Between Two Seas. Special Offer.

Panama Canal and Costa Rica
9 or 14 nights
Prices from USD 3,999 pp
October-December 2010
And January – March 2011
Save up to USD 400 pp when you pay for your voyage by 17 September 2010.

The narrow link of land that connects North and South America is unique on earth, and our small-ship voyages offer unparalleled access to the animals, plants and indigenous people who call this region home. On the 100-guest Pacific Explorer, you'll visit ports of call and remote landings the big ships pass by. And with a limited number of fellow travellers, your experience both on board and ashore is up-close, casual, and very personal, whether you're meeting the Emberá Indians in Panama's Darién Jungle or seeking wildlife in a Costa Rican jungle. Our Zodiac inflatable excursion crafts take you right to remote bays and deserted shorelines, close enough to the water to trail your fingers in the sea as you watch for blue-footed boobies, red-billed Oystercatchers, and magnificent frigate birds.

Sail the beautiful pristine beach and jungle river-lined coastline between the San Blas Islands and Manuel Antonio National Park, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, taking nature walks and exploring by inflatable craft along the way. Venture into national parks and conservation areas teeming with wildlife, and visit remote communities where locals live, colourful and proud, in their ancient ways. On the edge of Panama's Darién Jungle, you step from a Zodiac launch onto a huge gnarled root in the stream bank. A tattooed man, the headman of the Emberá village, welcomes you ashore with a smile and a handshake. Thanks to our expert Costa Rican naturalists and local contacts, you're given a true insider's view of this magical world. Come with us on your own voyage of discovery to this beautiful tropical wonderland.



Day
01
Arrive In Panama
Transfer from the Panama City Airport to Colón on the Caribbean coast to board the Pacific Explorer.

Day
02
Portobelo
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this was once one of the richest ports of the Spanish Main until plundered by Henry Morgan in 1668. Enjoy a guided walk in Portobelo and a special performance from Kuna Indians as they pass on their customs through dances and chants. Panamanian crafts, which include the richly embroidered molas handcrafted by the Kuna, can be purchased in the local market. Visit an old Spanish fort and, tides permitting, explore a mangrove forest of the Duarte River by small craft.

Day
03
Panama Canal
Come eye-to-eye with one of the most acclaimed engineering marvels in the world, which employs over 9,000 workers. The canal is over 50 miles long with a minimum depth of 41 feet. Transiting the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience, especially aboard a small ship like the Pacific Explorer.

Day
04
Darién Jungle
Visit a remote Emberá village tucked away on the coast of the Darién Jungle. The Emberá people open their homes and hearts to welcome Cruise West friends. You will laugh with them, dance with them, and take away cherished lifetime memories.

Day
05
Coiba National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba National Park consists of 38 islands surrounded by pristine waters. Its abundant sea life makes it one of the top snorkeling locations in the world. For bird watchers, 147 species of birds can be found in Coiba National Park. Our open exploration during these two days may include snorkeling and kayaking at Granito de Oro Island, Coiba Island or Rancheria Island, a visit to the prison ruins at Coiba Island (Panama’s version of Devil’s Island) and guided nature walks at the south end of Coiba, relatively untouched by humans.

Day
06
Coiba National Park continue

Day
07
Golfo Dulce
Take a guided tour through the beautiful gardens at Casa Orquideas or "Orchid House." Casa Orquideas is a private botanical garden cultivated by long-time local residents, who have lovingly landscaped this homestead for over 20 years. They have amassed a wonderful collection of tropical fruit trees, bromeliads, cycads, palms, heliconias, ornamental plants and more than 100 varieties of orchids. See, smell, and touch a wide variety of beautiful ornamental plants and taste some unusual fruits.

In the afternoon take a walk in search of wildlife. Look for toucans, monkeys and maybe even a snake. If you prefer a quiet afternoon on your own, stay onboard and relax on the Sun Deck.

Day
08
Corcovado Conservation Area
Discover the Corcovado Conservation Area, a pristine rainforest, populated by a number of endangered species including puma, tapir, poison dart frogs, crocodile, jaguar, and marine turtles. It is home to the largest population of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica. Close to 400 species of birds have been seen here. There are also around 140 mammals and over 500 species of trees. Giant trees draped with vines and lianas and supported by massive buttress roots tower over the forest floor. Corcovado is inundated with nearly 20 feet of rain a year and is technically known as a very humid tropical lowland rainforest. Guided hikes will be offered, of varying degrees of difficulty. Lunch is a picnic on the beach, weather permitting.

Day
09
Manuel Antonio National Park
This park was created in 1972 and consists of 3 magnificent white-sand beaches that are backed by a jungle sheltering hundreds of fascinating plant species. Naturalists lead walks to outstanding wildlife viewing. There are over 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds here. Watch for monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, sloth, and the rare turquoise cotinga.

Manuel Antonio offers well-maintained trails where you can explore the jungle on your own or join a walk with one of our naturalists. You may wish to see the small shopping area, relax on the white-sand beach or take a swim.

Day
10
Arrive Los Sueños / San José
Disembark in Los Sueños and transfer and transfer to the San José Airport for your flight home


Sea Travel Ltd
Company No: 7078009
5 Partridge Close
Custom House
London
E16 3TB
UK

Phone +44 (0) 203 371 9484
Email mail@seatravelltd.co.uk
Skype seatravelltd

Answer the call of Paradise

SECRETS OF OCEANA
Lautoka to Auckland
14 nights
Get stowaway Savings on Departure 02 December 2010
Regular Brochure Rate USD7,995 per person


Stowaway rate USD 6,193 per person
Mention promo code V1STOW21 at the time of booking

Discover some of the South Pacific’s most beautiful, remote and sometimes mysterious islands in the 15 days journey of natural and cultural wonders. Soak up the Fijian Sun and enjoy the kava tasting. Experience the men’s Rom Dance, performed by only the high-ranking chiefs on Ambrym Island. Explore a tropical rainforest. Peer into the crater of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Meet descendents of the HMS Bounty. And enjoy magnificent snorkeling in one tropical paradise after another. This sailing will leave you relaxed, invigorated and ready to plan your next adventure.

Sea Travel Ltd
Company No: 7078009
5 Partridge Close
Custom House
London
E16 3TB
UK

Phone +44 (0) 203 371 9484
Email mail@seatravelltd.co.uk
Skype seatravelltd