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Central America`s Two Seas Cruise
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Cruise through the Caribbean and the Pacific aboard of Silversea Expeditions ship, Prince Albert II.
Price schedule
Group tour
Price $0.00 / pax
Description
Ship: Prince Albert II
Cabin: Adventurer Class
Departure Date: 21-08-09
Ports of visit: La Romana, Port Antonio, Black River, Isla de Providencia, Puerto Limon, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal, Darien Jungle, Isla de Coiba, Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas.
Port charges and Handling Fees of $225 per person are in addition to the cruise fares.
Cabin: Adventurer Class
Departure Date: 21-08-09
Ports of visit: La Romana, Port Antonio, Black River, Isla de Providencia, Puerto Limon, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal, Darien Jungle, Isla de Coiba, Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas.
Port charges and Handling Fees of $225 per person are in addition to the cruise fares.
Day 1 Dominican Republic La Romana
Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 15-day Silversea Expedition – “Central America`s Two Seas”. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.
Departure: 05:30 pm
Departure: 05:30 pm
Day 2
At sea. As we make way through the Caribbean Sea, we meet fellow explorers and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Gather in the Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Other onboard diversions may include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.
Day 3 Jamaica Port Antonio
This morning we enter Porto Antonio, a port that has for years captivated admirers like poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox and actor Errol Flynn. Join members of our Expedition Team for a visit to a small cove nearly enclosed by land and one of Jamaica’s most scenic spots, the Blue Lagoon or Blue Hole as residents call it. We also visit Frenchman’s Cove and the architecturally ornate and historic Victorian mansion of Demontevine Lodge on Titchfield Street.
Together with our onboard ornithologist, we embark on a birding adventure along the Rio Grande River. Due to the migratory path for North America, many species visit there in both autumn and spring. Be on the look out for Restarts, warblers, the Streamertail hummingbird, vireos and the tiny falcon, the American Kestrel.
Arrival: 08:00 am
Departure: 06:00 pm
Together with our onboard ornithologist, we embark on a birding adventure along the Rio Grande River. Due to the migratory path for North America, many species visit there in both autumn and spring. Be on the look out for Restarts, warblers, the Streamertail hummingbird, vireos and the tiny falcon, the American Kestrel.
Arrival: 08:00 am
Departure: 06:00 pm
Day 4 Jamaica Black River
Today we visit one of the most isolated parts of the Caribbean. When navigating to the south coast of Jamaica, voyaging along the Black River via Zodiac is a one of a kind opportunity that is not to be missed. Journeying into the depths of Jamaica’s natural realm, amid the heavy strands of bamboo, ferns, ebony, mahogany and rosewood, we may catch sight of the Jamaican Iguana, crocodiles, mongoose, Jamaican Huita or Coney and more than 200 species of birds, including 25 endemics like the Yellow-billed and Black-billed parrot. We join our onboard ornithologist and together identify these birds and the more than 100 butterflies, including the endangered Swallowtail butterfly.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 04:30 pm
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 04:30 pm
Day 5
At sea. Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the regions endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Onboard diversions may include photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.
Day 6 Colombia Ilsa de Providencia
Enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system of some 22 miles (35 kilometres) long, Isla de Providencia of the Archipelago of San Andreas rests one of the most significant reefs outside of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Lying midway between Costa Rica and Jamaica. Diving and snorkelling are a must in the peaceful, seductive waters of this island gem. We hope to go snorkelling tomorrow.
We are seduced by the island’s pristine charm and undisturbed nature via a leisurely, open-air truck tour. We may also dive the enormous crevasses in search of sharks, lobster and barracudas among others. Also among the warm tropical waters and gently rocking surf, we snorkel the reef and the myriad of colourful creatures that call it home. On land, we search for regional birds and wildlife, taking time to meet locals, who are know for their hospitality and general nature.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Lying midway between Costa Rica and Jamaica. Diving and snorkelling are a must in the peaceful, seductive waters of this island gem. We hope to go snorkelling tomorrow.
We are seduced by the island’s pristine charm and undisturbed nature via a leisurely, open-air truck tour. We may also dive the enormous crevasses in search of sharks, lobster and barracudas among others. Also among the warm tropical waters and gently rocking surf, we snorkel the reef and the myriad of colourful creatures that call it home. On land, we search for regional birds and wildlife, taking time to meet locals, who are know for their hospitality and general nature.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Day 7 Costa Rica Puerto Limon
Costa Rica’s eastern frontier officially opened in the second half of the 19th century, despite years of cocao trade between the country’s Valley of Matina and the Spanish. Growing on the site chosen for that original Caribbean port in 1867 as a lone lemon tree or limón, thus the name, Puerto Limón.
