A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Delve into the tropical forests of Panama and Costa Rica and cross the legendary Panama Canal on an 8-day cruise, learning about Smithsonian’s scientific studies in the region as you explore a range of pristine ecosystems and meet the indigenous people that call them home.
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America
Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot or Le Champlain
8 days from $6,420
A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT
Delve into the tropical forests of Panama and Costa Rica and cross the legendary Panama Canal on an 8-day cruise, learning about Smithsonian’s scientific studies in the region as you explore a range of pristine ecosystems and meet the indigenous people that call them home.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Rosalyn J.Smithsonian Journeys packed more fascinating elements into a week-long trip to Panama and Costa Rica than I would have thought possible. Fabulous!
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
SOLO TRAVELERS
No Single Supplement for solo travelers on most categories for 2025!
Overview
Discover the rare tropical ecosystems of Panama and Costa Rica on a voyage that features a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Venture to Panama’s pristine Caribbean islands then cross the historic canal to the Pacific Coast. Visit Darién National Park before calling at Fuerte Amador. Smithsonian’s scientists have conducted research on tropical ecology in Panama since 1910, in part to prepare for the opening of the canal. Gain insight from today’s scientists on a specially-arranged visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center. Then cruise to Costa Rica to explore Quepos and nearby Manuel Antonio National Park.
The Smithsonian Journeys / PONANT Experience: Each cruise will be accompanied by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts. An excursion or activity is included in each port of call. You may have a choice of excursions in many ports, so that you can delve more deeply into subjects that interest you.
Highlights Include
- San Blas Islands: Go snorkeling among coral reefs, walk white-sand beaches, and meet the indigenous Guna people in this remote archipelago.
- Panama Canal and Panama City: Make a full daylight transit of the Panama Canal, one of the greatest wonders of engineering in history. Then take a guided tour of the Biomuseo, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum’s interactive biodiversity exhibitions were created by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama. Enjoy lunch and a walking tour in the charming colonial center of Casco Antiguo or Visit Panama Viejo, the archaeological site of the original permanent European settlement.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI): On a specially arranged tour of the Smithsonian’s Punta Culebra Nature Center guided by STRI staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. Also visit the new Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry and dedicated to the ecological importance of Panama’s wilderness areas.
- Darién National Park: Within this World Heritage-listed park, ride Zodiacs to a traditional village of the indigenous Emberá people, who have maintained their timeless lifestyle. Learn about their rich culture, from their excellent craftwork to their music and dance traditions.
- Costa Rica: Dock in Quepos and choose from a guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife cruise through the thick mangroves, or a rafting adventure on the Savegre River.
- Rosalyn J.Smithsonian Journeys packed more fascinating elements into a week-long trip to Panama and Costa Rica than I would have thought possible. Fabulous!
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Itinerary Jan, 6, 2025 Departure
Day 1 — Colón, Panama
Arrive in Colón, Panama’s second largest city, located at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Embark this evening and sail east along Panama’s coast. (D)
Day 2 — San Blas Islands
Just off the Caribbean shores of Panama, the San Blas Islands are a string of more than 300 islands and cays. Anchor at Holandes Cayes, sheltered behind a long coral reef, and enjoy a day to explore the treasures of the archipelago. Long white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel amid an incredible array of marine life. We may be welcomed by the indigenous people of the San Blas, the Guna, who govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from Panama’s national government. Learn about the Guna’s traditions, from their distinctive dress to handicrafts. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Panama Canal
Today, set off on a journey that inspired the imagination of many 20th-century adventurers: a daytime transit of the Panama Canal. This critical passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific allowed ships to avoid rounding South America’s Cape Horn. The canal’s construction started in 1881 under the direction of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had previously built the Suez Canal. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States between 1904 and 1914. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction—and its intricate engineering—as you pass through three levels of locks. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Playa Muerto and Darién National Park
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darién is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A World Heritage site since the 1980s, Darién National Park offers extraordinary landscapes of rocky coastlines, mountains, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Darién also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberá tribe. Ride Zodiacs to Playa Muerto, a small coastal village where we’ll meet with men and women who have maintained their lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region. The chief will welcome us with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce us to their customs, and invite us to witness traditional dances. Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Panama City
One of Central America's most attractive capitals, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th century by the French. On a full-day excursion from Fuerte Amador, part of a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the canal, tour the Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibition—executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama—which showcases the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna. Also visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially-arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest research in tropical ecology, observe marine species up close and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. Choose to discover to the charming colonial district of Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour and lunch, or tour the archaelogical site of Panama Viejo, an important site where numerous excavations have been conducted by Smithsonian researchers. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — At Sea
As the ship makes its way along the length of southern Panama towards Costa Rica, enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Opt for a treatment in the spa or get a work out at the fitness center. Go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Quepos, Costa Rica
Your final port of call is Quepos, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick rain forests are edged by stunning beaches. Venture into the park with a naturalist to encounter tropical flora and fauna, including sloths; several species of monkey; and both terrestrial and sea birds, such as toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. The trail emerges from the trees at Espadilla Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in the sand. Alternatively, choose a riverboat cruise on the Damas Island estuary among coastal mangroves that teem with waterfowl, caimans, and monkeys; or go for a rafting adventure on the pristine Savegre River. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Puntarenas / Return Home
After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Caldera, at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. From here, transfer to San José for your flight home, or continue to explore Costa Rica. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
Itinerary Feb. 19, 2026 Departure
Day 1 — Colón, Panama
Arrive in Colón, Panama’s second largest city, located at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Embark this evening and sail east along Panama’s coast. (D)
Day 2 — San Blas Islands
