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The Panama to Colombia Cruise is no longer operating. Click to our Panama small ship cruises and land adventures for current trips.

The Panama to Colombia expedition aboard the small ship Sea Voyager, is a leisurely bicoastal cruise with a focus on up close exploration of the nature and culture of this diverse coastline.

This exciting journey commences with the sandy shorelines and swaying palms of the Pacific coast of Panamá - then traverses the Central American land bridge via the Panamá Canal, an engineering marvel of locks and lakes, to reach the Atlantic. Reaching the San Bernardo Islands, the only underwater park in the country, you will explore the mangroves that protect the fragile coral reefs populated by a multitude of invertebrate species and colorful fish that swim through their habitat with the grace of a “corps de ballet.” Wander through the impressive expanse of the 365 different San Blas Islands spread across this Panamanian archipelago. The residents of the inhabited islands are the self-governing Kuna Yala, one of the most culturally cohesive tribes of indigenous peoples. Visit both Capurgana, graced by some of Colombia’s most gorgeous, undeveloped beaches, and neighboring Sapzurro, bordered by rainforest tumbling from the hillside down to bright blue waters. Our visit to the Atlantic coast of Colombia is characterized by islands with dramatic shorelines and opportunities to visit local villages. Seek out the underwater delights of the San Bernardo Islands and discover diverse coral reef ecosystems inhabited by a multitude of invertebrate species and colorful fish.

There are four options available for Panama to Colombia cruises. Though they are similar, there are two different 8 Day itineraries (the primary 8 Day Panama to Colombia itinerary detailed below), one 10 day option running in reverse that includes two days in the San Blas Islands or the 9 Day Colombia to Panama that only spends one day at these wonderful islands. Call our Sea Voyager cruise experts for help choosing the cruise that is right for you.

Day 1 - Panama City, Panama

Fly into Panamá City to see a romantic blend of new and old. Meet your representative at the airport and time permitting, enjoy an afternoon visit to Casco Antiguo - built in 1673 as a walled city to protect against pirate attacks like the one that destroyed the original settlement in 1671, and this historic district is now a World Heritage site. In the late afternoon, board the M/V Sea Voyager where the Captain, crew and expedition staff will welcome us aboard and brief us on our upcoming voyage.

Accommodations: Hotel El Panama or similar
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Darien Jungle, Panama

Set sail for the lush rainforest of the Darién jungle, one of the world's most biodiverse regions, surrounded by the Sierra de Jungurudó Mountains. Darién National Park, declared a World Heritage Site in 1981, is the largest in Central America and includes five distinct life zones. The people of the Darién jungle are the semi-nomadic Wounaan and Emberá, who often decorate their bodies with black geometric tattoos. Their dugout canoes can navigate every stream and they still use blowpipes for hunting. Birding walks offer a good chance of seeing weaver birds, Yellow-bellied Great Kiskadees, Red-cheeked Woodpeckers, macaws and the elusive Harpy Eagles, plus many other species. Mammals in the forest may include tapirs, sloths, capybaras and anteaters. Take small boats to look for birds, butterflies and mammals on our way to visiting an Emberá village for a closer look at their traditions and culture.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Las Perlas Islands, Panama

Some of the most renowned pearls in the world used to come from the oysters on the seabed around the 100-plus islands which make up the Las Perlas archipelago, located in the Gulf of Panamá about 30 miles off the Pacific coast. The islands' original Indian inhabitants and, eventually, the pearls too, were wiped out by the Spaniards within years of their first arrival. Over time, the islands became the sanctuary of choice for well-known pirates of the era, who in turn terrorized and looted the wealthy Spanish settlements and fleets in quest of their riches. Now, the islands are renowned for their beaches, coral reefs and gallery forests with trees rising 80 feet and higher. Birds of brilliant plumage populate its old and pristine forests, fringed by hidden coves and beaches that are washed by the lazy water of the Pacific. Zodiacs are the perfect craft to explore the marine life that inhabits the reefs.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Panama Canal Transit

