Costa Rica & the Panama Canal

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

On arrival in Panama City, you will be met by an Aurora Expeditions representative and transferred to the group hotel. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your cabin luggage tags and speak with our ground operations team. They will share any important pre-embarkation information and can assist with local dining suggestions, cash withdrawals or last-minute purchases. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. This evening, dine at a restaurant of your choice (dinner not included). Assigned accommodation: To be confirmed

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and ensure your cabin luggage is clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Leave it at hotel reception by the advised time so it can be transferred to the port, cleared and delivered to your cabin. Please keep valuables, travel documents, medication and other personal essentials with you throughout the day. Enjoy a pre-embarkation tour before travelling to Colón to board the ship. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before joining the mandatory safety briefings. Then, watch Panama’s Caribbean coastline recede as we set sail on our tropical expedition.

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

The Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea around three million years ago, separating two oceans and joining North and South America. This narrow land bridge reshaped ocean currents, wildlife migration and human history. Today, Panama is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and the 77-kilometre (48-mile) canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Panama’s story spans more than 12,000 years, from early Indigenous cultures to Spanish settlement and the rise of Panama City as an important trade centre. Today we discover more of this layered history and the natural environments surrounding the canal. Our exploration begins at Gatún Lake, an immense artificial lake forming a major section of the Panama Canal. Its forested shorelines provide habitat for an impressive variety of wildlife and birdlife. Board a local boat and cruise along the canal, perhaps passing close to the large vessels making their daily transit. As we explore the quieter forested edges of the lake, watch for capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, toucans and other tropical birds. In the afternoon, we plan to visit an Emberá community and learn about the history, culture and traditions of one of Panama’s Indigenous peoples. A warm village welcome may be followed by cultural presentations and a guided walk, with opportunities to learn about traditional homes, food and medicinal plants. The Emberá are also renowned for their intricate jewellery and woven handicrafts, which may be available to purchase directly from local artisans.

Scattered across the Gulf of Panama, the Pearl Islands form an archipelago of around 250 islands and islets. Once known for the pearls harvested from their surrounding waters, the islands now entice visitors with tranquil white-sand beaches, forested landscapes and colourful coral reefs. Conditions permitting, we plan to land on one of the islands and spend time exploring above and below the water. Enjoy opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling in warm, turquoise seas.

We continue to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing Coiba Island and 38 smaller islands in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. Its relative isolation has protected exceptional tropical forests and marine ecosystems, including many endemic and threatened species. At Granito de Oro islet, clear tropical waters offer superb snorkelling and the chance to encounter an impressive diversity of marine life. Coiba is also recognised as one of the world’s most sought-after diving regions. Local rangers and our Expedition Team will select the best available locations for water activities. The following morning, we plan to land near the remnants of Coiba’s former penal colony, which operated from 1919 to 2004. Explore the historic site or walk along the shoreline, watching for scarlet macaws, yellow-headed caracaras and seabirds. Our activities will depend on local permissions and conditions.

We continue to Coiba Island, a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located off the southwest coast of Panama. The national park includes the main island of Coiba and 38 smaller islands in the surrounding marine areas within the Gulf of Chiriquí. Protected from the cold winds and the effects of El Niño, the Pacific tropical forest if Coiba Island features exceptionally high levels of endemic mammals, birds and plants. It is the last refuge for a number of threatened animals including the crested eagle.  

On Coiba Island, we spend the morning in the area of Granito de Oro islet, a unique place that allows snorkellers to encounter a diversity and volume of marine life that is usually reserved for scuba divers. This is one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations. The local ranger will provide guidance on the optimal places where we can enjoy water activities.  

The following morning, we plan to land at Punta Clara, which served as a penal colony from 1919 to 1996, where Panama’s most notorious criminals and political prisoners were incarcerated. At the peak of its operations, the prison housed up to approximately 3,000 inmates in about 30 camps spread around the islands. You can visit the dilapidated penitentiary buildings or walk along the beach looking for scarlet macaws, yellow caracara and various seabirds. Back on board, enjoy lunch as we set towards the Pearl Islands. 

Wild, scenic and incredibly bio-diverse, Golfo Dulce is not on most tourists itineraries. The name, says it all, Golfo Dulce or sweet gulf, in English. After a well justified visit to the Golfo Dulce, located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, and adjacent to the Osa Peninsula, visitors will be delighted and perplexed, wondering why they would ever leave this wonderland. Several coastal hamlets reside along this enchanting gulf, namely Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Zancudo and Pavones, as well as the Piedras Blancas National Park. This is one stop on the itinerary that won’t soon be forgotten. Easily one of the wettest and most humid sections in the country, Golfo Dulce and the southwest can receive more than 200 inches (500 cm) of rainfall per year. This assures the surrounding area will be thriving with wild and plant life, perfect for aspiring adventurers. Surrounded by Corcovado National Park to the southwest, and Costa Rica’s mainland to the northeast, Golfo Dulce serves up a large platter of entertainment for all who visit. Sprouting along the edges of the Golfo Dulce are mangroves and estuaries full of wildlife. Explore these ecosystems crowded with crocodiles, river otters, waterfowl, monkeys and much more. Fed by the Coto Colorado River, the Coto River Swamps are an excellent choice for discovering these uncanny wetlands and the secrets that lay within.

