Land & Sea: Panama to Costa Rica
Discover the natural beauty and warm hospitality of Panama and Costa Rica on this enthralling land and sea adventure. Dive deep into the famed biodiversity, exploring tropical rainforests, dreamy islands, pristine beaches and exotic marine, bird, and wildlife. Learn of Panama’s indigenous communities, colonial history, and sail through the iconic Panama Canal, while a host of adrenalin-fuelled activities including night safaris, white water rafting and canopy tours enrich the experience.
Journey highlights
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Soak up the UNESCO-listed colonial splendour of Panama City, visit the indigenous Emberá Quera community and learn about the remarkable Panama Canal, before heading to the luxury private island resort of Islas Secas.
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Jump aboard Le Bellot for a 10-night luxurious expedition cruise, sailing through the spectacular Panama Canal, on your way to Costa Rica. A wonderful way to experience the region’s National Parks, tropical islands, and wildlife.
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Meet Costa Rica’s famous frogs, sloths, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and toucans, discovering the rich biodiversity of the country’s rainforests and relax in hot thermal springs, explore volcanic landscapes, and cloud forests, enjoying the coffee and warm hospitality along the way.
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Indulge in this exceptional journey taking you from 7 nights in Panama to 10 nights at sea and 7 nights in Costa Rica, with all-inclusive deluxe accommodation, activities and excursions with experienced guides and transfers.
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
On arrival at Tocumen Airport, Panama City, you will be met by your guide and driven to the legendary Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Hotel in the heart of the UNESCO-listed colonial district. An impressive hotel combining handsome heritage features with modern comforts, exceptional service, several destination dining options, and superb spa. For three nights enjoy everything this hotel has to offer and if time permits, once you’ve settled into the hotel you can take a wander around the historic neighbourhood, known as Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo.Your first full day includes two fascinating excursions. You’ll be picked up in the morning by your guide for a visit to the Panama Canal’s Agua Clara Visitor Centre on the Atlantic side of the canal in Colón. Here you’ll learn about the building and development of the canal and the new locks, built to accommodate the huge super-tankers. You’ll then have a chance to learn more about the country’s indigenous communities with a trip by dugout canoe to the Emberá Village on the shores of Lake Gatun. Home to the Emberá Quera, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Panama’s traditional culture, customs, and lifestyle.The following day your guide will pick you up for a trip to the UNESCO-listed Panama Viejo, to see the remains of the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. The site dates from 1519, and you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins and learn about the region’s connections to piracy, before a visit to the Casa Baru Rum Cellar, to discover the art of rum production and enjoy a tasting session. The day concludes with a guided tour of Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo), resplendent with beautiful colonial architecture.Where to stay
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo - Panama City (3 nights)
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At a Glance
This morning you leave Panama City for the luxury private island resort, Islas Secas. The Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge is on Islas Cavada, the only inhabited island, and has a maximum of 32 guests. For the following four nights you’ll stay in Casita Mirador, a romantic retreat enjoying ocean views, with a private plunge pool, ensuite bedroom and expansive terrace with thatched cabanas, indulging in the ultimate luxury of this all-inclusive experience.The islands are a biodiversity hotspot within a private and protected marine reserve, where conservation and sustainability are a priority. Home to 750 species of fish, 124 bird species, 128 plant species, one of the largest coral reef systems in the Eastern Pacific and within an hour’s boat ride from the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park, the islands offer both thrilling wildlife sightings and bucket list adventures. Activities included are kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, yoga, birdwatching, fishing, e-foiling, beach picnics and wake-surfing. There is also a dreamy spa with one 60-minute treatment included per guest.Where to stay
Islas Secas (4 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Your final stop is the magnificent Curú Nature Reserve, where more wildlife watching awaits. On arrival at Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica’s largest seaport, you will be met by your driver for the 2-hour transfer to Amor Arenal, your base for the following two nights. In the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, this luxurious rainfall lodge offers rustic chic casitas, with plunge pools, wraparound decks, and volcano views, as well as superb farm-to-table dining. A perfect spot to sample Costa Rica’s famous Pura Vida (Pure Life), there are numerous hiking trails to explore, and thermal spring pools tucked into the rainforest at this 5-star resort.Combining three wonderful experiences, the following day you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of the rainforest. First up is a leisurely ride on an inflatable rafting boat on the Peñas Blancas River, a great way to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Next is a chance to enjoy the rainforest canopy with a tour across the 16 hanging suspension bridges of Místico. Get a bird’s eye view of the birds and mammals and learn about the forest’s ecosystems and biodiversity, before enjoying a gourmet Mediterranean themed picnic lunch by the Burro River.Where to stay
Amor Arenal (2 nights)
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At a Glance
From Arenal you will travel to Tortuguero on the northeast Caribbean coast, by road and boat transfer, for two nights at the Tortuga Lodge bordering Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most popular eco-tourist destinations. With just 26 spacious and well-appointed rooms, this remote rainforest lodge offers a truly personal service, with home-cooked food and fabulous excursions and guiding.During your stay, you can choose two experiences each day. These include a visit to the sea turtle conservation centre, kayaking, a natural history boat tour, night safari, hiking adventure and tip to Cerro Tortuguero, an inactive volcano, and Costa Rica’s highest peak on the Caribbean coast.Where to stay
Tortuga Lodge (2 nights)
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At a Glance
From Tortuguero you then travel to Pacuare in the Turrialba Valley, home to Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest and the thundering rapids of the Pacuare River. Enjoy a spectacular arrival by white water raft to your base for the following two nights, the Pacuare Lodge. You’ll stay in a deluxe palm-thatched bungalow at this luxury riverside eco-lodge and can choose from a range of experiences during your stay. These include hiking to the indigenous Cabecar community, birdwatching, zip-line canopy tour, canyoning, and white-water rafting.
Where to stay
Pacuare Lodge (2 nights)
Why book a Journey by Land & Sea
- Our cruise experts will combine the best of ‘On Land’ and ‘At Sea’ to create a bespoke itinerary just for you
- On Land: Enjoy the best in Scott Dunn tailor-made travel, designed completely unique to you, before and/or after your cruise
- At Sea: Our all-inclusive* small-ship cruise partners are handpicked for their exceptional service, space, and design
- Our suggested itineraries are ideal for ‘cruise curious’ travellers who are traditionally land-based but are interested in giving luxury cruising a try
- Check with your consultant for a full list of the inclusions onboard
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on +65 6028 0858 to start planning your holiday.
Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
- We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.
Seamless Service
- We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
- You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.
Carefully Curated Collection
- Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
- We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.
Luxury in Every Sense
- Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
- We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.