Discover the Panama Canal & Costa Rica

Our adventure begins in Panama City, where we’ll meet at the airport and whisk you to the hospitality area at Colón to join crew and fellow guests. Stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Centre to learn some history about the Panama Canal and witness the impressive panorama over the lock and Gatun Lake, before embarking the ship and settling into your cabin. Toast your forthcoming adventures over dinner. 

We start with a little history as we visit Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the mouth of the Chagres River. Originally built by the Spanish in the late 1500s, the atmospheric site has a violent history with multiple sackings by swashbuckling pirates. Wander round and take in the superb views, as you prepare for your evening voyage through one of the most famous canals in the world. The 48-mile Panama Canal is a feat of engineering, constructed by around 75,000 workers. Gather on deck for a toast as we get the green light to begin our eight-hour transit from the Caribbean Sea through to the Pacific Ocean. 

Scattered in the Gulf of Panama, the Pearl Islands Archipelago is a collection of around 90 islands and 130 islets, renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Largely uninhabited, wildlife flourishes here so it’s binoculars at the ready as we head out on a skiff for a bird-watching expedition around Bartolome Island – frigatebirds, brown pelicans, and yellow warblers are amongst the many species spotted here. Later, explore the rocky coastline by kayak or paddleboard, delve into the colourful underwater world on a snorkelling adventure, or kick back and enjoy some beach time. 

Today, we’ll take a walk on the wild side. Darien is the largest national park in Central America, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. It’s one of the most ecologically diverse and wild places on the continent, its tropical forests, wild beaches, mangrove swamps and rocky coastline home to a myriad of rare and unique wildlife. Our expedition guide will point out species like roseate spoonbills, ibises, osprey, and raccoons, while navigating through the wilderness. We’ll have the opportunity to meet the mystical Emberá villagers, who will offer a traditional welcome while sharing their customs, stories, songs and dances. For a unique memento of the visit, purchase some local handicrafts – we particularly recommend the intricate woven rainforest baskets! 

Today, Mother Nature will be our guide as we traverse the islets and atolls of the Gulf of Panama in search of the region’s magical marine and avian wildlife. Our expedition guides will give a presentation about the wildlife found here, while our captain will use their extensive knowledge to find the most promising locations for sightings – dolphins, whales, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and abundant seabirds can all be seen here. As we cruise further from civilisation, look up for uninterrupted views of the starry night sky. 

An isolated marine reserve off the Pacific Coast of Panama, Coiba National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. We’re heading for Granito de Oro, quite literally ‘the little grain of gold’. This petit rocky islet is one of the top snorkelling destinations in the world, and we’ll delve into the kaleidoscopic underwater world, swimming amongst vivid reef fish and brilliant coral. You can also hop in a kayak or on a paddleboard to explore the craggy coastline, or relax on the beach watching hermit crabs. Later in the day, we’ll continue to one of the main islands in the park to wander through its tropical interior in search of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. 

Ease into the day with fresh brewed coffee and some gentle guided stretches on deck. You could choose to join an expedition guide to wind through the towering balsa trees in search of hummingbirds, monkeys and lizards, while watching for king vultures and crested eagles overhead. Alternatively, laze in a hammock at the beach or take advantage of the variety of water activities on offer. In the afternoon, sink into a comfy lounge chair back on board, and watch the landscape glide by as we cruise away from this little slice of paradise. 

We cross into Costa Rican waters, heading to the little known and ecologically diverse Golfo Dulce. One of only four tropical fjords in the world, this ‘sweet gulf’ separates the Osa Peninsula from the Costa Rican mainland – and it’s abundant in spectacular wildlife. We’ll enjoy a walking tour through the lush, forested interior, a birdwatcher’s paradise where hummingbirds, toucans and scarlet macaws flit amongst vibrant flowers and colourful butterflies. Later, hop in a kayak or skiff to explore the mangrove swamps, and see if you can spot the bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins that frequent the surrounding waters. 

Today we’ll explore the Osa Conservation Area, one of Costa Rica’s wildest and most remote regions. A nature lover’s wonderland, this pristine peninsula is home to the wildlife-rich Corcovado National Park, home to half of Costa Rica’s species and 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. We’ll visit the isolated Drake’s Bay, where howler monkeys and macaws grace the rainforest canopy and dolphins play in the water, before heading deep into the jungle with our guide, watching for tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, coatis and 16 species of hummingbirds. Back on board, discuss the day’s adventures and standout sightings with fellow travellers over dinner. 

Our final day together takes us to another wildlife haven, the Curu National Wildlife Reserve located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Thanks to its relatively small size and diverse ecological habitats, it’s one of the best places to observe wildlife in Costa Rica. Spot land crabs, crocodiles, snake-eating frogs and leafcutter ants amongst the five mangrove species, and watch for the 232 bird species found here, including parrots and parakeets, osprey, woodpeckers, trogons and motmots. Spider and howler monkeys swing through the canopy and, if you’re lucky, you may spot the massive blue morpho butterfly. Cool off after all that excitement with an afternoon beach party, before a celebratory farewell dinner back on board, accompanied by an entertaining slideshow courtesy of your expedition crew. 

After breakfast, it’s time to wave goodbye to crew and fellow guests as we disembark and transfer back to San Jose Airport for your home bound journey.