Coastal Adventures: Panama & Costa Rica: 8 days Panama City to San Jose

Your exciting Central America adventure begins in Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to explore Panama and Costa Rica’s west coast. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Panama City prior to 05:00 PM.

Today, you’ll discover the Pearl Islands, located on the Pacific Coast of Panama, in the Gulf of Panama. Cruise to one of the 200 or so islands and islets, many of them, tiny and uninhabited, and enjoy the superb beaches and beautiful coral reefs. The waters are alive with vibrant tropical fish and an incredible diversity of marine life, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich underwater world. 

The Darién National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site covering approximately 5,750-square kilometres (2,220-square miles). This vast park is among the largest and most precious protected areas in Central America, extending across almost the entire Panama-Colombia border, as well as a stretch to the Pacific Ocean. Darién National Park offers an exceptional variety of habitats – sandy beaches, rocky coasts, swamps, mangroves, and tropical forests – which makes it a rich and welcoming habitat for diverse wildlife. There are two indigenous tribes known to both Panama and Costa Rica, which today, reside along the park’s riverbanks. 

Welcome to Cebaco Island, which lies in the province of Veraguas and is part of the buffer zone of Coiba Island National Park. Cebaco is Panama’s third-largest island after Coiba Island and Isla del Rey. It is estimated there are around 500 residents living on the island, mainly distributed in communities in the northern parts. Isla Cebaco is also popular for its gorgeous beaches.  

Golfito Bay is a ‘gulf within a gulf,’ well-known for its unspoiled landscapes framed by the lush mangroves of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas national parks. It’s home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet and lies within one of the most vibrant destinations in Costa Rica. Here, eco-adventurers, boaters, surfers, and outdoor lovers come to explore and connect with nature, enjoying an array of fun and exciting activities. A hidden gem where the Costa Rican jungle meets the sea, Marina Golfito invites you to experience Costa Rica from a stunning new perspective. 

Today, you’ll arrive in Quepos, a small, booming harbour town, popular as one of the prime spots for sport fishing, as well as the gateway to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. As a tropical inlet backed by rainforest, the park offers a variety of outdoor adventures. After the decline of the banana plantation that laid the original foundations for the port, Quepos replaced its former industry with ecotourism – meaning, there are now many other attractions to enjoy. Quepos is also frequented by numerous scientists and naturalists, who come to study this region's fantastic biodiversity. 

The Curú National Wildlife Refuge and Farm are situated in Nicoya Peninsula, in north-west Costa Rica. Some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and protected bays can be discovered here. Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife refuge is a prime example of a successful sustainable development program. You can still see cattle grazing here, as well as tropical fruits cultivated, such as mangoes. 

You’ll also get to experience Isla Tortuga, one of the top-ranked destinations in Costa Rica, about an hour away from the shores of Nicoya Peninsula. Isla Tortuga boasts a pristine sandy beach fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters. You can relax at the beach, enjoy a hike, or go snorkelling in transparent, turquoise waters. 

Today, your time on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in the port city of Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.   

Please book your flight to depart out of San Jose after 01:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.