Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
204 ft²
2
- Last staterooms
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Colón - Puntarenas
Dates:
2/10/2024
to
2/17/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.
Your journey in Central America will start along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.
After a daytime sailing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.
Le Dumont-d’Urville then continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.
Here, you will also visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
Your final call will be in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : CP3145US - EU100224
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Engaging...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
You may also like...
You may also like...
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
1/17/2025 to the 1/29/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
- New
LE BELLOT
LE BORÉAL
8/28/2024 to the 9/19/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ralph Nurnberger
Ralph Nurnberger is an acclaimed speaker who brings humor, historical background, and current political insights to his presentations. He has spoken on a number of Smithsonian Journeys as well as at The Smithsonian Institute’s Associates Program in Washington, DC, where his presentations frequently sell out. He has appeared on radio and television programs as an analyst on political and international issues. Ralph earned his PhD in History from Georgetown University and subsequently taught as an adjunct at Georgetown for 38 years. He was named Professor of the Year by the Graduate School of Liberal Studies in 2003. He currently lectures on a wide range of historical and political subjects at Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Programs. Ralph has spoken at a number of universities and other venues in Europe, including in the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Austria, France, Denmark, and especially in Germany, where he has given presentations in East and West Berlin, Hamburg, and Chemnitz. In addition to his public speaking and academic careers, Ralph has had positions in and related to the U.S. government (staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; US Department of Commerce; and Director of “Builders for Peace”, which was established to assist the Arab-Israeli peace process), as a fellow at a prominent think tank (Center for Strategic and International Studies – CSIS), and as senior partner in a government relations firm for over 25 years.
Language spoken: English
Steven Paton
Steven Paton is an expert in monitoringthe climate and oceans of the tropicsand is also a wildlife photographer and science communicator. He has spent over 30 years in the Republic of Panama working with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI).Steven arrived in Panama after graduating with a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. With only a brief two-yearinterruption spent at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands, he has workedat STRIthroughout his career. His work includesmanagingSTRI’s long-term climate and physical oceanographic monitoring programs, documenting Panama’s amazing biodiversity, and studying the impacts of severe drought on mangroves. The results of his effortshave been used by thousands of researchers from all over the worldand appeared in hundreds of publications.Steven is also a widely respectednature photographer. His photographs, which he makes freely available to everyone,arehelping todocument and promotePanama’s amazing biodiversity.Over the last decade, he has become one of STRI’s most popular science communicators. His talks on global climate change, tropical weather, and the El Niño/La Niña cycle have reached thousands of people.His roleas one of STRI’s most popular scientific communicators has seen him give dozens of talks to both local Panamanian and international audiences,in both English and Spanish. His ability tobridgethe gap between highly technical scientific topicsand the general publicis greatly appreciated by his audiences.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including international relations expert Ralph Nurnberger and tropical climate and oceans expert Steve Paton.
- A specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff.
- Opportunity to swim and snorkel on beautiful Holandes Cayes, one of the magnificent islets of the San Blas Islands.
- A daytime crossing of the Panama Canal, a true masterpiece of civil engineering.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Darién National Park and its magnificent rainforest.
- An exploration of the region’s rich and myriad tropical flora and fauna in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Encounters with the local indigenous Guna and Emberá communities.
Ports of Call & Excursions
February 10, 2024 - Colón
Embarkation 2/10/2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Departure 2/10/2024 at 8:00 PM
Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.
February 11, 2024 - San Blas Islands
Arrival 2/11/2024 early morning
Departure 2/11/2024 late afternoon
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.
February 12, 2024 - Crossing the Panama Canal
Arrival 2/12/2024
Departure 2/12/2024
Aboard your ship, experience something unique, that has inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic to the Pacific. Including three levels of locks and by raising ships to the level of Lake Gatun, almost as if the water was a lift, it allows them to avoid having to round Cape Horn.
February 13, 2024 - Playa Muerto, Darien National Park
Arrival 2/13/2024 early morning
Departure 2/13/2024 late afternoon
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Emberas Amerindian community. You will visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft.
February 14, 2024 - Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island
Arrival 2/14/2024 early morning
Departure 2/14/2024 early evening
An artificial peninsula situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is the gateway to several noteworthy sites. Right near there, the impressive Miraflores Locks are a shining example of the engineering feats deployed during the construction of the Panama Canal. Further north, in villages nestling amid dense vegetation, lives the Embera tribe, guardian of the forest and of the Chagres River. This proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life, which predate the colonisation of the region by the Spanish.
