March 28 - April 11, 2000
Cruise the Crystal Clear Waters of the Caribbean Coasts of:
PANAMA, NICARAGUA,HONDURAS,GUATEMALA and BELIZE
This fascinating small ship cruise features many off-the-beaten-path Ports of Call, far away from the tourist traps that the bigger cruise lines visit.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Tue Mar 28: PANAMA: Panama City
Meet & Greet on arrival at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and transfer to the Plaza Paitilla Hotel for an overnight stay.
Pre-Cruise Tours in Panama are available for those who wish to arrive a few days early. Details on request.
Day 2:
Wed Mar 29: PANAMA: Colon - Sailing the Caribbean Coast
Transfer by road to the Duty Free port of Colon on the Caribbean Coast of Panama to board the "GRANDE
MARINER". As the ship only accommodates 100 passengers this cruise offers a cozy, informal atmosphere that encourages you to meet new people and make new friends.
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Day 3:
Thu Mar 30: PANAMA: Bocas del Toro
In a land already rich in colourful biological and
cultural diversity, one isolated area stands out. On the remote northwest coast of Panama is the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, visited by Christopher Colombus on his fourth and final voyage to the New World in 1502. The islands have provided a protected anchorage for ships throughout history. Famous pirates such as Englishman Sir Francis Drake and Welshman Henry Morgan have sought sanctuary here.
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Day 4:
Fri Mar 31 : PANAMA: Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro has had a see-saw existence over the years. Founded in the early 1800's by Scottish and American Slavers, exploited by the Banana Barons at the turn of the century and finally finding its niche in the world of ecotourism.
More than a dozen coral reefs protect a marine environment unequaled in most of the Caribbean because of its remote location. From October to April, four of the world's eight species of sea turtles nest in and around the Bastimentos National Park.
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Day 5:
Sat Apr 1: NICARAGUA: Bluefields/El Bluff - Corn Islands
The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua was never colonised: it remained a British Protectorate until the late 1800s and even today is English speaking. The main town, Bluefields and El Bluff, across the bay, are a fascinating mix of ethnic groups.
On to the beautiful Corn Islands, little changed since they were a haven for buccaneers and pirates during the 17th Century. In more recent times the islands were the site of a US Naval Base.
Nicaragua is slow to realise its most valuable asset but the islanders are gradually turning towards tourism. How long will the idyllic Islas del Maiz remain untouched, unspoilt and undeveloped - it can only be a matter of time!
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Day 6:
Sun Apr 2: NICARAGUA: Corn Islands - Pearl Islands
Morning to relax in the Corn Islands. The islanders have a very relaxed lifestyle with reggae and rum being the highest priority next to "chilling out". Warm turquoise water, coral reefs, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms - everyone's dream of the Caribbean.
The next stop is at the amazingingly beautiful Pearl Islands. This massive marine lagoon is over 30 miles long and is ringed by 18 picture-perfect islands dotted with small, isolated Creole, Garifuna and Indian villages. This is one of the best places to see authentic Atlantic Coast culture.
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Day 7:
Mon Apr 3: NICARAGUA: Pearl Islands
Morning in the Pearl Islands. Afternoon cruising at sea. An Underwater Video Camera is linked to the Video screen in the Lounge so you can simply sit back, relax and watch the underwater world go by.
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Day 8:
Tue Apr 4: NICARAGUA: Miskito Islands
Early morning arrival at a cluster of coral islands - The Miskito Islands - which are isolated and remote and inaccessible to most travellers. Home of the Misquito Indians, Nicaragua's largest indigenous group, who also live in coastal villages all along the northern coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.
A British Protectorate from 1687 to 1894 it was known as the Miskito Kingdom. The Miskito Kings took their children to be baptised at St. John's Cathedral in Belize City and held their Coronations there in deference to the British Crown.
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Day 9:
Wed Apr 5: HONDURAS: Cruising the Coast of Honduras
Departure from the Miskito Islands during the early hours and all day at sea. Another good opportunity to "SCUBA DIVE" from your armchair!
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Day 10:
Thu Apr 6: HONDURAS: Roatan / Fantasy Island
Arrive early morning at Roatan the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. The Islands' history includes many disputes between the Spaniards and the British during colonial times which has given the islands a unique heritage. The British actually controlled the islands most of the time and English is widely spoken. Joined to the main island by a causeway is Fantasy Island - the name speaks for itself!!
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Day 11:
Fri Apr 7: HONDURAS / GUATEMALA: Roatan / Fantasy
Island - Livingston
Depart the Bay Islands and head for Livingson, a Garifuna village that can only be reached by boat, located at a point were the Rio Dulce empties into the Amatique Bay on the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala. It's an ideal place to relax. Small restaurants and bars line the streets offering their main dish, seafood. Sunsets at Livingston are spectacular. Groups of birds fly high over the ocean waves as the sky show begins.
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Day 12:
Sat Apr 8: GUATEMALA: Rio Dulce
Today we will sail in the path of the pirates down the dramatic Rio Dulce a jungle river which flows through spectacular deep gorges with tropical vegetation and vines clinging to sheer cliff faces. Along the banks are a strange mix of the luxurious homes of wealthy Guatemalans and the simple huts of the local families who by night fish the river that is their only link with the outside world.
Civilisation seems a long way away...
In a tranquil setting on the banks of Lake Izabal is the historic Castillo San Felipé which was built in the 1600s by the Spaniards in a vain attempt to stop the maurading British pirates from plundering the gold and other treasures collected
by the Conquistadors. This beautiful little fort is the only one of its kind in Guatemala.
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Day 13:
Mon Apr 9: BELIZE: Punta Gorda / West Snake Caye
Arrive Punta Gorda, the most southerly town of Belize before continuing northwards. A stop is made at West Snake Caye - one of a group of coral islands. Early evening set sail along the Belize Barrier Reef, world famous for its idyllic tropical islands, crystal clear waters, pristine coral reefs and abundance of marine life.
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Day 14:
Mon Apr 10: BELIZE: Goff's Caye
Sitting virtually on top of the Belize Barrier Reef is idyllic little Goff's Caye. White sand beaches, palm trees, and the closeness to the Barrier reef makes this island the ideal stop. Go ashore and relax under a palm tree or take along your mask, snorkel, and fins to do some fantastic snorkeling right from the beach, excellent for those snorkelling adventurers who want to see the reef fish and add to their life lists of fish.
Between here and Belize City are the hunting grounds for the elusive, yet endangered, West Indian Manatee. Watch out for these and dolphins on the way into dock at Belize City. Arrive late afternoon and enjoy an early evening walking tour of the historical sites of the City. Overnight on board.
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Day 15:
Tue Apr 11: Disembarkation
Passengers disembark at Belize City and transfers are arranged to the International Airport for those who are heading for home. There are a wide range of optional add-on tours including dive or relax packages on the islands or fascinating inland adventure tours to the rainforests. Full details on request.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Upgraded cabins are available. Rates range from US$2,550 to US$3,150. No single supplements if willing to share a cabin. A range of Pre and Post-Cruise tours are available. Full details on request. The ship operates a BYOB policy and mixers and set up are provided free of charge.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Nicaragua
Honduras
Belize
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Ecotourism
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