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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Panama Canal Experience – Tall Ship Sailing Cruise

The Panama Canal Experience – Tall Ship Sailing Cruise

From EUR €9,130

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Description

This journey links Panama and Costa Rica through a sequence of cultural encounters, engineering landmarks, and nature-rich coastlines. Departing from Panama City, the route explores the San Blas Archipelago and continues with a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal before entering the Pacific. From the Pearl Islands, the voyage follows the Costa Rican coast, calling at remote towns, sheltered bays, and national park gateways, including Puerto Jiménez and Quepos. The itinerary focuses on rainforest ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and lesser-visited coastal regions, concluding in Puntarenas as a balanced progression from maritime history to biodiversity and protected landscapes.

Trip Name
The Panama Canal Experience - Tall Ship Sailing Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-mast full-rigged ship Length: 138 meters Passenger Capacity: 136 Built: 2021 SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is a modern three-mast, full-rigged windjammer launched in 2021, combining traditional sailing heritage with contemporary shipbuilding and engineering. With an overall length of 138 metres and carrying up to 4,100 m² of sail across 28 sails, she is one of the largest and most advanced sailing cruise ships in the world. Built under the Maltese flag, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 136 passengers supported by a crew of approximately 85, preserving an intimate onboard atmosphere while delivering authentic tall-ship sailing. In addition to her classic rigging, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is equipped with efficient diesel-electric propulsion, ensuring modern operational reliability alongside genuine sail-powered navigation. Onboard, the ship offers 69 outside cabins and suites, many with private balconies, all fitted with high-end amenities and refined finishes. Public spaces include a panoramic restaurant, lido bar and bistro, elegant lounge with a Steinway grand piano, library, sun deck, and boutique. A full wellness and spa area, fitness centre with ocean views, swim platform, water sports equipment, and Zodiac boats support both relaxation and active exploration. Designed as a true sailing vessel rather than a conventional cruise ship, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT sets a benchmark for combining windjammer tradition, spacious design, and 21st-century comfort at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Panama City (Colón), Panama
Since 1914, the Panama Canal has linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals also comprises two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, one of the world's largest dammed lakes, has now regained a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, nature has reclaimed the lake for itself, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills are now islands on which an astonishing variety of species has formed, due to its isolation. The largest island, Barro Colorado, is completely untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists from all over the world come here to try and discover the jungle's last secrets.
Day 2 - Day 2 San Blas Archipelago, Panama
To live like Robinson Crusoe, on a remote island without any civilizing frills, but with a palm beach and coconuts for breakfast – who hasn't dreamt of that before? The San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama come pretty close to this idea of a Caribbean paradise. Here life is beautifully simple – and simply beautiful. The approximately 370 coral islands, which can be explored from the main island Porvenir, are inhabited by the Kuna. The indigenous people only allow tourism in moderation and have preserved much of their ancient culture and religion.
Day 3 - Day 3 Day sailing through the Panama Canal
The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest part of Central America had been around for many hundreds of years, but from a technical perspective this tremendous achievement only became possible much later. The French took on the project in 1881, after the successful opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. But it would be more than 30 years before the canal was finally completed in 1914. This masterpiece of technology is just under 50 miles long, has 12 lock basins and negotiates a difference in altitude of 85 feet. The Panama Canal is one of the world's most important waterways and most spectacular ship canals.
Day 4 - Day 4 Pearl Islands, Panama
The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries, pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Day 5 - Day 5 Day under full sails
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Day 6 - Day 6 Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
Deep in the Pacific South of Costa Rica lies the small town of Puerto Jiménez on the diverse Osa Peninsula. As the area is almost entirely covered by pristine rainforest, it's a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, and you won't find hordes of tourists here. Life in this 1,700-resident town is tranquil: in the mid-20th century, loggers and gold prospectors briefly brought a boom to Puerto Jiménez, but calm returned thereafter. Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, the high humidity creates lush greenery – providing a home for coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds.
Day 7 - Day 7 Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
Deep in the Pacific South of Costa Rica lies the small town of Puerto Jiménez on the diverse Osa Peninsula. As the area is almost entirely covered by pristine rainforest, it's a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, and you won't find hordes of tourists here. Life in this 1,700-resident town is tranquil: in the mid-20th century, loggers and gold prospectors briefly brought a boom to Puerto Jiménez, but calm returned thereafter. Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, the high humidity creates lush greenery – providing a home for coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds.
Day 8 - Day 8 Punta Leona, Costa Rica
From Punta Leona, you can reach the Carara National Park, spanning over 5,000 hectares and three distinct vegetation zones. Jungle giants covered in vines, a dense canopy of leaves, and orchids showcase nature in its most pristine form. Three massive suspension bridges traverse the treetops of the jungle, providing unique insights into the wildlife and plant life.
Day 9 - Day 9 Quepos, Costa Rica
Quepos was a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it is a gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 2 1/2 square miles and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and unique colorful butterflies have made this place their home.
Day 10 - Day 10 Marina Flamingo, Costa Rica
Marina Flamingo emerged as an ambitious $50 million project on the west coast of Costa Rica. This luxury yacht marina offers more than just elegant hotel villas, restaurants, and shopping options – it provides a plethora of recreational activities ranging from deep-sea fishing and diving to golf and mountain biking. While Flamingo Beach may not be home to pink flamingos, the dreamy beach in the Guanacaste province beckons with soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation.
Day 11 - Day 11 Playa Panamá, Costa Rica
 As still as a lake, the sea lies under the tropical sun: thanks to its sheltered location in a tree-lined bay, Playa Panama is considered the most relaxing and tranquil beach on the Guanacaste coast – the perfect place to unwind. The Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of water fowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America – almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.
Day 12 - Day 12 Day under full sails
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Day 13 - Day 13 San José (Puntarenas), Costa Rica
Pura vida! Protected by the Nicoya Peninsula with its beautiful nature parks, Puntarenas is located on a narrow headland that extends into the Gulf of Nicoya. To the right and left of the pier long beaches line the coast, along which the promenade with hotels, bars and restaurants runs. Only about 71 miles separate the popular port city on the Pacific side of Costa Rica from the capital San José. Worth seeing are the gold and national museum as well as the beautiful buildings like the classical national theater and the elegant and playful post and telegraph office.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €9,130Category E: Superior Cabins, Outside. From
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €10,540Category D: De Luxe Cabins, Outside. From
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €10,990Category F: Superior Single Cabins, Outside. From
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €11,890Category C: De Luxe Lido Cabins, Outside. From
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €13,940Category B: Junior Suites With Balcony. From
17-02-202701-03-2027EUR €15,930Category A: Suites With Balcony. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €13,940Category B: Junior Suites With Balcony. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €15,930Category A: Suites With Balcony. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €9,130Category E: Superior Cabins, Outside. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €10,540Category D: De Luxe Cabins, Outside. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €10,990Category F: Superior Single Cabins, Outside. From
01-03-202713-03-2027EUR €11,890Category C: De Luxe Lido Cabins, Outside. From

Inclusions

    • Original Indio Culture: Learn the ways of the Guna people of the San Blas Islands.
    • Panama Canal Experience: Pass through the huge locks during daylight hours to witness the modern marvel at work.
    • Gateway to the Rainforest: Visit Puerto Jiménez, an old gold-mining town nestled in nature.
    • Pacific Coast Paradise: Costa Rica is calling with adventure on hidden islands and protected preserves.
    • Birdwatcher's Paradise and Hacienda: Life A trip to the Palo Verde National Park.

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