Speak to one of our experts

Call +44 20 7399 7630

From Puntarenas to Colón

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
19 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
6
Ship:
Le Lapérouse
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £5,480 pp

Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

From Puntarenas to Colón

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Dates:
19 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
6
Ship:
Le Lapérouse
Cruise Line:
Ponant Explorations
Fares:

From £5,480 pp

Voyage Itinerary

19 February

Setting sail from Puntarenas

Situated on a peculiarly shaped peninsula on the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a popular weekend beach destination for residents of Costa Rica's capital, San José. The port itself is not pretty, but the beachfront Paseo de los Turistas is a nice place to relax with a drink or enjoy a seafood lunch.

Puntarenas beach, Costa Rica

20 February

Costa Rica: Quepos

The little town of Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a nature-lover’s paradise that’s home to monkeys, iguanas and the reclusive three-toed sloth. The area around Quepos also boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and the town itself has some nice restaurants.
Sloth in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

21 February - At sea

22 February

Panama: Darién Jungle

The Darién Gap is the only break in the Pan-American Highway that runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, a wild and untamed region of thick jungle. Although the region has a reputation for lawlessness, tourism is making inroads thanks to the jungle’s staggering biodiversity and the fascinating culture of the indigenous Emberá people.
Embera indian, Panama

23 February

Panama: Fuerte Amador (Panama City)

The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.
Panama City

24 February - At sea

25 February

Panama: San Blas Islands

Situated just off the coast of Panama, the idyllic San Blas islands are home to the Kuna Indians, who enjoy political autonomy from the mainland and have an unusual degree of control over tourism to their homeland. Visiting these simple island communities is a privilege, and an insight into an indigenous way of life unsullied by mass tourism.
Aerial view of San Blas islands, Panama

26 February

Arriving in Colón

Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón is not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
Colón cathedral, Panama
Toucan in Panama

Our tip

The wildlife in the region is amazing, particularly the birds, so if you have the slightest interest then extend your stay in Panama.

The ship

Le Lapérouse

Capacity:
184 Guests
Crew:
118 Staff
Style:
Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair.

Sleek and stylish, Ponant's wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.

What we love

Named after six of France's most famous explorers, Le Champlain, Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant's trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.

Learn more about Le Lapérouse
Ponant Explorers - Le Bougainville in Norway

inclusions

  • All meals in all venues
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • All onboard entertainment
  • Unlimited use of the Fitness Centre
  • Zodiac outings and landings on expedition sailings
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • One complimentary excursion per port

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Isla Palenque, Panama

      Stay a little longer in Panama

      It’s not in Colón, but if you want to extend your stay we propose Isla Palenque, off the Pacific coast of Panama – tricky to get to, but not to be missed.

    • Spider monkey in Panama

      Explore the Panamian jungle

      Take a canopy tour and swing between great trees, seeing the wildlife as you go. Watch out – it’s not for the faint-hearted!

    How can we help?

    Our frequently asked questions

    From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.

    visit our faqs

    Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

    Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.

    Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?

    You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

    How much time is spent ashore?

    Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.

    cruise news

    Latest news and travel inspiration

    News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.

    Browse all our news

    Why Mundy?

    Who we are

    Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.

    We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.

    More about Mundy

    We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.