Panama and Costa Rica: Crossing the Canal

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.

Departing Panama City, we stop en route to boarding our own engineering marvel, at the Miraflores Locks - a testament to the ingenuity that transformed global shipping. Built on a site chosen for its elevation and proximity to the Pacific, the Miraflores Locks allow gravity-fed chambers to manage sea level differences, making them an indispensable facet of the canal. This extensive lock system lifts and lowers ships up to 16 metres (52.5 feet) using massive concrete chambers and sluice gates that control water flow. Constructed in the early 20th century, they were engineered with precision to handle vessels of varying sizes, using hydraulics and gravity rather than pumps. Without them, the Canal simply couldn’t operate, with ships being unable to cross the hilly terrain and freshwater lakes that separate the oceans.The Miraflores Visitors Center offers a compelling insight into the strategic and mechanical core of the Panama Canal. Our visit begins with an award-winning IMAX documentary that highlights the Canal’s global significance and the formidable engineering challenges overcome during its construction. Afterwards, we move to the observation terraces on the ground and first floors, where we watch vessels as they are raised and lowered through the locks in an intricate process that showcases the Canal’s precision and power.With our curiosity piqued by our visit, we board the Sylvia Earle at the port of Colon ready to experience our own Panama Canal transit firsthand tomorrow.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner onboard

Today we experience one of the most extraordinary engineering achievements in history, on a daytime crossing of the Panama Canal from Colon to Balboa.After an initial French attempt to build the canal, the United States completed it in 1914, transforming global shipping. Before its existence, vessels had to sail up to 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) around Cape Horn — a journey that could add up to 15 days of travel time. With the canal in place, ships could slip through the Isthmus of Panama in a matter of hours, dramatically improving trade logistics. But behind the brilliance, construction was gruelling and dangerous. During the American phase alone, over 40,000 workers laboured through treacherous terrain and battled tropical diseases. The toll was staggering with more than 25,000 people dying over the entire period of construction.Today, approximately 11,500 ships pass through the Panama Canal annually, with many designed to fit the dimensions of its original locks—a testament to its enduring influence on global shipping. Today, our own Sylvia Earle makes the iconic transit across the Isthmus, accompanied by expert commentary from a local canal specialist, offering insight into every stage of the journey and the remarkable engineering behind it.

We offer two distinctly different ‘Your Choice’ experiences this morning. Choose to immerse yourself in the culture of the Emberá people, or ride in a tramway high in the tropical forest canopy, before we sail west to Costa Rica, late afternoon.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Emberá village visitOur journey takes us on land and river today, when we visit an Emberá village on a journey into the heart of Panama’s indigenous heritage. Nestled deep within the rainforest, the community lives in stilted wooden homes with thatched roofs, surrounded by lush greenery. The Emberá people maintain a lifestyle closely tied to nature, fishing in nearby rivers, cultivating crops like yucca and plantains, and crafting baskets and carvings from local materials. Their lives are guided by ancestral knowledge, passed down through oral storytelling, music, and dance. Children learn through observation and participation, while elders serve as cultural guardians. The village operates with a strong sense of cooperation and respect, where decisions are made collectively and traditions are honoured. We are welcomed to the village not just as guests, but as students, invited to learn about a way of life that values simplicity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land.Option 2 – Morning experience: Treetop rainforest experienceBoard an aerial tram for a fascinating ride through Panama’s rainforest canopy, revealing a world few get to see from the ground. The tram travels around 600 meters (approximately 1,970 feet) through the jungle, rising gradually above the forest floor, passing towering trees like the kapok and Panama tree, tangled vines, and bursts of orchids. Wildlife sightings are common, with howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths often appearing among the branches. The ride is guided as an audio feed, making this a fascinating journey for nature lovers. The tram is smooth, quiet, and ideal for anyone wanting a close-up rainforest experience without having to hike.

Balboa is a historic area located within Panama City, near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. It was developed during the early 20th century when the canal was being built. The area played an important role in supporting canal operations and shipping activities. Today, Balboa is known for its waterfront views, port facilities, and nearby cultural sites. It remains an important gateway between ocean trade routes and the capital city.

Enjoy a day at sea, as we sail into the Pacific Ocean. There’s time to unwind, attend a presentation, or simply enjoy the sunset on the horizon as we sail from Panama to Costa Rica.

