Crossing the Panama Canal: Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama

Arrive at Colon 2000, Panama, and embark the ship between 11:00am and 12:00pm for a 1:00pm departure. The ship will be positioned at the Canal entrance for the Canal transit starting at 5:00 pm. The ship crosses the Gatun Locks and enters Gatun Lake, where a welcome dinner is served. In the late evening, the ship reaches and crosses the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks before reaching the Pacific side and Panama City in the early hours.

Wake up to an optional morning excursion to discover the old Panama City, Casco Viejo, its architecture, cathedrals and historical buildings. Return to the ship for lunch. Return to Panama City and continue the tour, discovering the old Panama City, Casco Viejo, its architecture, cathedrals and historical buildings. Return to the ship for lunch and a late afternoon sailing to Playa Muerto, Darien National Park.

This morning, enjoy an optional excursion in Darien National Park, the largest protected area in Panama. This World Heritage site is rich in environmental and archaeological diversity as well as the location of more than 169 species of mammals and 530 species of birds, including many endangered species. Afterwards, be welcomed by members of the Embera tribe, one of the seven indigenous groups living in Panama, known for their beautiful handicrafts and well-preserved traditions. Be invited to share their lunch and dance with them. After lunch, sail to Coiba Island. Overnight at sea.

Make a midday arrival at Granito de Oro Island for swimming and snorkeling in a pristine environment. The waters are teeming with marine life. Enjoy an on-deck BBQ while sailing to nearby Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island in Central America. Take a walking tour with the ship naturalist, heading out on a short walk to discover the local forest and animal life. Then enjoy time to swim on Coiba Island. Late in the afternoon, the ship leaves Coiba and sails to Golfito. Overnight at sea.

The ship reaches Golfito in the early morning for immigration procedures and an optional shore excursion in La Gamba Field Station and Piedra Blancas National Park. Return to the ship for a late afternoon departure towards Drake Bay (late evening arrival). Overnight at anchor.

Reach Drake Bay early in the morning for an optional excursion to Corcovado National Park/Osa Peninsula, one of the biological corridors leading to the Corcovado National Park. Enjoy the opportunity to walk in secondary forest and interact with endemic animal life. Swimmers can enjoy sharing the warm waters with marlins, dolphins, and pilot whales. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Quepos, Costa Rica. Overnight at anchor.

In Quepos, consider an optional morning excursion to Manuel Antonio Reserve, one of the highlights of the cruise. The park was created in 1972 and consists of three magnificent white-sand beaches that are backed by a jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant and wildlife species. More than 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds are found here. Manuel Antonio Reserve offers well-maintained trails to explore the jungle without a guide or join a walk with one of the naturalists. Enjoy an afternoon sailing to nearby Playa Biesanz for an afternoon swim, or take an optional Forest Canopy excursion and rejoin the ship in Playa Biesanz. Sail through the night to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Overnight at sea.

Awake for the ship’s early morning arrival at Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Disembark after breakfast, between 8:00am and 9:00am, and choose to continue your stay or travel onward.

Included

Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning; full-board buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a welcome cocktail, local theme evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and captain’s dinner; coffee, tea and drinking water; use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability); English-speaking cruise coordinator naturalist guide.

Exclusions

Port taxes ($750 per person with canal crossing or $450 per person without, 2019 & 2020); optional shore excursions on the islands; other land arrangements; personal expenses such as medical services, laundry, boutique items, gratuities to captain and crew, phone calls, use of on board WiFi (available at a charge); beverages (except those mentioned above); insurance of any kind (recommended); fuel surcharge if applicable; transfers; airport taxes and fees; expenditures incurred ashore; and anything not mentioned in cruise program.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – € 120 (euro) / US $140 cancellation fee (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 15% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Reverse Crossing the Panama Canal: Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama Cruise begins in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, and ends in Panama City, Panama (PTY). Plan flights to arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), by 12:00pm on day 1 of the itinerary. The vessel boards at 3:00pm in Puerto Caldera and sets sail at 4:00pm. The cruise disembarks at Colon 2000, Panama, between 8:00am and 9:00am. Plan flights to depart Panama City no earlier than 1:30pm on day 8. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Shore excursions are not included in this cruise’s listed rates. This helps keep the cruise fare low while providing flexibility for guests to choose the tours they wish or to explore independently. Shore excursions are available per the cruise schedule and ports of call visited. Contact an AdventureSmith Specialist for the most up-to-date information regarding shore excursions prior to departure. Details are also available upon embarkation in your cabin and are reviewed daily by the onboard Cruise Coordinator. We find that most guests prefer to wait until they are on board to purchase shore excursions to take advantage of local conditions. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and based on a minimum participation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in Category C and B cabins, or 75% supplement for Category A cabins, upon availability. Category B cabins receive a 30% fare reduction for the third person.

Families & Children

Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 11-16 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted. There are no recreational facilities for children aboard and reservations for those under the age of 7 are not advised.

Group Discounts

This cruise offers a 5% discount when booking 9 or more cabins, with the 10th cabin free.  Special group terms and conditions apply; please contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Arrive to Costa Rica and embark Puerto Caldera between 3:00 and 4:00pm. Set sail for Quepos. Overnight at sea.

