Overview
Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, toucans, and whales! By kayak, skiff, on foot, and small ship—uncover the wonders of Costa Rica's jungles, mangroves, national parks, and preserves, and transit the celebrated Panama Canal. Visits to off-the-beaten-path wildlife refuges and conservation areas are also included, along with snorkeling and beachcombing adventures.
This was the first cruise of any type for me, and I was impressed by the staff, the adherence to schedule, the ambiance, basically the whole experience.
— Bernard G., Oakland, CA
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
San Jose to Panama City
Day 1
San Jose, Costa Rica / Embarkation
You’ll be greeted at the airport upon your arrival and swooped off to the hospitality suite before transferring to the vessel for a warm welcome from your captain and crew. Toast to adventure over dinner as you sail along the Pacific coast.
Day 2
Curu National Wildlife Refuge
At the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula—in the tangled mangroves of Curu—the cycle of life is everywhere. Local “residents” include everything from exotic birds and deer to leafcutter ants, snake-eating frogs, and hungry crocodiles. Step carefully as you cross the swinging bridge, you don’t want to land on the menu! Land crabs shift in and out of their burrows with such force it’s enough to make the earth move. Trails offer prime howler and spider monkey viewing, and a chance to glimpse the immense blue morpho butterfly. An afternoon beach party offers up a chance to swim and stroll along shore.
Day 3
Osa Conservation Area
Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. Drake Bay, named after its discoverer Sir Francis Drake and fabled to house the explorer’s hidden treasures, is also known for hundreds of distinct species of plants and trees and its diverse plant and animal species. A whopping 2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird. Explore this vast area putting feet to trail on an invigorating hike through the jungle. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset and retell stories of the day with your travel-mates.
Day 4
Golfo Dulce
A birder’s haven, explore a botanical reserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, mischievous monkeys, and fluttering butterflies—there’s a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, the “sweet gulf” which separates Osa Peninsula from the mainland and one of only four tropical fjords on the planet, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff. Bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins also swim in the waters of this tucked away wilderness.
Day 5
Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park
Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, making a stop at Granito de Oro islet. Offering a little bit of everything despite its small size, volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center connect with a dreamy white sand beach. Named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, your day of play features snorkeling among abundant marine life, kayaking around rocky outcroppings, and lounging on the warm sand for a casual beach party with the local hermit crabs. Hop to the park’s main island for a stretch of the legs on a trail through this tropical jungle. Mantled howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and two turtle species call Isla Coiba home.
Day 6
Captain's Choice
Wake up in paradise. Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches on deck. As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees. Slip into the drink for a kayak or snorkel. Go exploring by skiff. Or, just kick back in a hammock under swaying palms. Then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.
Day 7
Gulf of Panama / Marine Life Search
Another day in paradise! Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches. As always, the hardest part is choosing what to do. Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees. Or, spend some time kayaking or snorkeling. The water is crystal-clear, and the fish and turtles are swimming all around you. Enjoy an invigorating morning—then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.
Day 8
Panama City, Panama / Disembarkation
After an early breakfast, bid adiós to your crew. Make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks. Then your transfer continues, taking you to the airport for your flight home or to begin you optional UnCruise hotel stay.
Reverse Itinerary-in-Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City, embark the Safari Voyager
Day 2: Gulf of Panama
Day 3: Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park
Day 4: Captain's Choice
Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Day 6: Osa Conservation Area, Costa Rica
Day 7: Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Farewell Dinner
Day 8: San Jose, Costa Rica / Disembarkation
Unveiled Wonders of Costa Rica and Panama
