Board the Sea Cloud II, a legendary windjammer, and sail the coastline of South and Central America on this 22 day small ship cruise. Begin in Curacao and make your way to to coast of Colombia before crossing the Panama Canal and exploring the reaches of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. As you sail, explore vibrant port cities and learn about the unique history of the region, disembarking in Oranjestad, Cartagena, Colon, Bocas del Toro, and more.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Curacao and transfer to the Sea Cloud II. Settle in to your cabin and attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail.
Day 2: Oranjestad/Aruba
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Aruba, the most westerly island in the Netherlands Antilles, is also the last in the arc of the Antilles before you reach the South American mainland. Its capital, Oranjestad, founded in 1796, shows that everything here is a bit different. Caribbean pastel-coloured houses and Delft tiles, carved wooden doors and Dutch gables, all-around balconies and colonial galleries. All of these features combine to create a style which can only have one name - Aruban. Aruba also offers a distinctive natural landscape, with an inland desert, extensive sand dunes, oddly formed cliffs, impressive cactus forests, strangely shaped divi-divi trees and countless aloe plants.
Day 3: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 4: Cartagena/Colombia
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cartagena was once the richest city in the New World and a popular target for pirate attacks, since a large part of the Spanish treasure was stored there. Sir Francis Drake also instilled terror into the Spanish city. After Drake's invasion, the city was fortified with an 11-kilometre (7 miles)-long rampart and the immense San Felipe fortifications. Today Cartagena is one of the most beautiful colonial cities on the American continent and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Day 5: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 6: Colon
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Since 1914, the Panama Canal has linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals also comprises two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, one of the world's largest dammed lakes, has now regained a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, nature has reclaimed the lake for itself, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills are now islands on which an astonishing variety of species has formed, due to its isolation. The largest island, Barro Colorado, is completely untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists from all over the world come here to try and discover the jungle's last secrets.
Day 7: Bocas del Toro
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago in north-western Panama comprises six large and numerous tiny islands. The Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is the first marine reserve in Panama and was created in 1988. Whether you visit Isla Bastimentos or Cayos Zapatillas - between mangroves and snow white palm beaches - you will find a rich variety of species swimming around in the water. It is a paradise for marine turtles and even dolphins pay a visit from time to time in the crystal-clear waters. In the unspoiled coral reef you can see a unique underwater world with colourful shoals of fish, sponges and starfish.
Day 8: Puerto Limon
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In gaining its independence, San Jose very quickly transformed from a mountain village into the busy modern capital city of a young, optimistic country. The Central Valley lies at a height of between 1,000 and 1,700 metres in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The mild, unchanging climate and the fertile volcanic soil have brought wealth and prosperity, primarily through the cultivation of coffee. Around 165 kilometres (102 miles) to the east, on the Caribbean coast, lies the harbour town of Puerto Limón which was founded in 1870.
Day 9: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 10: Panama Canal / Panama City
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest part of Central America has been around for many hundreds of years, but from a technical perspective this tremendous achievement only became possible much later. The French took on the project in 1881, after the successful opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. But it would be more than 30 years before the canal was finally completed in 1914. This masterpiece of technology is just under 82 kilometres (50 miles) long, has 12 lock basins and negotiates a difference in altitude of 26 metres (85 foot). The Panama Canal is one of the world's most important waterways and most spectacular ship canal.
Day 11: Balboa/Panama City
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A monument on the sea front commemorates the man who gave the city its name. In 1513 Spanish conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa arrived here, becoming the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean over land. Nowadays, the Puente de las Américas, an enormous arched bridge carrying the Panamericana road, spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal in Balboa, connecting North and South America. East of the canal, the breathtaking skyscrapers tower above Panama City, whose glitzy boom town ambiance contrasts starkly with the lovingly restored Casco Viejo which dates back to the colonial era and the ruins of the old town of Panama Viejo which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 12: Islas de las Perlas
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries, pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Day 13: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 14: Isla Coiba/Coiba National Park
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Coiba National Park covers the island of Coiba, the largest in the country, and 38 other smaller tiny islets. It is one of the world's largest marine national parks and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because the island broke off from the mainland around 15,000 years ago, a unique range of flora and fauna and an extraordinary variety of species are preserved here. Beautiful deserted beaches nestle up to the delightful turquoise sea.
Day 15: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 16: Casa Orquideas
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 17: Playa San Josecito/Punta Marenco (Drake Bay)
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
One of the oldest rainforests in Costa Rica is on the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The impenetrable Corcovado National Park is home to jaguars, tapirs, pumas, ocelots, anteaters and around 400 species of bird. Some trees grow to 80 metres (262 foot) in height with trunks that are three-metres (10 foot) thick. The time of explorers seeking the legendary gold of Eldorado in the untouched rainforest is over; today the many rare animal and plant species are the real treasure.
Day 18-19: Islas Tortugas
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isla Tortuga is on the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It actually consists of two islands - Isla Tolinga and Isla Alcatraz, with the latter known as Tortuga. The turquoise ocean, blue sky, deep green palms and white sandy beaches make "turtle island" a heavenly place to stop for a swim and its many fishes make it a colourful place for snorkelling.
Day 20: San Juan del Sur
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The beautiful colonial city of Granada lies at the foot of the Mombacho volcano and on the western bank of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America with its own archipelago of around 300 islands. The country's oldest town, it was founded by the Spanish in 1524. It was often attacked by pirates in colonial times due to its growing wealth as one of the most important trading places. This important historic legacy has received special protection, and the place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city around the Parque Centrale is a magnificently restored treasure with its splendid Spanish facades, Cathedral and monasteries.
Day 21: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 22: Puntarenas
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Puntarenas and transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.
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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Category F
Two portholes, chair, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category E
Two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category D
Two portholes, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category C
Panorama windows, two chairs, table, TV with DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category B
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, decorative fireplace, console with TV/DVD and mini-bar, dressing table, walk-in closet, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
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Category A
Panorama window, sofa, table, chair, desk, decorative fireplace, TV and DVD player, mini-bar, dressing table, four closets, safe, individually adjustable A/C.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
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 | 177 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 177 reviews on
10 hours ago
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
2 days 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
4 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
6 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
1 week ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.