Learn about the endemic ecology via a hike into the rainforest. Discover the abundant fauna like the three-toed sloth and a myriad of colourful bird species including: toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, kiskidees, squirrels and majestic butterflies that swarm through the trail. Witness the beautiful flora, such as the epiphytes, orchids and bromeliads as well as other ground level plants. The different species of trees house many jungle creatures.
Arrival: 01:00 pm
Departure: 08:00 pm
Learn about the endemic ecology via a hike into the rainforest. Discover the abundant fauna like the three-toed sloth and a myriad of colourful bird species including: toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, kiskidees, squirrels and majestic butterflies that swarm through the trail. Witness the beautiful flora, such as the epiphytes, orchids and bromeliads as well as other ground level plants. The different species of trees house many jungle creatures.
Arrival: 01:00 pm
Departure: 08:00 pm
Day 8
At sea. Today, we make way for Panama’s San Blas Islands. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. Enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at The Humidor or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard the Prince Albert II. Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of a vast velvet sky strewn with shimmering stars.
Day 9 Panama San Blas Islands
Following in the wake of explorers like Columbus, Balboa and Pizarro and buccaneers like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, we quest to discover an intact ancient culture thriving in alongside a modern world; pristine beaches with a mosaic of sea life just off shore; verdant rainforests filled with a kaleidoscope of wildlife; and adventure and treasure oft in every corner.
Today we are given a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean as it was before the European explorers came here. The San Blas Islands or Cuna (Kuna) Yala Reserve is home to the Cuna (Kuna) natives, who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Cuna (Kuna) community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colourful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas. Molas are handcrafted artwork that has become popular tourist souvenirs. Made by Cuna (Kuna) women, these rainbow-coloured fabrics are adorned with jungle animals, birds, fish or geometric patterns and brimming with creativity.
This afternoon, we are free to shop for local handicrafts, or swim and snorkel off the remote beaches. These idyllic islands are surrounded by coral reef and comprised of coral topped with a light sprinkling of topsoil. September and October are the best months for snorkelling because the waters are the clearest due to a lesser amount of rainfall during these months. These protected islands and reefs shelter a dazzling diversity of marine life, and it is ours to encounter.
Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Cuna (Kuna), we refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts and men keep their shirts on when moving about the island in places other than beach areas.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 06:00 pm
Today we are given a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean as it was before the European explorers came here. The San Blas Islands or Cuna (Kuna) Yala Reserve is home to the Cuna (Kuna) natives, who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Cuna (Kuna) community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colourful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas. Molas are handcrafted artwork that has become popular tourist souvenirs. Made by Cuna (Kuna) women, these rainbow-coloured fabrics are adorned with jungle animals, birds, fish or geometric patterns and brimming with creativity.
This afternoon, we are free to shop for local handicrafts, or swim and snorkel off the remote beaches. These idyllic islands are surrounded by coral reef and comprised of coral topped with a light sprinkling of topsoil. September and October are the best months for snorkelling because the waters are the clearest due to a lesser amount of rainfall during these months. These protected islands and reefs shelter a dazzling diversity of marine life, and it is ours to encounter.
Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Cuna (Kuna), we refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts and men keep their shirts on when moving about the island in places other than beach areas.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 06:00 pm
Day 10 Panama Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a 400-year old story that began with the Spanish Conquistadors seeking gold treasure in Peru and beyond. Exploited and enslaved in the 1500s, many Panamanians fled to the forests and the Islands of San Blas. They were replaced by slaves from Africa who helped build the Spanish Empire, the third richest colony in the New World.
By the 16th century, the Spanish dominance fell to the growing British Empire, which neglected the colony and let it fall into decay. With the onset of the California Gold Rush, the United States built a railroad across the isthmus. In 1879, a French company began building a canal only to abandon the project a decade later. Finally at the turn of the 20th century, the United States and France began building the canal, which was not completed until 1914. In 2006, the Panamanian government approved an ambitious plan to expand the canal, which could double its present capacity. The project is slated for completion by 2014-15.
Today we pass through the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama and the American continent. The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Three sets of locks work as water elevators lifting ships to the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 metres) above sea level, and later lowering them again to sea level on the other side. By using the Canal, vessels avoid travelling the 14,000 nautical mile route through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
NOTE: Due to heavy traffic in the Canal, a daytime transit cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation of exact times will be established once we get close to our actual transit date.
