Dominican Republic to Costa Rica

Day 1 La Romana, Dominican Republic

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 10-day expedition. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 Day at Sea

Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Your knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 3 Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao is noted for its many ethnic groups and religions, and also for the easygoing tolerance and harmony of its people. Self-governing Curaçao is still closely tied to the Netherlands, and Dutch and the local Papiamento are the official languages. The island’s capital is Willemstad is full of charm and color with homes and buildings painted in a variety of vibrant shades. Fanciful gables, arcades and bulging columns evoke the spirit of the Dutch colonial burghers. Willemstad’s historic city center together with the beautifully restored mansions of surrounding neighbourhoods has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Days 4-5 Day at Sea

Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 6 San Blas Islands, Panama

Following in the wake of explorers like Columbus, Balboa and Pizarro, and buccaneers like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, discover an intact ancient culture thriving in alongside a modern world; pristine beaches with a mosaic of sea life just off shore; verdant rainforests filled with a kaleidoscope of wildlife; and adventure and treasure oft in every corner.

Today enjoy a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean as it was before the European explorers came here. The San Blas Islands, or Cuna Yala Reserve, is home to the Cuna (Kuna) natives, who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Cuna community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colorful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas. Molas are handcrafted artwork that has become popular tourist souvenirs. Made by Cuna women, these rainbow-colored fabrics are adorned with jungle animals, birds, fish or geometric patterns and brimming with creativity.

This afternoon, be free to shop for local handicrafts, or swim and snorkel off the pristine beaches. These idyllic islands are surrounded by coral reef and comprised of coral topped with a light sprinkling of topsoil. September and October are the best months for snorkeling because the waters are the clearest due to a lesser amount of rainfall during these months. These protected islands and reefs shelter a dazzling diversity of marine life, and it is yours to encounter.

Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Cuna, it is asked that women refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts, and men keep their shirts on when moving about the island in places other than beach areas.

Day 7 Panama Canal, Panama

In 1879, a French company began building a canal only to abandon the project a decade later. Finally at the turn of the 20th century, the United States and France began building the canal together, completing it in 1914. Today pass through the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama and the American continent. The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Three sets of locks work as water elevators lifting ships to the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 metres) above sea level, and later lowering them again to sea level on the other side. By using the Canal, vessels avoid traveling the 14,000 nautical mile route through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.

NOTE: Due to heavy traffic in the Canal, a daytime transit cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation of exact times will be established once the ship is close to an actual transit date.

Day 8 Darien Jungle, Panama

Today’s destination is the remote Embera Village, deep in Panama’s Darien Jungle. Go ashore to melodic rhythms of traditional tribal music played by male villagers on drums, maracas and flutes. Local ladies and children in brightly colored attire welcome you to their village and introduce you to their way of life. Visit authentic tribal dwellings built of nearby trees and plants. Before leaving, villagers will perform a native dance for your entertainment and demonstrate basket weaving and carving techniques.

The Darien Jungle is remote and rarely visited by outsiders. It is also recognized as one of the top-ten birding sites in the world so be on the lookout for green and chestnut-fronted macaws, rufous-tailed and snow-bellied hummingbirds, macaws, king vultures, and the endangered great curassows. Other wildlife possibly sighted includes tapir, black-headed spider monkey, and jaguar.

Day 9 Isla De Coiba, Panama

Making full use of the small, maneuverable ship and Zodiacs, land at this obscure part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, you may be greeted by the roaring sound of howler monkeys. Setting out with the onboard ornithologist, hope to spot some of the 150 known bird species, including the bi-coloured hawk, king vulture, cobia spine tail, bare-throated tiger herring, crimson-backed tangier, and the scarlet macaw. You might even encounter a sea turtle nest or two.

Today take the opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride in one of the specially designed clear kayaks. Just offshore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America. The coral and underground caves attract more than 200 species of reef and game fish, including king angels, blennies, puffers, moray eels, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, whales, blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, roosterfish, red snapper, grouper and amberjack.

Day 10 Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

As the sun wakes, set off on a great adventure exploring the wild side of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula might just be Costa Rica’s best-kept secret. Its distinctive bio-diversity is made up of eight different habitats including cloud forest, sprawling lowland, rain-drenched tropical forest, wave-pummelled beaches, coastal wetlands, and fertile farmlands.

Following entry clearance for Costa Rica in Golfitio, begin your adventures in this protected peninsula. Corcovado National Park is a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Four species of marine turtles can be found here, including the olive ridley, the black turtle, the leatherback and hawksbill. Hiking inland, we encounter a place where jaguars and pumas still roam the jungles. Entering the mouth of a muddy, swirling jungle river, catch a glimpse of the sly but powerful crocodile. Osa is also the home to 400 different species of birds, including one of Central America’s largest populations of scarlet macaws. Chance to encounter poison dart frogs and 500 species of trees during your time at the Corcovado Conservation Area.

Day 11 Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Arrive at Puerto Caldera in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.