14-night Costa Rica & Panama Coastal Expedition Cruise

The sights of Panama City are many, but much of it can be seen on foot. The Plaza de Francia is dedicated to the 22,000 workers who perished while building the Panama Canal. The ruins of the Church of Santo Domingo features an arch that has stood unsupported for hundreds of years. The golden altar of the Church of San Jose is the only original piece of architecture completely in tact after the Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed the city. There are many museums to explore in Panama City including: the newly restored Museum of Religious Art; the Museum of the History of Panama; the Atnthropology Museum; and the Museum of Natural Science. At Panama Viejo, view all the remains of the city’s original site.

Destination Guide

There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Destination Guide

On the edge of 86,000 acres of protected forest and with endless beaches, Portobelo and the neighboring national park have much to offer those passionate about conservation, diving and the outdoors. Visitors come for the food, for the Afro-Caribbean lifestyle and the watersports. Divers will enjoy exploring the myriad of underwater sites: sixteen significant dive sites are scattered off Portobelo's coast, including a sunken C-45 twin engine plane and massive cargo ship. To experience the city in a different way, visit in October for the lively Festival de Cristo Negro, a national, spiritual celebration of one of the region's most honored symbols.

Destination Guide

The friendly Cuna Indians live quietly on these primitive islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. The arrival of visitors to their home is still a special occasion for these isolated island dwellers. They are happy to be photographed in their colorful attire, for perhaps a small tip. Bargain for one of their fancifully designed handmade embroideries called molas.

Destination Guide

Surrender to the joyful sounds of West African music throughout the island. Or wander virgin rain forests in search of hundreds of tropical bird species. Isla Taboga is an island in the Bay of Panama on the Pacific Ocean, 11 miles south of Panama City, in the Pacific Ocean. Taboga, about 2 miles long and 1 mile wide, produces pineapples and mangoes and is a year-round tourist resort featuring excellent birdlife, swimming and fishing. Sights of interest include its church, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Destination Guide

Isla Coiba is part of a park protecting three kinds of ecosystems: the island, the reef and marine life. This park is a group of islands with Coiba being the largest. This is one of the most extensive marine parks in the world. Coiba itself, is the largest island of the American Pacific and because of its geographical isolation the forest on the island has remained untouched. Activities available on Coiba include fishing, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, and hiking and enjoying beautiful flora and fauna. The beaches have very fine sands and waters are crystal clear. This island is internationally famous because of the big blue and black marlins that have been caught around here. On some of the beaches turtles come to nest between April and September. On the south coast of the island it is possible to see humpback whales migrating. Watch hundreds of dolphins chasing schools of tuna. This is the only place in the world where you can find whole troops of red Guacamayas. These are only some of the attractions for nature lovers besides flora, fauna and bird watching.

Destination Guide

Monkeys, parrots, jaguars, tapirs, and toucans inhabit the primitive rain forest of Costa Rica which lines the Golfo Dulce, or Sweet Gulf. Nature preserves and isolated beaches provide sanctuary for a great diversity of wildlife. The Golfo Dulce is home to the highest concentration of biodiversity in Costa Rica. The tropical haven includes species and habitats such as sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, mangrove forests and estuaries.

The pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ by the National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula along with Drake Bay have today, become the premier eco-tourism destination in the county.

The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Destination Guide

The Curu Biological Reserve, on the Peninsula de Nicoya, offers diverse wildlife from white faced monkeys to phantom crabs. Though smaller than Ireland, Costa Rica boasts an amazing biodiversity. With more butterfly species than the whole of Africa, more bird species than Europe, its precious tropical rainforests harbour over half a million plant and aninial species. Small wonder that about a quarter of Costa Rica is protected nature reserve or national Park.

Liberia is a rapidly becoming popular with travelers. It's a charming college town lined with magnolia's and mango  trees. Liberia has something for all travelers form its historic architecture to it's accommodations, fantastic services and a great location for exploring the rest of Coast Rica.