Inaugurated in 1914, the Panamá Canal has been named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Begin the transit of the Panamá Canal on the Pacific side at the two-stage Miraflores Locks, rising rapidly to the level of Miraflores Lake, and then progress through the canal, eventually reaching Gatún Lake. Once through that lake, begin our descent via the Gatún Locks, a three-stage lock that brings us back down to sea level on the Atlantic side. It is vastly different to transit the Panamá Canal on a small ship, and now is the moment to travel along this waterway between two oceans as has been done for almost a century. Heavily forested hillsides rise up on either side of the canal, emphasizing the rainforest aspect of the land that was so laboriously altered.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - San Blas Islands, Panama

Explore the San Blas Islands and the nearby Panamanian coastline. There are over 365 different San Blas Islands spread out over the length of the archipelago, and the local people like to say that their archipelago consists of "one island for every day of the year." Only a dozen or so are inhabited, populated by the self-governing Kuna Yala. The region was designated as an autonomous region, a Comarca, in 1938, so the Kuna are one of the most culturally cohesive tribes of indigenous peoples. Visit a local community, whose native women are renowned for their intricate and very distinctive needlework, particularly their colorful reverse applique Molas and comfy shirts. The economy of the Kuna Yala depends mainly on agriculture, fishery and tourism. Farming is subsistence: the traditional crops are guinea, corn (maize), sugarcane and coconut. Each afternoon, sojourn on an uninhabited island to enjoy the tranquility of turquoise water and perfect coral cays shaded by palms.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Capurgana & Sapzurro, Colombia

On the western tip of Colombia's Caribbean coastline is Capurgana, which has some of Colombia's most spectacular and undeveloped beaches. Neighboring Sapzurro (meaning "deep bay" in the Kuna language) is bordered by rainforest tumbling from the hillside down to the sea. It is a tiny gem of a small coastal village next to the border with Panamá, with a coral reef only 10 meters offshore teeming with fascinating sea life. La Cascada del Cielo waterfall is surrounded by gigantic rocks and small cascades, and the Diana Waterfall is special, especially after a recent rainfall; jungle treks from Sapzurro offer a chance to explore the mainland near the village. Plan to visit both sites and specific activities tailored to take advantage of the local beauty, based on your interests.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - San Bernardo Islands and Cartagena

Spend the day on one of the many isolated islands of San Bernardo National Park, the only underwater park in Colombia, situated off its north coast on the Caribbean. The park protects underwater ecosystems, primarily the coral reefs: fragile ecosystems in shallow waters that are inhabited by a multitude of invertebrate species and a variety of fish whose movements and color resemble ballet choreography. Extensive algae prairies and sea grass beds are unique to the area. Aside from the mangroves, 125 species of algae are present, as well as 52 species of coral and 45 species of sponges. To take advantage of this spectacular environment, spend the day swimming, snorkeling, hiking, birding and kayaking. Late afternoon, sail to Cartagena for an optional evening ashore in the old city. Evenings are vibrant and lively within the ancient walls, with people strolling around parks and plazas, artists displaying their creations and musicians attracting audiences with catchy melodies.

Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8 - Cartagena, Colombia

After breakfast disembark and make a short visit to Cartagena. Transfer to the airport for flights home or trip extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

8 Day Itinerary - May 11, 2013
Day 1 - Panama City to Colon, Panama
Day 2 - Gatun Lake and Panama Canal Transit
Days 3&4 - San Blas Islands, Panama
Day 5 - Capurgana & Sapzurro, Colombia
Day 6 - Isla Fuerte, Colombia
Day 7 - San Bernardo Islands & Catagena, Colombia
Day 8 - Cartagena, Colombia

9 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Cartagena, Colombia
Day 2 - Santa Marta, Colombia
Day 3 - Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Day 4 - San Bernardo Island, Colombia
Day 5 - Isla Fuerte, Colombia
Day 6 - Capurgana and Sapzurro, Colombia
Day 7 - San Blas Islands, Panama
Day 8 - Panama Canal Transit
Day 9 - Panama City, Panama

10 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Cartagena, Colombia
Day 2 - Cartagena to Tayrona National Park
Day 3 - Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Day 4 - San Bernardo Island, Colombia
Day 5 - Isla Fuerte, Colombia
Day 6 - Capurgana and Sapzurro, Colombia
Days 7&8 - San Blas Islands, Panama
Day 9 - Panama Canal Transit
Day 10 - Panama City, Panama

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Included aboard Sea Voyager: All meals specified, experienced ship’s officers, crew and hospitality staff; expert on-board expedition staff, including the expedition leader; naturalists and destination guides with local knowledge to enhance your enjoyment of the areas visited; physician on board throughout the voyage; all sightseeing shore excursions throughout the trip, including gratuities to local guides and drivers, and national park admission fees, unless otherwise noted; snorkel gear (although if you have a particular size or personal preference, feel free to bring your own); kayak opportunities where conditions permit; transfers between airports/hotels and the ship on scheduled dates of ship departure and return, or as otherwise noted in travel documents; port charges and related fees of $53 per person.

