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zCosta Rica, Panama & Colombia by Sea

12 days

A private tour just for your traveling party.

Our Small Ship Discoveries

  • Embark on a complete ocean-to-ocean transit through the Panama Canal from Costa Rica’s pristine Pacific Coast all the way to the historic Caribbean port of Cartagena!
  • Our complete program of shore excursions showcases the rich diversity of these unique lands, from Costa Rica’s natural wonders to the indigenous cultures of Panama.
  • End your voyage on a high note at the luxurious Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel, perfectly situated within the ancient defensive walls of Cartagena.

Show all itinerary details

Day
1

From San Jose to Arenal

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to the Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, a deluxe hot spring resort with private terrace views of Arenal Volcano.

Day
2

Tailor your stay at Arenal

Personalize your exploration of the lush rainforest with the included guided adventure of your choice: You can explore the forest canopy on our Hanging Bridges Tour or “fly” through the treetops with our Zipline Canopy Adventure! The balance of your day is then free to relax in the soothing thermal hot springs of your resort.  Meals B

Day
3

Welcome aboard the M/Y Variety Voyager

Depart Arenal this morning after breakfast for a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation. Learn about the multi-step process that brings fine Costa Rican coffee to your morning mug and enjoy lunch before continuing on to Los Sueños where the M/Y Variety Voyager awaits. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and then settle in to your spacious outside stateroom aboard our intimate and luxurious 36-cabin yacht.  Meals B,L,D

Day
4

Curu Nature Reserve and Tortuga Island

Set on the remote Nicoya Peninsula, the Curu Nature Reserve is a pristine habitat for nearly 200 species of tropical birds as well as Capuchin monkeys, Howler monkeys, sloths and anteaters. After a wet landing, you’ll join our naturalist guide to explore the reserve’s beautiful white sand beaches and dense primary forest. Return to ship and set sail for Tortuga Island, arriving around mid-day in time to enjoy some swimming or snorkeling before a beachside barbecue lunch. The Variety Voyager will be anchored here through the evening allowing plenty of time to enjoy the abundant beauty and crystal clear waters of the island. Meals B,L,D

Day
5

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

With pristine beaches, spectacular rocky headlands and verdant forests, Manuel Antonio is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. It’s also a rich wildlife habitat where monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas and more than 100 other mammal species thrive. You’ll disembark at the pier this morning to join our expert naturalist for a guided walk along well-maintained trails, a great opportunity to spot the wildlife. You’ll also have time for a swim in the ocean before returning to ship for lunch. This afternoon, you can relax onboard or join one of our optional excursions: River Float Adventure on the Class I and II Rio Savegre or a Zipline Adventure through the Titi Forest Canopy.  Meals B,L,D

Day
6

Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park

Step off ship this morning in picturesque Drake Bay and enjoy the included excursion of your choice:

• Corcovado National Park: This enriching excursion begins with a 20-minute boat ride and the opportunity to observe nesting brown boobies on an offshore island. Upon arrival at the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, you’ll step ashore with our naturalist for a guided walk through the Park’s primary and secondary forests. Learn about the region’s astonishing biological diversity and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings including monkeys, coatis, sloths, anteaters and tropical birds like kingfishers, scarlet macaws and toucans.
• Drake Bay Marine Safari: Hailed by National Geographic as one of the most “biologically intense areas on Earth,” the clear blue, tropical waters of Drake Bay attract a wide diversity of marine life including 25 species of dolphins and whales that either reside in the Bay and its nearby waters or pass through here during their regular migrations. Although sightings can not be guaranteed, dolphin and whale encounters here in Drake Bay are spectacular when they occur.

Both the Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay Marine Safari excursions include a beachside barbecue lunch with opportunities to swim and snorkel.  Meals B,L,D

Day
7

Explore Coiba Island c

Step off ship this morning and travel in a traditional Panamanian lanchas boat to Coiba Island, fondly referred to as the “Galapagos of Panama.” Its pristine eco-systems are home to a rich diversity of wildlife including crocodiles, turtles and lizards. Spend the morning on guided nature hikes around the island before a beachside barbecue lunch. In the afternoon, these lanchas boats will ferry you to beautiful Granito de Oro Island, a lovely paradise that’s ideal for an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach.  Meals B,L,D

Day
8

Panama City… And through the Canal!

This morning’s excursion begins at the Miraflores Locks! Marvel at the immense ships transiting the Canal as your expert guide shares history and insight. Then visit the Canal Museum to learn more about the past, present and future of this world-acclaimed engineering feat and cross the bay for a walking tour in Casco Antiguo c, founded in 1673 and renowned for the wealth and splendor of its Colonial architecture.

Return to ship as the Variety Voyager prepares for your Panama Canal transit. Enter into the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side in the late afternoon and travel through the Gaillard Cut and across Gatun Lake to the Atlantic to continue your voyage toward the San Blas archipelago off the coast of Panama.  Meals B,L,D

Day
9

The San Blas Islands

Although there are more than 300 islands in the San Blas archipelago, only 45 are inhabited by Panama’s indigenous Guna Indians. Known for their colorfully embroidered textiles, the Gunas travel from island to island in dugout canoes and pass their cultural traditions from generation to generation through a wealth of folklore, songs and crafts. This morning’s exploration of one of these inhabited islands offers the opportunity to engage with them for an authentic look into their daily life and cultural ways. After this afternoon’s island barbecue lunch, you’ll have free time to swim and snorkel in the incredibly clear and pristine waters of San Blas!  Meals B,L,D

Day
10

Disembark in Cartagena c, Colombia

After breakfast and disembarkation, you’ll be met and escorted by private car to the stylish Sofitel Santa Clara. Originally built as a monastery in 1621, this elegant luxury hotel boasts a privileged location overlooking the Bay in the historic heart of the city! Then join your resident guide for a private tour of Cartagena, filled with palaces, gardens and churches which date to the Colonial era when it was one of the wealthiest ports in all the West Indies. Your sightseeing delves into this fabulous architectural legacy including the Convent of La Popa and the historic San Felipe Fortress. Meals B

Day
11

Cartagena at your leisure

Take advantage of this free day and your hotel’s prime location within the Old City walls to step out and explore more of Cartagena at your own pace.  Meals B

Day
12

Depart Cartagena

Your tour with us ends this morning.  Meals B

Private Tour Add-Ons

Monteverde

Our 3-day FreeStyle Travel package includes a choice of handpicked lodges, daily breakfast, roundtrip transfers from San José and the naturalist-guided excursion of your choice

MapSearch

Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on LAN. Add extra nights.

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.