February 15, 2024 - At sea
Arrival 2/15/2024
Departure 2/15/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
February 16, 2024 - Quepos
Arrival 2/16/2024 early morning
Departure 2/16/2024 late afternoon
Quepos makes for a charming stop-off on the Pacific coast, just next-door to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, an untouched tropical natural reserve lined with white sandy beaches. The town's seafront is an opportunity to stroll through market stalls touting pineapples and bananas in the shade of the manchineel trees. In this coastal town criss-crossed with tree-lined streets in bloom, admire the houses and their incredible sculpted balconies. Enjoy a spot of shopping in the many traditional boutiques: pick up some handmade cotton clothing, ceramics embellished with Costa Rican designs and home décor pieces in hand-painted wood.
February 17, 2024 - Puntarenas
Arrival 2/17/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 2/17/2024 at 8:00 AM
The capital of the eponymous province, Puntarenas is sometimes called “the pearl of the Pacific”, for its unique charm. It sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, lined with long expanses of wild natural environments. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica’s national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes towers up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet’s richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.
A Day on Holandes Cayes
Located off the northern coast of Panama, Holandes Cayes is one of the more than 300 islands and cays that make up the San Blas Archipelago. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, they abound with idyllic anchorages. Long sandy white beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel, exploring an incredible array of marine fauna.
In addition to enjoying the sand and surf, you may have the opportunity to meet with the local indigenous people of the San Blas, the Kuna, who sustain themselves by hunting and fishing and govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The Embera Tribe of the Darien
Declared a reserve in 1980, the Darien National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1983. In addition to preserving the globally important ecosystem of the rainforest, Darien also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberá Tribe. On this excursion you will visit one of their villages on the coast of the Pacific and have the opportunity to meet and talk with men and women who have maintained their traditions and lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region.
A short ride aboard the ship's Zodiacs brings you to the beach and to the thatched-roof palapas of the village. The Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce you to their customs, and invite you to enjoy a series of dances that have been arranged for you.
Feel free to wander the village, ask questions, and engage with your hosts. The Emberá are marvelous craftsmen and craftswomen and have produced beautiful items that will be available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this very special experience.
Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a 10-minute hike to a nearby waterfall.
-
We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, cotton garments, and protect yourself from the sun and rain. Total walking distance is at guests' discretion. We recommend you bring some small denomination notes in US dollars in case you wish to buy some of the local crafts.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Biological & Cultural Diversity of Panama
Arguably Central America's most attractive capital city, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th-century by the French.
Your excursion begins with a visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
After your visit, drive to Casco Antiguo, the old colonial part of the city, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through this centuries-old neighborhood whose architecture blends French, Spanish, and Italian styles — reflecting the multicultural history of Panama. Churches and convents, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings attest to the rich past of this city. Then pause for a refreshing lunch at one of the many restaurants in the quarter.
Lunch is followed by a drive through the modern city to the new Biodiversity Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry to tell the story of how the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed the history of our planet. The Museum's exhibition, conceived by Bruce Mau and executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama, aims to interactively engage the public and demonstrate to them the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna.
-
This excursion involves approximately 0.75 miles of walking, some of it over cobblestone, and as much as 3.5 hours on your feet. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Archaeology & Biological Diversity of Panama
Arguably Central America's most attractive capital city, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th-century by the French.
Your excursion begins with a visit to the new Biodiversity Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry to tell the story of how the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed the history of our planet. The Museum's exhibition, conceived by Bruce Mau and executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama, aims to interactively engage the public and demonstrate to them the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna.
After your visit, drive to the Smithsonian 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 scientists, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
Lunch in a restaurant in Panama City is followed by a drive through the city to the eastern suburbs to visit Panama Viejo, site of the original permanent European settlement and now a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. View the archaeological remains of the religious and civic buildings, as well as vestiges of the Pre-Columbian indigenous Cuevan settlement.
