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central america: costa rica

z-Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise

The Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise is an active and affordable small ship cruise exploring the nature and culture of Costa Rica and Panama's Caribbean coast aboard the 60 guest expedition ship Sea Voyager.

Encompassing everything you expect from a tropical expedition cruise, each day the Sea Voyager cruises to another beautiful and remote island along Central America's Caribbean coast. After an expedition stop to view the Panama Canal, visit islands that were once connected to the mainland and over the last 9,000 years have developed their own unique ecosystems. This small ship cruise is focused on the rich variety of birds, mammals, and amphibians of the forests, and the marine life that depends on the surrounding sea and island wetlands for their survival.

Th Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise operates from Colon, Panama to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica as detailed below or it may operate in reverse from Puerto Limon, Costa Rica to Colon, Panama. Please note that the Northbound cruise (Panama to Costa Rica) is a 10 day package while the Southbound cruise (Costa Rica to Panama) is a 9 day package. Speak with our Sea Voyager small ship cruise experts to plan every detail of Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise package.

Day 1 - Panama City, Panama

Your Sea Voyager expedition begins Panama City, Panama. Fly into Panama City and overnight in a local hotel.

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

Day 2 - Colon, Panama

Spend the morning visiting Gatun Locks to view the Panama Canal and witness the movement of ships through one of the most strategically important areas in the world. Wander through Casco Antiguo - built in 1673 and known now as "Colonial Panama." Transfer to Colon where you are welcomed aboard the M/V Sea Voyager and begin the Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise.

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

Day 3 - Escudo de Veraguas, Panama

Explore the remote island archipelago of Escudo de Veraguas, Panama, with its pristine, white sandy beach wilderness areas, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and nature walks. On land, there are two endemic mammals, the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth and the Solitary Fruit-eating Bat, as well as the very elusive Maritime Worm Salamander. The islands were once connected to the mainland some 9,000 years ago, and consequently both the flora and fauna represent very unusual ecosystems.

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

Day 4 - Islas Bastimentos Marine Park, Panama

This Marine park is encompasses 33,000 acres and provides bountiful opportunities to see the stunning underwater scenery through magnificent snorkeling or scuba diving. Four species of endangered sea turtles still visit the waters and come ashore in great numbers to lay their eggs on the north side of the islands and some stretches of the mainland coast. Swimming, kayaking, hiking, and birding are also available.

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

Day 5 - Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas Del Toro has been described as "the Galapagos of the 21st century," and is truly the Last Frontier of Caribbean exploration. The islands entice us to snorkel or swim in calm waters above pristine coral reefs. The rainforest is home to unforgettable flora and fauna. Here, you may also visit a Ngobe-Bugle settlement that clings to its traditional ways of life.

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

Day 6 - San San Pond Sak Wetland Reserve, Panama

Explore this important habitat for for rare River (Tucuxi freshwater) Dolphins and Manatees, aquatic birds and diverse species in danger of extinction. San Pond Sak Wetlands are located on the Caribbean cost of Panama and consists of a network of rivers and lagoons that is the natural habitat of the endangered manatee - aquatic, elephant-like mammals who are gentle giants that weigh between 800-1,200lbs. The neighboring beaches provide nesting sites for the large Leatherback Sea Turtle, also endangered. In nearby Dolphin Bay, the playful river dolphins delight watchers by leaping out of the water and spinning.

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

Day 7 - Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

Today investigate the refuge, which protects species that are endangered, and the reef that provides a habitat for lobsters, sponges, and occasionally, Green and Leatherback Turtles. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located just south of the small village of Manzanillo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, with the hills consisting of sedimentary rocks formed by the River Banano. Creatures found on the reef include lobsters, sponges, Red and Black Urchins, Green Anemones, crabs, Sea Cucumbers, shrimp, and on occasion Green Turtles. The refuge also protects species that are either endangered, like the Crocodile and the Tapir, or whose population has been dramatically reduced, like the Cayman, Pacas, Keel-billed Toucan, and Ornate Hawk-eagle. There are also manatees, and colorful lizards. Fine sandy beaches, gentle waves, and coral reefs near the surface of the sea all make this region a paradise for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.

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

Day 8 - Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica

Cahuita National Park is best known for coral reefs, located close to shore, that have light yellow brain, elkhorn, and blue staghorn corals, sea fans, and gorgonians as a backdrop to the more than 500 species of fish endemic to the reefs. There are also two well-known sunken ships in shallow water that (weather permitting) can be explored. Green Ibis, Yellow-crowned Night and Northern Boat-billed Herons, Swainson and Keel-billed Toucans, and the Central American Curassow are just a few of the many birds that inhabit the park. Mammals include White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Tamandua, Paca, Coati, Raccoon, and Agouti. The park's coral reefs are close to shore, so there are ample snorkeling opportunities from the beach to see as many of the 500+ endemic fish species as we can. On hiking trails, observe several bird species and perhaps elusive rainforest mammals.

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

Day 9 - Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Disembark the Sea Voyager in Puerto Limon after breakfast. Enjoy a tour and lunch on the return to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San Jose check in to your hotel. A private transfer from the ship to the airport can be arranged at an additional cost for travelers who wish to depart on this day. Call our Costa Rica experts for details.

Accommodations: Crown Plaza or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 10 - San Jose, Costa Rica

Conclude your Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise package. A transfer to the airport is included.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Reverse Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose, Costa Rica (Hotel Overnight)
Day 2 - Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Day 3 - Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica
Day 4 - Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica
Day 5 - San San Pond Sak Wetland Reserve, Panama
Day 6 - Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Day 7 - Islas Bastimentos National Marine Park, Panama
Day 8 - Escudo de Veraguas, Panama
Day 9 - Disembark in Colon, Panama
Day 10 - Depart Panama City

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 Sea Voyager Expedition.

Single/Triple Travelers: Single category cabins are available in staterooms 208 and 209 only. Add a third person to any double cabin for $1290-1855 (rates vary by cabin category and dates). Call our Sea Voyager experts for details.

Cost Includes: Accommodation 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: 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.

Arrival/Departure: The Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise begins in Panama City and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica or reverse.

On Northbound cruises (Panama to Costa Rica) plan flights to arrive in Panama City, Panama (PTY) any time on Day 1. A pre-cruise hotel overnight is included. Disembark the Sea Voyager after breakfast on Day 9 and a hotel overnight in San Jose, Costa Rica is included. Plan flights to depart at any time on Day 10. A private transfer from the ship to the airport on can be arranged at an additional cost for travelers who wish to depart on Day 9. In this case plan flights to depart San Jose, Costa Rica no earlier than 4:00pm on Day 9.

On Southbound cruises (Costa Rica to Panama) plan flights to arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) at any time on Day 1. A pre-cruise hotel overnight in San Jose is included. Disembark the Sea Voyager after breakfast on Day 9 and transfer to Panama City Airport for departure. Plan flights to depart no earlier than 1:00pm on Day 9. Please note that a post cruise hotel overnight is not included on the Southbound cruises.

If you purchase flights in conjunction with your Sea Voyager cruise then hotel/airport 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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com