Embark on a remarkable 8-day exploration with Ponant, sailing from Puntarenas in Costa Rica to Colón in Panama aboard the luxurious Le Dumont-d’Urville. This expedition offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history, as you navigate through lush jungles, discover indigenous communities, and traverse the enigmatic Panama Canal.
The journey begins at Puntarenas, a vibrant coastal town with a rich historical backdrop, known for its scenic beaches and a thriving fish market. Sail onwards to Golfito, a haven encircled by pristine rainforests and idyllic coastlines, offering tranquility and a glimpse of Costa Rica's phenomenal wildlife. The voyage continues to the Darién National Park in Panama, an untouched biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with exotic fauna, flora, and close interactions with the Embera tribe, who safeguard their ancestral traditions.
Le Dumont-d’Urville then courses through the iconic Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that links two great oceans. Experience the allure of Fuerte Amador, renowned for its preserved ecological wonders. The expedition brings you to the San Blas Islands, where the Kuna people showcase their vibrant and enduring culture through intricate crafts and traditional attire. Conclude this captivating voyage in Colón, a city imbued with historical significance and a bustling duty-free zone, marking the end of a journey through some of Central America’s most mesmerising landscapes and captivating cultures.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Located on Costa Rica's mainland, Puntarenas is renowned as a cruise-ship port and a launching pad for ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a significant fishing hub with a vibrant fish market. Although the outskirts might seem unimpressive, the town exudes character, harking back to its prosperous days as a prominent port and a favoured holiday destination for the wealthy from San José. Although both its port and popularity have shifted, Puntarenas is experiencing a resurgence. The town sits on a narrow sand spit with a beautifully maintained Blue Flag beach offering views of the Nicoya Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets, a public swimming pool, San Lucas Beach Club, and a marine museum. The beachfront promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, is ideal for an evening stroll, and local residents frequently ride bicycles, the town’s preferred mode of transportation.
Golfito, Costa Rica: Nestled along a small inlet of Golfo Dulce, Golfito is framed by lush green hills and pristine rainforest. This serene port city offers an escape, boasting stunning beaches with verdant backdrops. Visitors can venture through the forested Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, exploring rare flora and fauna. The town, once the primary port on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast, hosts various hotels and restaurants, many offering complimentary internet. A duty-free zone was established to revitalise the area's economy, promoting tourism development.
Vacation Spot, Costa Rica: Set against an idyllic landscape, this area provides a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can immerse themselves in tranquil natural settings by day and by night enjoy vibrant local culture. The welcoming community is proud of its unique history and traditions, offering guests a genuine glimpse into the area's cultural tapestry.
Darién National Park, Panama: The remote Darien Jungle boasts one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems and ranks among the top ten birding sites globally, featuring species such as the Crimson-collared Tanager and Snow-bellied Hummingbirds. Tapirs and Black-headed Spider Monkeys are part of its diverse wildlife. Accessing this roadless forest is mainly by rivers, with fewer than 1,000 tourists yearly. Indigenous groups, including the Embera, reside here, offering handcrafted baskets and carvings in their traditional villages.
Fuerte Amador, Panama: As a popular stopover on the way to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador offers a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific entrance to the Canal. This scenic peninsula is not only a gateway to rich historical insights but also provides visitors with access to shopping and dining experiences amidst fascinating marine views and lush landscapes. It serves as the perfect blend of leisure and exploration, encapsulating the charm and vibrancy of Panama.
Coastal Exploration, Panama: Uncover the wonders of Panama's coastline, a stretch where pristine beaches meet jewel-blue waters. The coastline offers adventurous pursuits and serene spots for reflection, giving visitors a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. With its unspoiled environment and rich biodiversity, this area promises a refreshing take on coastal adventures.
San Blas Islands, Panama: Off the Caribbean coast east of Colon, the San Blas archipelago comprises 365 islands, with only about fifty inhabited primarily by the Kuna Indians. The Kuna maintain internal autonomy and preserve their cultural traditions and language, despite Western influences. Spanish is widely spoken as the men commute to the mainland for work. Women don traditional costumes rich in geometric designs and stylised fauna and flora, with the island of El Porvenir serving as a key governance centre. Traditional arts, including molas, form a crucial aspect of Kuna culture, now popular souvenirs thanks to growing tourism.
Colón, Panama: As the provincial capital, Colón stands at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. While it was once American-named Aspinwall, the city’s identity traces back to Christopher Columbus. Post the Panama railroad’s completion, Colón’s significance soared. Despite a devastating fire in 1885, Colón was beautifully rebuilt in French architectural style. The city's enduring buildings date back to construction by Americans. Colón today is not only a vital port but also home to the world’s second-largest duty-free zone, Zona Libre, where goods are sold largely in bulk to businesses nationwide.
We endeavour to ensure that the information provided on our website regarding itineraries and schedules is accurate and up-to-date. Please be aware, however, that this information is offered in good faith and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this regard.