-
This excursion involves approximately 1 mile of walking, some of it over uneven dirt and cobblestones, and as much as 3.5 hours on your feet. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Boating Through the Mangroves
Thriving in the brackish mix of salt and fresh water in coastal estuaries, mangroves are home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica, teeming with nutrient rich flora and offering a dense thicket of protection from predators for all sorts of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Your excursion to the Damas Islands Estuary begins with a 25-minute drive to a landing, where you board a riverboat for a leisurely journey through this remarkable world. At water level, you may observe a wide variety of waterfowl: kingfishers, egrets, white and pink ibis, green heron, tiger heron, a variety of ducks, and many more. Overhead, you are likely to spot scarlet macaws, parrots, and parakeets.
In addition to birds, all sorts of other creatures thrive here. Crabs play an important part in the mangrove ecosystem as they scavenge among the exposed roots of the trees and shrubs, recycling the nitrogen that is crucial to the survival of the estuary. You may discover caimans or crocodiles swimming alongside your boat. White-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys all take refuge in the safety of the forest canopy, and you might glimpse iguanas sunning in the branches.
After about two hours of this experience, you will arrive at a village where you can enjoy a snack of seasonal fruits and cookies before being transported back to the ship.
-
This is an easy excursion with virtually no walking—only a few steps to get into and out of the riverboat. You should dress in weather-appropriate clothing and bring a hat. You may also find binoculars useful.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Rafting on the Savegre River
Originating in the clear springs of the Cerro de la Muerte mountains, flowing through an area without industry of any kind, and with no more than 1,000 people living along it banks, the Savegre River is one of the most pristine in Central America. And because of its twisting path and whitewater, it is also legendary among rafters.
Your excursion begins with an hour's drive through palm and teak plantations to a take-in point on a portion of the river that is fairly tame. Combining relatively gentle Class I and Class II rapids with long stretches of leisurely floating, this section of the Savegre provides an engaging mix of adventure and relaxation.
Your professional guides will orient you to the river and to the safe handling of your raft before you set out on a two-hour journey that alternates between helping your guides navigate the rapids and lying back in blissful contemplation of the beauty that surrounds you—an undisturbed habitat for white ibis, cormorants, egrets, crocodiles, and herons.
At the end of your journey, you will be treated to a snack of fresh fruit and water before you are transported back to the pier.
-
This is an active excursion for which you need to be physically fit and complete a medical questionnaire before participating. It is not suitable for pregnant women, nor for anyone with back/neck problems, vertigo, nor anyone with limited mobility. You should wear waterproof shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a change of clothes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Rainforest Canopy Walk
One of the best ways to get a sense of the lush biodiversity of the Costa Rican jungle is to experience it from among the tree tops, high above the ground in the canopy of the rainforest.
From the pier in Quepos, a short drive brings you to the edge of the Fila Chonta Mountain Range and to Rainmaker Conservation Park—1450 acres of pristine forest, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Central America.
Your guided tour begins with a walk along the banks of the Rio Seco, with awe-inspiring views of surrounding vegetation and observation platforms above cascading waterfalls. At the end of the trail, enter the Canopy Walk, a system of suspension bridges built to U.S. engineering standards that span distances between platforms attached to massive hardwood trees. As you walk along these bridges, you have a birds-eye view of the jungle below, home to nearly every species known in Costa Rica, including the Harlequin Frog, once thought to be extinct. You will see butterflies, a wide variety of birdlife, and perhaps reptiles making their way down to the water.
You may choose to take a dip in the inviting waterfall pool that greets you at the end of the walk, before gathering at the welcome center for a snack of seasonal fruits, cookies, and natural juices.
-
This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately a mile of walking over sometimes uneven ground. Participants should be in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars are recommended. As is a swimsuit for those who wish.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Decks
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including international relations expert Ralph Nurnberger and tropical climate and oceans expert Steve Paton
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Panama City to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion or activity in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- A specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in San José at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
A Day on Holandes Cayes
Included
Find out moreThe Embera Tribe of the Darien
Included
Find out moreBiological & Cultural Diversity of Panama
Included
Find out moreArchaeology & Biological Diversity of Panama
Included
Find out moreBoating Through the Mangroves
Included
Find out moreRafting on the Savegre River
Included
Find out moreRainforest Canopy Walk
Included
Find out more
A Day on Holandes Cayes
Located off the northern coast of Panama, Holandes Cayes is one of the more than 300 islands and cays that make up the San Blas Archipelago. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, they abound with idyllic anchorages. Long sandy white beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel, exploring an incredible array of marine fauna.
