Visit tropical rainforests, biodiverse jungles, and lush tangled mangroves during this 8-day Central America cruise. Trek and paddle under the watchful eyes of macaws while howler monkeys do acrobatics in the treetops and reef fish swim alongside you. Explore Panamá’s Isla Taboga—once visited by Paul Gaugin and Captain Morgan—and Colombia’s Cartagena, a walled city lined with rainbow-hued houses. An evening Panamá Canal transit celebrates with dinner on the sun deck and a whisper of the cool night air. With options to suit every speed, daily adventures feature active excursions and time to blend in with the “locals” and be a little sloth-like.
Highlights
Look out for marine life in the Gulf of Panama
Tour the colorful and colonial walled city of old Cartagena
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Panama! You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hospitality area in the city. Board the ship, meet your crew and settle in for the week ahead.
Your first full day is a big one. The Darien Jungle calls, and you’re headed straight into it by way of motorized native canoe along the Mogue River. White Ibis, pelicans, cormorants, little blue herons, and mangrove hawks welcome from above while the sound of drums greets you from the forest. Visit with Emberá villagers—a local tribe eager to share their heart, song, and dance. Browse their woven baskets and wooden handicrafts and maybe take home a souvenir or two.
Visited by Paul Gaugin and Captain Morgan, wake up in the “Island of Flowers,” Isla Taboga. Tour a historic village and the touted second oldest church in the hemisphere. Or, hike up the ridge to seek out views and World War II fortifications. After soaking up this storied island, get underway for the Panama Canal. A story of engineering and human tenacity, it took over 75,000 workers to build and takes you about eight hours to transit. Joined by a Canal Authority Pilot, watch line handlers manage the ship through changing sea levels in the locks. Paired with videos and onboard narration, you’ll cross the locks with a better understanding of this engineering marvel. Celebrate your transit with a top deck barbeque!
Islands, forts, and sea life—bring your adventurous spirit. You’re headed for Colombia—and along the way, your captain has the say. Magnificent Frigatebirds sweep overhead. Grab your binoculars and stay on the lookout for dolphins, humpback and sperm whales, sea turtles, and maybe even a barracuda. You never know what you’ll spot cruising for critters.
You’re in the Guna Yala Islands (formerly the San Blas Islands)—360 islands dotted with palm trees, thatched-roofs, coconut groves, white sand beaches—and they’re perfect for snorkeling. Look around for a rainbow of reef fish, corals, rays, and sea turtles. Anything’s possible in paradise. On land, meet the Guna people, one of the best-preserved cultures in the Americas. Learn about their culture and don’t miss the chance to buy their detailed handcrafted “molas.” In the Guna culture, an ornate mola with a detailed design is an item displayed with pride.
Cruise the Caribbean coast of the Darien Gap to the tiny, almost-forgotten coastal towns of Capurgana and Sapzurro. Hike between the towns through the dewy Darien jungle, home to toucans, parrots, howler and squirrel monkeys. Or, take to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters for snorkeling and beachcombing.
Your last day kicks off in the archipelago of San Bernardo. With its clear water and vibrant corals, kayaking, snorkeling, skiff tours, and paddleboarding are all options. Wrap it up in the colonial walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena—a historical tour shows off its highlights. Wander narrow streets lined with colorful houses. Visit the Palace of Inquisition, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, or the oldest church in the city. Celebrate your big adventure with a Farewell Dinner and slideshow.
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.
$5,195
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Navigator Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #103-108
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Trailblazer Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #205-206, 209-212, 215-222
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy
- Children ages 8-13 are welcome on all sailings and will received a $500 per child savings
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!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 166 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 166 reviews on
3 hours ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 hours ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
1 day ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
2 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!