Day 1: Miami to Panama City, Panama
Depart Miami late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board the Sea Voyager and set sail for the first part of the Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night. This man-made lake was created in 1913 by damming the Charges River, becoming an important part of the Panama Canal since it forms a bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Because of the lake, ships can pass through the canal either way. Upon reaching this area, guests are often surprised that the Panama Canal is surrounded by rain forest with incredible views no matter where you look. The diversity of the flora and fauna is amazing. In just one small area here, 525 species of birds have been spotted in a single day. Gatun Lake is surrounded by impenetrable jungle and aside from the canal; the area remains virtually untouched by humans.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Dinner Day 2: Lake Gatun & Panama Canal Transit
By special arrangement, board Zodiacs this morning for a visit to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake. This area includes two islands that were created when the lake was formed. Scientists from the Smithsonian Research Station will accompany the group to this pristine island spot, which has become a world-famous center for scientific study. Because of its remoteness, animals from insects all the way up to primates can be observed in their natural habitats without any outside disturbance at all. In fact, many of the most important biological discoveries involving plants and animals have originated here. Once on the island, you can enjoy the area on foot or by Zodiac. You may see are crested guans, slaty-tailed trogons, white-whiskered puffbirds and a variety of monkeys. After this visit, reboard the Sea Voyager to continue the crossing. Since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships, AdventureSmith is not always able to have a daylight crossing. The nighttime crossing, however, is extremely memorable — especially since the canal is so dramatically lit at night. You'll marvel as you watch the locks lower the ship 85 feet down to sea level, while mules hold the ship in place.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 3: Gulf of Panama Islets
Today, make good use of Zodiacs and kayaks while exploring this cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama. While you will most certainly have a peaceful day, these islands have a less-than-peaceful history. In Pre-Columbian times, they were ruled by an Indian king whose main interest was pearl diving. Most pearls in the world at that time were found right here. Later on, the islands were home to an array of pirates from all over the world who rested here between looting Spanish fleets. Today, over 35 unique beaches with coral, ebony and black sand fringe these calm turquoise waters. The islands are covered with hills carpeted with thick green vegetation. Along with naturalists, you'll enjoy an exciting introduction to the region's varied bird life. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigatebirds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park
Crossing into Panama, explore one of its national parks, protecting three kinds of habitats: the island, the reef and the sea life. As you anchor near the little island of Granito Del Oro, you can see the coast of Panama on the horizon. Isla Coiba includes thousands upon thousands of acres, 80% of it ocean. The eastern Pacific has very few living coral reefs because the water is too cool, but the exception lies here. These waters are full of life with over 69 species of fish living among the healthy coral. Hike the interior or snorkel the hours away among sea turtles, sea stars and schools of anchovies. Parrot fish decorate the algae and if you're lucky, you may see the rare bifin or bifin spazus which can weigh up to 300 lbs. The natural history staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers, so that anyone with a desire can see the wonderland below. For those who prefer something drier, an Undersea Specialist shoots underwater video and displays the footage during the evening recap.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today make the first landfall in Costa Rica with a beautiful destination, Casa Orquideas, a privately owned tropical garden accessible only by boat and special invitation. Ron and Trudy MacAllister put this garden together over 20 years of collecting local rain forest plants and trading them with other botanical gardens. To see these varied and colorful plants in such a lush, natural setting is almost dreamlike. Here, roam among a profusion of orchids, spotting tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, take some time to explore the forested bays of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking and swimming. The mangrove forest that lines the shoreline forms a unique ecosystem you will observe up close on kayaks. The bird watching is wonderful and you'll look for birds with names as colorful as their feathers: black-crowned tityra, fiery-billed aracari, chestnut-mandibled toucans and scarlet macaws.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 6: Osa Peninsula
This morning, the Sea Voyager anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula in the environs of Corcovado National Park. The exact landing area for the day will depend on sea conditions, but whichever spot is chosen will offer many options for spending the day. The park projects into the Pacific like a bony thumb bent downwards towards Panama and ranks among the finest national parks in Costa Rica. Until recently, it was one of the most inaccessible rainforests, so it is quite rich and untouched. You may stop at San Pedrillo or San Josecito, enjoying a beach barbeque for lunch. After dining al fresco in such a beautiful location, choose from snorkeling, horseback riding, beachcombing, swimming in waterfall pools or simply resting in a hammock as the breezes pass over you. Leave late in the afternoon, heading to the next destination, possibly spotting tropical spotted dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays breaking water as they swim alongside the ship.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Although this park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it rivals Poas Volcano Park for the title of the most popular. Because the abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, get an early start, arriving here before breakfast. Lethargic, three-toed sloths remain statue-like in the dense trees. Although the sloths may be easy to spot, it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out the monkeys or vividly colored birds as they swing or zip through the forest. Where does one begin with the endless possibilities in this park? White-throated capuchin monkeys, agoutis, howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, squirrel monkeys, white-lined sac-winged bats, and tamandua anteaters are all well within reach here. Birders will be happy, too, with the possibility of seeing the purple crown fairy, bare-throated tiger heron, orange chinned parakeet and so much more. The smallest kingfisher on the continent is the American pygmy kingfisher. It's hard to spot, but naturalists often can find one for those with the patience to wait. In the afternoon, explore Costa Rica's beautiful coastline, finding a great spot for a final hike or swim.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 8: Disembark Herradura, Depart San Jose
This morning, disembark Sea Voyager in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The Miami-bound flight departs in the afternoon, arriving at approximately 5:30pm.
Accommodations: Sea Voyager
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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