Costa Rica & Panama Cruise with Star Clippers

Arrive in San José and transfer to the Buena Vista Hotel, nestled picturesquely on a hilltop in the Central Valley, overlooking the capital. Your time here is your own to enjoy the luxurious facilities of the hotel or to take gentle hikes along the verdant paths that lead into the lush countryside. 

Travel to Arenal for a three-night stay at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Spend your days soaking in the resort’s natural hot springs, hiking along the many rainforest trails that lead towards the dominant volcano or take an excursion to the idyllic Lake Arenal. You will find no shortage of adventurous activities in the region, including rainforest canopy zip-lining, horse-back riding and immersive wildlife experiences.

Delve into the mystical ambience of the Monteverde cloud forest, spending two nights at the Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.  The pristine forest is a wonderland of mossy ferns and elegant orchids, and is one of the country’s premier destinations to observe mammals and bird species in their natural habitat.

Today your Star Clipper voyage begins. Transfer to Puerto Caldera and embark your vessel and settle into your cabin. The four-masted Star Clipper tall ship exudes elegance and style and after a short orientation, you will be free to explore the facilities which include expansive decks, two bars, two swimming pools and an Edwardian style library.

This morning arrive at the small but lively town of Quepos, which has retained its Tico authenticity despite a rapidly developing tourism scene. Spend the day strolling through the easy-going streets, conversing with the genial locals and visiting the markets or travel the short distance to the Manuel Antonio National Park, located just 7km away.

Your last stop in Costa Rica before hitting the Panama waters, is Golfito, the country’s most southerly port town. With its history built on the banana trade, the town served as the regional headquarters of the United Fruit Company for most of the 20th century. Modern-day Golfito is a paradise for the adventurous, with an abundance of activities on offer including kayaking, snorkelling, mangrove forest boat trips and even horse-back riding.

The largest of the 38 islands that comprise the exotic Coiba National Park, your first stop in Panama is the ecologically pristine Coiba Island. Hike in the protected primary rainforest searching for rare wildlife or snorkel or dive in the spectacularly beautiful coral-filled waters of the eastern Pacific. The island also has a fascinating history, having once served as a notorious penal colony.

Explore the best of the Golfo de Chiriquí which extends picture-perfectly along Panama’s Pacific coast. The National Marine Park is the undoubted highlight of the gulf, protecting the exotic flora and fauna which inhabit its 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. Spend the day snorkelling, surfing or kayaking; observing howler monkeys in the pristine rainforest or simply relax on one of the many desolate white-sand beaches.

A day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the Star Clipper, as you sail back towards Costa Rica. Watch the world drift by on a top deck sun-lounger, take a dip in one of the pools, or take part in a hands-on traditional sailing experience such as knot tying or climbing the mast to the crow’s nest.

Your last day of the cruise is spent on the beautiful Costa Rican island, Isla Tortuga. Characterised by its giant coconut palms, soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear azure waters, the island promises a tropical finale to your holiday.

Disembark your cruise in Puerto Caldera and transfer to San José airport for your onward flight. Arrive back in the UK the next day.