Discover the Secrets of Panama and Costa Rica: 19 days Bridgetown to San Jose

Your Caribbean cruise begins in alluring Barbados and its bustling capital, Bridgetown. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on an exciting voyage in search of paradise and adventure.

Please book your flight to arrive into Bridgetown prior to 04:00 PM.

Today, you’ll discover Bequia Island, a hidden paradise amid Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, revealing tranquil, secluded spots and a distinct lack of traffic. This beautiful island offers visitors a chance to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle, without the hustle and bustle of mainstream beach tourism.  Delight in exploring untouched pristine beaches and truly relax and unwind in stunning nature.

Welcome to Mayreau, the smallest of the Grenadines’ uninhabited islands, with a surface area of just four-square kilometres (1.5-square miles). The population of Mayreau is no more than 250 residents, who live in the village located on the island’s highest point, Station Hill. The charming little church and community centre at the top of the hill provide spectacular views across the islands. On a clear day, you can observe both Grenada and Saint Vincent, as well as other nearby islands, showcasing the vivid colours of the reefs and waters surrounding the Tobago Cays.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, soaking up the stunning views from the comfort of your luxury yacht. Today, make the most of the yacht’s stylish spaces various and exceptional facilities, extending to the inviting aqua pool, contemporary wellness zone and al fresco dining out on deck.

This island group makes an attractive destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike, as all the islands offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and swimming, as well as hiking. Bonaire, just off the north coast of Venezuela, is famous for its pioneering conservation efforts, with a large section  of the island under protection status. Today, enjoy exploring Kralendijk, the colourful capital of Bonaire, famous for its heritage architecture and lovely sandy beaches. In the evening, you’ll set sail for Willemstad.

The charming capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, is a vibrant port city renowned for its stunning blend of culture, rich history, and colourful architecture. Nestled along the southern coast of the island, Willemstad is divided into two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge that swings open for ocean-going ships.

Today, you’ll arrive in the capital of Aruba, Oranjestad,  a unique blend of old and modern that lends a special charm to this c bustling harbour city. Leisurely stroll along the streets lined with a variety of  boutiques and  striking residential buildings. Among the remarkably well-preserved buildings is the green ‘Stadhuis,’ which houses the City Hall. Another interesting siteis the Aloe Museum and Factory, which dates back to 1890 and illustrates the fascinating story of aloe production, on which the economy was once dependent.

The welcome sign to Santa Marta reads, “Here you can have it all”.  Alongside its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, Santa Marta boasts a rich history and culture – the oldest remaining city in Colombia, dating back to 1525 and the nation’s first Spanish settlement.

Located along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias uniquely combines the charm of colonial architecture and the vibrancy of modern life. This dynamic port city is well- known for its fascinating cultural festivals, breathtaking landscapes and excellent cuisine. It also bears the legacies of storied Latin American history within its UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled Old Town and narrow stone walkways. As one of the most well-preserved cities in the Americas, Cartagena de Indias has inspired many artists throughout the ages.

Welcome to the San Blas archipelago, a group of islands located just north-west of Panama in the sparkling Caribbean Sea. There are 378 islands within the archipelago, spread across an area of roughly 259-square-kilometres (100-square-miles). Most of these islands are uninhabited, but on some of the larger ones, you may get an opportunity to meet the native people, known as the Kunas. Formally called Kuna Yala (”Land of the Kuna”), San Blas is an autonomous territory of Panama, famed for its untouched nature and traditional culture.

Today, we pass through the Panama Canal, the most famous attraction in Panama. Considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World,’ this man-made canal was built to significantly decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Since its completion in 1914, the Panama Canal has seen well over 900,000 vessels and is considered by many as a feat of engineering, which was originally considered impossible to construct... On board your luxury yacht, you’ll experience this historic waterway for yourself.

After breakfast, you’ll have time to explore Panama City, the capital of Panama. Framed by the Pacific Ocean, Panama’s largest city boasts a historic old centre, Casco Viejo, which charms visitors with its cobblestoned streets, colonial-era landmarks and pretty plazas lined with cafés and bars.

In the afternoon, you will be welcomed   back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey, where you’ll get to explore stunning Panama and the Costa Rican west coast in depth.

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.