Panama Canal and

jewels of Central America


PONANT Cruise





Aboard an exceptional vessel, embark on an unforgettable journey between the Panama Canal and the treasures of Central America. As you sail along, be captivated by the diverse landscapes: lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. From the fascinating engineering of the Panama Canal to secluded ports of call along the shores of Costa Rica and Panama, each stop reveals unspoiled nature and a vibrant cultural richness.


Between exploration and contemplation, discover extraordinary flora and fauna, whether on jungle treks, sea excursions, or water sports. Dive into crystal-clear waters, observe unique ecosystems, and soak up the warm atmosphere of these authentic lands, where traditions and biodiversity meet in harmony.


Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking for an escape, this cruise invites you to an immersive experience, close to nature. On board, enjoy an elegant and intimate setting, perfect for relaxation and a change of scenery. Between refined comfort and a spirit of exploration, every moment becomes an invitation to slow down, to feel, and to fully savor the magic of this fascinating region.

Your journey day by day


  • Exploring the natural wonders of Central America, blending lush landscapes, ancestral cultures and the iconic Panama Canal, a true feat of engineering.
  • Immersion in the heart of spectacular nature — dream beaches, preserved rainforests — and authentic exchanges with local populations, including the Emberá and Kuna communities.
  • Among the experiences offered: discovery of the Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other enriching excursions.

 I T I N E R A R Y

7 Nov 26 : Colon


Colón, Panama's second-largest city, is located at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Caribbean coast. Today, it plays a key role as a major commercial port, and its development was largely facilitated by the creation of the free trade zone in 1953. The city originated in 1850, founded by Americans involved in the construction of the railway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Isthmus of Panama. Subsequently, particularly with the opening of the canal, it quickly rose to prominence over other, older Caribbean ports.


8 Nov 26: San Blas Islands


Along Panama's northeastern coast, the San Blas archipelago unfolds its numerous coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Comprising over 300 islets scattered across approximately 300 kilometers, it offers travelers seeking escape a diverse range of landscapes. Protected by a vast coral reef, these islands shelter numerous idyllic anchorages. Their white sand beaches, bordered by crystal-clear waters, invite relaxation while providing opportunities to observe abundant marine life. It's also a chance to discover the indigenous Kuna community, who maintain a traditional way of life based on hunting and fishing, and whose bamboo villages are nestled near the shore.


November 9, 2026: Crossing the Panama Canal


Aboard your ship, you will have the opportunity to experience something truly extraordinary as you transit the legendary Panama Canal, a project that has long fueled the dreams of adventurers and investors. Launched in 1880 under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps, the project faced numerous obstacles before finally being completed by the United States in 1914. A true feat of engineering, this waterway crosses the Isthmus of Panama and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Thanks to its three levels of locks, ships are gradually raised to Lake Gatun via an ingenious system similar to water elevators, thus avoiding the perilous detour around Cape Horn.


November 10, 2026: Fort Amador, Flamenco Island


Located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is an artificial peninsula that provides a privileged access point to several sites of interest. To the north, nestled amidst lush vegetation, lie villages inhabited by the indigenous Emberá community, closely linked to the forest and the banks of the Chagres River. This people, deeply attached to their roots, has preserved their traditions and ancestral way of life, inherited from a time before the arrival of the Spanish colonists.



Four excursions are available at this stopover:

  • Biomuseo: Living Panama - duration 2 hours (included)

After disembarking, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views along the Amador Road, a spectacular causeway built from excavated material from the Panama Canal construction. This iconic road connects several islets and offers remarkable views of Panama City, the Bridge of the Americas, and the canal entrance, making it one of the capital's most iconic landmarks.


The exploration continues with a visit to the Biomuseo, a major cultural and scientific center in the country, designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry. Through immersive exhibits and themed galleries, the museum retraces the formation of the Isthmus of Panama approximately 3 million years ago, a geological event that profoundly altered the planet by connecting North and South America. This transformation led to significant exchanges of species and influenced ocean currents, with repercussions for global climates.


The route also highlights Panama’s exceptional biodiversity, considered one of the richest in the world per unit area, and explains why the country is often described as a true “bridge of life” between two continents.


At the end of the visit, you will return to your ship, with the memory of an enriching and spectacular experience, illustrating the historical, natural and geographical importance of Panama.



