PANAMA AND COSTA RICA BY SEA

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea

The Natural Wonders of Central America

January 6- 13, 2025

Overview:

Discover the rare tropical ecosystems of Panama and Costa Rica on a voyage that features a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Venture to Panama’s pristine Caribbean islands then cross the historic canal to the Pacific Coast. Visit Darién National Park before calling at Fuerte Amador. Smithsonian’s scientists have conducted research on tropical ecology in Panama since 1910, in part to prepare for the opening of the canal. Gain insight from today’s scientists on an exclusive visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center. Then cruise to Costa Rica to explore Quepos and nearby Manuel Antonio National Park.

Interested in more information? To learn more about this tour Operated by Ponant in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or  e-mail the Africa Easy Team at [email protected].

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea

The Natural Wonders of Central America

January 6- 13, 2025

Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1 – 06, January, 2025 – Colón, Panama

Arrive in Colón, Panama’s second largest city, located at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Embark this evening and sail east along Panama’s coast.

Day 2 – 07, January, 2025 – San Blas Islands

Just off the Caribbean shores of Panama, the San Blas Islands are a string of more than 300 islands and cays. Anchor at Holandes Cayes, sheltered behind a long coral reef, and enjoy a day to explore the treasures of the archipelago. Long white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel amid an incredible array of marine life. We may be welcomed by the indigenous people of the San Blas, the Guna, who govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from Panama’s national government. Learn about the Guna’s traditions, from their distinctive dress to handicrafts.

Day 3  – 08, January, 2025  –Panama Canal

Today, set off on a journey that inspired the imagination of many 20th-century adventurers: a daytime transit of the Panama Canal. This critical passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific allowed ships to avoid rounding South America’s Cape Horn. The canal’s construction started in 1881 under the direction of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had previously built the Suez Canal. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States between 1904 and 1914. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction—and its intricate engineering—as you pass through three levels of locks.

Day 4 – 09, January, 2025– Playa Muerto and Darién National Park

The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darién is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A World Heritage site since the 1980s, Darién National Park offers extraordinary landscapes of rocky coastlines, mountains, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Darién also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberátribe. Ride Zodiacs to Playa Muerto, a small coastal village where we’ll meet with men and women who have maintained their lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region. The chief will welcome us with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce us to their customs, and invite us to witness traditional dances. Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a short hike to a nearby waterfall.

Day 5  – 10, January, 2025 – Panama City

One of Central America’s most attractive capitals, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th century by the French. On a full-day excursion fromFuerte Amador, part of a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the canal, tour the Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibition—executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama—which showcases the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna. Also visit theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest research in tropical ecology, observe marine species up close and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.  Choose to discover to the charming colonial district of Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour and lunch, or tour the archaelogical site of Panama Viejo, an important site where numerous excavations have been conducted by Smithsonian researchers.

Day 6 – 11, January, 2025 – At Sea

One of Central America’s most attractive capitals, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th century by the French. On a full-day excursion fromFuerte Amador, part of a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the canal, tour the Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibition—executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama—which showcases the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna. Also visit theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest research in tropical ecology, observe marine species up close and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.  Choose to discover to the charming colonial district of Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour and lunch, or tour the archaelogical site of Panama Viejo, an important site where numerous excavations have been conducted by Smithsonian researchers.

Day 7 – 12, January, 2025 – Quepos, Costa Rica

Your final port of call is Quepos, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick rain forests are edged by stunning beaches. Venture into the park with a naturalist to encounter tropical flora and fauna, including sloths; several species of monkey; and both terrestrial and sea birds, such as toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. The trail emerges from the trees at Espadilla Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in the sand. Alternatively, choose a riverboat cruise on the Damas Island estuaryamong coastal mangroves that teem with waterfowl, caimans, and monkeys; or go for a rafting adventure on the pristine Savegre River.

Day 8 – 13, January, 2025 – Puntarenas/ Return Home

After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Caldera, at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. From here, transfer to San José for your flight home, or continue to explore Costa Rica.

*Please note: This itinerary is subject to change. In the spirit of expedition travel, plans may change slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife. This trip is operated through The Smithsonian Journeys/ PONANT Experience. 

Meet Your Experts:

Hugh Neighbour

Hugh Neighbour brings many years of experience as a diplomat for the U.S. and an officer in the U.S. Navy, mostly working overseas.  Specialized in political and economic affairs, he was posted in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.  Hugh was awarded the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award as well as a number of Department of State awards for distinguished service.

Since retiring from the U.S. State Department in 2010, Hugh has worked as a consultant in both Washington and overseas, served as an official observer for several elections overseas, and lectured aboard high-end cruise ships. Several times a year, Hugh directs a course in advanced foreign area studies to select groups in the Washington region.  Hugh will offer a fresh, up-to-date perspective on the history, culture, and current affairs of the fascinating peoples and places you will visit.

Oris Sanjur

Dr. Oris Sanjur is the deputy director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama, supporting scientists, staff, and research facilities throughout Panama and field sites in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Her relationship with STRI spans three decades, beginning when she was a research assistant in 1989. She returned as a postdoctoral fellow in 1998 after completing her PhD in biology at Rutgers University. Since then, Oris has served in a variety of research and administration roles, and was the interim director at STRI in 2020. She has represented STRI worldwide, highlighting the value of science and the importance of the research being conducted at STRI to increase our understanding of tropical ecosystems.

Oris has published dozens of scientific articles, presented more than 20 papers at scientific meetings, and served as a mentor to more than 100 undergraduate and predoctoral students from various countries. In 2013, she was selected as one of the 10 pioneering women in science in Panama. She was honored as “Distinguished Woman of the Year 2015” by the Panamanian Association of Business Executives, and in 2020 was named one of the most powerful women in Central America by Forbes magazine. She is currently helping to spearhead a three-year program with Global Sustainability Scholars that provides a research experience for underrepresented minorities.

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea

The Natural Wonders of Central America

January 6- 13, 2025

Rates:

Trip Package Rate: Approx.

Deluxe State Room: $7,204

Prestige Stateroom: $7,964- $8,814

Deluxe Suite: $12,164

Prestige Suite: $16,354- $16,354

Grand Deluxe Suite: $19,784

Owner Suite: Double: $24,314 Single: $47,914

– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking

– No Single Supplement for solo travelers on most categories.

International Airfare:

Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.

General Information:

– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Africa Easy and proof of purchase is required. Africa Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation /interruption coverage.

Deposit & Payments:

A completed & signed Africa Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.

Reservations:

This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Africa Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.

To reserve space on a trip on the Africa Easy website, please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team.