At a Glance
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Immerse yourself in the spectacular coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama and complete a crossing of the Panama Canal on this incredible 12-day experiential cruise. Make yourself at home onboard the luxury Greg Mortimer and enjoy walking, hiking, kayaking and snorkeling explorations as you uncover the incredible landscapes, unique wildlife and historic city splendors of this amazing part of the world.
Begin your journey in on of the most biodiverse regions on earth, Costa Rica, and explore tropical rainforests teeming with a spectacular variety of wildlife and unique flora. Keep an eye out for the infamous two and three toed sloths, monkeys, toucans, tapirs, armadillos and iguanas just to name a few. Walk among the tropical rainforests and weave your way through sky reaching, ancient trees and unique flora, visiting one ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in San Jose on day 1
- Transfer from San Jose to Puerto Caldera on day 2
- On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- Complimentary dry bag backpack
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cartagena de Indias on day 14
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Itinerary
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Arrive in the capital of the wonderous Costa Rica at San Jose international airport and board your complimentary airport transfer service to your hotel departing every hour from 4.20am until 10.30pm. On arrival to the hotel, ask reception to provide you with you Expedition cabin tags, ready for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin ahead of arrival. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. |
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In the morning enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast before being transferred to Puerto Caldera, where your vessel awaits. Settle into your cabin and engage in important safety briefings, before lunch onboard as you sail to your first destination for exploration. After your day of leisurely exploration, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers and crew to celebrate the beginning of an exceptional adventure. |
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After breakfast, visit the Curu National Wildlife Refuge on an eco-tourism experience featuring over 3700 acres of wilderness. Choose from the 17 different hiking trails winding through topical forests, mangrove swamps, grassy fields and beautiful coastline and have the opportunity to spot white-tail deer, armadillos, iguanas and a unique array of monkeys that are prolific in the area. Playing host to an abundance of wildlife and one of the most beautiful beaches, visit the protected bay of the Nicoya Peninsula where you will have the chance to go for a paddle and swim. Return to the vessel and relax after your day of adventure onboard before sitting down to dinner. |
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This morning, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, boasting a myriad of mammal and bird species. See the infamous two and three toed sloths, monkeys, and toucans on one of the many beautiful hikes through-out the park. Enjoy walking through rainforest, to waterfalls and remote beaches where you will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak and paddleboard amid the stunning coral. Later, anchor off the shores of Espadilla Beach, where you will embark on a wet landing by zodiac to the beautiful soft-sanded beach. Walk along the trail through the rainforest leading to Playa Manuel Antonia, the most popular beach in the park and embark on your choice of hiking trail including the circular loop trail around the promontory bluff, offering spectacular views from Punta Catedral, allowing excellent opportunities for continued wildlife spotting. Return to the vessel before dinner. |
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The untamed Osa Peninsula is considered by National Geographic to be ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’. We plan to hike the trails at Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that encompasses 500 hectares of tropical rainforests, making it one of the most important natural preserves in Central America. Rio Claro is one of the last refuges for pumas, ocelot, jaguarundis, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries and a host of other rainforest animals. The high plateau forests, with trees towering over 43 m (140 ft), supports hundreds of species of ferns, bromeliads and orchids, and creates a biological corridor between palm swamps and mangroves. It is an extension of Corcovado National Park, the country's largest and one of the most remote parks in Costa Rica. |
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Golfo Dulce, or Sweet Gulf, is a large bay that hugs pristine beaches, rivers and tall evergreen forests - a protected area known as the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. As one of the wettest places on Earth with over 5,000 millimetres (200 inches) of rainfall per year, the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve features some of the world’s tallest trees. The warm tropical waters in the gulf are a great place to enjoy aquatic activities, where spinner dolphins are often seen frolicking in the bay. There are ancient coral reefs to explore, where you can see enormous coral gardens and the creatures that inhabit them. On land, there are more pristine rainforest trails for you to explore, where you can marvel at the extraordinary flora and fauna that contributes to Costa Rica’s biodiversity. By Zodiac, we shuttle ashore to Saladero Ecolodge and explore the gardens and walking trails filled with flowering plants. Keep a watch for birds including toucans, scarlet macaw, caracara and woodpeckers. In Golfo Dulce we exit Costa Rica and continue our journey as we sail to Panama. |
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Today, sail through the Panamanian islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO claimed place of outstanding universal value. Located off the southwest coast of Panama, its lays claim to the last refuge of a number of threatened animals such as the crested eagle and a remarkable natural laboratory for scientific research. With limited human contact, the area offers exceptionally high levels of native mammals, birds and plants and plays a role in the ongoing evolution of new species. Spend the morning at Granito de Oro Islet, offering a diversity and volume of marine life and featured as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Snorkel among the plethora of marine wildlife, kayak around the rocky outcrops and bask on the warm sand. You may also choose to hike the ‘Monkey Trial’ through the forest where you will have the opportunity to see mantled howler monkeys and crested eagles. The following morning, we plan to land at Punta Clara, which served as a penal colony from 1919 to 1996, where Panama’s most notorious criminals and political prisoners were incarcerated. At the peak of its operations, the prison housed up to approximately 3,000 inmates in about 30 camps spread around the islands. You can visit the dilapidated penitentiary buildings or walk along the beach looking for scarlet macaws, yellow caracara and various seabirds. Back on board, enjoy lunch as we set towards the Pearl Islands. |
