Embark on an 11-day cruise through the historic Panama Canal, start in Panama City and. experience a dinner cruise through the iconic Panama canal, exploring Gatúnsee's unique islands like Barro Colorado in the rainforest. Sail through the canal's 12 lock basins, showcasing its importance. Explore the Pearl Islands, Panama, with over 200 diverse islands, including Contadora, where the Panama Canal Treaty was signed. Enjoy Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica, rich in rainforest biodiversity. Unwind at Playa Panamá's tranquil beach and explore Palo Verde National Park's birdlife. Conclude the journey in San José, Puntarenas, promising a blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
Highlights
Cruise through the Panama Canal's mighty locks for sailing yachts and giant freighters
Encounter small island paradises and explore captivating national park
Discover Palo Verde National Park's rich birdlife on a boat trip through mangroves
Spot coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds in Piedras Blancas Rai
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Since 1914, the Panama Canal linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals created two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, among the world's largest dammed lakes, now hosts a unique range of flora and fauna. Nature reclaimed the lake, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills transformed into islands, harboring a variety of species due to isolation. Barro Colorado, the largest island, remains untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists worldwide visit to explore the jungle's last secrets.
The concept of linking the Atlantic and Pacific through Central America existed for centuries. However, this tremendous achievement only became technically feasible later. The French initiated the project in 1881, inspired by the success of the Suez Canal's opening in Egypt in 1869. It took more than 30 years before completing the canal in 1914. This technological masterpiece spans just under 50 miles, featuring 12 lock basins and navigating an 85-foot altitude difference. The Panama Canal stands as one of the world's crucial waterways and most spectacular ship canals.
The Pacific archipelago's name in the Gulf of Panama predates Spanish conquest. Inhabitants were pearl fishermen, trading beautiful oyster pearls. Centuries ago, pirates and buccaneers hid and buried loot; now, treasures abound. Over 200 pearl islands, even the smallest inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise. With diverse lakes, rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches, and black volcanic beaches, plus lush green tropical vegetation. Contadora island holds significance; U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Climb the rigging, untie ropes, set sails – today is all about sailing. Lean back, relax in the deck chair, and watch the passionate crew hoist the sails by hand.
Nestled in the Pacific South of Costa Rica, the small town of Puerto Jiménez lies on the diverse Osa Peninsula. Covered mostly by pristine rainforest, it's an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. You won't encounter hordes of tourists here. Life in this 1,700-resident town is tranquil. In the mid-20th century, loggers and gold prospectors briefly brought a boom to Puerto Jiménez, but calm returned thereafter. Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, high humidity fosters lush greenery – providing a home for coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds.
As still as a lake, the sea lies under the tropical sun: thanks to its sheltered location in a tree-lined bay, Playa Panama is considered the most relaxing and tranquil beach on the Guanacaste coast – the perfect place for you to unwind. The Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of water fowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America – almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point for you to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.
From Punta Leona, you can reach the Carara National Park, spanning over 5,000 hectares and three distinct vegetation zones. Jungle giants covered in vines, a dense canopy of leaves, and orchids showcase nature in its most pristine form. Three massive suspension bridges traverse the treetops of the jungle, providing you with unique insights into the wildlife and plant life.
Day 10: Quepos
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Quepos is a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it serves as a gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 2 1/2 square miles and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and unique colorful butterflies make this place their home.
Day 11: San José, Puntarenas | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Pura vida! Protected by the Nicoya Peninsula with its beautiful nature parks, Puntarenas is located on a narrow headland that extends into the Gulf of Nicoya. To the right and left of the pier, long beaches line the coast, along which the promenade with hotels, bars, and restaurants runs. Only about 71 miles separate you from the popular port city on the Pacific side of Costa Rica to the capital San José. Worth seeing are the gold and national museum, as well as the beautiful buildings like the classical national theater and the elegant and playful post and telegraph office.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,6752-3 travelers
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Superior Single Stateroom
Superior Single Cabins (approx. 140 sq. ft.) are equipped with a built-in single bed, closet
chair, and dressing table. The bathroom is equipped with a shower and golden fixtures. These are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Superior
Superior stateroom (approx. 183 sq. ft.) is equipped with a California king bed (2 mattresses), seating with table, closet, seating with table, and dressing table. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower and golden fixtures. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Cabins (approx. 215 sq ft) are equipped with a California king bed, 71 in. x 79 in. (2 mattresses), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, bureau and wardrobe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Grand Stateroom
Grand Stateroom (approx. 194 sq. ft.) is equipped with a double bed (two single beds), closet, chair with table, dressing table, WiFi, TV, telephone, hair dryer, minibar, coffee machine, and safe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower and golden fixtures. These cabins are located on the Lido Deck.
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Junior Veranda Suite
Junior Veranda (approx. 237 sq. ft.to 65 sq. ft. including balcony) is located on the Veranda deck and offers a private balcony and twin arched windows. The cabins include a California king bed, walk-in closet, sofa, chair with table, dressing table, WiFi, TV, telephone, hair dryer, minibar, coffee machine, and safe. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, bathtub, and golden fixtures.
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Veranda Suite
Veranda Suites are located on the Veranda Deck, approximately 301 sq. ft. of luxury living space with an 86 sq. ft. balcony. Features include a marble bathroom with shower, bathtub, and golden fixtures, along with a California king bed, walk-in closet, L-shaped sofa with full-sized fold-out bed, dressing table, WiFi, TV, telephone, hair dryer, minibar, coffee machine, and safe.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.9 | 210 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 210 reviews on
6 hours ago
Adventure Life couldn’t have provided a better travel experience, from the start of planning through the entire tip itself. The agents were very helpful and quickly responsive to our questions and needs. We were well taken care of and the trip was smooth sailing, both literally and figuratively. The cruise line, the hotel, and the extra excursions that Adventure Life provided were superb and without flawsThe price was reasonable when we compared the planned trip to what was offered by others. We would highly recommend both Adventure Life and Emerald Cruise Line to anyone interested in an enjoyable, relaxing, and informative travel experience.
Julie Mabel
1 day ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
2 days ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
3 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
5 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
