Between Two Seas

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.

Itinerary:

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

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. BLD

Day 3 - PORTOBELO
Enjoy a guided tour of sleepy Portobelo, once one of the richest ports of the Spanish Main, until plundered by Henry Morgan in 1668. BLD

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

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

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. BLD

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. BLD

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. BLD

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. BLD

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

What's Included:

Port charges/taxes, at least one shore excursion in each port of call, meals as noted in the brochure, accommodations and transportation as noted, and the services of Cruise West staff both on board and ashore.

What's Not Included:

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.