Tucked between the Osa Peninsula and the southern mainland, Golfo Dulce is a deep, sheltered gulf where rainforest spills into the sea. It’s one of the only tropical fjords in the world, and its calm waters are a magnet for marine life, from dolphins and sea turtles to migrating humpback whales. Scarlet macaws flash overhead, mangroves fringe the shore, and the forest hums with life. Unlike busier coastal spots, Golfo Dulce feels untouched, quiet, wild, and deeply alive. Whether you're paddling, walking nearby trails or joining a boat cruise of the bay, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and look closer.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: Golfo Dulce’s WaterworldFrom August to December, the warm waters of Golfo Dulce welcome southern humpback whales arriving from Antarctica to give birth and care for their young. October is an ideal time to witness mothers and calves swimming together, practicing breaching, and communicating through deep, resonant calls, accompanied by resident dolphins darting through the waves.Golfo Dulce is one of the few places on Earth where northern and southern humpbacks overlap, though the southern whales dominate this season. As we head out on the water, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for these majestic creatures, hoping to catch a glimpse of a tail slap or a calf learning to leap. It’s a quiet, awe-inspiring moment in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse marine environments.Option 2 – Morning Experience: The Wild Heart of Golfo DulceStep into the rainforest and experience the living, breathing heart of Costa Rica. With over half the country covered in tropical forest, this trail walk offers a glimpse into one of the most biodiverse places in the Americas. As you follow your guide along shaded paths, you’ll learn how the rainforest supports everything from towering trees to tiny orchids.In the Golfo Dulce region, wildlife is spotted high in the forest canopy. Listen for howler monkeys in the treetops, spot colourful frogs near the forest floor, and watch for flashes of toucans, parrots, or even a macaw overhead. The trail winds through a landscape shaped by water, sunlight, and time, offering quiet moments and unexpected encounters. This trail walk is perfect for nature lovers, an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and connect with the rhythms of the rainforest.Option 3 – Morning Experience: Golfo Dulce by KayakKayaking in Golfo Dulce offers a peaceful way to explore one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse marine environments. Whether gliding across the open bay or weaving through narrow mangrove channels, the experience is quiet, slow-paced, and deeply immersive.The stillness is part of the magic—especially in the mangroves, where silence allows you to observe wildlife without disturbing it. Birds perch overhead, fish ripple beneath the surface, and crabs scuttle along tangled roots. In the bay, you might spot dolphins, sea turtles, or rays gliding through the clear water.This region is rich in life, and paddling at water level offers a unique perspective on the ecosystems that thrive here. It’s not just about movement—it’s about noticing, listening, and being one with nature.

Wild, scenic and incredibly bio-diverse, Golfo Dulce is not on most tourists itineraries. The name, says it all, Golfo Dulce or sweet gulf, in English. After a well justified visit to the Golfo Dulce, located in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, and adjacent to the Osa Peninsula, visitors will be delighted and perplexed, wondering why they would ever leave this wonderland. Several coastal hamlets reside along this enchanting gulf, namely Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Zancudo and Pavones, as well as the Piedras Blancas National Park. This is one stop on the itinerary that won’t soon be forgotten. Easily one of the wettest and most humid sections in the country, Golfo Dulce and the southwest can receive more than 200 inches (500 cm) of rainfall per year. This assures the surrounding area will be thriving with wild and plant life, perfect for aspiring adventurers. Surrounded by Corcovado National Park to the southwest, and Costa Rica’s mainland to the northeast, Golfo Dulce serves up a large platter of entertainment for all who visit. Sprouting along the edges of the Golfo Dulce are mangroves and estuaries full of wildlife. Explore these ecosystems crowded with crocodiles, river otters, waterfowl, monkeys and much more. Fed by the Coto Colorado River, the Coto River Swamps are an excellent choice for discovering these uncanny wetlands and the secrets that lay within.

