Costa Rica and Panama by Sm
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For details or to reserve: (866) 639-0079 MARCH 25, 2017 – APRIL 01, 2017 COSTA RICA & PANAMÁ BY SMALL SHIP Discover endless tropical beauty and unparalleled wildlife viewing during this off-the- beaten-path exploration of Costa Rica and Panamá. Embrace the crystal clear waters during snorkeling and kayaking expeditions, and search for native animals in various parks and refuges. A final highlight of the trip: traversing between two seas as you sail through the Panamá Canal. Please note: The information contained in this document is current as of 10/13/2016 Program Highlights: Enjoy the well-appointed cabins, fine gourmet dining and wines, inviting public areas, and superior service of the deluxe 62-guest Safari Voyager as you sail to prime wildlife viewing spots. Learn about the traditions, ecology, and wildlife of Costa Rica from your knowledgeable crew and onboard naturalist through interpretive presentations. On the southeastern tip of Nicoya Peninsula, spot local “residents” including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. Search for untamed wildlife including sloths, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and white-faced capuchins at Manuel Antonio National Park. Visit Corcovado, Costa Rica's largest national park known for its vast plant and animal species. Stroll a tropical botanical reserve featuring local butterflies and flowers. Explore native flora and fauna during various snorkeling or kayaking outings, by skiff tour, or during nature hikes. Traverse between two oceans through the 48-mile-long Panamá Canal. What's included: 7 nights deluxe accommodations aboard the Safari Voyager; 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners (with wine at meals and other alcoholic beverages included); full guiding services of 2 expert Expedition Leaders as well as local guides; all excursions and presentations listed in the 8-day itinerary; use of onboard equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding; 1 complimentary massage treatment (per guest); all port fees and entry fees to parks/preserves; gratuities to local guides, airport drivers, and porters; airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times. Day-by-Day Itinerary*: Day 1: Arrive San José, Costa Rica – Embarkation Welcome to Costa Rica! After arriving in San José, join fellow travelers and head to the Playa Herradura to meet your Expedition Leaders and enthusiastic crew aboard the Safari Voyager. Settle into your comfortable cabin and get to know this charming vessel before your first dinner on board. Overnight: Safari Voyager (D) Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio may be Costa Rica's smallest national park, but it's world famous for its beaches and an abundant array of wildlife. More than 330 species of birds and 100 types of mammals call the area home, and many can be easily spotted during today's guided walk—all living in the surrounding jungle or in the canopy above. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 3: Curú National Wildlife Refuge Today travel by the southern tip of Nicoya Peninsula, an area well-known for its beautiful beaches. Enjoy an active and in-depth look at the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of this unspoiled area as you hike through Curú National Wildlife Refuge—spotting everything from insects and tropical birds, to reptiles and mammals. The nearby waters off Isla Tortuga are also perfect for exploration by kayak, paddle board or snorkel. Your Expedition Leaders will help you locate, identify, and understand the diverse flora and fauna this area has to offer. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 4: Osa Conservation Area Today visit Corcovado, the country's largest park, situated in the isolated Osa Conservation Area. The region boasts 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity and is host to all four of Costa Rica's monkeys—the Central American squirrel monkey, the white-headed capuchin, the mantled howler, and Geoffroy's spider monkey—plus tree frogs, caimans, and 16 types of hummingbirds, just to name a few. A guided walk will help you see many of these amazing creatures, some found nowhere else in the world. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 5: Golfo Dulce Golfo Dulce separates the Osa Peninsula from the mainland of Costa Rica, and is rich in botanical beauty and local wildlife. Flamboyant toucans, dancing butterflies, and vibrant flowers and plants provide a never-ending kaleidoscope of colors. Enjoy exploring the area by kayak or during a guided walk or skiff tour. