* Departure dates 2008: Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13, Dec 20, Dec 27
* Departure dates 2009: Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21, Feb 28, Mar 7, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 21, Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19, Dec 26.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Panama City, and Embark Ship in Colon
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.
Day 2: Gatun Lake and 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 ship 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.
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 bird life. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame.
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.
Day 5: Arrive Costa Rica. Explore Golfo Dulce
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.
Day 6: Osa Peninsula
The ship 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!
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.
Day 8 : Disembark in Herradura. Transfer San Jose, Return Home
This morning we disembark in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$500 air credit on select departures:
- 2008: Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13
- 2009: Jan 17, Feb 28, Mar 7, Mar 21, Oct 3, Oct 17, Dec 5
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Panama
Rainforest
Boating and Sailing
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