The lively coastal town of Quepos, nestled on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, welcomes us today with three ‘Your Choice’ experiences on offer. Just minutes from the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a gateway to unique wildlife encounters. Nearby mangrove forests play a vital role in Costa Rica’s fragile ecosystem, offering shelter to countless species and helping protect the coastline. Add to this the efforts of local farmers who are putting sustainable practices to good use, and you’ll discover a region rich in nature, culture, and character.Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.Option 1 – Morning experience: The Mighty MangroveGliding through the mangrove forests near Quepos, feels like entering a hidden world shaped by tides and time, as the mangroves grow where rivers meet the ocean, creating a rich, ever-changing environment that supports everything from crabs and caimans to monkeys and spoonbills. These coastal forests, especially around Damas Island, are home to an extraordinary mix of land and sea life.The tangled roots of red, black, and white mangrove trees do more than look surreal—they hold the coastline together, protect against storms, and provide shelter for young marine life. Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is lined with mangroves, covering over 40,000 hectares. These forests are not only beautiful but essential: they clean the water, store carbon, and support local fisheries.As you explore the winding estuary channels, your guide will explain how this part of the forest plays an essential role. Birds perch in the canopy, fish dart below the surface of the water, and the roots form a maze of life. Our boat journey provides us with a living classroom. Quiet, wild, and full of surprises.Option 2 – Morning experience: Manuel Antonio National Park - Guided Rainforest Trail Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically diverse protected areas, and the place to visit when in Quepos. On a guided walk, we explore national park trails through tropical forest, where the focus loops between elusive wildlife to the rich plant life. Towering trees like espavel and guácimo form the canopy, while ferns, vines, and flowering plants crowd the understory. Guides point out medicinal plants, epiphytes like bromeliads and orchids, and explain how different species interact within the ecosystem. Because many animals hide high in the trees or blend into their surroundings, guides often carry scopes to spot sloths, monkeys, or birds tucked away in the foliage. This walk offers a chance to slow down and appreciate the complexity of the forest from the ground up, with the opportunity to glimpse some of Costa Rica’s unique wildlife.Option 3 – Half-day experience: A Costa Rican chocolate storyStep into the lush countryside near Quepos for a sensory journey through Costa Rica’s most iconic crops; chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. Set on a private ranch, this immersive tour invites you to explore how these beloved ingredients are grown, harvested, and transformed, with a guided walk through the gardens, where cacao pods ripen on trees, vanilla vines climb and coffee plants thrive in the tropical climate. Our guide explains how each crop is cultivated sustainably while we discover the traditional methods used to process them into the rich flavours enjoyed around the world. After exploring the gardens and learning about the plants, sit down to a fresh farm-to-table lunch made with local produce. It’s a delicious way to connect with the land and the people who care for it.

Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to visit for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office. The area was once dependent on banana plantations which used to line the surrounding area. After disease infiltrated the harvest, interest transferred to African Palms as the prominent crop. Now, tourism has deemed itself the major economic factor, contributing to just about everything in the area. Quepos lures in many tourists for its fantastic sport fishing. In fact, some have come solely to participate in this world class experience and have never left, but besides sport fishing, many other activities are available. Exploring this maze of wetlands by boat is amazing but not the only way to see crocodiles, monkeys, herons, raccoons and more. This small paradise has the perfect balance between nature and the comfort and facilities someone might need.

Disembark and head to Hacienda Doka, nestled in Costa Rica’s fertile Central Valley, for an immersive coffee experience that blends tradition, taste, and storytelling. Costa Rica’s coffee is world-renowned, not just for its smooth, balanced flavour, but for the deep cultural roots it holds in the country’s identity and economy. At the plantation, we follow its journey through the growth cycle, harvest, and roasting process. Along the way, we explore different coffee plant varieties and learn how Costa Rica’s unique climate and volcanic soil contribute to its high-quality beans. A coffee and chocolate tasting adds a delicious end to our tour, before we tuck into a traditional buffet lunch, offering a taste of local flavours.We continue to San José for our overnight stay.Accommodation: San José Hotel (or similar)Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Punta Arenas was founded as a penal colony by Chile in 1848. Nestled amid spectacular mountain vistas on the eastern shores of the Brunswick Peninsula, it played host to mariners crossing the continent by ship. Europeans followed, searching for newly discovered gold and establishing vast swaths of sheep farms locally and throughout the surrounding region. Over time, Punta Arenas became one of Chile’s most important ports as, before the opening of the Panama Canal, it laid on the northernmost transcontinental shipping route.

After breakfast, farewell your fellow travellers and board your share service transfer to San José airport for your onward flight.Meals: Breakfast

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the central valley region. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The city is known for its museums, theaters, and lively urban atmosphere surrounded by mountains. San José blends modern development with historic architecture and local traditions. It is also a major gateway for travelers exploring the rest of Costa Rica.