s oldest rainforests, is located on the Pacific Peninsula of Osa. This park is home to roughly 400 species of birds and many other animals have been spotted roaming this forest.
Highlights
Sit back and relax on the picture-perfect beaches of Panama
Visit historic Granada, Nicaragua – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Refresh and prepare yourself for the New Year in the Caribbean
Enjoy Costa Rica's picture-perfect conservation areas and charming bays
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest part of Central America has been around for many hundreds of years, but from a technical perspective this tremendous achievement only became possible much later. The French took on the project in 1881, after the successful opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. But it would be more than 30 years before the canal was finally completed in 1914. This masterpiece of technology is just under 82 kilometers (50 miles) long, has 12 lock basins, and negotiates a difference in altitude of 26 meters (85 feet). The Panama Canal is one of the world's most important waterways and most spectacular ship canals.
The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Coiba National Park covers the island of Coiba, the largest in the country, and 38 other smaller tiny islets. It is one of the world's largest marine national parks and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because the island broke off from the mainland around 15,000 years ago, a unique range of flora and fauna and an extraordinary variety of species are preserved here. Beautiful deserted beaches nestle up to the delightful turquoise sea.
Day 6: Golfito | Anchorage Casa Orqideas, Costa Rica
One of the oldest rainforests in Costa Rica is on the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The impenetrable Corcovado National Park is home to jaguars, tapirs, pumas, ocelots, anteaters and around 400 species of birds. Some trees grow to 80 meters (262 feet) in height with trunks that are three meters (10 feet) thick. The time of explorers seeking the legendary gold of Eldorado in the untouched rainforest is over; today the many rare animal and plant species are the real treasure.
Quepos was a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it is a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 683 hectares and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis and raccoons, iguanas, many species of bird, and unique colorful butterflies have made this place their home.
The beautiful colonial city of Granada lies at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano and on the western bank of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America with its own archipelago of around 300 islands. The country's oldest town, it was founded by the Spanish in 1524. It was often attacked by pirates in colonial times due to its growing wealth as one of the most important trading places. This important historic legacy has received special protection, and the place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city around the Parque Centrale is a magnificently restored treasure with its splendid Spanish facades, Cathedral, and monasteries.
On the weekends, the beaches of Playas del Coco are likely to be populated with young Ticos hoping to swim and catch some sun. Take a river trip through the jungle areas, rice fields, and sugar cane plantations and discover animals that are native to the shores of the Rio Corobici. Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of waterfowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America - almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.
Isla Tortuga is on the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It actually consists of two islands - Isla Tolinga and Isla Alcatraz, with the latter known as Tortuga. The turquoise ocean, blue sky, deep green palms, and white sandy beaches make "turtle island" a heavenly place to stop for a swim and its many fishes make it a colorful place for snorkeling.
Day 14: Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and disembark after breakfast for your continued independent journeys.
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.
$9,895
Select a Date
Category 5
These approx. 9.5 m2/102 sq ft cabins with their upper and lower single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) once accommodated the ship’s officers, and their original features exude a romantic charm. These cabins can be ventilated with fresh air both day and night as the cabin door leads directly to the Promenade Deck beneath the bridge.
Select a Date
Category 4
These cabins are each approx. 10.5 m2/113 sq ft and located on the Promenade Deck. They are furnished similarly to Cat. 3 cabins.
Select a Date
Category 3
Located on the Promenade Deck, each of these outside cabins also features panorama windows, a marble bathroom with a fitted shower and a substantially sized wardrobe. They are approx.
12.5 m2/135 sq ft in size with two single beds (each 80 cm x
200 cm).
Select a Date
Category 2
Each of these cabins features a marble bathroom with a fitted shower, two single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) which can be placed together, a substantially sized wardrobe and additional built-in storage space. Their location on the Captain’s and Lido Deck and their design, featuring two panorama windows, mean these approx. 13.5 m2/145 sq ft cabins feel extremely bright.
Select a Date
Category 1
These two double-bed cabins are located on the Captain’s
and Lido Deck and feature unique corner panorama windows. Approx. 13 m2/140 sq ft in size, they offer a substantial wardrobe, a double bed with two mattresses (each 80 cm x 200 cm) and a spacious, elegant bathroom with a fitted shower.
Select a Date
Category C
Warm and bright tones dominate these approx. 18-20 m2/198-215 sq ft deluxe outside cabins fitted with a double bed (160 cm x 200 cm) The cabins feature a modern elegance, generous storage space and a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom.
Select a Date
Category B
Main Deck. Portholes, two single beds or king bed with two separate mattresses, one or two chairs, nightstand, decorative marble fireplace, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with shower or tub.
Select a Date
Category A
Main Deck. Portholes, large double bed, two armchairs, antique nightstands, table or antique secretary, decorative marble fireplace, desk, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with tub and portholes.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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
TrustScore 4.5 | 102 reviews
TrustScore 4.5 of 5
Based on 102 reviews on
3 hours ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
3 hours ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.
Douglas Wilson
6 hours ago
Hannah Gulgren and her assistant Nur are both delightfully helpful and extremely efficient. A pleasure to deal with.
ALWYNNE DEMETRIOU
10 hours ago
Kassandra was knowledgeable and attentive
Chesley Crosbie
17 hours ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.