9 days/8 nights
Next Departure: Call (800) 575-1540
From From $4,595 / person

Delight in this Luxury Costa Rica Cruise!

Explore Costa Rica and Panama’s coasts and jungle aboard the 174-foot expedition vessel, Safari Voyager. Your adventure basecamp, the ship is fully-geared up with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, and snorkel gear. Your expert guides—many of them are locals—are ready to get you out in the wild and into the action. While there’s a set itinerary, the small size of your ship allows captain and crew to deviate from the plan and go where opportunities are greatest—wildlife encounters, paddling and snorkeling, hiking, and other experiences. Paddle or skiff from ship or shore into mangroves and crystal-clear water of a national park. Hike and snorkel in conservation areas and a wildlife refuge watching for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, toucans, and butterflies. And take in a star-lighted night transit of the Panamá Canal. This exciting adventure runs from San José to Panama City or in reverse from Panama City to San José depending on the week!

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New Trips of 2019!
Small Ship Cruises
Latin America Vacations
Adult only
Family
Hiking
Paddling/Rafting
Snorkeling/Swimming
Small Ship
Gourmet Dining

Activity Level: Easy (1)

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Next Adventure:

About
This Tour

Straddled by both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and, these two, small Central American jungle nations are absolutely packed with adventure, wildlife, history and culture. Your home will be a 174-foot expedition vessel that positions you for the best possible wildlife encounters, paddling and snorkeling opportunities, hiking excursions, and other experiences. The ship’s kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, and snorkel gear are your conveyances to adventure. Right from the ship, you’ll launch and paddle or skiff to uncover the wonders of jungles, mangroves, national parks, preserves, and the Panamá Canal itself. This 9-day trip will fill your heart (and your memory cards) with wildlife as you spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, toucans, whales, and so much more!

Explore the sites and cafes of San José
Transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panamá Canal – a story of engineering and human tenacity that took over 75,000 workers to build
Enjoy superb bird watching on a skiff exploration and watch for mobula rays flying across the water
Snorkel, kayak or paddle board the vibrant, turquoise waters of Isla Tortuga
Be awe-struck in the birder’s paradise of Golfo Dulce as bromeliads, heliconias, toucans, hummingbirds, and fluttering butterflies provide a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass
Snorkel among abundant marine life, kayak around rocky outcroppings, and lounge on the warm sand of Isla Coiba

Photo: Austin Adventures - Marine Life _ Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

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Itinerary
& Map

Austin Adventures - Costa Rica/ Panama - Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

Austin Adventures - Costa Rica/ Panama Map- Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

Tour Itinerary

9 days/8 nights

Arrival: San José, Costa Rica (SJO); Departure: Panama City, Panama (PTY)

Day 1: San José, Costa Rica

Austin Adventures - San Jose - Costa Rica Vacation

Meals Included: No meals

Overnight: Doubletree Hotel

Welcome to the land of pura vida (pure life)! On arrival to San José, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind, enjoying the hotel’s amenities or nearby attractions.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica

Enjoy a warm welcome to your hotel with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie. Conveniently located only five minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, it is a great place to start exploring the country or to relax before your adventures begin. Surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, the DoubleTree Cariari hotel in San Jose is within walking distance of a golf course and shopping area. This sustainable hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guest rooms and suites with the latest amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas and 24-hour room service. To keep in shape, enjoy the onsite 24-hour fitness center.

Day 2: San José / Embarkation

Austin Adventures - Safari Voyager - Costa Rica Vacation

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure or set out to explore nearby sites and cafes. In the afternoon, join your fellow adventurers at our hospitality area in the hotel. Travel to the Pacific coast, where you’ll board the Safari Voyager and meet your enthusiastic crew.

