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Panama & Costa Rica Cruise (RCGS Resolute)

Panama & Costa Rica Cruise (RCGS Resolute)

From USD $3,995

Description

Nowhere else in the world can you find a concentration of wildlife like that of Central America – in particular Costa Rica and Panama. Costa Rica alone has over 840 identified species of birds and with over a quarter of the country identified as national parks, these protected areas are a naturalist’s dream. Famous for its manmade canal, Panama is also home to 940 avian species, as well as 125 mammal species endemic to this country. RCGS Resolute is the ideal vessel to explore this region due to its large outdoor deck areas and panoramic viewing platforms.

Our adventure begins in San Jose, Costa Rica, where we will meet at a central location before transferring to Puerto Caldera on the coast. From the Nicoya Peninsula we will work our way south, visiting four different national parks or protected areas. Our small ship gives us unprecedented access to the colourful bays and hidden coves of this lush, tropical coastline. When RCGS Resolute drops anchor, we’ll launch our zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, so you can explore even further in guided small groups. You will also be able to explore on foot, hiking the trail networks of the parks, or strolling along the white sandy beaches.

After a week we will leave this tropical paradise and head for Panama City, journeying down one of the modern wonders of the world – the Panama Canal. The penultimate day of our voyage will be spent travelling from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, through the 100-year old canal. We will end our voyage in Colon, Panama.

Trip Name
Panama & Costa Rica Cruise (RCGS Resolute)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 San Jose, Costa Rica
Today we meet at a central location in San Jose and will then transfer two hours west to Puerto Caldera. Here we will meet our vessel, RCGS Resolute, head aboard and settle into our rooms. Tonight we will enjoy dinner and then migrate to the deck, revelling in the first of many tropical sunsets. RCGS Resolute will make a short sail across the Gulf of Nicoya to anchor off the Nicoya Peninsula, ready for the next day's adventures.
Day 2 - Day 2 Nicoya Peninsula & Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica
Today we will explore the Curu National Wildlife Refuge which is nestled at the southeast tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The refuge hosts one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula and has spearheaded many successful sustainable development programs from reintroducing the near extinct Spider Monkey, to the coral reef restoration project and migratory bird monitoring. This is an ideal location for kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling.
Day 3 - Day 3 Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Our adventure continues in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Boasting over 100 species of mammals, 184 species of birds and a plethora of diverse flora, this park is a wildlife lover's dream. The network of hiking trails crisscrosses the parkland, providing access to its rainforest, white sand beaches, waterfalls and coral reefs. If you'd rather explore the park by water, use a paddle board or kayak for an aquatic adventure, or simply relax on one of the white sand beaches.
Day 4 - Day 4 Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Extending into the sea at the southern end of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula is rich with both wildlife and history. On the first of our two days in one of the country's most remote destinations, we will once again take advantage of our coastal access to explore the 'Parque Nacional Corcovado'. The park is home to Costa Rica's largest population of jaguars and tapirs; the only remaining old growth wet forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, all four of the country's monkey species and more.
Day 5 - Day 5 Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
On the second day on the Osa Peninsula, we will round its most southern point, while navigating the emerald waters of the Golfo Dulce or "Sweet Gulf". You will have two ways to explore the Golfo Dulce, either by land or sea with kayaks or paddleboards through the expansive tangled mangroves.
Day 6 - Day 6 Coiba Island & Golfo de Montijo, Panama
As we bid farewell to Costa Rica, our first stop in Panama is Coiba Island, a place of unusual history. Having separated from the mainland an estimated 15,000 years ago, Coiba is now home to many endemic subspecies and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also home to numerous native flora that have since become extinct on the mainland of Panama due to deforestation. This is also one of the last places in Central America where the scarlet macaw can still be found in bountiful numbers. Once again, we will have the opportunity to venture out on foot, kayak, or paddleboard to explore this tropical gem. If time permits, we may have the opportunity to sail to near-by Granito De Oro, which is a top diving and snorkeling site due to the diversity and volume of marine life. In the afternoon we will head over to the famous wetlands of the Golfo de Montijo, whose 50,000 acres of mangroves are home to innumerable creatures.
Day 7 - Day 7 Pearl Island & Isla del Rey, Panama
We have now entered the Gulf of Panama, but before we head for the Panamanian mainland, we will make one more island-hopping stop at the Pearl Islands, or as locals refer to it, Islas de las Perlas. The islands are most famous for their deserted white sand beaches, fragile ecosystems and marine life.
Day 8 - Day 8 Panama City, Panama
Steeped in rich Spanish history, Panama City's cobblestoned historic centre, Casco Viejo, is framed by colonial-era landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Use the day to enjoy an espresso or mojito in one of the many cafés shaded by bougainvillea in Panama's old quarter, visit the numerous museums, including the Museum of Biodiversity, designed by Frank Gehry, or discover the colourful markets.
Day 9 - Day 9 Panama Canal, Panama
Today we will be moving through the 77km Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. We will pass under the Bridge of the Americas before entering the Miraflores Locks. The locks will then take us up to Miraflores Lake, then up again to Gatun Lake, before being lowered back down to the sea level of the Caribbean Sea. You will not simply watch this incredible feat of engineering, you will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Day 10 - Day 10 Colon, Panama
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers as we disembark RCGS Resolute. A transfer back to Panama City is provided for all guests and while some of us will travel to the airport, many may wish to add a few extra days to explore more of the masterpiece that is Panama City.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0Triple Private
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0Twin Private
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0Superior
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0Superior Plus
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0Shackleton Suite
23-04-201902-05-2019USD $0One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the protected national parks ofCosta Rica & Panama
    • Hike through rugged rainforests learningabout the many endemic wildlife species
    • Enjoy this tropical paradise in a zodiac,kayak or on a stand-up paddle board
    • Travel through the Panama Canal – one ofthe modern wonders of the world

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