  • Casco Antigo: History and Flavors - duration: 4h15 (Included)

Leaving the dock, you'll head towards colonial Panama, better known as Casco Antiguo, a historic district founded in 1673 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you travel along the waterfront, you'll enjoy beautiful views before embarking on a guided walking tour of approximately 1.5 hours through its charming and lively cobblestone streets.


As you stroll along, you will discover captivating stories related to piracy and acts of bravery, while observing rich and varied architecture blending French, Spanish and Italian influences, reflecting the city's cultural diversity.


After the tour, free time will allow you to explore the neighborhood at your own pace, take photos or discover local crafts, before heading to the Hotel La Concordia for a dedicated Geisha café experience.

You'll experience an immersive journey into the world of Panama's Geisha coffee, a discovery that blends tradition, flavor, and expertise. The experience begins with a presentation tracing the history of this exceptional coffee, from its introduction to the Panamanian highlands to its recognition as one of the world's most prestigious. You'll learn about its growing environment, the local communities, and the methods that have contributed to its renown.


The tasting will continue with three different preparations of Geisha coffee — washed, honey and natural — each offering distinct aromatic profiles, accompanied by expert explanations to better appreciate their subtleties.


To complete this experience, you will also enjoy handcrafted desserts made with Geisha coffee, specially designed to highlight the unique characteristics of each preparation method.



  • Rhythms of Panama: Folkloric show - duration 2 hours (Included)

More than just a restaurant, El Trapiche is a true cultural space where Panamanian identity is fully expressed. There, you can enjoy a folkloric show lasting approximately one hour, combining traditional music and dances.


In a friendly and festive atmosphere, you will be immersed in the country's traditions through various emblematic dances such as El Punto, Tamborito, Cumbia, and Atravesao. The dancers, dressed in refined traditional costumes, bring these performances to life, notably with the famous pollera, considered one of the most elegant national garments, and the montuno worn by the men.


Each dance illustrates a facet of the history and regions of Panama, accompanied by typical instruments such as the drum, the mejorana or the caja, thus offering an authentic immersion in the local culture.

It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing to fully enjoy the experience.



  • Inside the Secrets of Panama's Goldsmiths - duration: 2h45 (Not included)

From the dock, you'll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Panama City and its historic center, with an exterior view of the picturesque Casco Antiguo. The route then continues along the Cinta Costera, a coastal road offering superb views of the capital's modern skyline bordering the Pacific Ocean.


The exploration continues with a visit to Reprosa – Treasures of Panama, a workshop dedicated to local crafts inspired by pre-Columbian cultures. There, you will discover the traditional lost-wax casting technique, as well as reproductions of ancient objects and handcrafted pieces representative of Panamanian heritage, available for viewing or purchase.


You will then return to the dock after an excursion combining urban landscapes, historical immersion and the discovery of local know-how.


This excursion is offered subject to a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, an alternative will be offered to ensure an equivalent experience.

The excursion price ranges from €50 to €100. This will be communicated approximately two months before the cruise departure, along with the updated full excursion program included in your travel documents. PONANT also allows pre-booking excursions approximately two months before departure, with billing handled directly on board.


11 Nov 26 : Playa Muerto, Darien National Park


Considered the most isolated and least developed province in Panama, the Darién region is a largely unspoiled territory renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from rocky coastlines and mountain ranges to mangroves, rivers, and creeks.


Open to the Pacific Ocean, Playa Muerto is home to an Emberá Amerindian community. During your visit, you can explore their village, witness traditional songs and dances, and appreciate local crafts passed down through generations, reflecting a unique expertise.



One excursion is available at this stopover:

  • Immersion in the Emberá village - duration: 3h30 (inclusive)

Deep in the Panamanian rainforest, you'll find yourself in a pristine environment where time seems to have stood still since the era of Spanish colonization. It is within this setting that the Emberá community lives, guardians of an ancestral cultural heritage. This immersive experience is akin to a true anthropological discovery, offering a glimpse into a civilization that has managed to preserve its traditions in the face of the changes of the modern world.


During the excursion, the Emberá village reveals itself as a vibrant place, where every gesture and expression reflects a history passed down through generations. You can stroll through this cultural space and experience its peaceful atmosphere. A highlight of the visit is the performance of traditional Emberá dances, true artistic expressions that illustrate the spiritual and cultural richness of this people.


Emberá craftsmanship, skillfully produced by the locals, also testifies to this traditional creativity through exquisitely crafted handmade objects.


This encounter offers a unique immersive experience, allowing you to discover an ancient culture and share a special moment with a community deeply attached to its roots.