Arrival: 05:00 am
Departure: 07:00 pm
By the 16th century, the Spanish dominance fell to the growing British Empire, which neglected the colony and let it fall into decay. With the onset of the California Gold Rush, the United States built a railroad across the isthmus. In 1879, a French company began building a canal only to abandon the project a decade later. Finally at the turn of the 20th century, the United States and France began building the canal, which was not completed until 1914. In 2006, the Panamanian government approved an ambitious plan to expand the canal, which could double its present capacity. The project is slated for completion by 2014-15.
Today we pass through the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama and the American continent. The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Three sets of locks work as water elevators lifting ships to the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 metres) above sea level, and later lowering them again to sea level on the other side. By using the Canal, vessels avoid travelling the 14,000 nautical mile route through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
NOTE: Due to heavy traffic in the Canal, a daytime transit cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation of exact times will be established once we get close to our actual transit date.
Arrival: 05:00 am
Departure: 07:00 pm
Day 11 Panama Darien Jungle
As the sun rises over the horizon, we hoist anchor and set sail for the remote Embera Village deep in Panama’s Darién Jungle. We go ashore to melodic rhythms of traditional tribal music, which is played on drums, maracas and flutes by male villagers. Local ladies and children in brightly coloured attire welcome us to their village and introduce us to their way of life. We visit authentic tribal dwellings built of nearby trees and plants. Before leaving, villagers will perform a native dance for our entertainment and will demonstrate basket weaving and carving techniques.
Recognized as one of the top-ten birding sites in the world, the Darién Jungle is remote and unvisited. This makes seeing birds and animals up close likely, so we must be on the lookout for species like the Green and Chestnut-fronted macaws, Rufous-tailed and Snow-bellied hummingbirds, King vultures, as well as the endangered Great curasows, macaws, White-lipped peccary, Tapir, Black-headed spider monkey, and the jaguar.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Recognized as one of the top-ten birding sites in the world, the Darién Jungle is remote and unvisited. This makes seeing birds and animals up close likely, so we must be on the lookout for species like the Green and Chestnut-fronted macaws, Rufous-tailed and Snow-bellied hummingbirds, King vultures, as well as the endangered Great curasows, macaws, White-lipped peccary, Tapir, Black-headed spider monkey, and the jaguar.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Day 12 Panama Isla de Coiba
Making full use of our small, manoeuvrable ship and our Zodiacs, we hope to land at this obscure part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, exploring land and sea, we marvel at the natural wonder that is Isla Coiba. We may be greeted by the roaring sound of the social, but mostly harmless, Howler monkey. Setting out in search of an abundant assortment of birdlife along with our natural history staff, we hope to spot some of the 150 known bird species, including the bi-coloured hawk, King vulture, Coiba spine tail, Bare-throated tiger herring, Crimson-backed tangier, and the Scarlet macaw. Leaving only footprints in the fine, white sand beaches, we might encounter a sea turtle nest or two.
Today we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride in one of our specially designed clear kayaks, in the Pacific Ocean and we could not ask for a better place. Just off shore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America and it is teaming with underwater activity. The coral and underground caves attract more than 200 species of reef and game fish, including King angels, Blennies, Puffers, Moray eels, Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, whales, Blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, roosterfish, Red snapper, grouper and Amberjack.
Arrival: 12:00 pm
Departure: 06:00 pm
Today we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride in one of our specially designed clear kayaks, in the Pacific Ocean and we could not ask for a better place. Just off shore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America and it is teaming with underwater activity. The coral and underground caves attract more than 200 species of reef and game fish, including King angels, Blennies, Puffers, Moray eels, Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, whales, Blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, roosterfish, Red snapper, grouper and Amberjack.
Arrival: 12:00 pm
Departure: 06:00 pm
Day 13 Costa Rica Golfo Dulce
Another fabulous day dawns while we enter what seems like the Garden of Eden. Cruising into the small, enchanted inlet of Golfo Dulce in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, we pay a visit to the private botanical garden of Casa Orquideas (Orchid House), which spotlights more than 100 species of orchids, as well as, mass plantings of ornamental palms, bromeliads, cycads, heliconias, flowering ginger and spice trees. Despite the more than 200 inches (500 cm) of annual rainfall and the humidity needed for these beauties to thrive, two former New Hampshire residents have carefully tended to these immaculate gardens and grounds for the past 25 or so years.
Arrival: 10:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Arrival: 10:30 am
Departure: 05:00 pm
Day 14 Costa Rica Osa Peninsula
As the sun wakes, we are off on a great adventure exploring the wild side of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula might just be Costa Rica’s best-kept secret. Its distinctive bio-diversity is made up of eight different habitats including a cloud forest, sprawling lowland, a rain-drenched tropical forest, wave-pummelled beaches, coastal wetlands, and fertile farmlands.
