Bird Watching Themed Small Ship Cruise - Unveiled Wonders: Costa Rica & Panama Canal with Hiking, Kayaking & Other Activities Available

Bird Watching Themed Small Ship Cruise - Unveiled Wonders: Costa Rica & Panama Canal with Hiking, Kayaking & Other Activities Available BY ADVENTURESMITH EXPLORATIONS

Packages

UPDATED 9 months ago DURATION 9 Days SEASON November - August RATES USD 4,595.00 per person EXPIRES Mar 08, 2019
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Experience national parks, wildlife refuges and deserted beaches on this 9-day Costa Rica and Panama small ship cruise that sets sail aboard the intimate 62-guest Safari Voyager. You'll explore off ship by skiff, hike, paddleboard, snorkel and kayak. Highlights include transiting the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, snorkeling the crystalline waters at Panama's Granito de Oro and visiting a butterfly- and flower-rich botanical reserve.

In both Panama and Costa Rica, wildlife abounds. Explorations in lush jungles and pristine islands are prime opportunities to spot two- and three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, iguanas, whales, squirrel monkeys and white-faced capuchins.

This small ship cruise route covers the entire Pacific coastline of Panama, and most of Costa Rica's, making it one of the best ways to cruise the region. It's also our most active adventure cruise option exploring both Costa Rica and Panama. Enjoy the added convenience of an included pre-cruise hotel night in either San José, Costa Rica, or Panama City.

ADDITION RATE INFORMATION

Rates vary by season and cabin starting at $4595 per person. Please see website for full details on rates.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Embark San José, Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica, the land of pura vida! On arrival in the capital city of San José, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel for your overnight stay. Relax and unwind, enjoying the hotel’s amenities or nearby attractions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Intercontinental Hotel

MEALS: n/a

Day 2: Embark San José, Costa Rica

The morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure or set out to explore nearby sites and cafes. This afternoon, join your fellow adventurers at our hospitality area in the Intercontinental Hotel. After everyone has gathered, travel to the Caldera Port on the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll board the Safari Voyager and meet your enthusiastic crew.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast and dinner

Day 3: Curú National Wildlife Refuge

At the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula—in the tangled mangroves of Curu—the cycle of life is everywhere. Local residents include everything from exotic birds and deer to army ants, snake-eating frogs and hungry crocodiles. So step carefully as you cross the swinging bridge. Land crabs shift in and out of their burrows with such force it’s enough to make the earth move. A hike on the Finca de Monos trail is prime monkey viewing. Off shore, the vibrant, turquoise waters near Isla Tortuga offer inviting opportunities to snorkel, kayak and stand-up paddleboard.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Osa Conservation Area

Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. The area is known for its diverse plant and animal species—2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis and 16 different species of hummingbird. Explore this vast area on invigorating hikes through the jungle. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a tropical beverage during cocktail hour and retell stories of the day with your fellow travelers.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Golfo Dulce

Golfo Dulce is a birder’s paradise. Explore this tropical preserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, mischievous monkeys and fluttering butterflies, there’s a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, which separates Oso Peninsula from the mainland, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Granito De Oro, Coiba National Park, Panama

Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, making a stop at the postcard-perfect Granito de Oro islet. Offering a little bit of everything despite its small size, Granito de Oro has volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center that connects with a dreamy white sand beach. Snorkel among abundant marine life in a place named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, kayak around rocky outcroppings and lounge on the warm sand. Hop to the park’s main island for a stretch of the legs on a trail through untouched tropical jungle. Mantled howler monkeys, crested eagles and four turtle species call Isla Coiba home.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Coiba National Park

Start with fresh-brewed coffee and guided stretches. As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds and towering balsa trees. Or slip into the water for a kayak or snorkel. The water is crystal-clear and the fish and turtles are swimming! Find balance to your invigorating morning—then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Marine Life Search & Panamá Canal

The diverse islands and islets in the Gulf of Panamá are all unique, and on your last day, it's captain’s choice as you cruise among them. Enjoy superb bird watching of hundreds of avian species on a skiff exploration. And watch for mobula rays flying across the water. Later, transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panamá Canal (time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit). Join your shipmates on deck for a toast as the canal lights up and the temperature subsides. With great engineering and human tenacity, the Panama Canal took over 75,000 workers to build. Celebrate this unforgettable voyage with a special farewell dinner, and then join your expedition team for a slideshow highlighting the week’s adventures.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Safari Voyager

MEALS: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Disembark Panamá City

After an early breakfast, bid goodbye to your crew. Make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks. Then your transfer continues, taking you to the airport for your flight home or to begin you optional hotel stay.

ACCOMMODATIONS: n/a

MEALS: breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Onboard meals
• Premium spirits, wine, beer
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark days
• Entry fees to national parks/preserves
• All from-the-boat adventure activities and equipment
• Wellness amenities: fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage

NOTES

Activities: Hiking, kayaking, skiff riding, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding are an integral part of this active voyage, and all equipment, including hiking poles, is included in the cruise rate. Wellness amenities such as fitness equipment, yoga mats and massage are also available aboard.

Themed bird watching departures are also available.

Alternative Itinerary

This cruise also travels in reverse, from Panama to Costa Rica, with a slightly varied route:

Day 1 - Arrive Panama City, Panama (Bristol Hotel)

Day 2 - Embark Panama City, Panama

Day 3 - Gulf of Panama Islands

Day 4 - Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park, Panama

Day 5 - Coiba National Park

Day 6 - Golfo Dulce

Day 7 - Osa Conservation Area

Day 8 - Curu National Wildlife Refuge

Day 9 - Disembark San Jose, Costa Rica

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.