Explore the pristine wilderness of Costa Rica and Panama on this 11-day tour. Spend three days in Monteverde’s cloud forest, a rarefied mountain rain forest strung with suspension bridges, before embarking the Sea Bird. On your ship, venture into coastal rainforests and jungle areas and through the historic Panama Canal, all the while on the look out for the rich and diverse flora and fauna that populate this region!
Highlights
See monkeys, sloths, rare birds, and venture deep into the rain forest
Transit the Panama Canal
Kayak, hike, swim, and snorkel; actively explore these idyllic islands
Explore the picturesque Monteverde cloud foresest
Stop to visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
A scenic drive, approximately five hours over some bumpy roads for the last half, and up the mountain takes you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies, insects and birds and watch for the rare resplendent quetzal. Ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges for a bird's-eye view of the rain forest canopy. Later, learn about life in the early Monteverde community, which was established by the Quakers in the 1970s. Eleven families left Alabama and came to Costa Rica in search of peaceful living. Among the original homesteaders is Marvin Rockwell, who documented the emigration. He gives a talk on the trials and triumphs of rural life in the tropics. Spend the night at a charming family-owned lodge.
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so be sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where you can find a great spot for a hike or swim.
The Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Your exact landing spot for the day depends on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride on the beach, or join an expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rainforest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Today visit Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, where you can see a profusion of orchids, and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, expedition landing craft cruises or swimming.
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Your staff assists both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, the ship's naturalists take underwater footage, which animates your evening gathering in the lounge.
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via expedition landing craft or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied bird life. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame.
After breakfast, board an expedition landing craft for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake Gatún. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special arrangement, local guides from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute accompany you through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard your ship to continue your crossing. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships. The Canal, however, is dramatically lit at night.
Day 11: Disembark in Colon / Transfer to Panama City
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast in Colón. Drive to the airport in Panama City for flights 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.
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds.
Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person.
All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended. Click here for information about rubber boots rental.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
