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There are few places in the world where nature is as exuberant, colorful or diverse as in the tropics of Costa Rica. It is home to an amazing blend of flora and fauna. But this journey takes us beyond Costa Rica to the inspiring land of Panama. To many, Panama is synonymous with the Canal, one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. What many people don't know, is that the country of Panama offers a level of natural beauty and biological diversity that's equal to Costa Rica's. Explore famous national parks and wildlife reserves, including a privately-owned tropical garden. Walk rain forest trails, home to capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, green iguanas and colorful hummingbirds. Relax as we enjoy all the comforts and intimacy of small ship cruising. Swim and snorkel Panama's famed Isla Coiba. Kayak along wildlife-rich, remote coastlines. Go horseback riding on the beach. Transit the legendary Panama Canal visit Barro Colorado with scientist escorts from the Smithsonian Research Station. The 62-passenger Sea Lion is ideal for those seeking small ship adventure and activities.

Day 1 - Miami to Panama City, Panama

Depart Miami late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board the Sea Voyager and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night. This man-made lake was created in 1913 by damming the Charges River, becoming an important part of the Panama Canal since it forms a bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Because of the lake, ships can pass through the canal either way. Upon reaching this area, our guests are often surprised that the Panama Canal is surrounded by rain forest with incredible views no matter where you look. The diversity of the flora and fauna is amazing. In just one small area here, 525 species of birds have been spotted in a single day. Gatun Lake is surrounded by impenetrable jungle and aside from the canal; the area remains virtually untouched by humans.

Accommodations: Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Lake Gatun & Panama Canal Transit

By special arrangement, we'll board Zodiacs this morning for a visit to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake. This area includes two islands that were created when the lake was formed. Scientists from the Smithsonian Research Station will accompany us to this pristine island spot, which has become a world-famous center for scientific study. Because of its remoteness, animals from insects all the way up to primates - can be observed in their natural habitats without any outside disturbance at all. In fact, many of the most important biological discoveries involving plants and animals have originated here. Once on the island, you can enjoy the area on foot or by Zodiac. We may see are crested guans, slaty-tailed trogons, white-whiskered puffbirds and a variety of monkeys. After our visit, we'll reboard the Sea Voyager to continue our crossing. Since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships, we are not always able to have a daylight crossing. The nighttime crossing, however, is extremely memorable - especially since the canal is so dramatically lit at night. You'll marvel as you watch the locks lower the ship 85 feet down to sea level, while mules hold the ship in place.

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

Day 3 - Gulf of Panama Islets

Today we make good use of our Zodiacs and kayaks as we explore this cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama. While we will most certainly have a peaceful day, these islands have a less-than-peaceful history. In Pre-Columbian times, they were ruled by an Indian king whose main interest was pearl diving. Most pearls in the world at that time were found right here. Later on, the islands were home to an array of pirates from all over the world who rested here between looting Spanish fleets. Today, over 35 unique beaches with coral, ebony and black sand fringe these calm turquoise waters. The islands are covered with hills carpeted with thick green vegetation. Along with our naturalists, you'll enjoy an exciting introduction to the region's varied bird life. We'll observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigatebirds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galapagos fame.

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

Day 4 - Isla Coiba National Park

Crossing into Panama, we explore one of its national parks, protecting three kinds of habitats: the island, the reef and the sea life. As we anchor near the little island of Granito Del Oro, we can see the coast of Panama on the horizon. Isla Coiba includes thousands upon thousands of acres, 80% of it ocean. The eastern Pacific has very few living coral reefs because the water is too cool, but the exception lies here. These waters are full of life with over 69 species of fish living among the healthy coral. We can hike the interior or snorkel the hours away among sea turtles, sea stars and schools of anchovies. Parrot fish decorate the algae and if we're lucky, we may see the rare bifin or bifin spazus which can weigh up to 300 lbs. Our natural history staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers, so that anyone with a desire can see the wonderland below. For those who prefer something drier, our Undersea Specialist shoots underwater video and displays the footage during our evening recap.

