Embark on an 11-day cruise through the historic Panama Canal, start in Panama City and. experience a dinner cruise through the iconic Panama canal, exploring Gatúnsee's unique islands like Barro Colorado in the rainforest. Sail through the canal's 12 lock basins, showcasing its importance. Explore the Pearl Islands, Panama, with over 200 diverse islands, including Contadora, where the Panama Canal Treaty was signed. Enjoy Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica, rich in rainforest biodiversity. Unwind at Playa Panamá's tranquil beach and explore Palo Verde National Park's birdlife. Conclude the journey in San José, Puntarenas, promising a blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
Highlights
Cruise through the Panama Canal's mighty locks for sailing yachts and giant freighters
Encounter small island paradises and explore captivating national park
Discover Palo Verde National Park's rich birdlife on a boat trip through mangroves
Spot coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds in Piedras Blancas Rai
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Since 1914, the Panama Canal linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals created two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, among the world's largest dammed lakes, now hosts a unique range of flora and fauna. Nature reclaimed the lake, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills transformed into islands, harboring a variety of species due to isolation. Barro Colorado, the largest island, remains untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists worldwide visit to explore the jungle's last secrets.
The concept of linking the Atlantic and Pacific through Central America existed for centuries. However, this tremendous achievement only became technically feasible later. The French initiated the project in 1881, inspired by the success of the Suez Canal's opening in Egypt in 1869. It took more than 30 years before completing the canal in 1914. This technological masterpiece spans just under 50 miles, featuring 12 lock basins and navigating an 85-foot altitude difference. The Panama Canal stands as one of the world's crucial waterways and most spectacular ship canals.
The Pacific archipelago's name in the Gulf of Panama predates Spanish conquest. Inhabitants were pearl fishermen, trading beautiful oyster pearls. Centuries ago, pirates and buccaneers hid and buried loot; now, treasures abound. Over 200 pearl islands, even the smallest inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise. With diverse lakes, rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches, and black volcanic beaches, plus lush green tropical vegetation. Contadora island holds significance; U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Climb the rigging, untie ropes, set sails – today is all about sailing. Lean back, relax in the deck chair, and watch the passionate crew hoist the sails by hand.
Nestled in the Pacific South of Costa Rica, the small town of Puerto Jiménez lies on the diverse Osa Peninsula. Covered mostly by pristine rainforest, it's an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. You won't encounter hordes of tourists here. Life in this 1,700-resident town is tranquil. In the mid-20th century, loggers and gold prospectors briefly brought a boom to Puerto Jiménez, but calm returned thereafter. Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, high humidity fosters lush greenery – providing a home for coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds.
As still as a lake, the sea lies under the tropical sun: thanks to its sheltered location in a tree-lined bay, Playa Panama is considered the most relaxing and tranquil beach on the Guanacaste coast – the perfect place for you to unwind. The Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of water fowl 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 for you to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.
From Punta Leona, you can reach the Carara National Park, spanning over 5,000 hectares and three distinct vegetation zones. Jungle giants covered in vines, a dense canopy of leaves, and orchids showcase nature in its most pristine form. Three massive suspension bridges traverse the treetops of the jungle, providing you with unique insights into the wildlife and plant life.
Day 10: Quepos
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Quepos is a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it serves as a gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 2 1/2 square miles 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, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and unique colorful butterflies make this place their home.
Day 11: San José, Puntarenas | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Pura vida! Protected by the Nicoya Peninsula with its beautiful nature parks, Puntarenas is located on a narrow headland that extends into the Gulf of Nicoya. To the right and left of the pier, long beaches line the coast, along which the promenade with hotels, bars, and restaurants runs. Only about 71 miles separate you from the popular port city on the Pacific side of Costa Rica to the capital San José. Worth seeing are the gold and national museum, as well as the beautiful buildings like the classical national theater and the elegant and playful post and telegraph office.
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.
$11,6752-3 travelers
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Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins (approx. 13 and 14.5 m²/139 and 156 sq ft) are equipped with a single bed, a small sitting corner with a table and a chair, a dressing table and a wardrobe. The bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Superior
Superior Cabins (approx. 16.5 to 19 m²/177 to 204 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, wardrobe and bureau. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Deluxe
Deluxe Cabins (approx. 20 m²/215 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, bureau and wardrobe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Deluxe Lido
Deluxe Lido Cabins (approx. 16.5 to 20 m²/177 to 215 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, bureau and wardrobe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Junior Suite
Junior Suites (approx. 26 to 30 m² /280 to 323 sq ft including balcony) are located on the Panorama Deck and offer a private balcony and panoramic windows. The cabins include a sitting corner with a couch and a table, two single beds (of 90 cm x 200 cm each), which can be placed separately or as a double bed, and a walk-in closet. The bathroom is equipped with a sink, WC and bathtub.
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Owner's Suite
Owner's Suites are located on the Panorama Deck, and have a sitting area and panoramic windows as well as a private balcony. Each of the suites (approx. 36 to 39 m²/388 to 420 sq ft including balcony) is equipped with two single beds (of 95 cm x 200 cm each) that can be placed separately or as a large double bed, and a walk-in closet. The bathroom features sink and bathtub; the WC is separate.
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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