In addition to enjoying the sand and surf, you may have the opportunity to meet with the local indigenous people of the San Blas, the Kuna, who sustain themselves by hunting and fishing and govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from the national government.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.The Embera Tribe of the Darien
Declared a reserve in 1980, the Darien National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1983. In addition to preserving the globally important ecosystem of the rainforest, Darien also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberá Tribe. On this excursion you will visit one of their villages on the coast of the Pacific and have the opportunity to meet and talk with men and women who have maintained their traditions and lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region.
A short ride aboard the ship's Zodiacs brings you to the beach and to the thatched-roof palapas of the village. The Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce you to their customs, and invite you to enjoy a series of dances that have been arranged for you.
Feel free to wander the village, ask questions, and engage with your hosts. The Emberá are marvelous craftsmen and craftswomen and have produced beautiful items that will be available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this very special experience.
Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a 10-minute hike to a nearby waterfall.
-
We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, cotton garments, and protect yourself from the sun and rain. Total walking distance is at guests' discretion. We recommend you bring some small denomination notes in US dollars in case you wish to buy some of the local crafts.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Biological & Cultural Diversity of Panama
Arguably Central America's most attractive capital city, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th-century by the French.
Your excursion begins with a visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
After your visit, drive to Casco Antiguo, the old colonial part of the city, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through this centuries-old neighborhood whose architecture blends French, Spanish, and Italian styles — reflecting the multicultural history of Panama. Churches and convents, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings attest to the rich past of this city. Then pause for a refreshing lunch at one of the many restaurants in the quarter.
Lunch is followed by a drive through the modern city to the new Biodiversity Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry to tell the story of how the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed the history of our planet. The Museum's exhibition, conceived by Bruce Mau and executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama, aims to interactively engage the public and demonstrate to them the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna.
-
This excursion involves approximately 0.75 miles of walking, some of it over cobblestone, and as much as 3.5 hours on your feet. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Archaeology & Biological Diversity of Panama
Arguably Central America's most attractive capital city, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th-century by the French.
Your excursion begins with a visit to the new Biodiversity Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry to tell the story of how the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed the history of our planet. The Museum's exhibition, conceived by Bruce Mau and executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama, aims to interactively engage the public and demonstrate to them the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna.
After your visit, drive to the Smithsonian 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 scientists, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.
Lunch in a restaurant in Panama City is followed by a drive through the city to the eastern suburbs to visit Panama Viejo, site of the original permanent European settlement and now a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. View the archaeological remains of the religious and civic buildings, as well as vestiges of the Pre-Columbian indigenous Cuevan settlement.
-
This excursion involves approximately 1 mile of walking, some of it over uneven dirt and cobblestones, and as much as 3.5 hours on your feet. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sunscreen. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Boating Through the Mangroves
Thriving in the brackish mix of salt and fresh water in coastal estuaries, mangroves are home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica, teeming with nutrient rich flora and offering a dense thicket of protection from predators for all sorts of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Your excursion to the Damas Islands Estuary begins with a 25-minute drive to a landing, where you board a riverboat for a leisurely journey through this remarkable world. At water level, you may observe a wide variety of waterfowl: kingfishers, egrets, white and pink ibis, green heron, tiger heron, a variety of ducks, and many more. Overhead, you are likely to spot scarlet macaws, parrots, and parakeets.
In addition to birds, all sorts of other creatures thrive here. Crabs play an important part in the mangrove ecosystem as they scavenge among the exposed roots of the trees and shrubs, recycling the nitrogen that is crucial to the survival of the estuary. You may discover caimans or crocodiles swimming alongside your boat. White-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys all take refuge in the safety of the forest canopy, and you might glimpse iguanas sunning in the branches.
After about two hours of this experience, you will arrive at a village where you can enjoy a snack of seasonal fruits and cookies before being transported back to the ship.
-
This is an easy excursion with virtually no walking—only a few steps to get into and out of the riverboat. You should dress in weather-appropriate clothing and bring a hat. You may also find binoculars useful.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Rafting on the Savegre River
Originating in the clear springs of the Cerro de la Muerte mountains, flowing through an area without industry of any kind, and with no more than 1,000 people living along it banks, the Savegre River is one of the most pristine in Central America. And because of its twisting path and whitewater, it is also legendary among rafters.
Your excursion begins with an hour's drive through palm and teak plantations to a take-in point on a portion of the river that is fairly tame. Combining relatively gentle Class I and Class II rapids with long stretches of leisurely floating, this section of the Savegre provides an engaging mix of adventure and relaxation.