About Safari Voyager

Discreet, classy, and stealthy, the Safari Voyager is comfortable in warm water regions and built to handle humidity and heat. Tropical adventure, wilderness access, and the natural landscape are always at the forefront. A seamless extension of the places she sails, the ship and her mostly-local crew exude pura vida (pure life). Handcrafted artwork throughout the vessel and in each cabin pays homage to the regions of Costa Rica and Panamá. Casual in nature, the Safari Voyager is a bit of a show-off, too—take in 270-degree views from the top deck or from the windows of the air-conditioned lounge. Onboard features include ‘EZ Dock’ kayak launch platform, bow-mounted underwater camera, kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear, fitness equipment and yoga mats, and DVD and book library. Cabins feature TV/DVD player, hair dryer, bathrobes, conditioning shampoo, body wash, binoculars, and reusable water bottles.

Day 3: Curú National Wildlife Refuge / Isla Tortuga

Austin Adventures - Monkey - Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

At the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula—in the tangled mangroves of Curu–the cycle of life is everywhere. Local “residents” include everything from exotic birds and deer to army ants, frog-eating snakes, and hungry crocodiles. Step carefully as you cross the swinging bridge, you don’t want to land on the menu! Land crabs shift in and out of their burrows with such force it’s enough to make the earth move. Although you might not make it on the Killer Trail, a hike on the Finca de Monos trail is prime monkey viewing. They are everywhere. Off shore, the vibrant, turquoise waters near Isla Tortuga offer inviting opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and paddle board.

Day 4: Osa Conservation Area

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

Adventure lies around every bend in the isolated, wild Osa Conservation Area, home to the country’s largest national park, Corcovado. The area is known for its diverse plant and animal species—a whopping 2.5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity is found here—including all four of Costa Rica’s monkeys, tree frogs, caimans, anteaters, scarlet macaws, coatis, and 16 different species of hummingbird. Explore this vast area putting feet to trail on an invigorating hike through the jungle. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a tropical beverage in-hand during cocktail hour and retell stories of your day.

Day 5: Golfo Dulce

Austin Adventures - Golfo Dulce - Costa Rica Vacations

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

A birder’s paradise, explore a tropical preserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, and butterflies—there’s a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, which separates Oso Peninsula from the mainland, explore the rare flora and fauna of mangroves by kayak and skiff.

Day 6: Coiba National Park, Panama / Granito de Oro / Isla Coiba

Austin Adventures - Wildlife - Costa Rica/ Panama Vacation

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, making a stop at the postcard-perfect Granito de Oro islet. Offering a little bit of everything despite its small size, volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center connect with a dreamy white sand beach. Named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, your day features snorkeling among abundant marine life, kayaking around rocky outcroppings, and lounging on the warm sand. Hop to the park’s main island for a stretch of the legs on a trail in untouched tropical jungle. Mantled howler monkeys, crested eagles, and four turtle species call Isla Coiba home.

Day 7: Coiba National Park

Austin Adventures - Capuchin Monkey - Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

Start with fresh-brewed coffee and a little limbering up with guided stretches on deck. As always, the hardest part is picking the “what.” Your guides know the trails and help you spot monkeys, hummingbirds, and towering balsa trees. Or slip into the drink for a kayak or snorkel. Then it’s cruising time – settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views.

Day 8: Marine Life Search / Panama Canal

Austin Adventures - Panama Canal - Costa Rica/ Panama Canal Vacations

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Safari Voyager

The diverse islands and islets in the Gulf of Panamá are all unique, and on your last day, its captain’s choice as you cruise among them. Hosting hundreds of avian species, you may enjoy superb bird watching on a skiff exploration, and watch for mobula rays flying across the water. Later, transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panamá Canal (time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit). Join your shipmates on deck for a toast as the canal lights up and the temperature subsides. Celebrate this unforgettable voyage with a special farewell dinner, and then join your expedition team for a slideshow highlighting the week’s adventures.