Not Included aboard Sea Voyager: Air transportation travel, baggage, accident and medical evacuation insurance; airport departure taxes; trip extensions, pre- and post- cruise hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, scuba diving; optional excursions and activities that are not specified as included in the cruise price; items of a personal nature, such as internet access, email, telephone, laundry, beverages and travel insurance; gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.

Cabin Configurations: Single category cabins are available in staterooms 208 and 209 only. Only category 3 cabins can accommodate triples. Call our Sea Voyager experts for details.

Children & Families: Children are welcome on board the M/V Sea Voyager and our itineraries are perfect for family travel. The intimate ship size, operation of Zodiac landing craft and unregimented atmosphere are adult in orientation – so there aren’t any arrangements for the care, supervision or entertainment of small children, other than what you yourselves, the parents, would undertake. You may need to bring a properly-fitting life jacket and mask and snorkel pending their size requirements for your child. Sea Voyager is unable to accommodate children less than two years of age. Any child under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult over the age of twenty-one. In addition, if the adult accompanying this child is not a parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by Sea Voyager Expeditions prior to sailing. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to passengers under age 21.

Arrival/Departure:This Panama small ship cruise begins in Panama City, Panama and ends in Santa Marta, Columbia or reverse.

On Southbound Cruises (Panama to Columbia) plan flights to arrive in Panama City, Panama (PTY) any time on Day 1. A pre cruise hotel overnight is included. Plan flights to depart Cartagena no earlier than 11:00am. A private transfer from the ship to the airport on can be arranged at an additional cost for travelers who wish to depart on earlier flights.

On Northbound Cruises (Columbia to Panama) plan flights to arrive Cartagena (CTG) no later than 1:00pm for a 4:00pm embarkation. Flights may also be booked into Baranquilla, Columbia (BAQ) arriving no later than 11:00am. Plan flights to depart Panama City, Panama (PTY) no earlier than 11:00am on Day 9. A private transfer from the ship to the airport on can be arranged at an additional cost for travelers who wish to depart on earlier flights.

On the Panama Canal Transit cruise hotel overnights may be required. Speak to our Sea Voyager experts to plan this trip.

If you purchase flights in conjunction with your Sea Voyager cruise then hotel transfers are included.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: To secure your reservation, an advance deposit payment of $250 per person is due at the time of reservation and is payable by credit card or check. Final Payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Once a reservation is secured by deposit and confirmed, the following cancellation policy and Per Person Cancellation Fees apply.

Number of Days Prior to Trip Departure Date
120 or more days: $150 per person administration fee
90 to 119 days: $250 per person fee
60 to 89 days: 25% of the per person trip cost.
30 to 59 days: 50% of the per person trip cost.
29 days or less: 100% of the per person trip cost.

No refund will be made in the event of no shows or cancellations made on the day of departure or for leaving a trip in progress for any reason whatsoever. Cancellation policies may differ for pre- and post- cruise extensions. See Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: M.V. Sea Voyager comfortably accommodates 60 guests in air-conditioned, spacious stateroom cabins each well equipped, with an ensuite bath and lots of storage. The public rooms provide a variety of ways to enjoy your time on the water. Our spacious lounge, with full-service bar, is surrounded by large windows, so you can watch the passing scenery. In the dining room – or out on deck when weather permits – you enjoy healthy yet hearty meals prepared by our talented chefs. The library is stocked with books for you to enjoy and learn more about the region. Wifi internet access is available on board. Our devoted fitness room has exercise equipment that allows you to accomplish a strenuous workout, while enjoying the view through picture windows. Spa services are available on board, or if you prefer spending time outside, we have both open and covered decks with chairs and tables, and separate spaces where you can be part of a group or enjoy some solitary time.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to other regions of Costa Rica. We offer custom extensions to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and many other great options.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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