Costa Rica & Panama | March, 2019

Itinerary

DAY 1

San Jose, Costa Rica

Welcome to the land of pura vida! On arrival in the capital city of San Jose, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to the Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel for your overnight stay. Relax and unwind, enjoying the hotel’s amenities or nearby attractions.

DAY 2

San Jose, Costa Rica – Embarkation

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure or set out to explore nearby sites and cafes. This afternoon, join your fellow adventurers at our hospitality area in the Intercontinental Hotel. After everyone has gathered, travel to Caldera Port on the Pacific Ocean. Board the Safari Voyager and meet your enthusiastic crew and wellness hosts.

DAY 3

Curu National Wildlife Refuge

Begin your day finding a flow-state. Your Wellness hosts lead an energizing yoga practice to warm you up for the day’s adventures. 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, snake-eating frogs, 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. An energizing hike on the Finca de Monos trail is prime monkey viewing. Off shore, the turquoise waters near Isla Tortuga offer inviting opportunities to snorkel and paddle board. Or cardio-up with a power kayak or swim session.

DAY 4

Osa Conservation Area

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. Settle your mind into a state of pura vida through guided walking meditation along a quiet stretch of shoreline. Tonight, and throughout your cruise, your whole-body health hosts lead discussions on nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness.

DAY 5

Golfo Dulce

A birder’s paradise, explore a tropical botanical reserve exploding with vibrant color. From bromeliads, ginger plants, and heliconias, to toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, and butterflies—there’s a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes in every tree and bush you pass on your walking tour. In Golfo Dulce, which separates Osa Peninsula from the mainland, explore rare flora and fauna and engage your core and limbs on a fast-paddling kayak through the mangroves. Then step ashore amidst the palms, for a quiet yoga session. Take in the sunset with a tropical beverage during cocktail hour.

DAY 6

Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park, Panama

Sail through the islands of Coiba National Park, stopping at postcard-worthy Granito de Oro islet. Volcanic outcroppings book-end this tiny landmass, connected by a pristine white sand beach with a dense, mini-jungle in the center. Get limber for your day of play with guided yoga on the beach. Then, get after it! The water is perfect for a core strength/cardio ocean workout. Cool down with a snorkel among abundant marine life, paddle 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 through deep tropical jungle. Mantled howler monkeys, crested eagles, and four turtle species call Isla Coiba home.

DAY 7

Coiba National Park

Ah, another day in paradise. Start with fresh-brewed coffee and limbering sun salutations. Not an early riser? The evening session is for you. 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 snorkel or power kayak. The water is crystal-clear, and the fish and turtles are swimming! Find balance to your invigorating morning with a guided walking meditation—then it's cruising time. Settle into a comfy lounge chair and take in the views. This evening, your wellness guides bring the week’s lessons together reflecting on body, mind, soul, and setting new goals for healthful living.

DAY 8

Marine Life Search / Panama Canal

The diverse islands and islets in the Gulf of Panama are all unique, and on your last day, its captain’s choice as you cruise among them. Kick start with cardio power on the sun deck—your wellness gurus help you make all the right moves. Hosting hundreds of avian species, you may enjoy superb bird watching on a skiff exploration—you’ve earned the relaxation. And watch for mobula rays flying across the water. Later, transit from ocean to ocean along the 48-mile Panama Canal (time varies depending on when the lock authority gives the final go ahead for your evening transit). Move through half-moon and tree poses while taking in this marvel of engineering and human tenacity. Then, join your shipmates on deck for a toast as the canal lights up and the temperature drops. 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

After an early breakfast, bid adios 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 you optional UnCruise hotel stay.