This morning, we leave Panama behind and continue south-east into Costa Rican waters. Golfo Dulce, or ‘Sweet Gulf’, is a sheltered tropical gulf bordered by pristine beaches, rivers and luxuriant evergreen forest. Part of the region is protected within the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, where abundant rainfall sustains towering trees and extraordinary biodiversity. The gulf’s warm waters invite exploration by Zodiac or kayak, and spinner dolphins are sometimes seen in the bay. Depending on conditions, we may discover coral communities beneath the surface or follow rainforest trails in search of the region’s diverse flora and fauna. We plan to travel by Zodiac to Saladero Ecolodge, where gardens and forest trails are alive with tropical plants and birdlife. Keep watch for toucans, scarlet macaws, caracaras and woodpeckers among the canopy.

The remote Osa Peninsula is one of Central America’s great biodiversity strongholds. We plan to hike through Río Claro Wildlife Refuge, a 500-hectare sanctuary of tropical rainforest connected to the wider Corcovado ecosystem. Towering trees support ferns, bromeliads and orchids, while the surrounding forest provides habitat for tapirs, peccaries and elusive wild cats. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but every walk offers the chance to discover something remarkable.

Manuel Antonio National Park protects a striking combination of rainforest, headlands and beaches. More than 100 mammal and 180 bird species have been recorded here, including two- and three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, toucans, agoutis, armadillos and coatis. We explore in the cooler morning hours before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, you may have the opportunity to visit Quepos or enjoy water activities, depending on conditions.

Located on the southeast tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Curu Wildlife Refuge is known for its pristine, white-sand beaches and impressive variety of species ranging from monkeys to sand crabs. In total the refuge covers 3,707 total acres and 656 feet of coastline. Travelers to the Curu Wildlife Refuge will quickly notice that they are in the minority at the site, with only a few people in the area among the abundance of animals and sea creatures. All of your senses will be captivated by this overwhelming amount of wildlife at the reserve, which offers some of the best eco-tourism in Costa Rica. Curu officially received support from the Costa Rican government to protect its wildlife in 1981 and the area officially became known as the Curu Wildlife Refuge in 1983. Today, the refuge is privately owned, extremely-well cared for and even more exclusive than many of the national parks in the country. If you're looking to participate in some of the vast eco-tourism opportunities in Costa Rica, the refuge should be a top priority because of its exclusivity and the ability of visitors to personally interact with the diverse animal population. The refuge also features 17 peaceful trails, where travellers can check out this abundant wildlife in a number of different ecosystems, including mangrove swamps and both dry and wet tropical forests.

Set on Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula, Curú National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of tropical forest, mangroves, coastline and sheltered bays. Follow well-marked trails through varied habitats, watching for white-tailed deer, armadillos, iguanas and capuchin, spider and howler monkeys. The reserve’s beautiful beach and protected waters may also offer opportunities for relaxed exploration or water activities. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers to celebrate the journey at the Captain’s Farewell Reception.

This town is not on the Nicoya Peninsula, but rather on Costa Rica's mainland. It is best known as a cruise-ship port and launching pad for ferries heading southeast to the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and for cruises sailing out on the Gulf of Nicoya. Puntarenas is also a major fishing port with a lively fish market. The town’s reputation suffers from the unimpressive parts you see from your car as you roll through town on the way to the ferry dock. But the town has a lot of character off the main drag, thanks to its illustrious past as an affluent port town and principal vacation spot for San José's wealthy, who arrived by train in the last century. Once the port was moved and roads opened to other beaches, Puntarenas's economy crashed, but it's making a comeback. Sitting on a narrow spit of sand—punta de arenas literally means "point of sand"—that protrudes into the Gulf of Nicoya, the town boasts a beautifully groomed, wide Blue Flag beach with views of the Nicoya Peninsula and spectacular sunsets, along with a public swimming pool, the San Lucas Beach Club, and a marine-life museum. Ticos arrive by bus and car to enjoy the beach and stroll the Paseo de los Turistas, a beachfront promenade lined with tree-shaded concrete benches and seafood restaurants. Crowds of locals, called porteños, cruise by on bicycles, the town’s most popular form of transport.

After breakfast, disembark in Puntarenas and farewell your Expedition Team before transferring to San José. Note: We do not recommend booking a flight departing San José before 1.00 pm today. Please provide your departure flight details to your reservations consultant.