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Adventure Life VOYAGES
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
406-541-2676 (Fax)
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Sea Voyager

Itinerary:  Monteverde + Costa Rica and Panama

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  Sunset in Central America

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Day 1 : Miami / San Jose, Costa Rica

Depart Miami mid-morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Flying time is approximately three hours. Upon arrival, a short drive brings us to the Hotel Melia Cariari.

Days 2-3 : Monteverde Cloud Forest

A scenic drive , approximately five hours over some bumpy roads for the last half, up the mountain takes us to Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies, insects and birds and watch for the rare resplendent quetzal. We ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird's-eye view of the rain forest canopy.

Later, we'll learn about life in the early Monteverde community, which was established by the Quakers in the 1970s. Eleven families left Alabama and came to Costa Rica in search of peaceful living. Among the original homesteaders is Marvin Rockwell who documented the emigration. He will give us a talk on the trials and triumphs of rural life in the tropics. We spend the night at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Day 4 : Monteverde / Herradura / Embark Sea Voyager

Continue our exploration of Monteverde and travel to Herradura to embark the ship.

Day 5 : 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.

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!

Day 7 : Gulfo Dulce

Today we visit 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.

Day 8 : Isla Coiba, Panama

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.

Day 9 : Gulf of Panama Islets / Gatun Lake

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.

Day 10 : 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.

Day 11 : Colon / Disembark / Panama City / Home

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.