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Costa Rica Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wonders of Costa Rica with Adventure Life's array of 11 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich wildlife of this biodiverse haven. From exploring the archaeological sites to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, each moment offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of this region. Engage in spa relaxation, village visits, and wildlife viewing, all while surrounded by the natural splendor that has inspired artists for generations. With activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, this adventure offers a relaxed pace suitable for all travelers. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the captivating nature, history, and culture of Costa Rica. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Costa Rica
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
Activities
Whale Watching
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
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
Explore beautiful Costa Rica
from $2,010
SS 25%
EXPLORE

Costa Rica & Panama

Puerto Caldera Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Discover Quepos's authentic charm
  • Experience Golfito's allure
  • Swim Bahia Potrero's calm waters
  • Marvel at Arenal's majestic volcano
Starts / Ends
Puerto Caldera / Puerto Caldera
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Star Clipper through Costa Rica and Panama, exploring lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Highlights include Manuel Antonio, Coiba Island, and Isla Tortuga’s turquoise waters.
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
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
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
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
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
Snorkeling, Archaeological Site Visits, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Rainforest Exploration, 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
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
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
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
Activities
Village Visits
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
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