As we venture about this protected peninsula, we discover Corcovado National Park, a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Four species of marine turtles can be found here, including the Olive Ridley, the Black Turtle, the Leatherback and Hawksbill. Hiking inland, we encounter a place where jaguars and pumas still roam the jungles. Entering the mouth of a muddy, swirling jungle river we try to catch a glimpse of the sly, but powerful crocodile. Osa is also the home to 400 different species of birds, including one of Central America’s largest populations of Scarlet macaws. We may also encounter poison dart frogs and 500 species of trees during our time at the Corcovado Conservation Area.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 11:00 pm
As we venture about this protected peninsula, we discover Corcovado National Park, a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Four species of marine turtles can be found here, including the Olive Ridley, the Black Turtle, the Leatherback and Hawksbill. Hiking inland, we encounter a place where jaguars and pumas still roam the jungles. Entering the mouth of a muddy, swirling jungle river we try to catch a glimpse of the sly, but powerful crocodile. Osa is also the home to 400 different species of birds, including one of Central America’s largest populations of Scarlet macaws. We may also encounter poison dart frogs and 500 species of trees during our time at the Corcovado Conservation Area.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Departure: 11:00 pm
Day 15 Costa Rica Puerto Quepos
We use the ship’s Zodiacs to go ashore at the small port town of Quepos, which is best known for sport fishing and tourism. Tranquil turquoise beaches, lush tropical jungles, and a fantastic variety of flora and fauna can only begin to paint the portrait of this idyllic destination. Quepos is less than 4.5 miles (7 km) from Costa Rica’s most popular gem, Manuel Antonio National Park, where we begin the day’s exploration.
In 1972, the people of Costa Rica dedicated Manuel Antonio National Park so to preserve, for future generations, one of the most stunning and bio-diverse areas of the world. Spread out over 683 hectares is the nation’s smallest national park with the largest heart. Filled to the brim with diverse wildlife, primary and secondary forests, a stunning shoreline ideal for bird watching or swimming, and home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals including: iguanas, sloths, squirrel monkeys, colourful crabs, and the ceiba tree, which, according to ancient Mayan culture, is the tree of life that links us to the spirit world.
Together with our highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guides we hike through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforests hoping to encounter numerous species of monkeys as they traverse the tree canopy, and listen to the songs of the multitude of birds as they glide above the group.
Alternatively, enjoy a cruise through the mangroves, considered to be an important ecosystem packed with hundreds of species of marine and land animals at the beginning their life cycles.
Aboard a sturdy vessel designed for this type of cruising, your guides and captain navigate around shifting sandbanks, to reveal the animals, insects and plants that lie hidden to the untrained eye. We pass through wide lagoons, where many species of nesting sea birds can be observed, and round narrow passages, affording us a chance for an intimate encounter with the shy white-collared capuchin monkeys. These creatures are certain to come and peer out at those who have entered their realm.
Arrival: 07:00 am
Departure: 10:00 pm
In 1972, the people of Costa Rica dedicated Manuel Antonio National Park so to preserve, for future generations, one of the most stunning and bio-diverse areas of the world. Spread out over 683 hectares is the nation’s smallest national park with the largest heart. Filled to the brim with diverse wildlife, primary and secondary forests, a stunning shoreline ideal for bird watching or swimming, and home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals including: iguanas, sloths, squirrel monkeys, colourful crabs, and the ceiba tree, which, according to ancient Mayan culture, is the tree of life that links us to the spirit world.
Together with our highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guides we hike through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforests hoping to encounter numerous species of monkeys as they traverse the tree canopy, and listen to the songs of the multitude of birds as they glide above the group.
Alternatively, enjoy a cruise through the mangroves, considered to be an important ecosystem packed with hundreds of species of marine and land animals at the beginning their life cycles.
Aboard a sturdy vessel designed for this type of cruising, your guides and captain navigate around shifting sandbanks, to reveal the animals, insects and plants that lie hidden to the untrained eye. We pass through wide lagoons, where many species of nesting sea birds can be observed, and round narrow passages, affording us a chance for an intimate encounter with the shy white-collared capuchin monkeys. These creatures are certain to come and peer out at those who have entered their realm.
Arrival: 07:00 am
Departure: 10:00 pm
Day 16 Costa Rica Puntarenas
The Prince Albert II will arrive at Puerto Caldera in the morning. After breakfast, disembark.
Arrival: 06:30 am
Arrival: 06:30 am
