Summary
A Panama Canal cruise is a dream come true for many travelers, including us. Touring through the world-famous canal is a thrilling adventure. An Uncruise through the Panama Canal is a unique experience compared to the larger ships that frequent the route. Our excitement was palpable as we prepared to experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Having previously observed ships navigating through the Panama Canal, we were now ready to be on board, sharing the journey with plenty of eager spectators.
UnCruise Panama to Costa Rica
Choosing an UnCruise is a refreshing alternative to traditional cruising. This journey allows you to explore private islands, untouched beaches, and unique destinations that are rarely seen by tourists.
Over the course of 10 days, we immersed ourselves in nature, engaged with local cultures, and marveled at breathtaking scenery.
With a small group of only 40 passengers, we forged new friendships and exchanged travel tales with fellow adventurers who share a passion for discovering the road less traveled.
Our prior experiences include a magnificent UnCruise to Alaska and now this exploration in Costa Rica. A common thread in both experiences is the delightful camaraderie among passengers.
What truly makes these trips enjoyable is the company we keep. Both UnCruises have left us with cherished memories of the wonderful individuals we met along the way.
All-Inclusive Cruise
While an UnCruise may carry a higher cost than a standard cruise, it’s essential to note that the price covers everything (including excursions and beverages), transforming it into a fantastic value.
From the moment we board the ship, we can fully relax. Our only task is to decide on daily activities, guided by our expedition leader, Meagan, during dinner discussions.
Each day offers opportunities to embark on skiff boat explorations, kayaking adventures, or invigorating hikes.
Moreover, there are options for paddle boarding, snorkeling, informational presentations, and stretching classes—ensuring daily schedules are both active and engaging.
All About The UnCruise Panama to Costa Rica Experience
The Panama to Costa Rica UnCruise navigates from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, divided into two unique segments:
- Panama: Starting at the Canal, we explore the Pacific Coast, enjoying both the sea and beach life, as our guides emphasize.
- Costa Rica: This segment is more land-centric, including visits to private gardens and nature hikes in search of wildlife.
Panama City
Our adventure kicks off in Panama City, a modern marvel that pleasantly surprises visitors.
With its vibrant mix of history and modernity, Panama City invites exploration. UnCruise provides pre-cruise tours to help travelers make the most of their time in this dynamic locale.
We participated in one such excursion, which proved invaluable for appreciating the city’s highlights under the guidance of a knowledgeable local.
If you’re planning a Panama cruise, don’t miss the chance to experience this fascinating city—it seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Aguas Clara – The Panama Canal
Before embarking on the ship, we made a stop at Aguas Clara.
Aguas Clara is an expansion of the Panama Canal, designed to accommodate larger vessels. Located on Gatun Lake, it also serves as a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Aguas Clara walking trail winds through lush rainforest, where visitors often catch glimpses of sloths, toucans, and monkeys.
Watching the ships transition through the Canal is thrilling, as we anticipate our turn just 24 hours away.
After an overnight stay on the ship, we embarked on a day excursion to Fort San Lorenzo while awaiting our canal time slot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1500s and was constructed by the Spaniards as a military fort, offering stunning views over the Chagres River and the Pacific Ocean.
The setting is breathtaking, but even more captivating are the numerous abandoned vessels scattered throughout the bay, remnants of shipping companies that faced financial ruin.
Panama Canal
Finally, the moment arrives, and by 2 PM, we are en route to the Panama Canal.
Witnessing the intricate process required to enter the locks is fascinating. A tugboat guides us, accompanied by a dozen crew members boarding our ship to secure lines connected to trains known as “mules,” which help navigate our vessel through the canal.
During this journey, the captain relinquishes command to a Panama Canal Authority pilot who efficiently coordinates with the mules and crew.
The passage through the Canal and Lake Gatun, culminating in the final locks, takes several hours. After eight hours, we find ourselves sailing into the Pacific Ocean, pleasantly exhausted yet grateful for the experience.
Panama Pacific Coast
We arose early for morning stretching on deck led by our expedition leader, Megan—an energizing way to kick off the day!
Following a delightful early breakfast, we set sail to explore the beautiful coast and the Pearl Islands—one of the trip’s highlights.
Our skiffs took us along rocky coasts for thrilling birdwatching, providing opportunities to observe Blue-Footed Boobies, Cormorants, frigate birds, and pelicans.
Thanks to our skilled guide, Carlos, we navigated rocky outcroppings while soaking in the wildlife around us.
In addition to wildlife sightings, our itinerary included ample beach time for relaxation.
Beaches and Watersports
Each day, skiffs dropped us off at secluded beaches, granting us the freedom to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply unwind with refreshments provided by the wonderful staff.
Onshore, we relaxed with cold beers, enjoying both the scenery and company.
Snorkeling in Panama
As the days progressed, we eagerly anticipated our first guided snorkeling adventure. For those uncertain in the water, floating noodle aids and personal flotation devices were readily available.
Everyone felt welcome and comfortable as we enjoyed our time submerged in the sea. Our favorite snorkeling spot was Granito de Oro, a stunning island located within Coiba National Park.
This picturesque island feels like a scene from a tropical paradise, where we enjoyed kayaks and paddleboards while exploring the vibrant reef with a guide.
Our thrilling encounter with a feeding sea turtle captivated us, and spotting a white-tipped reef shark added to the excitement as we encountered schools of colorful fish.
Cultural Experiences
Travel is an excellent opportunity to delve into new cultures, and one highlight of our trip was visiting the Embera Tribe of Panama deep in the Darien Jungle.
This vibrant tribe welcomed us with smiles and traditional dances, transporting us via dugout canoes through lush bird-rich rivers to their village.
We learned about their customs, joined in the local dances, and acquired beautifully handcrafted goods.
Although I often question cultural tourism, it was evident that the Embera people genuinely appreciated our visit and that it positively impacted their livelihoods.
Every handcrafted item bore a fixed price, signifying the artisans’ confidence in their work and its value.
Costa Rica
As we made our way toward Costa Rica, we were greeted by playful bottlenose dolphins, which marked an exciting beginning.
Everyone on board gathered on deck to marvel at the dolphins frolicking in our wake, setting the tone for the nature encounters awaiting us.
Our first river excursion in Costa Rica thrilled us as we spotted toucans in clear view—our desired wildlife!
We enjoyed visiting private gardens along the coast, although Dave and I took the opportunity to lounge in a hammock with refreshing cold beverages.
While we hoped to see sloths, macaws, and monkeys, the heat kept the wildlife undercover, so we opted to relax in the shade, awaiting our next adventures.
Wildlife
Our final day offered the best wildlife encounters of the entire trip. An early morning bird-watching tour at Curu National Wildlife Refuge enhanced our chances to spot more creatures.
Despite not seeing sloths, we enjoyed observing howler monkeys and spider monkeys, iguanas, and white-nosed coatimundis—filling our hearts with joy.
With only a morning to explore, we regrettably had to depart, but reminiscing about our adventure over a glass of wine in the lounge with fellow passengers, we felt grateful for the bond we created.
It was a memorable journey surrounded by unforgettable people. UnCruisers are adventurous spirits who revel in enjoying life together, crafting moments that would last a lifetime.
Our hearts are already longing for the next thrilling escapade!
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