Your professional guides will orient you to the river and to the safe handling of your raft before you set out on a two-hour journey that alternates between helping your guides navigate the rapids and lying back in blissful contemplation of the beauty that surrounds you—an undisturbed habitat for white ibis, cormorants, egrets, crocodiles, and herons.
At the end of your journey, you will be treated to a snack of fresh fruit and water before you are transported back to the pier.
-
This is an active excursion for which you need to be physically fit and complete a medical questionnaire before participating. It is not suitable for pregnant women, nor for anyone with back/neck problems, vertigo, nor anyone with limited mobility. You should wear waterproof shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a change of clothes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Rainforest Canopy Walk
One of the best ways to get a sense of the lush biodiversity of the Costa Rican jungle is to experience it from among the tree tops, high above the ground in the canopy of the rainforest.
From the pier in Quepos, a short drive brings you to the edge of the Fila Chonta Mountain Range and to Rainmaker Conservation Park—1450 acres of pristine forest, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Central America.
Your guided tour begins with a walk along the banks of the Rio Seco, with awe-inspiring views of surrounding vegetation and observation platforms above cascading waterfalls. At the end of the trail, enter the Canopy Walk, a system of suspension bridges built to U.S. engineering standards that span distances between platforms attached to massive hardwood trees. As you walk along these bridges, you have a birds-eye view of the jungle below, home to nearly every species known in Costa Rica, including the Harlequin Frog, once thought to be extinct. You will see butterflies, a wide variety of birdlife, and perhaps reptiles making their way down to the water.
You may choose to take a dip in the inviting waterfall pool that greets you at the end of the walk, before gathering at the welcome center for a snack of seasonal fruits, cookies, and natural juices.
-
This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately a mile of walking over sometimes uneven ground. Participants should be in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars are recommended. As is a swimsuit for those who wish.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.COSTA RICA: MONTEVERDE & ARENAL (3 NIGHTS)
Extend your experience of Central America from the coastline to the mountains on this specially designed program.
Day 1 – Puntarenas, Costa Rica | Monteverde Cloud Forest
Disembark your ship and meet your guide for a scenic drive to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, part of the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
You may choose between two ways of experiencing this unique ecosystem: a 2-hour traditional hike along trails through the forest, or a mile and a half 'Sky Walk' through the treetops on a trail including six hanging bridges. In either case, you will enjoy the refreshingly cool air at this altitude while looking out for the fascinating animals that roam here: howler and white-faced monkeys, the three-wattled bellbird, keel-billed toucan, bare-necked umbrellabird, and the gorgeous quetzal.
After your adventure among the clouds, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the El Establo Hotel, where you stay the night. Dinner at the hotel is included.
Day 2 – Monteverde Cloud Forest | Arenal Volcano Area
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a 2-hour guided walk through one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica, habitat for over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.
Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a scenic drive down the mountains to the Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, site of Arenal Volcano National Park, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano Area
Depart after breakfast on an hour and a half drive through the Northern plains to Los Chiles, very near the Nicaraguan border, where you will board a boat for a floating safari along the Rio Frio through the rain forest of Caño Negro—a birder's paradise, home to the anhinga, the roseate spoonbill, wood storks, and the jabiru, the largest bird in Central America. Along the shore, you may catch sight of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced monkeys, as well as the three-toed sloth and reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizards, and turtles.
Return to your hotel for some time at leisure before dinner.
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano Area | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José for flights homeward.
Your hotels:
The Hotel El Establo is set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. It houses 155 rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and hiking trails.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a hotel dedicated to sustainable practices set on 900 acres of lush tropical reserve near Arenal Volcano National Park. The hotel features 42 rooms; natural thermal mineral river, waterfalls, and pools; a full spa; two restaurants; and four bars.
Your program includes:
- Transfers and luggage handling from the ship, through the program as described, and on to the airport on Day 4
- 1 night at the Hotel El Establo, including dinner and breakfast
- 2 nights at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, including 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts
- Lunches on Days 1, 2, and 3
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and waiters for included meals
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- The Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José is a 2 ½ hour drive from the hotel, and check in for flights is a minimum of 3 hours before departure; schedule your return flights to depart at 2pm or later.
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis.
Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Bº Cerro Plano, Monteverde
Costa Rica
+506-2645-5110
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Alajuela Province
Costa Rica
Total : $1,600