Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Small Ship Expedition Cruise 12D11N

Set foot in marvelous San Jose, Silicon Valley’s largest city, and take a complimentary transfer to the all-embracing Fiesta resort, nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica that will give you a taste of the ideal summer vacation. Luxuriate the soothing view of Talamanca mountains to the south and captivating volcanoes to the north in the ravishing city of San Jose.

Spend the day exploring this tropical haven at your own leisure. Unwind in your beachfront oasis by tropical gardens, refresh in one of five swimming pools, laze by a dark volcanic sand beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean or rejuvenate at its Heliconia Spa.

For those in pursue of adventure can explore the bustling city town where natural beauty, fascinating historic sites, Costa Rican culture and lively markets are just 15 minutes away.

Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking in the sunshine at your resort before transferring to the luxurious M/S Panorama, your floating home for the next few days. Savour the sailing life as you voyage south down the coast.

Sailing since 1993, M/S Panorama is an all-inclusive experience. Experience its lavish indoor and outdoor deck lounges, exceptionally savory food at main deck dining, and well-appointed ensuite rooms. Featuring 5 types of cabins, your voyage doesn’t compromise when it comes to top-class facilities like twin berths, private bath, telephones, min fridge, and more.

A glance at the pleasant beaches of Central America as they pass. Soak up the boundless blue waves of the Pacific Ocean on the upper deck or allow a bibliophile in you to explore the books at the library on the main deck.

Surprising wildlife awaits you at Manuel Antonio National Park, home to abundant white-faced capuchin, howler, squirrel monkeys, deer, and sloths. Keep eyes peeled for the common iguanas and agoutis as well as the array of bird species.

Spend the day from the choice of activities that best suit your interest: an aerial canopy adventure or a visit to the quaint town of Quepos. For the adventure seekers, explore the treetops of the jungles surrounding Manuel Antonio on a thrilling canopy tour traversing national parks and wildlife refuges. For those in purse of a slower pace can unlock the charming sleepy fishing town of Quepos. Meander its streets, discover its history and delve into its food scene of local markets.

Today, discover an island paradise! Embark on a fascinating birding excursion through the Curu Wildlife Refuge, home to 232 species of birds, led by a local park ranger and a team of naturalists. Marvel in a tropical paradise where Costa Rica’s animals are in the wild where a rich and diverse wildlife range from marine zones and mangrove swamps to tropical forests where the variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and flora in Curu Wildlife Preserve will stop you on your track from time to time.

Set sail for the paradise island of Isla Tortuga, boasting perfect sandy beaches, white coastlines and crystal clear waters. Be treated to a delicious beach barbeque and swim and snorkel in its its underwater wonderland. Keep your eyes peeled for stunning marine and coral life from dolphins, manta rays and a kaleidoscope of fish. Take it to land and venture on one of its many hiking trails into the hills of the nature preserve to enjoy more wildlife or reach the summit of the island.

Discover the largest park in Costa Rica as you hike the spectacular Corcovado National Park, covering a third of the Osa Peninsula. Marvel at the only remaining old growth wet forests on the Pacific Coast of Central America and 13 major ecosystems as you experience unforgettable wildlife encounters from endangered inhabitants including Baird's Tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, squirrel monkeys to the more intriguing species of wildlife including the two and three-toed sloths. National Geographic has called Corcovado “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.” Escape to its enchanting wilderness hiking its many trails before embarking on a mangrove cruise through the ecologically rich Sierpe River. A relaxing boat ride that will delve deeper into the purse of wildlife spotting, traverse iguanas, turtles, crocodiles, an array of birdlife and more! Don’t miss capturing the stunning back of beyond in your cameras.

Discover nearby and isolated Bahía Drake on the northern Osa peninsula, a common wintering and breeding ground for humpback whales. Gander at the tropical sights of howler monkeys gripping branches with their tails, marine turtles, and the rubbery complexion of swimming dolphins.

Commence your day in Casa Orquideas, the house of delectable orchids. Admire the floral entity of orchids, bromeliads, and heliconia. You will utter a wow at the most beautiful plant and birdlife in Costa Rica. As you ramble through the tropical delight, you will encounter innumerable types of native fruit trees, palms, and medicinal vegetation.

With abundant plant life comes a plethora of bird species to spectate. Watch the flamboyant birds like tanagers, honeycreepers, and hummingbirds that will leave you dazed. Take pleasure in spotting the frequent visitors to the jungles surrounding Puerto Jiménez, the wild Scarlet Macaws. Gaze at the Scarlet Macaws dressed in blue, yellow, and red, indeed a dandy that leaves the birdwatchers in awe. Create some unforgettable memories in the wild with your cameras and binoculars.