The excursion includes a walk of approximately 10 minutes on sand: it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, suitable shoes and sun protection.

  • Please note that no French-speaking guide is available in this remote region of Panama; the excursion is therefore conducted only in English.


12 Nov 26 : Another one


During your sea voyage, you can fully enjoy the services and activities offered on board. You will have the opportunity to relax in the spa, keep fit in the gym, or, depending on the season, enjoy the swimming pool and sunny areas.


This non-stop voyage will also offer the opportunity to attend onboard lectures and shows, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Those passionate about the open sea can head to the upper decks to admire the ocean and, with a bit of luck, observe marine life.



A special moment combining relaxation, leisure and contemplation, in an atmosphere of comfort and serenity in the open sea.


November 13, 2026: Golfito


Golfito is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas, a region recognized as one of the wettest in the world. Before the arrival of Europeans, this territory was inhabited by the indigenous Brunca people. Long centered on banana exports, the town is now primarily a popular starting point for travelers wishing to explore one of the largest primary rainforests in Central America.


The beaches of Golfo Dulce are among the most remarkable in Costa Rica, offering a pristine natural environment dominated by lush vegetation. This area is home to a great diversity of species, including numerous tropical birds, monkeys, and a particularly rich and rare flora.


Four excursions are available at this stopover:

  • Marine escape in the heart of Osa - duration: 4 hours (Included)

Explore the Osa Peninsula and encounter its dolphins on a boat trip with a naturalist guide, who will introduce you to the wonders of the Pacific marine world. Considered by National Geographic to be one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, the Osa Peninsula, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, is home to particularly abundant marine life. These waters are inhabited by pods of dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, as well as large schools of fish such as tuna, and pelagic species like marlin and swordfish.


Throughout the journey, your guide will share their knowledge of this remarkable ecosystem, while several breaks will be planned to observe and photograph the wildlife encountered.

If conditions permit, a relaxing moment can be offered with a swim in a peaceful beach in the area.


Animal observation depends on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed, just like swimming, which remains subject to the weather.


Light clothing, a swimsuit, a hat, and water shoes are recommended. The walk is very limited (approximately 50 meters) on sandy and uneven terrain, and the excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.

This activity is conducted in English only.


  • In the heart of the Calathea garden - duration 3h15 (Included)

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Calathea Botanical Garden, a true natural haven where a wide variety of tropical plants flourish and where numerous species of exotic birds live. Accompanied by a guide, you will set off to discover this particularly rich biodiversity.

After a short bus ride through picturesque villages, you will arrive at the Calathea Botanical Garden. This remarkable site, connected to the Piedras Blancas National Park — home to more than 300 species of birds — offers an ideal environment for observing a variety of wildlife, including hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, trogons and parrots.


Upon arrival, you will be welcomed before exploring the grounds with a presentation. Your guide will then lead you along easily accessible paths, discovering the tropical plants, trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs that make up this unique ecosystem. The visit will also offer opportunities to observe and photograph birds, as well as taste some of the edible plants and fruits grown in the garden.


The discovery will end at the visitor center, where you can enjoy fresh tropical fruits.

The excursion involves approximately 650 meters of walking on flat, gravelly terrain. Lightweight clothing, long pants, and suitable walking shoes are recommended.

This activity is offered in English only.



  • Kayak adventure and secret beach - duration: 2h45 (Not included)

Explore Golfito Bay and its remarkable ecosystem by kayak, before enjoying a relaxing moment on a secluded beach.


Along the fishing village of Golfito, the bay reveals a rich and unspoiled environment. This kayaking excursion, combining sport and nature exploration, will allow you to paddle through the mangroves and observe the local wildlife. While paddling, you might spot pelicans, frigatebirds, egrets, herons, or ibises, and with a bit of luck, booted dolphins swimming in the waters of the gulf.


The outing then continues along the coastline to a secluded and unspoiled beach, where a break is planned for swimming, resting and enjoying fresh fruit and snacks.


This activity is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. It is not recommended for people with back or neck problems. Each participant must be able to get in and out of the kayak independently. The excursion is reserved for people aged 12 and over, with a maximum weight of 100 kg. A waiver must be signed before departure. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.


It is recommended to wear light clothing, water shoes, a hat, and to bring sun protection as well as mosquito repellent.


This activity is offered in English only.

The price is between €100 and €150 and will be confirmed approximately two months before the cruise departure. A detailed itinerary with updated prices is provided in your travel documents before departure. PONANT also allows pre-booking excursions approximately two months before embarkation, with billing taking place on board.



