The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Feb 23, 2028 - Puntarenas
The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.
Feb 24, 2028 - Curu (Reserve)
The Curu Biological Reserve, on the Peninsula de Nicoya, offers diverse wildlife from white faced monkeys to phantom crabs. Though smaller than Ireland, Costa Rica boasts an amazing biodiversity. With more butterfly species than the whole of Africa, more bird species than Europe, its precious tropical rainforests harbour over half a million plant and aninial species. Small wonder that about a quarter of Costa Rica is protected nature reserve or national Park.
Feb 25, 2028 - Puerto Jimenez
The sleepy town of Puerto Jimenez is a gateway to the Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, this town has relaxing beaches and diverse wildlife. Puerto Jimenez was once a gold mining and logging town. Today, it serves as a pit stop for travelers before their frontier adventure to their ocean or tropical excursion.
Feb 26, 2028 - Rio Esquinas
Feb 27, 2028 - Coiba Island
Isla Coiba is part of a park protecting three kinds of ecosystems: the island, the reef and marine life. This park is a group of islands with Coiba being the largest. This is one of the most extensive marine parks in the world. Coiba itself, is the largest island of the American Pacific and because of its geographical isolation the forest on the island has remained untouched. Activities available on Coiba include fishing, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, and hiking and enjoying beautiful flora and fauna. The beaches have very fine sands and waters are crystal clear. This island is internationally famous because of the big blue and black marlins that have been caught around here. On some of the beaches turtles come to nest between April and September. On the south coast of the island it is possible to see humpback whales migrating. Watch hundreds of dolphins chasing schools of tuna. This is the only place in the world where you can find whole troops of red Guacamayas. These are only some of the attractions for nature lovers besides flora, fauna and bird watching.
Feb 28, 2028 - Playa de Muertos
Feb 28, 2028 - Pearl Island
Some of the most renowned pearls in the world come from the oysters on the seabed around the hundred or so islands which make up the Pearl Island archipelago in the Gulf of Panama.
The islands are mostly uninhabited. There are some fishing communities and only two of the islands have tourist development. Contadora began to be developed in the seventies with the construction of a hotel and airstrip. Residential development followed around the superb beaches which surround this and other islands
Feb 29, 2028 - Pearl Island
Some of the most renowned pearls in the world come from the oysters on the seabed around the hundred or so islands which make up the Pearl Island archipelago in the Gulf of Panama.
The islands are mostly uninhabited. There are some fishing communities and only two of the islands have tourist development. Contadora began to be developed in the seventies with the construction of a hotel and airstrip. Residential development followed around the superb beaches which surround this and other islands
Feb 29, 2028 - Isla Pacheca
Mar 01, 2028 - San Carlos
Mar 02, 2028 - Panama Canal
Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.
Mar 03, 2028 - Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands)
The friendly Cuna Indians live quietly on these primitive islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. The arrival of visitors to their home is still a special occasion for these isolated island dwellers. They are happy to be photographed in their colorful attire, for perhaps a small tip. Bargain for one of their fancifully designed handmade embroideries called molas.
Mar 04, 2028 - Colon (Panama)
There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.