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An archipelago located in the North Pacific Ocean in the Gulf of Panama, The Pearl Islands cover approximately 250 small islands that were named due to the great amounts of pearls found in the area when it was discovered in 1503. Not only are the islands famous for their bountiful pearl harvest, they also boast tranquil white beaches, untouched forests and colourful reefs ideal for diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Visit Ilsa Contadora and nearby islands including Bartolome to enjoy some aquatic activities before exploring Pachequilla and admiring the several colonies of seabirds found on Pacheca island (Brid Island). |
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Today you have the opportunity to explore Panama City. Choose from one of two excursions. The first option is a Miraflores Visitor Centre and Colonial City Tour at ‘Casco Viejo’. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Centre and engage in different activities to learn and enjoy the Panama Canal. Enjoy a short 10-minute historic film and four exhibition halls featuring the Canal’s history and biodiversity as well as three terraces and observation decks to observe the Panamal Canal’s operations and the passage of ships through the locks. After the visitor centre, head to the Casco Viejo (Old Quatre), featuring stunning 16th and 17th century colonial architecture playing host to the history of the oldest continuously occupied European city in the Americas on the Pacific Coast. The excursion will include visiting exceptional sites on a guided walking tour of the historic quarter and a leisurely observation of many historic landmarks including: Plaza Herrera, San José Church, Plaza Francia, Plaza Bolívar with the San Francisco de Asis Church and Plaza Mayor. After the tour, you may choose to explore Casco Viejo at your own pace or return to the vessel for an evening of relaxation. The second option is a Gatun Lake Expedition and Walking tour at Casco Viejo. Explore the large artificial lake of Gatun Lake, offering ideal habitats for a large number of bird species. Head north on the canal where you may get close to some of the larger ships that transit the canal daily. Slowly cruise along the forested banks and observe copious amounts of wildlife from Capuchin Monkeys to toucans and other birds. See the raw regenerative power of the forest and enjoy lunch at a resort located on the shores. Later, visit the Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic colonial centre filled with delightful colonial houses, cobblestone streets and beautiful churches. See Casco Antiguo, a monument to the French builders who began the construction of the Panama Canal. Choose to visit museums such as the Canal Museum before choosing to explore Casco Viejo at your own pace, or return to the vessel for an evening of relaxation. |
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A highlight for many, today you will be crossing the Panama Canal and witness the engineering marvel at work. Starting in the Pacific Ocean, admire the Bay of Panama and the City’s skyline before passing under the ‘Bridge of the Americas’. Next transit through the locks to Miraflores Lake, through the Gaillard Cut, through the Continental Divide, Gatun Lake passing the Smithsonian Research Station and arrive in the Atlantic Ocean. The process takes approximately ten hours, a journey that once took almost two weeks to complete, having to sail around notoriously rough seas at the bottom of South America to reach the Pacific Ocean. |
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Disembark in Colon, on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, where you'll farewell your expedition team before transferring to the airport in Panama City for your onward journey. Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Panama City prior to 2:00 pm. NOTE: Due to strict regulations enforced by local environmental authorities to conserve and protect the pristine places visited on this voyage, permits can be cancelled by authorities at any time with very little notice. Under such circumstances, Aurora Expeditions reserves the right to change our itineraries with little or no prior notice. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Please enquire about vessel and cabin type. Please refer to the 'Vessel, Cabin & Fares' section below. The displayed price is based on Stateroom room.
More Info
The departure point is San Jose CR.
The finish point is Cartagena Co.
DEPARTURE 22 APR 2023 | Vessel: Sylvia Earle | TWIN SHARE PER PERSON |
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Aurora Stateroom Triple Share | AUD $17,895.00 From AUD $16,105.50/pp, Twin Share, Save 10%* |
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share | SOLD OUT |
Balcony Stateroom Category B | AUD $21,095.00 From AUD $16,876.00/pp, Twin Share, Save 20%* |
Balcony Stateroom Category C | AUD $19,995.00 From AUD $15,996.00/pp, Twin Share, Save 20%* |
Balcony Stateroom Category A | AUD $22,595.00 From AUD $18,076.00/pp, Twin Share, Save 20%* |
Balcony Stateroom Superior | AUD $24,695.00 From AUD $19,756.00/pp, Twin Share, Save 20%* |
Junior Suite | AUD $30,995.00 From AUD $26,345.75/pp, Twin Share, Save 15%* |
Captain's Suite | AUD $36,795.00 From AUD $31,275.75/pp, Twin Share, Save 15%* |
Price and promotion discount is subject to change without notice. Please contact us to confirm the cabin availability and prices at time of booking.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica features a subtropical climate. Overall, the temperature does not vary greatly. Dry season lasts from December to April whilst Green Season (Rainy Season) is from May to November. January sees the lowest temperatures of the year, while April records the highest. Temperatures above 37.8°C frequently occur during the dry season. The average annual temperatures range from 27.2°C on the coastal lowlands to 20°C in the Cordillera Central.
Panama
In Panama, the temperature during the day is always around or slightly above 30 degrees Celsius, whereas at night, it can drop to no lower than 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. The dry season is between late December to late April and the rainy season is between May and can end in December. A subtropical climate, there is not much variation in temperature through-out the year.
Colombia
Because of its close proximity to the Equator, the climate is generally tropical with vary little variations through-out the year. Dry season is usually between December to January and July to August while the rainy season come in April to May and October to November. Cartegena sees averages of 32 degrees Celsius for most of the year.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.