  • Golfito Wild Sanctuary - duration: 3h15 (Included)

Discover the Golfito Wildlife Refuge, one of Costa Rica's most representative nature reserves, on two guided hikes through the heart of nature. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will explore a sanctuary rich in biodiversity.


This reserve is home to fauna and flora typical of the southern part of the American continent, with many endemic species, making it a particularly interesting site for observing and studying nature.

The excursion begins with an initial walk of approximately one hour, followed by a break with a snack, before resuming the hike for a second one-hour exploration within the heart of the refuge. Along the way, you will discover a wide variety of plants, including some thirty species of orchids, several types of heliconias, and ferns.


With a bit of luck, you will also observe the site's rich animal life: four species of monkeys, more than 300 species of birds, as well as numerous mammals, amphibians and reptiles, the numbers of which testify to the extraordinary biodiversity of the reserve.


After this immersion in nature, a tasting of fresh fruit will be offered before the return to the port. The journey includes a stop in a typical village, where you can see an old locomotive linked to the era of banana exports, as well as the famous pre-Columbian stone spheres, whose origin remains shrouded in mystery and numerous local legends.


This hike requires a good level of fitness. It involves approximately 1.3 km of walking on trails that are sometimes uneven and sloping, and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection, and mosquito repellent are recommended.

This activity is conducted in English only.


November 14, 2026: Puntarenas


The capital of the province of the same name, Puntarenas is sometimes called "the Pearl of the Pacific" for its unique charm. Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, it lies in the Gulf of Nicoya, bordered by vast stretches of wilderness. Inland, amidst the countless natural wonders of Costa Rica's lush rainforest and national parks, stand the proud and majestic Poás and Arena volcanoes, their summits shrouded in clouds. Within this verdant environment, Costa Rica preserves one of the richest biodiversities on the planet: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.

Destination: Central America

Itinerary: Colón (Panama) to Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights on board


Dates:

07.11.26 to 14.11.26 on board the ship Le Bellot: from 4,870 euros / pp (based on double cabin)

500 euros travel credit; PONANT Bonus 20% + 200 euros onboard credit by VOS VOYAGES by Culture Air Travel.


January 15, 2027 to January 22, 2027 on board the ship Le Lapérouse: from 5,160 euros / person (based on double cabin)

500 euros travel credit; PONANT Bonus 15% + 200 euros onboard credit by VOS VOYAGES by Culture Air Travel.


February 26, 2027 to March 5, 2027 on board the ship Le Lapérouse: from 5,440 euros / person (based on double cabin)

500 euros travel credit; PONANT Bonus 10% + 200 euros onboard credit by VOS VOYAGES by Culture Air Travel.



The cruises include a complete, all-inclusive experience, from your arrival on board until your disembarkation:

  • Full board from the day of embarkation to the day of departure
  • Gourmet cuisine served in all onboard restaurants
  • Drinks included in restaurants, bars and minibars: selection of champagnes, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, waters, soft drinks and hot drinks²
  • Room service available 24/7
  • Butler service for certain suite categories³
  • Unlimited and free internet access on board
  • Shows, evening entertainment and activities offered on board
  • Access to the fitness area as well as the hammam or sauna, depending on the ship.
  • Port and security fees included.



Services included vary depending on the type of cruise and the ship.

The activities offered on board and during port calls vary depending on the type of cruise chosen:


  • Timeless Cruises: one included excursion⁴ per person per day at each port of call, led by local guides. These excursions may include cultural discoveries, historical monuments, or tastings of local specialties.


  • Discovery Cruises: one activity included per person per day at each stopover, which may take the form of an excursion guided by local experts or an activity led by naturalist guides.


  • Expedition Cruises: one activity included per person per day at each stopover, fully supervised by naturalist guides, including for example hikes or zodiac excursions depending on the destinations.


Some more isolated ports of call, with few or no tourist facilities, are offered for independent exploration. Passengers can thus freely explore the area and enjoy activities on their own, such as swimming, shopping, local cuisine, or shows.


The cruises also include:

  • Lectures led by naturalist guides or a destination expert (excluding Voyage en Mer type cruises).


  • Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, subject to weather conditions, safety and local permits.


  • Taxes related to national parks and protected areas.


  • The support of a team of naturalist guides for Expeditions and Discoveries cruises, on land or during zodiac excursions depending on the destinations.