Today was a long day. I made the mistake of working out (which means getting up pretty early). I worked pretty hard on my legs so I kind of felt weak the entire day.
I made sure we were at the ... Full Journal »
Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica
« All Sea Bird & Sea Lion cruise options
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 1 Single | Cat 2 | Cat 2 Single | Cat 3 | ||
| 8 | Nov 6 '10 Nov 13 '10 * Nov 20 '10 Nov 27 '10 * Dec 4 '10 Dec 11 '10 * Dec 18 '10 Dec 25 '10 * More Dates
|
$4,980 | $7,340 | $5,490 | $8,260 | $6,580 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | ||||||
| Destinations : Central America, Panama, Costa Rica |
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Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment
Day 1 Miami to Panama City, Embark ship
Depart Miami late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board the Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of your Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night. (D)
Day 2 Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Board Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake Gatun. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special arrangement, guides from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute accompany you through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard National Geographic Sea Lion to continue your crossing. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships. The Canal, however, is dramatically lit at night. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Gulf of Panama Islets
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied birdlife. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, Naturalists will take underwater footage, which animates evening gatherings in the lounge. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today make your first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Osa Peninsula
The Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Your exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or kayak. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)
Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so be sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a Naturalist to point out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast and find find a great spot for a final hike or swim. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Herradura - Disembark
Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The Miami bound flight departs in late morning, arriving in the late afternoon. (B)
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is variable by sailing, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: http://www.alvoyages.com/four-ways/
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cruises for up to 8 nights | . |
| 90 days or more | $250 |
| 89-60 days | deposit |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
| Cruises with 9 more more nights | . |
| 120 days or more | $250 |
| 119-90 days | deposit |
| 89-60 days | 30% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Sea Bird & Sea Lion
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 62
These vessels can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet they comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Cruise remote regions of Alaska, Mexico's Baja, Northwest Pacific and more. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.
Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.
Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.
Our ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Observation Deck; and partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.
Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.
All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
| Cat 1 Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. | |
| Cat 1 Single Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. | |
| Cat 2 Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. | |
| Cat 2 Single Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. | |
 | Cat 3 Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out |
