Panama Canal & the Wonders of Costa Rica
Starting from: $3,850

Receive a $500 air credit on the Nov. 8, 29; Dec. 13, 2008 departures.
8 Days, 7 Nights
Dates:
2008
October 25
November 1*, 8, 15*, 22, 29*
December
6, 13*, 20, 27*
* Reverse Itinerary
† Photo Cruise
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ship details...
The Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica are surely among the world's
most beautiful and diverse. Here, you find high mountains, tropical rain
forest and dozens of idyllic, offshore islands. And, the wildlife is
as diverse as the landscape. Join us to explore the coastal regions of
neighboring countries for an intriguing blend of nature - plus a transit
of the legendary Panama Canal - aboard our intimate vessel. Walk rain
forest trails, home to capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths,
iguanas and hummingbirds. Snorkel at Panama's famed Isla Coiba. Kayak
along wildlife-rich coastlines.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Miami/Panama City, Panama/Colon/ Embark Ship
Depart Miami late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight
to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival,
drive to Colon to board the Sea Voyager and set sail for the
first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake
for the night. (D)
Day 2 - Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit
After breakfast, board Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument
in Lake Gatun. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and,
by special arrangement, guides from the Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute accompany us through the tropical forest that
so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard the Sea Voyager
to continue our crossing. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed
since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships. The Canal,
however, is dramatically lit at night. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Gulf of Panama Islets
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or
kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied birdlife.
Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent
frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos
fame. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where
you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also
perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Our staff
will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those
preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage,
which animates our evening gathering in the lounge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquideas,
a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special
invitation, see a profusion of orchids, look for tanagers, parrots
and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce,
ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Osa Peninsula
The Sea Voyager anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs
of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day
will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools,
horseback ride on the beach or kayak. Trek through the rain forest
for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler,
spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Manuel Antonio National Park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning,
so we are sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths
can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist
to point out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through
the forest. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful
coast where we’ll find a great spot for a final hike or swim.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 - Herradura/Disembark/San Jose/Miami
This morning we disembark Sea Voyager in Herradura and drive to
the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The
Miami bound flight departs late morning, arriving in the late
afternoon. (B)
What's Included:
Accommodations, all meals aboard ship.
What's Not Included:
Air fare from Miami/Panama City and return San Jose/Miami, or vice
versa.
Call
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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
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