Panama and Costa Rica

Fuerte Amador, the Panama Canal’s Pacific terminus, lies at the end of a mile-long manmade causeway, built from the canal’s waste materials. Nearby, Frank Gehry’s colorful Biomuseo showcases Panama’s biodiversity. Miraflores Locks’ visitor centre tells the story of this legendary waterway. A short taxi ride away, modern Panama City has evolved around its two historic centres: the conquistador-era Panamá Viejo and 17th-century Casco Viejo.

The variety of birds and animals we will see from this exploration designed ship is beyond explanation in this area.  Costa Rica has more than 900 birds that can be seen on our various hikes ashore. The brochure has a more complete list.

This luxury cruise aboard the SH Vega is being offered at an very large discount.  The opportunity to sail north from Panama City to Costa Rica is a path less traveled by most visitors to Costa Rica so forget the crowds of tourist, the constant bother of vendors trying to sell you something and let your troubles float away on the tide.  This is a very relaxing cruise on the Pacific side with many unique stops along the way.

Curu Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula has diverse trails through forests, mangroves and beaches. Part of a sustainable farm, it has 232 bird species, including parrots, woodpeckers, and scarlet macaws, and hosts howler and capuchin monkeys. The refuge also aids sea turtles like the Pacific ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles through an eco-project focusing on artificial reef and coral restoration in Curu Bay.

The authentic Emberá tribe live in the Darien Jungle, and rarely receive outside visitors. They rely on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine and clothing. This is a unique opportunity to meet the indigenous people and discover their local customs. This visit offers an immersive look at an ancient culture still thriving in the Panamanian wilderness.

Here, as in many jungle places we will visit, we will no doubt come across a troop of howler monkeys.  Their famous “hoot” call will be our first indication they are in the area and our guides will do their own hooting to bring the troop closer to find out what all the hooting is about.

We could go on and on about the cuisine aboard SH Vega but suffice it to say that if it were possible, we would award at least one Michelin star. And, unlike most larger cruise ships, you sit with whom you wish and pretty much dine when you are ready.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our on-board professional photographers.

The trip is a very special opportunity to see the Costa Rican coast unlike most visitors to the area.  Please get the brochure and see much more detail as to costs and timing for this unusual once-in-a lifetime experience.