Be amused by the sight of the little town, Puerto Jiménez which is a historic gold mining and logging community. Your last stop in Costa Rica, Puerto Jiménez, is located in the southern part of Puntarenas province. The small town offers abundant fun activities in the form of dolphin watching and hiking in the tropical forest. On top of that, you can spend your time purchasing crafts at local shops and noshing at fabulous restaurants.

Today discover the wonders of Coiba National Park. Step back in history as you learn the poignant history of Isla Coiba’s penal colony where the most infamous and political prisoners abided for over ninety years.

Get thrilled by the view of hammerhead sharks, and whales at Coiba Marine Park, one of the renowned diving destinations. Enjoy watching the vibrant aquatic wonders of Bahia Damas, the largest coral reef on the west coast of the American continent. Pick a guided walk through the rainforest to keep a weather eye on 147 varieties of birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and iguanas. The beach offers plenteous options for the beach person who resides within you. Panama is a paradise for snorkelers and surfers.

Get captivated by Coiba National Park’s vastness featuring 38 smaller islands. The park succeeds in preserving 80% of the untouched forest region. Relax at the beach admiring the attention-seeking crystal clear waters or grab the pictures of eye-catching birds in the park. If you are more into leisure, go fishing or simply get hooked on the turtles nesting near the beaches.

The magic of tropical delights continues as you head towards the lowland tropical forests of Darien National Park for a jaunt to a classic Embera Community.

The Darien National Park, a world heritage site in Panama, is the lifeline of natural marvels in the American continent. Appreciate the beauty of the region that links South and North America. Be on the lookout for parrots, tanagers, and manakins as your surround yourself with one of the key bird-watching spots.

Receive a friendly welcome from the Embera community, one of the seven aboriginal nations located within Panama. Peek at the remote community’s culture and customs. Tap your feet as the natives play melodious music using flutes, and drums. Have fun emulating the dancing steps of the locals.

Feel the authenticity of men and women wrapped in simplistic multicolored dresses amid isolated lowlands. Throw a light on the communities occupations, way of living, and beliefs. Cherish the generosity of the Embera Indians whose prime source of income is tourism. Acknowledge and admire their artistic traits reflected through their clothing and the handicrafts they make which are also available for purchase.

Transit back to urbanization leaving behind the primitive nature of the torrid zone. Depart from the Marina for Panama City’s guided tour on foot. Halt at the prominent attractions of the city, namely, Paname Canal Museum, the Miraflores Locks, and the historic Casco Viejo (old town).

Learn the history of the Panama Canal at the Panama Canel Museum. Get intrigued by the compelling artifacts, site plans, and photos in the museum. Traverse the historic town of Casco Viejo and get enthralled by its fine restaurants, captivating art galleries, and terrific colonial mansions. Don’t miss some of the remarkable attractions like locally brewed beer, classic handicrafts, jazz music, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and landmarks that are paragons of Spanish architecture in Panama.

Make your way back to M/S Panorama to make an entry into the locks as you begin your odyssey through the Panama Canal. Enjoy journeying through the intriguing passage that leads you to the Atlantic Ocean. Nothing can divert your attention that is fixed on the activity of loading the ship into the locks.

Discover the historic Fort San Lorenzo, a Spanish colonial ruin and a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands upon a cliff on the Caribbean coast. Get riveted by the antique architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries as you discover the heavy cannons and roam around the concourse of the bygone era. Get immersed in the dark times when Fort San Lorenzo was on Pirate’s radar. Dive back into the present-day marvels that surround the fort like the mind-blowing view of Charges river. Take immense pleasure in bird watching on the Atlantic coast of Panama. Capture the amusing sights of sloth along your way. Expect a view of monkeys amidst the lush trees. Fort San Lorenzo is a part of an ecological surrounding that comprises wetlands, rain forests, and mangrove thickets.

For the conveyance through the locks of Lake Gatún sail on a cruise to spectate the mesmerizing views of the sea. Delve into the serenity of tropical nature on the second largest artificial lake in the world. As you sail, engage in the onboard education program and admire the charming Gaucha Island, a wildlife sanctuary at the heart of the lake, on deck.

Alight from M/S Panorama at Colón’s 2000 Terminal for a complimentary shuttle back to Panama City. As Spend time to explore the streets of the bustling city from unique handcraft shopping got indulging in its exotic cuisine. We meet at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner and relish a final night in the city’s Casco Viejo neighborhood, well-known for its gastronomic arenas. Your inspiring journey concludes before making your way to the airport the next day.

**NOTE:** This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.