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Peregrine Travel Centre

Panama Exploration Cruise

Panama Exploration Cruise

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Description

A journey in the Discovery is a feast of intense, sensory experiences: the aroma of remote places, the texture of unknown things, the multicolor tapestry of nature, the accent of unheard languages, and the exquisite flavor of what has never before been tasted; that is the incomparable feeling of penetrating the secrets of other worlds, other lives. That proximity is life, it is beginning and end.

The yearning for that closeness is the virtue and spirit of the true traveler and it is the reason for the Journey Between the Seas. That communion of body and spirit is only possible within the intimate realm of a compact craft, designed to cover the narrowest marine routes that take us to pristine lands.

A crew of ten has been carefully selected and trained to ensure a perfect journey for the 24 exclusive passengers of the Discovery. Inside the cozy, spacious cabins and lounges, the magic of night melts imperceptibly with the fabulous sunrises at amazing places that offer their purest charms at dawn ready for a day of excursion. From its decks, everything looks close, vivid, amazing, moving and…unforgettable.

Trip Name
Panama Exploration Cruise
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Catamaran Length: 33 m Passenger Capacity: 24 Built: 2003 Discovery is a 33 meter, purpose built catamaran providing 8 queen and 4 twin cabins. All cabins have individual climate control, bathrooms and huge windows which extend along the length of the cabin allowing you to enjoy the scenery in complete privacy. Passenger numbers on the Discovery are limited to just 24, ensuring everyone can enjoy serenity and privacy together with the excitement and closeness of a true exploration cruise. The dining area, bar and lounge are located on the mid deck which is fitted with floor to ceiling “glass walls” providing a spectacular dinning experience and plenty of space to unwind. Enjoy Panamanian haute gastronomy as we delight you with exquisite indigenous dishes prepared by our talented chef. A BBQ and sun deck are located on the topmost observation deck. The Discovery is equipped with a unique platform that lowers kayakers gently into the water and also retrieves them in perfect safety and comfort.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Panama City - Flamenco Marina
Sail the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora, where the Discovery will stay the first night before navigating to the Darien Jungle. Take this opportunity to meet your expedition leaders, the crew and your fellow travelers while you savor our tempting native cuisine. (D)
Day 2 - Day 2: Darien Jungle
Step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years to a place that not many have had the privilege of experiencing. More than an excursion, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indians. A proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as they were before the Spaniards colonized the region. These natives are also master crafters of cocobolo wood carvings and basketry. After motoring up river you will see the village emerging from the jungle, as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the rivers edge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Day 3: Pearl Islands – San Telmo & Mogo Mogo
Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name tothe abundance of pearl oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early1900’s. On the outer portion of the archipelago, the islands of San Telmo and MogoMogo are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. View the remainsof the submarine Explorer built in 1865 during the Civil War and which sunk off thecoast of San Telmo during the oyster fishery of the late 1800´s. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Day 4: Panama Canal Daylight Transit
Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s shipconvoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores Locks and PedroMiguel Locks. The Discovery will be raised 85 feet above sea level to Gatun Lake. Youwill have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience up close the history andoperation of this engineering marvel. Navigate the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest sectionof the Panama Canal, bisecting the Continental Divide. This section of the canal is fullof history and geological value and you will be able to appreciate the continuousmaintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. Spendthe night in Gatun Lake on Panama Canal waters. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Day 5: Panama Canal – Gatun Lake
Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now theGatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As the regionwas flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the mountain peaks, which arenow the many islands that dot the renowned lake. Explore Gatun Lake and kayak inPanama Canal waters. Your expedition leader will take you on board small crafts pastlush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake to witness first-hand the splendor andexcitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles arejust a few of the animals that you could see in their native surroundings. The sights,sounds and scents that make up this beautiful, tropical jungle will engulf you. Camerasare a must as this is considered the world’s premier location for viewing monkeys andother animals in the wild. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoonon its way to the mouth of the Chagres River. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Day 6: Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo
Experience the magnificent Chagres River which was used by the conquistadors tomove their gold across the Isthmus of Panama en-route from Peru to Spain and by thegold prospectors who attempted a "short cut" from the US East coast to the gold fieldsof California. The river was the center piece of the colonial inter-oceanic route and isnow the lifeline of the Panama Canal full of wildlife and tropical jungle. Explore FortSan Lorenzo which is located on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres on the Atlantic sidewhere your leader will offer details of the immense amount of history found on thisarea. The fort was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to defend their wellknown gold trail. Later that evening, the Discovery will reposition to Colon, where itwill spend the night before disembarking the next day. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Day 7: Portobelo – Caribbean
Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark the Discovery. Travel by motor coach to Portobelo and enjoy this town located on Caribbean waters which was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. This quaint town is rich in history as it was the site of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main. Explore the fortifications built by the Spaniards to protect their treasures and visit the Church of San Felipe, the sanctuary of the Black Christ. Later in the afternoon, board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City. This one hour railroad trip will allow you to traverse the picturesque trans-isthmian route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The line flanks the Panama Canal passing through lush rainforests, cruising alongside the Canal’s locks, through the historic Gaillard Cut and gliding over slender causeways in Gatun Lake. (B,L)
Day 8 - Please Note:
The Southbound journey follows the same exploration route in reverse. Cruise itineraries are subject to wind, tide and weather conditions and are operated in the sole discretion of Panama Marine Adventures, Inc., in the interests of the safety and welfare of the passengers, vessel, and crew.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Daylight transit guaranteed
    • Snorkel and kayak in pristine beaches
    • A day with the Embera Indians in Darien
    • Bathe in history and nature at the same time in the Chagres River

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