
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
- ItineraryPuntarenas to ColónDuration8 days
- DatesPrices from
Come aboard Le Lapérouse for an unforgettable voyage.
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 Lapérouse, 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 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.
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 Lapérouse 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.
After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your final call will be 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.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Your voyage
All-inclusive

Destination
Central America
Puntarenas to Colón
Duration
8 days, 7 nights on board
Timeless, Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
Offers
PONANT Bonus 30%
Ref: PC5745US - ER190227



Journey
Your daily 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 discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- 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.

Staterooms and suites
Elegance and refinement

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Size
19 m²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Size
19 m²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
3
Size
27 m²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Size
38 m²

Privilege Suite
Guests
3
Size
32 m²

Grand Deluxe Suite
Guests
4
Size
45 m²

Owner's Suite
Guests
4
Size
45 m²
*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.
Details
More information
What's Included
Important travel details
In your luggage
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Itinerary
Embarkation 19/02/27 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 19/02/27 at 18:00
19 Feb 27 - Puntarenas

Arrival 20/02/27 early morning Departure 20/02/27 late afternoon
20 Feb 27 - Quepos

Arrival 21/02/27 Departure 21/02/27
21 Feb 27 - At sea

Arrival 22/02/27 midday Departure 22/02/27 late afternoon
22 Feb 27 - Playa Muerto, Darien National Park

Arrival 23/02/27 early morning Departure 23/02/27 late evening
23 Feb 27 - Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island

Arrival 24/02/27 early morning Departure 24/02/27 late afternoon
24 Feb 27 - Crossing the Panama Canal

Arrival 25/02/27 early morning Departure 25/02/27 late afternoon
25 Feb 27 - San Blas Islands

Arrival 26/02/27 early morning Disembarkation 26/02/27 at 8:00
26 Feb 27 - Colón

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Included package
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
Other available date
19/02/2726/02/27
7 nights aboard the ship Le Lapérouse
PONANT Bonus 30%
From
/person*
26/02/2605/03/26
7 nights aboard the ship LE CHAMPLAIN
No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 25%
From
/person*