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Cruise West

"Between Two Seas" Cost Rica and Panama Canal

Your Cruise West voyage of exploration in Costa Rica and Panama is a true insider's experience. You'll meet fascinating local people, and visit tropical gardens and wildlife reserves accessible only by special arrangement-and only by small ship.

Your Exploration Leaders in Costa Rica are expert naturalists who are intimately familiar with their native land-one quarter of which has been set aside in nature preserves. They'll lead you into the forest identifying the exotic species of flora and fauna you encounter. In Panama, you'll wonder at the vast panorama of history, from pre-Conquest civilizations to the legends of the pirates of the Spanish Main. Orchids, butterflies, buried treasure-this is the jungle wilderness you came to see.

Recommended for:

  • Guests interested in a personal, less-crowded eco-tourism adventure
  • Travelers who like to choose their own activities as the mood strikes them-from hiking a tropical forest to lying on a beach

Cruise Highlights

  • See the kuna Indians in the San Blas Islands.
  • Discover legends of pirates and galleons in Portobelo
  • Explore the emerald reaches of the Darien Jungle.
  • Visit an isolated Embera village.

The Ship

Cruise West's 100-guest Pacific Explorer is the perfect way to travel in comfort through your Central American adventures. The intimate vessel is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable, English-speaking Costa Ricans, with an American activities coordinator. All cabins are air-conditioned with private baths and showers. Delicious international cuisine with Central American specialties is prepared daily using only the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. All staterooms offer picture windows and private facilities.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN PANAMA
Transfer from the Panama City airport to Colón on the Caribbean coast to board the Pacific Explorer.

Day 2 SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Step ashore at a Kuna Indian village, which nearly overruns a tiny island. At an uninhabited island nearby, crystal-clear waters tempt you in for snorkeling.

Day 3 PORTOBELO
Sleepy Portobelo was once one of the richest ports of the Spanish Main, until plundered by Henry Morgan in 1668.

Day 4 PANAMA CANAL
Transiting the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience, especially aboard a small ship like the Pacific Explorer. Note: international maritime law gives priority to large vessels. The Pacific Explorer will be assigned transit based on that criterion and may transit the Canal at night, an exciting and impressive alternative to typical daytime passage.

Day 5 DARIÉN JUNGLE
Visit a remote Emberá village tucked away on the coast of the Darién Jungle. The Emberá villagers open their homes and hearts to welcome Cruise West friends. You will laugh with them, dance with them, and collect memories for a lifetime.

Day 6 GRANITO DE ORO IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK
This island of pristine waters and abundant sea life is considered one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Enjoy a day of island snorkeling and kayaking.

Day 7 GOLFO DULCE
Explore a mangrove forest by small craft or kayak, if the tide allows, and take a guided tour through the beautiful gardens at Casa Orquideas or "Orchid House." See, smell, and touch a wide variety of beautiful ornamental plants and taste some unusual fruits.

Day 8 CALETAS BEACH
Discover Costa Rica's pristine rainforest, populated by a number of endangered species including puma, tapir, poison dart frogs, crocodile, jaguar, and marine turtles. Guided hikes will be offered and lunch is a picnic on the beach.

Day 9 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Naturalists lead walks to outstanding wildlife viewing. There are over 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds here. Watch for monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, sloth, and the rare white ibis.

Day 10 TRANSFER
Disembark at Los Sueños and transfer to the San José Airport for your flight home.

Cost of This Trip

9 Night trip

The least expensive cabin costs:
$422 per person per night in low season and
$478 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$567 pp pn in low season and
$622 pp pn in high season