Experience the stunning coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama, where natural beauty and rich culture intertwine. Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, offering tropical rainforests abundant in diverse wildlife, vibrant bird species including toucans and scarlet macaws, and a dazzling array of plant life. Whether you’re hiking through lush jungles, relaxing on golden beaches, or spotting sloths and monkeys in their natural habitat, an expedition-style cruise to Costa Rica promises unforgettable encounters with nature.
In Panama, explore untouched coral reefs home to colourful marine life and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Delve into the fascinating history of the iconic Panama Canal and enjoy a guaranteed daytime crossing through this remarkable feat of engineering, journeying from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.
Itinerary
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes will be dependent on weather and sea conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential!
Arrive in San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city.
You will be transferred from your hotel to the port, then you will set sail for an exciting adventure.
Curú National Wildlife Refuge is a privately-owned nature reserve, spanning over 3,700 acres of lush tropical forests, enchanting mangroves, and adventurous hiking trails. Look out for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, iguanas, and monkeys, including capuchin, spider, and howler species. Nestled on the stunning southern Nicoya Peninsula, the refuge also boasts one of the region’s most breathtaking beaches and serene protected bays, ideal for unforgettable water activities.
Manuel Antonio National Park is teeming with over 100 mammal species, 184 bird species, and an astonishing variety of vibrant flora. Spot iconic animals like sloths, white-faced monkeys, toucans, agoutis, armadillos, and coatis. In the afternoon, you may like to visit Quepos town or enjoy water activities.
The Osa Peninsula, celebrated by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, is home to the awe-inspiring Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge. Covering 500-hectares, this vital sanctuary shelters pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, tapirs, and white-lipped peccaries. Its towering forests, rich in ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, create a biological corridor between palm swamps and mangroves.
Golfo Dulce, or Sweet Gulf, is a breathtaking bay encircled by untouched beaches, winding rivers, and towering evergreen forests within the stunning Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. Known for its heavy rainfall and home to some of the world’s tallest trees, this area also offers warm, tropical waters – perfect for aquatic adventures. You may spot spinner dolphins frolic in the waves, snorkel through vibrant coral reefs or trek rainforest trails brimming with Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity. At Saladero Ecolodge, explore gardens and trails, spotting birds like toucans, scarlet macaws, and woodpeckers. Bid farewell to Costa Rica’s enchanting shores and sail toward the vibrant wonders of Panama!
Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park off Panama’s southwest coast encompasses Coiba Island and 38 smaller isles, teeming with rare wildlife and unique species like the elusive crested eagle. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters of Granito de Oro Islet, a snorkeller’s haven teeming with vibrant marine life, or journey back in time at Punta Clara, the infamous penal colony that once housed Panama’s most notorious criminals. Or perhaps stroll along pristine beaches, where scarlet macaws and seabirds add a splash of colour to the scenery.
Explore Panama’s enchanting Pearl Islands, a stunning archipelago of 250 islands in the Gulf of Panama. Discovered by the Spanish in 1503 and named for their once-abundant pearls, these islands are famed for their tranquil white sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs. You may experience the turquoise waters of Bartolome Island, perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling. Or perhaps visit the pristine Pacheca and Pachequilla Islands, where birdwatching unveils a dazzling array of vibrant bird species.
In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first Spaniard to gaze upon the vast Pacific Ocean, later founding Panama City in 1519 as a vital trade hub. Explore the stunning Gatun Lake, a central artery of the Panama Canal and once the world’s largest artificial lake. Rich in wildlife and bird species, the lake offers an unforgettable boat trip where you can spot playful capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more. You can also visit an Emberá village, immersing yourself in their vibrant culture, tasting local snacks, and discovering exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts.
Crossing the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience. Your journey starts in the Pacific Ocean, soaking in stunning views of the Bay of Panama and the Panama City skyline, before cruising under the Bridge of the Americas. As the ship passes through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, it’s lifted a total of 25 meters (82 feet), then sails through the Gaillard Cut, carved through the Continental Divide. After cruising Gatun Lake and passing the Smithsonian Research Station, the ship is lowered 26 meters (85 feet) through Gatun Locks. The entire crossing, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, takes about 10 hours, a journey that once took weeks to navigate around Cape Horn.
Disembark in Colon, on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, where you’ll farewell your expedition team before transferring to Panama City.
Prices
What's Included
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One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast, in San Jose
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Group transfers to and from the ship
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Shipboard accommodation
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All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
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Alcoholic drinks included with dinner only
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Tea & coffee available around the clock
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All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
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Presentations by the Expedition Team
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £10495 Excluding Flights
11 Nights
Apr
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Phoebe
2
Glacier hikes
3
Successful whale watching trip
Departure & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Samantha
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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