PonantEE081226
Secrets of Central America
Date
2026-12-08
Duration
10 nights
Departure Port
Puntarenas
Costa Rica
Arrival Port
Colon
Panama
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Bellot
Launched
2020
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Puntarenas
Depart 23:59
Puntarenas is Costa Rica's historic Pacific port, a narrow peninsula reaching into the Gulf of Nicoya where nineteenth-century maritime heritage meets vibrant marine life, signature street food like the iconic *churchill* shaved ice, and easy access to Tortuga Island, cloud forests, and world-class whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas for both shore excursions and gulf crossings, making it the ideal window for cruise itineraries calling at this authentically Costa Rican gateway.
Day 2
Day 2
Curú Wildlife Refuge
Arrive 10:30Depart 18:30
Curú Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is an intimate 84-hectare reserve sheltering spider monkeys, 230 bird species, and nesting sea turtles along pristine Pacific beaches. Must-dos include guided forest walks to spot howler monkeys and scarlet macaws, snorkeling the rocky reefs, and joining nighttime turtle patrols during nesting season. Visit December through April for dry weather, or July through December for sea turtle nesting.
Day 3
Day 3
Bahía Drake
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
Bahía Drake is the remote gateway to Corcovado National Park—"the most biologically intense place on Earth"—on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, accessible only by boat or small aircraft. Must-dos include hiking Corcovado's primary rainforest for tapir and scarlet macaw sightings, snorkeling with reef sharks at Caño Island, and watching humpback whales during migration season. The dry season (December–April) offers the best trail conditions, while August–October brings Southern Hemisphere humpback whales.
Day 4
Day 4
At Sea
Day 5
Day 5
Coiba Island
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:30
Coiba Island, Panama is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Lindblad Expeditions. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is November through April, when dry season brings clear skies and calm seas.
Day 6
Day 6
Darién National Park
Arrive 12:00Depart 17:30
Darién National Park is 579,000 hectares of impenetrable rainforest at the Panama-Colombia border, where North and South American wildlife overlap in one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, home to harpy eagles, jaguars, and the indigenous Emberá people. Must-dos include birdwatching for harpy eagles, visiting an Emberá riverside community, and experiencing primary tropical forest on guided treks. Visit December to April during the drier season.
Day 7
Day 7
Pearl Islands
Depart 13:00
Pearl Islands, Panama is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.
Day 7
Day 7
At Sea
Day 8
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Day 9
San Blas Islands
Arrive 14:00Depart 19:00
The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.
Day 10
Day 10
Fuerte San Lorenzo
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:00
Fuerte San Lorenzo is a dramatic Spanish fortress ruin on Panama's Caribbean coast, where sixteenth-century coral-stone walls stand clad in jungle moss above the Chagres River — once raided by pirate Henry Morgan. Must-do experiences include exploring the cliff-top fortifications, birdwatching for harpy eagles in the surrounding rainforest, and learning about the Camino Real silver route. December through April's dry season offers the most comfortable conditions.
Day 11
Day 11
Colon
Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.
Day 1
Puntarenas
Depart 23:59
Puntarenas is Costa Rica's historic Pacific port, a narrow peninsula reaching into the Gulf of Nicoya where nineteenth-century maritime heritage meets vibrant marine life, signature street food like the iconic *churchill* shaved ice, and easy access to Tortuga Island, cloud forests, and world-class whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas for both shore excursions and gulf crossings, making it the ideal window for cruise itineraries calling at this authentically Costa Rican gateway.
Day 2
Curú Wildlife Refuge
Arrive 10:30Depart 18:30
Curú Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is an intimate 84-hectare reserve sheltering spider monkeys, 230 bird species, and nesting sea turtles along pristine Pacific beaches. Must-dos include guided forest walks to spot howler monkeys and scarlet macaws, snorkeling the rocky reefs, and joining nighttime turtle patrols during nesting season. Visit December through April for dry weather, or July through December for sea turtle nesting.
Day 3
Bahía Drake
Arrive 06:00Depart 18:00
Bahía Drake is the remote gateway to Corcovado National Park—"the most biologically intense place on Earth"—on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, accessible only by boat or small aircraft. Must-dos include hiking Corcovado's primary rainforest for tapir and scarlet macaw sightings, snorkeling with reef sharks at Caño Island, and watching humpback whales during migration season. The dry season (December–April) offers the best trail conditions, while August–October brings Southern Hemisphere humpback whales.
Day 4
At Sea
Day 5
Coiba Island
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:30
Coiba Island, Panama is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Lindblad Expeditions. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is November through April, when dry season brings clear skies and calm seas.
Day 6
Darién National Park
Arrive 12:00Depart 17:30
Darién National Park is 579,000 hectares of impenetrable rainforest at the Panama-Colombia border, where North and South American wildlife overlap in one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, home to harpy eagles, jaguars, and the indigenous Emberá people. Must-dos include birdwatching for harpy eagles, visiting an Emberá riverside community, and experiencing primary tropical forest on guided treks. Visit December to April during the drier season.
Day 7
Pearl Islands
Depart 13:00
Pearl Islands, Panama is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.
At Sea
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
San Blas Islands
Arrive 14:00Depart 19:00
The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.
Day 10
Fuerte San Lorenzo
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:00
Fuerte San Lorenzo is a dramatic Spanish fortress ruin on Panama's Caribbean coast, where sixteenth-century coral-stone walls stand clad in jungle moss above the Chagres River — once raided by pirate Henry Morgan. Must-do experiences include exploring the cliff-top fortifications, birdwatching for harpy eagles in the surrounding rainforest, and learning about the Camino Real silver route. December through April's dry season offers the most comfortable conditions.
Day 11
Colon
Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
290 m²Max 3
4
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+10
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
290 m²Max 3
5
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic slidging bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+10
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
290 m²Max 3
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+10
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
290 m²Max 3
7
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+10
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
484 m²Max 4
12
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
2 panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSafeHair Dryer+10
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
484 m²Max 4
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler Service+11
View Details
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
Suite
10
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
Suite
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
344 m²Max 3
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+11
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
344 m²Max 3
9
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+11
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
205 m²Max 2
D
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+8
View Details
Prestige Deck 4
Balcony
1
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
Prestige Deck 5
Balcony
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
View Details
Prestige Deck 6
Balcony
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
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