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Panama and Costa Rica: Crossing the Canal

Dining
+
Beverages
+
Wi-Fi
+
Shore excursions
£7,119pp
Voyage Code: AURORAPAC001S
moon 9 nights
anchor Sylvia Earle
calendar 1 Oct '27

Cruise overview

Welcome to AE Expeditions’ Costa Rica and the Panama Canal voyage. Immerse yourself in the remarkable coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Discover tropical rainforests teeming with outstanding variety of wildlife, dazzling birdlife and flamboyant flora. In Panama, discover pristine coral reefs and learn the remarkable history of the Panama Canal on a guaranteed daylight crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

Panama City
Panama City
Miraflores
Balboa (Panama City)
Golfo Dulce
Quepos (Puerto Quepos)
Punta Arenas
San José

Itinerary

Day 1

Panama City

Welcome to Panama City. On arrival at Panama City airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Panama City. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our journey. Accommodation: Panama City Hotel


Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

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Day 2

Panama City

Day 3

Miraflores

Day 4

Panama Canal Transit

Day 5

Balboa (Panama City)

Day 6

at-sea At sea

Day 7

Golfo Dulce

Day 8

Quepos (Puerto Quepos)

Day 9

Punta Arenas

Day 10

San José

Aurora Stateroom Superiorfrom£7,119pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Cfrom£7,339pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Bfrom£7,719pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Afrom£8,319pp
Balcony Stateroom Superiorfrom£9,069pp
Junior Suitefrom£10,719pp
Captain's Suitefrom£12,289pp
Balcony Stateroom Category A - SoloCall for price
Balcony Stateroom Category B - SoloCall for price
Balcony Stateroom Category C - SoloCall for price
Aurora Stateroom Triple ShareCall for price

Aurora Stateroom Superior

from£7,119pp
Enquire now

Located on Deck 7, these comfortable Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Amenities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed

Ship features

Sylvia Earle combines expedition capability with modern comfort, offering a luxurious base for adventure at the ends of the Earth.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • Ulstein X-Bow design for stability and efficiency
  • 15 Zodiacs for immersive exploration and landings
  • Four embarkation points for swift boarding
  • Glass atrium observation lounge at the bow
  • Expert-led lectures and workshops onboard
  • 70 staterooms with modern design and ensuite facilities
  • All-inclusive dining with complimentary drinks during dinner
  • Wellness centre with sauna, jacuzzi, and gym
  • Library and Citizen Science Centre for learning and engagement
  • Sustainable design with advanced environmental systems
Sylvia Earle Accommodation

Accommodation

Sylvia Earle offers 70 stylish staterooms, from porthole cabins to balcony rooms. Each features an ensuite, seating area, and flexible twin or double beds. Interconnecting options suit families and groups. Calming tones and natural textures reflect the ship’s ocean connection, creating a relaxing retreat after adventurous days.

Sylvia Earle Dining

Dining

The main restaurant serves freshly prepared meals inspired by local ingredients and global flavours. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner may be buffet or plated, with options for all dietary needs. House wines, beers, and soft drinks are included at dinner, while 24-hour tea, coffee, and snacks ensure guests are always refreshed.

Sylvia Earle Amenities

Amenities

Sylvia Earle’s standout feature is its two-storey glass atrium with panoramic views. Guests enjoy a library, Citizen Science Centre, and wellness zone with sauna, jacuzzi, and gym. Observation lounges offer ideal spots for wildlife watching or simply relaxing at sea in comfort and style.

Sylvia Earle Wellness

Wellness

The wellness centre provides a calm retreat with a sauna, jacuzzi, and massage treatments to ease tired muscles. The fitness area includes cardio equipment and free weights, with stretching sessions offered on select voyages to promote relaxation and recovery.

Sylvia Earle Entertainment

Entertainment

Entertainment focuses on learning and exploration. Daily lectures and workshops led by AE Expeditions’ experts cover wildlife, conservation, and polar science. Evenings in the lounge bring guests together to share stories and enjoy drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Sylvia Earle Families

Families

Though popular with adults, Sylvia Earle welcomes adventurous families with children aged eight and up. Interconnecting cabins and flexible activities suit multi-generational travel, while guided excursions and onboard talks inspire curiosity about nature and discovery.