Arrive in Quepos and enjoy an optional morning excursion to Manuel Antonio Reserve, one of the highlights of the cruise. The park was created in 1972 and consists of three magnificent white-sand beaches that are backed by a jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant and wildlife species. More than 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds are found here. Manuel Antonio Reserve offers well-maintained trails to explore the jungle without a guide or join a walk with one of the naturalists. Enjoy an afternoon sailing to nearby Playa Biesanz for an afternoon swim, or take an optional Forest Canopy excursion and rejoin the ship in Playa Biesanz. Sail through the evening to Drake Bay, Golfo Dulce. Overnight at sea.

Reach Drake Bay early in the morning for an optional excursion to Corcovado National Park/Osa Peninsula, one of the biological corridors leading to the Corcovado National Park. Enjoy the opportunity to walk in secondary forest and interact with endemic animal life. Swimmers can enjoy sharing the warm waters with marlins, dolphins, and pilot whales. Return to the ship for lunch and an early afternoon sailing to Golfito Bay in Golfo Dulce, arriving at midnight for immigration procedures before sailing overnight to Granito de Oro, Panama. Overnight at sea.

Make a midday arrival at Granito de Oro Island for swimming and snorkeling in a pristine environment. The waters are teeming with marine life. Enjoy an on-deck BBQ while sailing to nearby Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island in Central America. Take a walking tour with the ship naturalist, heading out on a short walk to discover the local forest and animal life. Then enjoy time to swim on Coiba Island. Late in the afternoon, the ship leaves Coiba and sails to Iguana Island. Overnight at sea.

In the morning, arrive at Iguana Island, a wildlife-rich territory, bird-watching paradise and key sanctuary for frigate birds. Snorkel the shallow reefs at the protected Isla Iguana Bay. Enjoy free time for swimming and snorkeling. Hope to see lots of colorful tropical fish, Morey eels, rays and even turtles swimming in the warm Pacific waters. On land, spot crabs and iguanas. The island is a snorkeling and diving paradise as it has the biggest area of well-preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama with 17 different coral species, more than 350 tropical fishes and over 200 species of invertebrates. In the late afternoon, sail to Playa Muerto, Darien National Park.

Today, take an optional excursion in the Darien National Park. Then feel welcomed by Embera Indians, one of the seven indigenous groups living in Panama. They are proud and very friendly and known for their beautiful handicrafts and well-preserved traditions. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Panama City Flamenco Marina.

This morning, enjoy an optional excursion in Darien National Park, the largest protected area in Panama. This World Heritage site is rich in environmental and archaeological diversity as well as the location of more than 169 species of mammals and 530 species of birds, including many endangered species. Afterwards, be welcomed by members of the Embera tribe, one of the seven indigenous groups living in Panama, known for their beautiful handicrafts and well-preserved traditions. Be invited to dance with them. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Flamenco Marina, Panama City. Overnight at sea.

Arrive at Marina Flamenco Panama early this morning for immigration procedures. Spend a full day on one of two optional excursions in Panama: Explore Gatun Lake and San Lorenzo with a visit to the Canal Museum or tour the Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo and the Canal Museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board and overnight in port.

Disembark after breakfast, between 8:00am and 9:00am, and choose to continue your stay or travel onward.

Included

Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning; full-board buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a welcome cocktail, local theme evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and captain’s dinner; coffee, tea and drinking water; use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability); English-speaking cruise coordinator naturalist guide.

Exclusions

Port taxes ($750 per person with canal crossing or $450 per person without, 2019 & 2020); optional shore excursions on the islands; other land arrangements; personal expenses such as medical services, laundry, boutique items, gratuities to captain and crew, phone calls, use of on board WiFi (available at a charge); beverages (except those mentioned above); insurance of any kind (recommended); fuel surcharge if applicable; transfers; airport taxes and fees; expenditures incurred ashore; and anything not mentioned in cruise program.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – € 120 (euro) / US $140 cancellation fee (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 15% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Treasures of Costa Rica to Panama (No Canal Transit) Cruise begins in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), and ends in Panama City, Panama (PTY). Plan flights to arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) by 12:00pm on day 1 of the itinerary. The vessel boards at 3:00pm in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, and sets sail at 4:00pm. Disembarkation is on day 8 of the itinerary in Marina Flamenco, Panama City, between 8:00 and 9:00am. Plan flights to depart Panama City, Panama anytime after 12:00pm on day 8. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Shore excursions are not included in this cruise’s listed rates. This helps keep the cruise fare low while providing flexibility for guests to choose the tours they wish or to explore independently. Shore excursions are available per the cruise schedule and ports of call visited. Contact an AdventureSmith Specialist for the most up-to-date information regarding shore excursions prior to departure. Details are also available upon embarkation in your cabin and are reviewed daily by the onboard Cruise Coordinator. We find that most guests prefer to wait until they are on board to purchase shore excursions to take advantage of local conditions. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and based on a minimum participation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in Category C and B cabins, or 75% supplement for Category A cabins, upon availability. Category B cabins receive a 30% fare reduction for the third person.