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 6: Granito de Oro, Coiba National Park, Panamá Entering Panamá, sail through the islands of Granito de Oro to visit Coiba National Park, a small but lush island with its mini-jungle and striking white sand beaches. Named one of the world's top diving sites, the area is perfect for a day of water activities and exploration along the rocky shoreline. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 7: Gulf of Panamá Islands / Panamá Canal Today, enjoy free time to choose from a variety of activities: birdwatching, skiff exploration, or stroll the charming coastal village nearby that is home to the hemisphere's second oldest church. Later, experience one of man's greatest achievements—the 48-mile long Panamá Canal. See the Canal's amazing Culebra Cut, the manmade Gatun Lake, and marvel at the newly constructed third set of locks designed to hold the world's largest supertankers. After the transit, join fellow travelers, your Expedition Leaders, and the ship's crew for a special farewell dinner featuring a slideshow of the week's endeavors. Overnight: Safari Voyager (B,L,D) Day 8: Colón / Panamá City – Disembarkation / Depart for U.S. After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) *Itinerary subject to change What’s Included: 7 nights deluxe accommodations aboard the Safari Voyager All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners (with wine at meals and other alcoholic beverages included) Full guiding services of 2 expert Expedition Leaders as well as local guides All excursions and presentations listed in the 8-day itinerary Use of onboard equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding Onboard fitness classes led by 2 Wellness Directors One complimentary massage treatment (per guest) All port fees and entry fees to parks/preserves Gratuities to local guides, airport drivers, and porters Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times Your Guide(s): Orbridge Expedition Leader Every departure will be accompanied by a premier Expedition Leader with extensive local knowledge and experience as a cultural, historic, and naturalist interpreter. With their contribution of exceptional know-how and enthusiasm adding depth to your experience, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation. Program Accommodations: Safari Voyager Accommodating 62 guests, the newly refurbished, 174-foot Safari Voyager offers the spacious feel of a large vessel while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a small yacht. Its roomy bridge is inviting, making it possible for the captain to welcome guests inside for wildlife spotting, perusing the charts, and interaction with the crew. The four public decks including the sun deck are ideally designed to spotlight the magnificent natural surroundings, and provide advantageous views while transiting the Panamá Canal. The spacious area on the sun deck includes fitness equipment and yoga mats. All staterooms are above deck with view windows, and include king, queen, or twin Tempur-Pedic® beds, en suite facilities, and climate control. The ship's dining room, lounge, and bar area provide comfortable space for conversations with other guests, enjoying tea or a glass of wine and enjoying the fine gourmet courses that magically appear from the galley. Master: Features queen or twin beds, desk and chair, view window, and private bath with shower. Commander: Features queen or twin beds, desk and chair, view window, and private bath with shower. Captain: Features fixed twin beds, desk and chair, view windows, and private bath with shower. Admiral: Features queen or twin beds, desk and chair, view windows, and private bath with shower. Jr. Commodore Suite: Features queen or twin beds, refrigerator, desk and chair, flat screen TV/DVD player, view window, and private bath with large shower. Owner's Suite: Features king or twin beds, sitting area with wet bar, refrigerator, media center, large bow-facing view windows, jetted whirlpool tub, and private bath with shower. Single: Features twin bed, desk and chair, view windows, and private bath with shower. Activity Level: Moderate This program offers a moderate pace with a range of activity options from kayaking, skiff rides, and snorkeling, to hikes along the beach and into the jungle. Both the single and double kayaks are very stable crafts and easily paddled by those with no previous experience. We expect that guests on this program can be sure-footed on stairs, ramps and small vessels; comfortably manage beach landings; and walk at least one mile on rocky and uneven terrain, and on paths and trails, which can be wet, muddy and slippery. Program Rates* Master: $4,399 Reservation Form Commander: $5,199 Captain: $5,599 Costa Rica & Panamá by Admiral: $6,299 Jr. Commodore Suite: $7,199 Small Ship Owner's Suite: $8,399 MARCH 25, 2017 — APRIL 01, 2017 Single (Master): $6,399 *Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability