11-night The Panama Canal & Costa Rica Cruise/Land Package

January 18, 2025

Tauck - Cruise Division: Le Bellot for Tauck

Panama City/San Jose

Vacation Offer ID 1542594

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

From $9,390

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Cruise Inclusions

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Tauck's experienced naturalist, Tauck Director and local guides join the cruise aboard ship, leading excursions ashore to enrich your experience of the jungle, water and flora & fauna

Visits to Carara National Park in Costa Rica, the Darien and the San Blas Islands

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $3,147
7-night cruise aboard one of Ponant's Explorer Class yacht
Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions
Full small-ship transit of the Panama Canal with onboard commentary by a local expert
4 nights' hotel accommodations with guided sightseeing in San José & Panama City
Aboard ship, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included throughout the day.
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
30 meals; applicable fuel surcharges, service charges, porterage and most taxes

Available Add-Ons

Optional roundtrip airfare from your city Pre or post cruise hotel stay

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Panama City Panama City 01/18/2025 A transfer from Tocumen International Airport is included to Hilton Panama or JW Marriott Panama is included. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.	01/18/2025	01/18/2025
Panama City Panama City 01/19/2025 Begin today's exploration of Panama City in its key historic district, Casco Viejo; a walking tour will show you this walled cobblestoned city, built in the 1670s at the foot of Ancon Hill, to provide safety from attack. The area is a gem of Spanish colonial architecture in various stages of redevelopment, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you'll also have free time to explore on your own. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the former Canal Zone, driving through Ancon Hill, a lush residential enclave that was home to US military facilities until a 1977 treaty granted Panamanian sovereignty over the "Zone;" Albrook, a former US Air Force Base; and Clayton, once a US Army base. Then enjoy a fascinating visit to the exhibits and gardens of the Biomuseo, the Panama City biodiversity museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish.	01/19/2025	01/19/2025
Gamboa Rainforest Resort Gamboa Rainforest Resort 01/20/2025 Your journey today brings you to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you'll choose between an aerial tram ride with a naturalist through the rainforest at eye-level with exotic birds and animals (aboard the only gondola of its kind in Panama), or a boat cruise along waterways leading to hidden islands, where you might spot monkeys at play. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn about the Panama Canal on a visit to the Agua Clara locks before boarding your Explorer-continue across the Isthmus to Panama City; check into your hotel in the city's heart this afternoon. Spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in historic Panama City.	01/20/2025	01/20/2025
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 01/20/2025 Your journey today brings you to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you'll choose between an aerial tram ride with a naturalist through the rainforest at eye-level with exotic birds and animals (aboard the only gondola of its kind in Panama), or a boat cruise along waterways leading to hidden islands, where you might spot monkeys at play. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn about the Panama Canal on a visit to the Agua Clara locks before boarding your Explorer-continue across the Isthmus to Panama City; check into your hotel in the city's heart this afternoon. Spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in historic Panama City.	01/20/2025	01/20/2025
Panama City Panama City 01/20/2025 Your journey today brings you to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you'll choose between an aerial tram ride with a naturalist through the rainforest at eye-level with exotic birds and animals (aboard the only gondola of its kind in Panama), or a boat cruise along waterways leading to hidden islands, where you might spot monkeys at play. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn about the Panama Canal on a visit to the Agua Clara locks before boarding your Explorer-continue across the Isthmus to Panama City; check into your hotel in the city's heart this afternoon. Spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in historic Panama City.	01/20/2025	01/20/2025
San Blas Islands San Blas Islands 01/21/2025 Your yacht arrives in the archipelago of San Blas today, where you'll transfer by Zodiac for a wet landing at Holandes Cayes. Here, you'll visit Guna Indians, whose language and customs reflect lives with few outside influences, women sell handmade molas – reverse-appliquéd fabrics with brilliant images of fish, birds and jungle animals – and fishing is still done by canoe. After your visit to a Guna village, you can spend a leisurely afternoon swimming and snorkeling before returning by Zodiac to your ship. Join us for the Captain's farewell dinner tonight, as your yacht sails to Colon, Panama.	01/21/2025	01/21/2025
Panama Canal Panama Canal 01/22/2025 Opened in 1914, and considered an engineering marvel of the 20th century, the Panama Canal opened trade to the Americas by creating a transit path between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Thanks to the canal, today ships traveling from New York to San Francisco save over 7,000 miles by not having to chart a course around South America. Early this morning, your ship will arrive at Gatun and position outside the canal for her full transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We'll welcome aboard a canal pilot, the local navigation professional who will guide our ship into the Gatun Locks, Lake Gatun and into the narrow Gaillard cut. Later, we transit the Pedro Miguel locks before finally clearing Miraflores locks and passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean at Balboa. Your Tauck Director, Tauck Naturalist and an official of the Panama Canal Authority will provide both technical and historical information about this engineering wonder. The process may take approximately eight to ten hours; while passing through the three locks, your yacht will be be raised up a total of 85 feet before reaching the Pacific Ocean!	01/22/2025	01/22/2025
Darien Region Darien Region 01/23/2025 Today you'll stop in the beautiful but remote Darien region of Panama, calling on Playa del Muerto for a wet landing by Zodiac craft to visit an indigenous community of the Emberá people, whose lifestyle remains largely unaffected by modern times. You'll meet the locals, watch them perform traditional dances, see how they live, and perhaps purchase some of their "Cocobolo" wood or "Tagua" vegetable ivory carvings. Return to the ship for lunch; enjoy a naturalist lecture this afternoon.	01/23/2025	01/23/2025
At Sea At Sea 01/24/2025 Enjoy a relaxing day at sea today, taking advantage of your Explorer Class ship's many amenities as you make your way across the Pacific Ocean waters off Panama's coast, bound for the remote Darien region of Panama. Throughout the day, your Tauck Directors and naturalist guides will circulate about the ship answering questions – sharing their experiences and scanning the horizon for marine mammals and pelagic birds – and will also offer compelling lectures.	01/24/2025	01/24/2025
