Panama & Colombia: Exploring The Caribbean Coast

By special permission, the ship anchors overnight in Gatún Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. In the morning, disembark on Barro Colorado, a hilltop transformed into an island by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and learn about initiatives to protect the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding Barro Colorado Nature Monument, one of the most studied areas of tropical forest on the planet and the site of various National Geographic–supported studies. Later, choose to hike into the jungle, navigate the lake by Zodiac, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Tonight, cruise onward through the complex lock system of the Panama Canal, taking advantage of the nighttime lull in cargo activity. Completed in 1914, the canal is about 50 miles long and sees some 14,000 ships pass through every year.

This morning, arrive at Panama’s Caribbean coast and step ashore at the historic town of Portobelo. Named by Cristopher Columbus in 1502, Portobelo, or “beautiful port,” was one of the most important Spanish trading centers in the New World. Explore the town’s 17th- and 18th-century Spanish colonial fortifications, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, hike into Portobelo’s lush jungles in search of mantled howler monkeys, toucans, and a variety of parrots. In the afternoon, sail farther down the Panamanian coast and set out with snorkel and fins to explore the vibrant undersea world of the Caribbean.

Wake up amid the archipelago of Guna Yala (also known as the San Blas islands), a constellation of 368 tiny, white-sand isles scattered off the northeast coast of Panama. Get to know the indigenous Guna people, one of the first native groups to achieve political autonomy in Latin America. Spend the morning among the thatched huts of an island village, learning about Guna culture and handicrafts. Marvel at the intricate designs of handmade textiles called molas, which harken back to a female tradition of body painting. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant marine world around the islands by snorkel, kayak and stand-up paddleboard.

Call at the wonderfully isolated villages of Sapzurro and Capurgana, positioned only 3 miles apart on the stunning coast of Caribbean Colombia. Set out on a nature walk on the Capurgana-Sapzurro trail. In this area, the ranges of two species of howler monkeys overlap as both the mantled and the Colombian red howler monkeys are here. Watch for toucans, parrots, trogons, occasionally scarlet macaws and possibly three-toed sloths while traversing the tropical forest trails between the villages. Or choose a shorter hike across an international, transcontinental frontier to Panama. Pass through the quick, walk-through border crossing perched high on a bluff before descending to the beach at the Panamanian village of La Miel. The sheltered waters of the bay at Sapzurro back in Colombia beckon for a pleasant kayak or paddleboard around this tropical inlet. Finish the day at sunset in the village of Capurgana.

Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island’s motor-free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island while chatting with local residents. Later, enjoy lunch on-board while cruising through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San Antero. This afternoon’s excursion is to Tuchín, an indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work and then meet with members of the local Zenú community, known for their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to ship and anchor tonight in San Antero.

The day begins by exploring Cispatá Bay, where you’ll spend the morning among the most extensive area of mangroves on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Local community guides accompany us to share their insight and knowledge of the prolific wildlife. Join naturalists from local conservation group Asocaiman as they release rehabilitated young caimans back into the wild. After lunch on board, we’ll venture over to the Sanguare Natural Reserve. This former cattle ranch, part of the national system of protected areas, offers great opportunities to explore on foot or by water. Learn of the conservation work being done and explore the tropical dry forests, coastal lagoons, and sea grass beds. Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, or dig your toes in the sand and sip a chilled refreshment.

After breakfast on board, disembark in Cartagena, also known as the “Jewel of the Indies.” This magical city, historically notorious for regular invasion by pirates, is home to some of the finest historical architecture in Colombia. Board your transfer to the city’s airport to connect to your flight home.