Families & Children

Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 11-16 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted. There are no recreational facilities for children aboard and reservations for those under the age of 7 are not advised.

Group Discounts

This cruise offers a 5% discount when booking 9 or more cabins, with the 10th cabin free.  Special group terms and conditions apply; please contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Arrive to the Flamenco Marina in Panama City for a 3:00pm embarkation. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight in port.

Enjoy a full day optional excursion in Panama either to Gatun Lake and San Lorenzo with a visit to the Canal Museum or explore Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo and the Canal Museum. This evening set sail to Playa Muerto. Overnight at sea.

This morning, enjoy an optional excursion in Darien National Park, the largest protected area in Panama. This World Heritage site is rich in environmental and archaeological diversity as well as the location of more than 169 species of mammals and 530 species of birds, including many endangered species. Afterwards, be welcomed by members of the Embera tribe, one of the seven indigenous groups living in Panama, known for their beautiful handicrafts and well-preserved traditions. Be invited to share their lunch and dance with them. After lunch, sail to Coiba  and Granito de Oro Islands. Overnight at sea.

Make a midday arrival at Granito de Oro Island for swimming and snorkeling in a pristine environment. The waters are teeming with marine life. Enjoy an on-deck BBQ while sailing to nearby Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island in Central America. Take a walking tour with the ship naturalist, heading out on a short walk to discover the local forest and animal life. Then enjoy time to swim on Coiba Island. In the afternoon, the ship leaves Coiba and sails to Golfito. Overnight at sea.

The ship reaches Golfito in the early morning for immigration procedures and an optional shore excursion in La Gamba Field Station and Piedra Blancas National Park. Return to the ship for a late afternoon departure towards Drake Bay (late evening arrival). Overnight at anchor.

Reach Drake Bay early in the morning for an optional excursion to Corcovado National Park/Osa Peninsula, one of the biological corridors leading to the Corcovado National Park. Enjoy the opportunity to walk in secondary forest and interact with endemic animal life. Swimmers can enjoy sharing the warm waters with marlins, dolphins, and pilot whales. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Quepos, Costa Rica. Overnight at anchor.

In Quepos, consider an optional morning excursion to Manuel Antonio Reserve, one of the highlights of the cruise. The park was created in 1972 and consists of three magnificent white-sand beaches that are backed by a jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant and wildlife species. More than 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds are found here. Manuel Antonio Reserve offers well-maintained trails to explore the jungle without a guide or join a walk with one of the naturalists. Enjoy an afternoon sailing to nearby Playa Biesanz for an afternoon swim, or take an optional Forest Canopy excursion and rejoin the ship in Playa Biesanz. Sail through the night to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Overnight at sea.

Awake for the ship’s early morning arrival at Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Disembark after breakfast, between 8:00am and 9:00am, and choose to continue your stay or travel onward.

Included

Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning; full-board buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a welcome cocktail, local theme evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and captain’s dinner; coffee, tea and drinking water; use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability); English-speaking cruise coordinator naturalist guide.

Exclusions

Port taxes ($750 per person with canal crossing or $450 per person without, 2019 & 2020); optional shore excursions on the islands; other land arrangements; personal expenses such as medical services, laundry, boutique items, gratuities to captain and crew, phone calls, use of on board WiFi (available at a charge); beverages (except those mentioned above); insurance of any kind (recommended); fuel surcharge if applicable; transfers; airport taxes and fees; expenditures incurred ashore; and anything not mentioned in cruise program.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – € 120 (euro) / US $140 cancellation fee (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 15% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Treasures of Panama to Costa Rica (No Canal Transit) Cruise begins Panama City, Panama (PTY), and ends in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Plan flights to arrive to Panama City, Panama, by 12:00pm on day 1 of the itinerary. The vessel boards at 3:00pm in Marina Flamenco, Panama City, and sets sail at 4:00pm. Disembarkation is on day 8 of the itinerary in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, between 8:00 and 9:00am. Plan flights to depart San Jose, Costa Rica, anytime after 12:00pm on day 8. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Shore excursions are not included in this cruise’s listed rates. This helps keep the cruise fare low while providing flexibility for guests to choose the tours they wish or to explore independently. Shore excursions are available per the cruise schedule and ports of call visited. Contact an AdventureSmith Specialist for the most up-to-date information regarding shore excursions prior to departure. Details are also available upon embarkation in your cabin and are reviewed daily by the onboard Cruise Coordinator. We find that most guests prefer to wait until they are on board to purchase shore excursions to take advantage of local conditions. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and based on a minimum participation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in Category C and B cabins, or 75% supplement for Category A cabins, upon availability. Category B cabins receive a 30% fare reduction for the third person.

Families & Children

Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 11-16 sharing a Category B cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted. There are no recreational facilities for children aboard and reservations for those under the age of 7 are not advised.

Group Discounts

This cruise offers a 5% discount when booking 9 or more cabins, with the 10th cabin free.  Special group terms and conditions apply; please contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.