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
Discover Darien Jungle’s Mogue River by motorized canoe
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Darien Jungle and Cartagena
Watch for howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, white-faced capuchins, and sloths
Explore by snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and skiff in island archipelagos
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 Cartagena! 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.
A historical tour of the colonial walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena 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. Afterward, set sail for the archipelago of San Bernardo. With its clear water and vibrant corals, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are all options.
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.
You’re in the Guna Yala (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.
Islands, forts, and sea life—bring your adventurous spirit. You’re headed for the Panama Canal and along the way, your captain has the say. Transiting the 48-mile passage is a bucket list experience. 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!
Visited by Paul Gaugin and Captain Morgan, wake up at the “Island of Flowers.” 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. Soak up this storied island before it’s time to settle in on deck in search of marine mammals and birdlife.
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. 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.
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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
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!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.