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

Day 5 - Gulfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica with a beautiful destination, Casa Orquideas, a privately owned tropical garden accessible only by boat and special invitation. Ron and Trudy MacAllister put this garden together over 20 years of collecting local rain forest plants and trading them with other botanical gardens. To see these varied and colorful plants in such a lush, natural setting is almost dreamlike. Here we roam among a profusion of orchids, spotting tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, we take some time to explore the forested bays of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking and swimming. The mangrove forest that lines the shoreline forms a unique ecosystem we will observe up close on our kayaks. The bird watching is wonderful and we'll look for birds with names as colorful as their feathers: black-crowned tityra, fiery-billed aracari, chestnut-mandibled toucans and scarlet macaws.

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

Day 6 - Osa Peninsula

This morning, the Sea Voyager anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula in the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing area for the day will depend on sea conditions, but whichever spot is chosen will offer many options for spending the day. The park projects into the Pacific like a bony thumb bent downwards towards Panama and ranks among the finest national parks in Costa Rica. Until recently, it was one of the most inaccessible rainforests, so it is quite rich and untouched. We may stop at San Pedrillo or San Josecito, enjoying a beach barbeque for lunch. After dining al fresco in such a beautiful location, choose from snorkeling, horseback riding, beachcombing, swimming in waterfall pools or simply resting in a hammock as the breezes pass over you. We'll leave late in the afternoon, heading to our next destination, possibly spotting tropical spotted dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays breaking water as they swim alongside the ship.

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

Day 7 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Although this park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it rivals Poas Volcano Park for the title of the most popular. Because the abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, we'll get an early start, arriving here before breakfast. Lethargic, three-toed sloths remain statue-like in the dense trees. Although the sloths may be easy to spot, it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out the monkeys or vividly colored birds as they swing or zip through the forest. Where do we begin with the endless possibilities in this park? White-throated capuchin monkeys, agoutis, howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, squirrel monkeys, white-lined sac-winged bats, and tamandua anteaters are all well within reach here. Birders will be happy, too, with the possibility of seeing the purple crown fairy, bare-throated tiger heron, orange chinned parakeet and so much more. The smallest kingfisher on the continent is the American pygmy kingfisher. It's hard to spot, but our naturalists often can find one for those with the patience to wait. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica's beautiful coastline, finding a great spot for a final hike or swim.

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

Day 8 - Disembark Herradura, Depart San Jose

This morning we disembark Sea Voyager in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The Miami-bound flight departs in the afternoon, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: breakfast


COSTA RICA TO PANAMA REVERSE ITINERARY-IN-BRIEF

Day 1: Miami/San Jose, Costa Rica/Herradura/Embark Ship
Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 3: Osa Peninsula
Day 4: Golfo Dulce
Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park, Panama
Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets
Day 7: Panama Canal Transit
Day 8: Colon/Disembark Ship/Panama City/Home



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.

Single/Triple Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 1 and 2 only. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.

Land Cost Includes: Accommodations aboard ship; all meals; all non alcoholic beverages aboard ship; all shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; transfer from airport/ship if traveling on group flights; use of kayaks and snorkeling gear; all port taxes and service charges during the voyage; gratuities to local guides/drivers; services of natural history staff and a ship physician.

Not Included: Air transportation Miami/Central America/Miami unless otherwise noted; extensions; horseback riding; passport/visa fees; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, email, and laundry; gratuity to ships crew at your discretion.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Group Discount: For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Child Discount: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the Double Occupancy price for each person under 21.

Accommodations Aboard: Our expedition ship, M.V. Sea Voyager comfortably accommodates 60 guests in 31 spacious outside cabins. All cabins are above the waterline, with large picture windows. Each has lower berths, private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Public Areas include a glass-enclosed Lounge and full-service bar can be opened to sea breezes or closed and air-conditioned; Library; A canopied Sun Deck with chairs and wide-open Observation Deck area for viewing. Our "open Bridge" policy allows you to meet officers and crew. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet. Lunch is often served on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. An Undersea Specialist will be on board in Baja. A Video Chronicler will be on board all voyages.


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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