Day 9: Panama City / Disembarkation / Departure

Austin Adventures - Panama - Costa Rica/ Panama Vacations

Meals Included: B

Overnight: No Overnight

After an early breakfast, bid adiós to your crew. Make a stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center. Take in the views of Lake Gatun and the newly expanded locks. Then your transfer continues, taking you to the airport for your flight home or to begin your optional hotel stay. *Trip itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience. Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

Plan Your Next Adventure:

Dates, Rates
& Details

Stop daydreaming and start planning your adventure today. Confirmed departure dates and rates are listed below. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Not finding what you're looking for? Over 33% of our itineraries are tailored to fit your group or family needs. Feel free to call one of our travel specialists for information on custom trips. Let us plan your next adventure of a lifetime!

9 days/8 nights
Next Departure: Call (800) 575-1540
From From $4,595 / person

Recommended Travel Months

CALL (800) 575-1540 for details

Additional Trip Information

Arrival and Departures

Please plan on arriving early on the day prior to your sailing. Day one of your itinerary starts at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Panama City International Airport or your Panama City hotel.

Activities

Hiking: Easy to moderate coastal and jungle hikes Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: Ocean paddling at your leisure and pace. No experience necessary. Snorkeling: Easy to moderate conditions; no experience necessary. Discovery:

One-night pre-cruise hotel stay in San José
Panama Canal night transit; visit Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center
Visit a national park, two wildlife refuges, and a conservation area
Search for untamed wildlife – scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, sloths, white-faced capuchins
Snorkel and beachcomb at Panama’s Granito de Oro
Stroll a private butterfly-and flower-rich tropical preserve
Hike, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and explore by skiff
Off-the-beaten path exploration

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all ability and experience levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the activity that’s right for you. Our Partner – UnCruise Adventures Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with UnCruise Adventures. Headquartered at historic Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, Washington, UnCruise Adventures has been in the small ship adventure cruise business for over 20 years. The small size of UnCruise’s ships allows them to access remote areas bigger ships can’t get to providing guests with opportunities to experience off-the-map wilderness, up close, hands on, and with boots on the ground. Each day brings opportunity for adventure—kayaking, hiking, skiff explorations, snorkeling, paddle boarding. All activities are included and it’s always your choice—do as many or as few as you want. The expert, knowledgeable, and mostly-local crew enthusiastically lead the way. UnCruise Adventures keeps a constant eye on treading lightly; their small ships introduce adventurers to new and breathtaking destinations sure to leave a lasting impression.

Meals

The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). All non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included. Super premium wines and spirits and all related gratuities are not included in the trip price. Included in the Trip Price

All meals aboard ship: Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions.
Double occupancy cabins with private baths.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
All “from-the-boat” adventure activities and equipment.
Wellness amenities: Fitness equipment, yoga mats and a complimentary massage.
Spirits, wine, beer; non-alcoholic beverages.
Round-trip transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day.
Austin Adventures T-shirt and luggage tags.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Entry fees to national parks / preserves.

Not Included in the Trip Price

Gratuities to UnCruise Adventures captain and crew.
Port taxes and fees ($385 per person).
Airport transfer if not arriving/departing on Day 1 / Day 9.
Super premium wines and spirits.
Snorkel gear / wetsuits.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.

Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.

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Photos

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Testimonials

With over 20-years of experience in the adventure travel industry, we've perfected the recipe for crafting award-winning small group trips and custom itineraries on all seven continents. On every departure, we aim to exceed your expectations with best-in-class service, expert guides and the finest in regional cuisine and accommodations. From first-time travelers to seasoned alumni, our guests agree that on each Austin Adventures journey , the hardest part truly is going home. We're happy to share that 99.26% of these travelers say they'd join us again...and again...and again. But don't take our word for it. Our guests say it best:

“Wonderful trip, Super fun guides, Great adventure, Great memories ” Gregg G, Oak Creek, WI

“Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the trip. They also were able to quickly make adjustments due to the heat wave! ” Kris M, Bridgewater, CT

“Another fantastic Austin Adventures experience! Four adventures under our belts and we can't wait for the next one! ” Gary P, Castleton, NY

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Costa Rica / Panama | San José to Panama Canal