Just off the Caribbean shores of Panama, the San Blas Islands are a string of more than 300 islands and cays. Anchor at Holandes Cayes, sheltered behind a long coral reef, and enjoy a day to explore the treasures of the archipelago. Long white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel amid an incredible array of marine life. We may be welcomed by the indigenous people of the San Blas, the Guna, who govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from Panama’s national government. Learn about the Guna’s traditions, from their distinctive dress to handicrafts. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Panama Canal
Today, set off on a journey that inspired the imagination of many 20th-century adventurers: a daytime transit of the Panama Canal. This critical passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific allowed ships to avoid rounding South America’s Cape Horn. The canal’s construction started in 1881 under the direction of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had previously built the Suez Canal. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States between 1904 and 1914. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction—and its intricate engineering—as you pass through three levels of locks. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Panama City
One of Central America's most attractive capitals, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th century by the French. On a full-day excursion from Fuerte Amador, part of a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the canal, tour the Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibition—executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama—which showcases the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna. Also visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially-arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest research in tropical ecology, observe marine species up close and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. Choose to discover to the charming colonial district of Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour and lunch, or tour the archaelogical site of Panama Viejo, an important site where numerous excavations have been conducted by Smithsonian researchers. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Playa Muerto and Darién National Park
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darién is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A World Heritage site since the 1980s, Darién National Park offers extraordinary landscapes of rocky coastlines, mountains, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Darién also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberá tribe. Ride Zodiacs to Playa Muerto, a small coastal village where we’ll meet with men and women who have maintained their lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region. The chief will welcome us with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce us to their customs, and invite us to witness traditional dances. Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — At Sea
As the ship makes its way along the length of southern Panama towards Costa Rica, enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Opt for a treatment in the spa or get a work out at the fitness center. Go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Quepos, Costa Rica
Your final port of call is Quepos, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick rain forests are edged by stunning beaches. Venture into the park with a naturalist to encounter tropical flora and fauna, including sloths; several species of monkey; and both terrestrial and sea birds, such as toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. The trail emerges from the trees at Espadilla Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in the sand. Alternatively, choose a riverboat cruise on the Damas Island estuary among coastal mangroves that teem with waterfowl, caimans, and monkeys; or go for a rafting adventure on the pristine Savegre River. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Puntarenas / Return Home
After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Caldera, at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. From here, transfer to San José for your flight home, or continue to explore Costa Rica. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
Itinerary Feb. 26, 2026 Departure
Day 1 — Puntarenas
Following your transfer from San José, embark in Puerto Caldera, at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. (D)
Day 2 — Quepos, Costa Rica
Your first port of call is Quepos, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick rain forests are edged by stunning beaches. Venture into the park with a naturalist to encounter tropical flora and fauna, including sloths; several species of monkey; and both terrestrial and sea birds, such as toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more. The trail emerges from the trees at Espadilla Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in the sand. Alternatively, choose a riverboat cruise on the Damas Island estuary among coastal mangroves that teem with waterfowl, caimans, and monkeys; or go for a rafting adventure on the pristine Savegre River. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — At Sea
As the ship makes its way along the length of southern Panama, enjoy a day to relax at sea, taking advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Opt for a treatment in the spa or get a work out at the fitness center. Go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Your Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Playa Muerto and Darién National Park
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darién is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A World Heritage site since the 1980s, Darién National Park offers extraordinary landscapes of rocky coastlines, mountains, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Darién also serves as home to about 30,000 indigenous peoples, mostly from the Emberá tribe. Ride Zodiacs to Playa Muerto, a small coastal village where we’ll meet with men and women who have maintained their lifestyle much as it was before Spain colonized the region. The chief will welcome us with traditional Emberá hospitality, introduce us to their customs, and invite us to witness traditional dances. Before returning to the ship, you may wish to take a short hike to a nearby waterfall. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Panama City
One of Central America's most attractive capitals, Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish explorers and rebuilt in the late 17th century by the French. On a full-day excursion from Fuerte Amador, part of a causeway at the Pacific entrance to the canal, tour the Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibition—executed by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Panama—which showcases the ecological significance of Panama’s exotic flora and fauna. Also visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center, an open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially-arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest research in tropical ecology, observe marine species up close and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest. Choose to discover to the charming colonial district of Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour and lunch, or tour the archaelogical site of Panama Viejo, an important site where numerous excavations have been conducted by Smithsonian researchers. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Panama Canal
Today, set off on a journey that inspired the imagination of many 20th-century adventurers: a daytime transit of the Panama Canal. This critical passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific allowed ships to avoid rounding South America’s Cape Horn. The canal’s construction started in 1881 under the direction of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had previously built the Suez Canal. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States between 1904 and 1914. Delve into the dramatic history of its construction—and its intricate engineering—as you pass through three levels of locks. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — San Blas Islands
Just off the Caribbean shores of Panama, the San Blas Islands are a string of more than 300 islands and cays. Anchor at Holandes Cayes, sheltered behind a long coral reef, and enjoy a day to explore the treasures of the archipelago. Long white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to swim and snorkel amid an incredible array of marine life. We may be welcomed by the indigenous people of the San Blas, the Guna, who govern the islands as an autonomous province with minimal interference from Panama’s national government. Learn about the Guna’s traditions, from their distinctive dress to handicrafts. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Colón, Panama
After breakfast, disembark in Colón, Panama’s second largest city, located at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. From here, transfer for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)