DETAILS
On this unforgettable, varied program, explore pristine rainforests and jungle-fringed beaches, then travel through one of the greatest engineering marvels of our time. After a day touring San José and staying in a deluxe hotel, board the luxurious small ship Le Bougainville for a 7-night cruise. Visit the lush Curú National Wildlife Refuge — brimming with fascinating flora and fauna. Naturalist guides will lead an exploration of this biodiverse paradise, where you may spot various species of monkeys, scarlet macaws, peccaries, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds. Next, explore the lush Manuel Antonio National Park — a captivating combination of rainforest, beach and coral reef — and Rio Seco Rainforest — featuring a secluded shoreline and tropical fruit orchard, along with incredible wildlife. Follow up your time of tropical splendor with a specially arranged daylight transit of the mighty locks of the Panama Canal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
- Pricing from
- $8,995
Early booking discounts available!
CLICK HERE to book now! - Trip Type
- International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Jan 4, 2028 - Jan 12, 2028
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart for San José, Costa Rica
Depart for San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, transfer to Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén and check in for the night.
Free Time: Enjoy your evening at leisure and dinner on your own. The Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and itinerary suggestions.
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day 2
San José
After breakfast, check out of the hotel before departing to explore Costa Rica’s capital city of San José.
San José. Founded in 1736, San José has blossomed into a vibrant city, filled with fascinating museums, lively markets, tempting restaurants and more. The cityscape boasts both historic and modern architectural styles. Discover San Jose’s heritage on a tour that includes visits to the National Theater, a regal baroque building modeled on Milan’s La Scala, and the National Museum. (Mild)
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Puntarenas and embarking the deluxe Ponant Le Bougainville.
Attend a welcome briefing and safety drill on the ship with your fellow passengers.
Enjoy a delicious dinner on board (tonight and every night on board!).
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day 3
Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a delectable breakfast each morning on board.
Curú National Wildlife Refuge Visit. This morning, enjoy a moderate hike in the privately owned and managed Curú National Wildlife Refuge. The area boasts more than 3,700 acres of tropical forests, mangrove swamps and grassy fields stretched along the coastline. And it is brimming with wildlife! Look out for white-tail deer, coati, raccoons, coyotes, armadillos and iguanas on the trails. Several species of monkeys make their homes in the trees above — look for Capuchin, spider and howler monkeys. And while you’re looking up… over 230 species of birds have been spotted here. This is truly a nature-lover’s paradise! (Moderate)
Free Time: After today’s adventures, return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. Spend time in the spa or commandeer a deck chair and take in the beautiful sea views.
Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard the ship.
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day 4
Manuel Antonio National Park
Anchor at Quepos and experience an unparalleled diversity of wildlife on a visit to the lush Manuel Antonio National Park — a captivating combination of rainforest, beach and coral reef.
Manuel Antonio National Park. The impressive array of wildlife Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer — despite it being Costa Rica’s smallest national park — will leave explorers in awe. See hundreds of mammal and bird species that call this park home, along with countless amphibians and reptiles. Naturalist guides will lead an exploration of this protected biodiverse paradise, where you may spot vibrant toucans, camouflaged iguanas, howler monkeys, tree-dwelling squirrel monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths and Capuchin monkeys. (Moderate)
Free Time: After today’s adventures, return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. Take a relaxing swim in the pool or pick up a book in the ship’s library. Enjoy a cultural dance presentation before dinner tonight.
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day 5
Golfo Dulce/Piedras Blancas National Park
This morning savor a delicious breakfast as the ship arrives in Golfo Dulce. Disembark for a rainforest exploration.
Piedras Blancas National Park. This pristine rainforest is one of the least visited in Costa Rica. As you walk the trails, look for toucans, macaws, tapirs, pumas, jaguars and the park’s four species of monkeys. A naturalist guide will point out wildlife and tell you all about this incredible ecosystem. Stroll along the secluded beach, discover delicious tropical fruits at a local orchard and explore a botanical garden. (Moderate)
Free Time: After today’s adventures, return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. Relax on deck or on your balcony, taking in the beautiful views. Or indulge in a spa treatment!
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day 6
Day at Sea
Spend a relaxing day taking in the scenery, enjoying onboard lectures and mingling with fellow passengers. While on deck, keep your eyes peeled for interesting marine and bird life. Perhaps you’d like to take a dip in the pool, work out in the fitness center or indulge in a spa treatment? Or do all three! And of course, savor three delicious meals on board.
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day 7
Panama Canal Crossing/Colon
Panama Canal. Spend the morning enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of traveling from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea through the Panama Canal. A total of 40 miles long, this waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans was first constructed in the early 1900s. The Panama Canal was first built and solely controlled by the United States in 1914, with joint agency between the U.S. and the Republic of Panama going into effect in 1979 and complete control being passed to Panama in late 1999. As we voyage through the canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, watch as the mighty locks open and close, ultimately raising and lowering the ship 85 feet in this unique and memorable experience.
Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the ship.
Farewell Reception Join your fellow passengers for a Farewell Reception on the ship, along with dinner onboard. Raise a glass to your fabulous adventure!
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day 8
Cayos Holandeses./San Blas Islands
Cayos Holandeses. Famous for unspoiled white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and a wide, crystal-clear lagoon, the Dutch Cays offer an escape to paradise. Swim and snorkel in a natural area called the “swimming pool,” with clear waters bordered by a barrier reef and brimming with marine life. Walk or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Interact with the indigenous Guna community, who call these islands home.
Return to the ship for a tasty lunch, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon onboard.
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day 9
Colon/Disembark/Panama City/Return to Home City
After breakfast, disembark the ship. Passengers flying home later this afternoon have the opportunity for a final excursion this morning.
Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center. Stop by the Agua Clara Visitor Center overlooking the Panama Canal expansion. Watch the observation center’s informative short video presentation and learn more through its history and geologic exhibits. Enjoy a view of Lake Gatún and see the canal’s newest locks, which opened in 2016. (Mild)
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City for your return flight home.
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day 10
San Jose/Return to Home City
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel. Transfer to the Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Ponant – Le Bougainville (Explorer Series II) –
Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen is a true city resort within San Jose, featuring outdoor pools, a golf range, tennis court and lovely mountain views. Experience a seamless blend of high-tech and high-touch service at the property, which boasts spacious rooms with luxury bedding and mini-refrigerators. Pamper yourself at the full-service spa, visit the fitness center and satisfy your appetite with international cuisine from one of the on-site restaurants. Cozy public areas offer a comfortable spot to unwind, with custom-built furniture and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Arenal and San José Pre-Program Option
Explore Costa Rica’s diverse biospheres, from steamy hot springs to misty cloud forests. In view of towering Arenal Volcano, walk in the lush rainforest along a series of suspended and fixed bridges. Visit an award‑winning coffee estate and explore the charming town of La Fortuna. Soak in restorative hot springs and walk the trails of a cloud forest. Includes accommodations for one night at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén and two nights at the Royal Corin Thermal Waters Spa & Resort.
Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.
TOUR MAP
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