Quepos Quepos 01/25/2025 Call on the city of Quepos this morning, a perfect jumping off point for a day of activities in Costa Rica's eco-wonderland. Your day today is rich with excursions, as you'll have a choice of activities in both the morning and the afternoon! Excursions you may choose from today include: a scenic drive through Quepos and a stop at Espadilla Beach; a horseback ride through a mountain forest; a cruise through the Central American mangroves (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!); an active hike through the rainforest; a nature walk through Rainmaker Conservation Park; a walking tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and an exciting river float trip* on the Savegre River (which will include lunch). Back aboard the ship, enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight, as your ship sets out from Quepos, bound for the Pacific Ocean.	01/25/2025	01/25/2025
Carara Biological Reserve Carara Biological Reserve 01/26/2025 Your ship arrives at Playa Herradura for a choice of shore excursions offering a range of eco-activities. One includes a walking tour in Carara National Park with a local naturalist guide, after which you'll learn about various coastal bird and wildlife species on a mangrove boat tour just outside the national park; another choice offers a more active, faster-paced walk in the park, followed by the mangrove cruise. A third choice features a visit to Tropical Forest Sky Walk near the boundary of Carara Biological Reserve, where you'll hike across suspended cable bridges skimming the top of the rainforest, up to 126 feet above the ground; from your lofty perch, you'll see the marshlands of the Tarcoles River and views of the ocean in the distance. Your guide will point out species of birds, monkeys, butterflies and other mammals that you may encounter. Still another possibility is a visit to the spectacular Pura Vida Gardens, whose beautifully manicured gardens are bordered by one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Pura Vida is home to over 60,000 flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconia, ten varieties of ginger, and orchids; look for butterflies, macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, kingfishers, birds of prey, and waterfowl.	01/26/2025	01/26/2025
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) 01/27/2025 As your cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to your Explorer Class ship and her crew, and set off to discover Costa Rica's fascinating interior en route to the capital city of San José. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi, known for the production and painting of the traditional ox carts (carretas) and other handmade products seen all over the country, bearing the colorful starburst designs that have become a symbol of Costa Rica. Continue on to Costa Rica's capital city, San José. San José city sightseeing today includes visits to the Baroque-style, 19th-century National Theatre, a grand symbol of civic pride dating back to 1897 – its interior glistens with Baroque gold overlays and Carrara marble – and the Gold Museum, which houses pre-Columbian works of gold crafted by indigenous islanders. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to spend as you wish in San José.	01/27/2025	01/27/2025
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 01/27/2025 As your cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to your Explorer Class ship and her crew, and set off to discover Costa Rica's fascinating interior en route to the capital city of San José. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi, known for the production and painting of the traditional ox carts (carretas) and other handmade products seen all over the country, bearing the colorful starburst designs that have become a symbol of Costa Rica. Continue on to Costa Rica's capital city, San José. San José city sightseeing today includes visits to the Baroque-style, 19th-century National Theatre, a grand symbol of civic pride dating back to 1897 – its interior glistens with Baroque gold overlays and Carrara marble – and the Gold Museum, which houses pre-Columbian works of gold crafted by indigenous islanders. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to spend as you wish in San José.	01/27/2025	01/27/2025
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 01/27/2025 As your cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to your Explorer Class ship and her crew, and set off to discover Costa Rica's fascinating interior en route to the capital city of San José. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi, known for the production and painting of the traditional ox carts (carretas) and other handmade products seen all over the country, bearing the colorful starburst designs that have become a symbol of Costa Rica. Continue on to Costa Rica's capital city, San José. San José city sightseeing today includes visits to the Baroque-style, 19th-century National Theatre, a grand symbol of civic pride dating back to 1897 – its interior glistens with Baroque gold overlays and Carrara marble – and the Gold Museum, which houses pre-Columbian works of gold crafted by indigenous islanders. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to spend as you wish in San José.	01/27/2025	01/27/2025
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 01/28/2025 Near-perfect growing conditions have made coffee one of Costa Rica's most important exports. Today you'll visit the Doka Coffee Plantation, located on the fertile slopes of Alajuela's Poás Volcano, where the soil and altitude make for ideal growing conditions. Your guide explains how the beans are produced and roasted and how different microclimates affect the taste. Also explore and have lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private rainforest eco-park and wildlife refuge known for spectacular waterfalls and flowing white rivers; this protected reserve buzzes with the sounds and sights of wildlife including toucans, butterflies, spider monkeys, two-toed sloths and red-eyed leaf frogs – to name a few of the 100+ species. Join us tonight at your hotel for a farewell reception and dinner, marking the end your Panama Canal cruise.	01/28/2025	01/28/2025
La Paz Waterfall Gardens La Paz Waterfall Gardens 01/28/2025 Near-perfect growing conditions have made coffee one of Costa Rica's most important exports. Today you'll visit the Doka Coffee Plantation, located on the fertile slopes of Alajuela's Poás Volcano, where the soil and altitude make for ideal growing conditions. Your guide explains how the beans are produced and roasted and how different microclimates affect the taste. Also explore and have lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private rainforest eco-park and wildlife refuge known for spectacular waterfalls and flowing white rivers; this protected reserve buzzes with the sounds and sights of wildlife including toucans, butterflies, spider monkeys, two-toed sloths and red-eyed leaf frogs – to name a few of the 100+ species. Join us tonight at your hotel for a farewell reception and dinner, marking the end your Panama Canal cruise.	01/28/2025	01/28/2025
San Jose (C.R.) San Jose (C.R.) 01/29/2025 Transfers from the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José or InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall to Juan Santamaría International Airport are included. Allow 3 hours for check-in formalities.	01/29/2025	01/29/2025

