fbpx

Pure Panamá: Cultures, Coasts & Canal

Pure Panamá: Cultures, Coasts & Canal

From USD $4,395

Description

Swashbucklers, a river of gold, and the world’s greatest man-made ditch. Cross the Isthmus of Panamá in search of adventure—the Darién Jungle, colonial history, wildlife, and a Panamá Canal transit.

Theme departures available for this itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Trip Name
Pure Panamá: Cultures, Coasts & Canal
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 174 ft Passenger Capacity: 64 Built / refurbished: 1982 / 2016 Undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the 62-guest Safari Voyager offers personal comforts, full uncompromising amenities, and upscale accommodations. Sights are revealed from the window-lined lounge with sweeping 270-degree views. Enjoy the vessel’s cozy library and elegant dining room, all outfitted with nautical décor. Ideally designed to spotlight the magnificent natural surroundings, the Safari Voyager features four public decks including a spacious upper sun deck. An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and from the water for adventure activities. The vessel is outfitted with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, snorkel gear, wet suits, and hiking poles. For rejuvenation and relaxation, guests can take advantage of our wellness program with fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage. There are seven cabin categories aboard the Safari Voyager: Single; Master; Commander; Captain; Admiral; Jr. Commodore Suite; and Owner's Suite. Depending on the category, singles, doubles, or triples can be accommodated. Common to all cabins are: wide panoramic view windows; individually controlled air conditioning; generous storage and closet space; desk and chair; iPod/MP3/MP4 docking stations; TV/DVD player; private bath with shower.  

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Panamá City, Panamá
You’ll be warmly greeted at the airport upon your arrival and transferred to the Bristol Hotel for your overnight stay. Unwind from your day of travel enjoying the hotel’s amenities, or stretch your legs on a walk to nearby city sites and attractions.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Panamá City / Colón, Panamá – Embarkation
Enjoy a morning of leisure at your boutique hotel or explore nearby city markets and café’s. Later, rendezvous with your shipmates in our hospitality area and then cross the peninsula overland to Colón as you transfer to the Safari Voyager for a hearty welcome from your captain and crew.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Guna Yala
Home to one of the best preserved Native cultures in the Americas, the indigenous province of Guna Yala (formerly the San Blas Islands) encompasses over 360 islands of white sand beaches backed by palm trees and dotted with thatched-roofs. Discover the remarkable heritage of the Guna (or Kuna)—don’t pass on a chance to buy their colorful handcrafted “molas.” Enjoy the natural wonders of these islands with a snorkel in the crystalline Caribbean waters.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Guna Yala
Another beautiful day awaits in Guna Yala. Slow the pace lazily lounging on a beach or taking an easy stroll in the sand with views of the brilliant sea. Snorkel, paddle board, or kayak among these picture-perfect islands.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Chagres River / Panamá Canal
Once the “world’s most valuable” river and Panamá’s largest, the Chagres was the route by which Incan gold was transported in Colonial times, and today, is a vital artery of the canal. Walk among the battlements and canons of Fort San Lorenzo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—built in the 1500s by the Spanish crown as a military stronghold and sacked multiple times by swashbuckling pirates. And if conditions allow, see the wild side of the river by skiff, paddle board, and kayak. Hundreds of avian species live in this migration hot-spot—ground cuckoos, crested eagles, trogons, toucans, white hawks, with their “neighbor” monkeys, wild pigs, white tailed deer, and other wildlife. Later, prepare for one of the most memorable travel experiences—transiting between two seas along the 48-mile marvel, the Panamá Canal.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Pearl Islands Archipelago
Golden sand meets topaz-colored water, and beaches make way for lush vegetation and rocky volcanic outcroppings on the 90 islands and nearly 130 islets of Las Perlas—the Pearl Islands. Almost entirely uninhabited, the islands are host to a plethora of tropical flora and fauna. Mid-summer through early-fall, the archipelago is frequented by dolphins and humpbacks—so keep your eyes peeled for acrobatic spinning and telltale blow spouts. Select your modus operandi—kayak, paddle board, skiff, or snorkel—and set out in a nature lovers’ dreamscape.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Darién Jungle
Untouched and untamed, the Darién Jungle is nearly as wild and magnificent today as it was for early conquistadors 500 years ago. Traveling the Mogue River by motorized dugout canoe, your expedition guide will help you spot wildlife—astonishingly-colored roseate spoonbills, ibises, osprey, and raccoons can be seen fishing for breakfast from the water’s edge. After welcoming formalities at a local Emberá village, they’ll share their customs and stories, and you’ll have an opportunity to buy handicrafts from the villagers, including their highly-prized and intricately woven rainforest baskets.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Darien Jungle / Marine Life Search
Explore the vast Punta Patiño Nature Reserve on foot, part of Darién Province and the largest natural protected area in Central America. Then set sail in search of wildlife, keeping watch for bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, smaller shark species, and early in the season for migration, whales. This festive evening includes a special farewell dinner and celebratory slideshow from your expedition team.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Panamá City – Disembarkation
After an early breakfast, bid adios to your crew. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Passport required. Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order days may occur to maximize your experience.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Master Stateroom
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Commander Stateroom
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Captain Stateroom
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Admiral Stateroom
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Single Stateroom
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Jr. Commodore Suite
02-11-201810-11-2018USD $0Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Included one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Panamá City
    • Transit the Panamá Canal
    • Kayak, paddle board, and snorkel among Las Perlas and the Guna Yala islands
    • Exchanges with Guna and Emberá villagers
    • Explore historic Fort San Lorenzo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Marine life search in the Gulf of Panamá
    • Wildlife viewing in Darién Jungle by motorized dugout canoe and on hikes
    • Bird watching along the Chagres River

Map