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Adventure Life VOYAGES
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Sea Voyager

Itinerary:  The Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica + Monteverde, Arenal, and Sarapiqui

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  Sunset in Central America

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Day 1 : Arrive Panama City, Panama / Colon / Embark Ship

On arrival, drive to Colon to board the Sea Voyager and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night. (D)

Day 2 : Gatun Lake / Panama Canal Transit

After breakfast, 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 us through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard the Sea Voyager to continue our 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. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids, 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 Voyager anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride on the beach 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 we are 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, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where we'll find a great spot for a final hike or swim. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Herradura / Disembark / Carara Biological Reserve / Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning we disembark Sea Voyager in Herradura and take a 20-minute drive to the Carara Biological Reserve. View monkeys, iguanas, the endangered scarlet macaw and huge American crocodiles. A drive up the mountain takes us to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Bathed in cool, yearround moisture, the forest is covered with lichen, moss and 300 species of orchid. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Monteverde Cloud Forest

Visit a butterfly garden of native species. Explore forest trails; watch for the quetzal. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : Monteverde / Arenal

Experience the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy — considered the last frontier of the tropical cloud forest. Take a leisurely 3 1⁄2-hour drive to Arenal, past verdant Tilaran and around Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, adorned by the mighty Arenal Volcano. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Arenal Volcano

Explore rain forest trails and take the afternoon for volcano gazing. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : Arenal / Sarapiquí

Cross the northern plains leading to the rich rain forests of Sarapiquí. After lunch, visit the pre-Columbian-styled Sarapiquí Neotropical Center. Visit the center's Museum of Contemporary Indigenous Culture and its botanical garden, highlighting medicinal and edible plants used by ancient cultures. Tour an excavation site at the Center and discover how indigenous peoples lived in these wild environs. Settle in for the night at nearby Sueño Azul, a working hacienda and spa. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Sarapiquí

In the morning visit La Selva, a well-known site for research on tropical ecology. In the afternoon walk the hacienda’s grounds, swim in the pool or river, or sample spa treatments. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : La Paz Waterfall Gardens / San Jose

Reach out and touch five magnificent waterfalls from a series of observation decks set on the banks of a cool forested canyon. After lunch, enjoy a scenic route to the capital city San Jose. Spend the night at Hotel Maria Cariari. (B,L)

Day 15 : San Jose / Return Home

This morning we drive to the airport for flights home. (B)

Ship Description: Sea Voyager

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  Sea Voyager

The versatile M.V. Sea Voyager can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 60 guests in 31 outside cabins.

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 the fantail, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk along a picturesque beach.

During your time with us, our expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward breaching whales, bow-riding dolphins or into an alluring cove. Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.

Public Areas: Ship is fully air conditioned. Covered deck with chairs and tables; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; Gift Shop; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and lectures; and Sky Deck. Guests are welcome on our "Open Bridge" to meet the Captain and Officers and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Lunch is often served in the Lounge. Menu is international with a Central American flair.
Cabins: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, wetsuits in Baja, Zodiac landing craft.
Special Features: Guest e-mail station, laundry service. A ship's doctor and a Video Chronicler are also onboard. An Undersea Specialist is onboard in Baja.