The narrow link of land that connects North and South America is unique
on earth, and the Pacific Explorer small-ship voyages offer unparalleled
access to the animals, plants and indigenous people who call this region
home.
On the 100-guest Pacific Explorer, you'll visit ports of call and
remote landings the big ships pass by. And with a limited number
of fellow travelers, your experience both on board and ashore is
up-close, casual, and very personal, whether you're meeting the Kuna
Indians of Panama's San Blas Islands or seeking wildlife in a Costa
Rican jungle.
Zodiac inflatable excursion crafts take you right to remote bays and
deserted shorelines, close enough to the water to trail your fingers
in the sea as you watch for blue-footed boobies, red-billed oystercatchers,
and magnificent frigate birds. On the edge of Panama's Darién
Jungle, you step from a Zodiac launch onto a huge gnarled root in the
streambank. A tattooed man, the headman of the Emberá village,
welcomes you ashore with a smile and a handshake.
Thanks to expert naturalists
and local contacts, you're given a true insider's view of this magical
world.
Come on your own voyage of discovery to this beautiful tropical wonderland.
The Ship
Maneuverable
and versatile, the 100-guest Pacific Explorer is the perfect way
to travel in comfort throughout your Central American adventures.
The intimate vessel is
staffed by friendly, knowledgeable, English-speaking Costa Ricans,
with an American Exploration Leader. All cabins are air-conditioned
with private baths and showers. All cabins feature picture windows
and teak beds.
Delicious international cuisine with Central American specialties
is prepared daily using only the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats
and fish.
Deck
Plan
The Itineraries
Pacific
Explorer offers two itineraries that feature Panama:
Between Two
Seas and Coast to Canal. We will be glad to provide details and
help you choose among any of the programs.
Between Two Seas
Between
Two Seas voyage of exploration in Costa Rica and Panama
is a true insider's experience. You'll meet fascinating local
people, and visit tropical gardens and wildlife reserves accessible
only by special arrangement-and only by small ship. Your Exploration
Leaders in Costa Rica are expert naturalists who are intimately
familiar with their native land-one quarter of which has been
set aside in nature preserves. They'll lead you into the forest
identifying the exotic species of flora and fauna you encounter.
In Panama, you'll wonder at the vast panorama of history, from
pre-Conquest civilizations to the legends of the pirates of the
Spanish Main. Orchids, butterflies, buried treasure-this is the
jungle wilderness you came to see.
The 10 day, 9 night itineraries begin in Panama City, Panama and
end in San Jose, Costa Rica or vice-versa. Sailings are available
December through April.
BETWEEN
TWO SEAS Itinerary
Coast
to Canal
From the tropical rainforests to isolated beaches,
from remote native villages to the Panama Canal, the Coast
to Canal voyage is a cruise
for marine animal and wildlife enthusiasts. Nearly every day of your
cruise, small excursion craft allow you to explore forest-lined rivers,
tiny islets, and bird rookeries on seaside cliffs - or, to just poke
around the next headland to see what's there. Visit Corcovado National
Park, where liana-draped trees roost nearly 300 species of birds,
Isla de Coiba, where you'll snorkel with sea turtles and puffer fish
and Golfo Dulce with mangrove forests and the beautiful gardens at
Orchid House. Transit the most exciting passage of the Panama Canal
and visit a remote Embera village tucked away on the coast of the
Darien Jungle. Also included is a visit to Manuel Antonio National
Park where you'll delight in exploring long strands of magnificent
beach backed by a jungle full of monkeys agoutis, three-toed sloths
and the rare white ibis.
The 8 day, 7 night itineraries begin in Panama City, Panama and end
in San Jose, Costa Rica or vice-versa. Sailings are available October
through December.
COAST
TO CANAL Itinerary
A
Socially and Environmentally Responsible Ship
Since
1946, Cruise West has conducted up-close encounters with Native and
local cultures and with wildlife in the places they travel. We
are there with a long-term view of the impact we can and do make
on the places and people we visit. Together with the caring involvement
of our guests, we are committed to making a positive impact on the
health and well-being of the environment and local cultures that
we encounter. We offer more of ourselves than a “thanks and
see you next trip”.
Founded and managed by the
employees of Cruise West, financially supported by the Company and
by donations from our guests, the “Our Bear
Cares” program places resources and actions behind these goals:
Teach and assure responsible travel practices that protect the natural
state of the environment, and improve the wee-being of the local people
Provide up-close, engaging and positive experiences for our guests
and for their local hosts
Provide financial and material resources to:
1. Preserve local cultures and help provide for their medical and educational
needs
2. Facilitate environmental conservation by partnering with local organizations
already making a positive difference
Take only photos and leave only footprints in nature
Continue to learn how to do it all better
Our Bear Cares in Costa Rica & Panama
