An unforgettable week-long Panama Canal cruise

An unforgettable week-long Panama Canal cruise

The Panama Canal may be one of the world's most impressive man-made structures, but it is merely one among many unforgettable sites passengers will admire during this week-long Windstar Cruises expedition through the middle of the Western Hemisphere.

 

This cruise's departure point is Puerto Caldera, the closest port to Costa Rica's national capital, San Jose. Puerto Caldera is positioned close to many of the diverse natural landscapes which have enticed tourists from around the world to come to this small Central American country.

 

Visitors can venture to Paos Volcano National Park, search for endangered green turtles at remote Tortuguero National Park, or gaze up at the Monteverde Cloud Forest's centuries-old tropical trees prior to boarding the Wind Spirit. This stately Windstar Cruises vessel sails from Puerto Caldera early in the evening and arrives at Puerto Quepos the next morning.

 

Bananas used to be the main export at Puerto Quepos, but this Costa Rican community has now become more famous for its tremendous sport fishing and close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park. Squirrel monkeys are merely the rarest of the many tropical wildlife species found in this scenic coastal park.

 

The next stop, Bahia Drake, is located near Corcovado National Park, where a natural rock barrier provides protection to scarlet macaws, red eyed tree frogs, and more than 100 different butterfly species. Horseback riding is another popular way to explore the Bahia Drake region.

 

Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica is known as one of the world's most biodiverse nations. The area around Puerto Jimenez boasts even more different types of jungle and marine creatures than most other parts of Costa Rica. No other part of North America boasts as many different bird species. Some of the foliage which covers Golfo Dulce's beaches and steep hillsides dates from the Jurassic era. Kayaking along the canals is one of the most thrilling ways to explore this fascinating region.

 

A special permit is required to enter Coiba, a former Panamanian penal colony which has become one of the country's most unspoiled islands. Coiba Island Natioinal Park hiking, guided snorkeling tours, or sunbathing on one of Panama's most secluded beach are some of the ways passengers can enjoy their stay on this isolated island. Rice, beans, and coconut drinks are served with live music.

 

Prior to approaching the Panama Canal, passengers have an entire day at sea to enjoy folkloric shows, relax at the pool or piano bars, or try their luck at the casino aboard the Wind Spirit. This is also the best time to take a class in food decoration, vegetable carving, or even underwater photography during the cruise.

 

The journey through the Panama Canal takes the Wind Spirit past three gigantic locks between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This once in a lifetime voyage is accompanied by a historian who describes the 100 year history of this unique 'highway of water' which has earned its 'eighth wonder of the world' nickname.

 

The Wind Spirit's final stop is Colon, the closest city to the Panama Canal. Colon is both the principal gateway to the Miraflores Locks on the canal's Pacific Ocean side and home of the first transcontinental railway in the world. All meals served at the Miraflores Locks visitor centre restaurant are accompnied by an ideal vantage point to watch gigantic barges sail through the canal.

The Panama Canal may be one of the world's most impressive man-made structures, but it is merely one among many unforgettable sites passengers will admire during this week-long Windstar Cruises expedition through the middle of the Western Hemisphere.

 

This cruise's departure point is Puerto Caldera, the closest port to Costa Rica's national capital, San Jose. Puerto Caldera is positioned close to many of the diverse natural landscapes which have enticed tourists from around the world to come to this small Central American country.

 

Visitors can venture to Paos Volcano National Park, search for endangered green turtles at remote Tortuguero National Park, or gaze up at the Monteverde Cloud Forest's centuries-old tropical trees prior to boarding the Wind Spirit. This stately Windstar Cruises vessel sails from Puerto Caldera early in the evening and arrives at Puerto Quepos the next morning.

 

Bananas used to be the main export at Puerto Quepos, but this Costa Rican community has now become more famous for its tremendous sport fishing and close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park. Squirrel monkeys are merely the rarest of the many tropical wildlife species found in this scenic coastal park.

 

The next stop, Bahia Drake, is located near Corcovado National Park, where a natural rock barrier provides protection to scarlet macaws, red eyed tree frogs, and more than 100 different butterfly species. Horseback riding is another popular way to explore the Bahia Drake region.

 

Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica is known as one of the world's most biodiverse nations. The area around Puerto Jimenez boasts even more different types of jungle and marine creatures than most other parts of Costa Rica. No other part of North America boasts as many different bird species. Some of the foliage which covers Golfo Dulce's beaches and steep hillsides dates from the Jurassic era. Kayaking along the canals is one of the most thrilling ways to explore this fascinating region.

 

A special permit is required to enter Coiba, a former Panamanian penal colony which has become one of the country's most unspoiled islands. Coiba Island Natioinal Park hiking, guided snorkeling tours, or sunbathing on one of Panama's most secluded beach are some of the ways passengers can enjoy their stay on this isolated island. Rice, beans, and coconut drinks are served with live music.

 

Prior to approaching the Panama Canal, passengers have an entire day at sea to enjoy folkloric shows, relax at the pool or piano bars, or try their luck at the casino aboard the Wind Spirit. This is also the best time to take a class in food decoration, vegetable carving, or even underwater photography during the cruise.

 

The journey through the Panama Canal takes the Wind Spirit past three gigantic locks between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This once in a lifetime voyage is accompanied by a historian who describes the 100 year history of this unique 'highway of water' which has earned its 'eighth wonder of the world' nickname.

 

The Wind Spirit's final stop is Colon, the closest city to the Panama Canal. Colon is both the principal gateway to the Miraflores Locks on the canal's Pacific Ocean side and home of the first transcontinental railway in the world. All meals served at the Miraflores Locks visitor centre restaurant are accompnied by an ideal vantage point to watch gigantic barges sail through the canal.