Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Cruise overview

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. 

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. 

Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal. 

Your journey in Central America will start in Portobelo, Panama, a historic Caribbean harbor and designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive coastal fortifications. Here, you will have the option to experience the monumental new locks of the Panama Canal Expansion and gain insight into the engineering achievement that reshaped global maritime trade.

Next visit the translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach. 

After a daytime sailing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, Le Bougainville calls at Balboa for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo. 

Here, you will also visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. 

Your final call will be in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. 

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.