Tauck - Cruise Division: Le Bellot for Tauck

Boasting sophisticated styling, innovative "green" technology, and welcoming, attentive service, Le Bellot is one of Ponant's new Explorer Series yachts... introducing guests to a whole new cruising experience. Le Bellot embodies the unique atmosphere guests have come to expect – a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Ship Statistics

Maiden Voyage: 2020
Registry: France
Beam: 59 ft (18 m)
Maximum Speed: 12.5 knots
Ship Length: 430 ft (131.1 m)
Gross Tonnage: 9,900 gross tons

Number of Crew: 110
Passenger Capacity: 184
Crew Nationality: French / International
Dining / Restaurants: Yes
Bars / Lounges: Yes

Balcony

Deluxe Stateroom (DEL) $9,390

Category: DEL

Area: 19 m². Capacity: 2 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 4 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4 (PR4) $10,090

Category: PR4

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5 (PR5) $10,390

Category: PR5

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 (PR6) $10,590

Category: PR6

Suite

Deluxe Suite Deck 6 (DS6) $12,390

Category: DS6

Area: 27 m². Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 6 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Prestige Suite Deck 5 (PS5) $15,390

Category: PS5

Area: 38 m². Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 8 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Prestige Suite Deck 6 (PS6) $15,890

Category: PS6

Privilege Suite Deck 6 (PV6) $16,390

Category: PV6

Area: 32 m². Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 8 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 (GD6) $17,890

Category: GD6

Area: 45 m². Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 30 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Owner's Suite (SA) $19,890

Category: SA

Area: 45 m². Capacity: 2 passengers per cabin. Balcony size: 30 m². Cabin features: Individually-controlled air-conditioning. King-size bed or twin beds. Shower. Minibar. Flat screen. Satellite TV. Desk with stationery. Ipod(TM) players. Video on demand. Safe. Hairdryer. Bath robes. Satellite direct line telephone. 110/220 volts outlet. French bath products. 24hr room service. Internet access wifi (fee may apply).

Privilege Suite Deck 5 (PV5) Call for pricing

Category: PV5

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5 (GD5) Call for pricing

Category: GD5

Deluxe Suite Deck 5 (DS5) Call for pricing

Category: DS5

Deluxe Suite Deck 4 (DS4) Call for pricing

Category: DS4

Deluxe Suite Deck 3 (DS3) Call for pricing

Category: DS3

Inside

Price includes all private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, entertainment, and gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff.

Land / Cruise Price includes all shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges; and gratuities to Tauck Directors and ship staff. Aboard ship, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included throughout the day.

Special note about the January 11 and 18 departures: We are pleased to welcome wildlife filmmaker Tim Martin aboard the January 11 (eastbound) and 18 (westbound) departures; he'll be sharing insights, both onboard the ship and ashore, about the local wildlife.

Travel East or West: Cruise operates Eastbound from San José and Westbound from Panama City. Sightseeing is identical.

Note: This cruise feature two types of landings on the islands, made from your ship either by tender or Zodiac-style inflatable rafts. Dry Landings occur when guests step from the tender or rafts on to rocks or a dock. Wet Landings occur when the tender or raft edges onto a sandy beach and guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

Note: Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Deck 7