Panama to Costa Rica

Lining the piers of Balboa—the Pacific gateway to the Panama Canal—are yachts from around the globe. Originally developed as the administrative headquarters for the U.S. management of the Canal, Balboa features distinguished early 20th-century buildings in classic American colonial style.

San José Island, the second largest in the Pearl Islands archipelago, lies just 90 kilometers from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Renowned as one of the world’s premier deep-sea fishing destinations, its waters teem with tropical game fish, including tuna, black marlin, cubera snapper, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, and giant oysters. The island’s rugged coastline is dotted with coconut palms and wild sugar cane, while its beaches offer a striking spectrum of colors—from coral white and golden sand to deep ebony black.

Iguana Island is a natural attraction of the Azuero Peninsula offering the only white sand beach in the region and beautiful clear waters. Accessible only by boat and Inhabited by rare birds, purple and red crabs and of course iguanas, it's considered to be a wildlife refuge. It is great for snorkeling and you may spot morey eeels, rays and turtles swimming in the warm waters. There is also a hiking trail that you can follow where you can see nesting birds.

Nestled off the Pacific coast of Panama, Coiba National Park boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity within its azure waters and dense rainforest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pristine sanctuary encompasses the largest island in Central America, Coiba Island, along with 38 smaller islands. A haven for marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales, the park's coral reefs teem with vibrant fish species. On land, it shelters rare flora and fauna, including the endemic Coiba spinetail bird. Once a penal colony, its remote location has helped preserve its natural splendor, offering visitors a glimpse into a pristine ecosystem largely untouched by human development.

Golfito is Costa Rica's most southern port town. It was built for bananas export when the United Fruit Company moved its regional headquarters here in the '30s and remained until it's departure in the 1980s. Today it acts as a gateway to visitors who wish to surf at Pavones or take part in sport-fishing. There are other activities on offer including dolphin watch and kayaking to nearby mangrove forests.

The small busy town of Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the rapid rise in ecotourism has meant that Quepos has been descended  upon it, has largely retained it's authentic feel.There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.

Isla Tortuga is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder soft white sand beaches that are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise. You can also play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or even get a ride of a glass-bottom boat.  However if you are feeling adventurous you can ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.

Puerto Caldera is the cruise port that is the major gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, at 80 km distance from the capital San José. A cruise extension to the Arenal Volcano or Monteverde Cloud Forest is not to be missed.