31 Oct Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Embark Quest for Adventure and moor here overnight.
01 Nov Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Depart 1800.
The ancient history of this stunning country is shrouded in mystery. The first recorded event was the arrival of Christopher Columbus, who stayed in the area surrounding Puerto Limon for 17 days in 1502. He was so impressed by the gold jewellery worn by the natives that he named the area ‘Costa Rica’ or the ‘rich coast’. However, the gold he hoped for was never discovered in great quantities.
Puerto Limon was founded in 1870 as a port for exporting bananas and grains. Today it is one of the leading ports in the country exporting coffee, cocoa and coconuts. Local attractions include Vargas Park and the downtown market offering everything from exotic fruits and vegetables to antiques and curios.
02 Nov Corn Island, Nicaragua
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
Corn Island is situated off the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua. This small and fairly unpopulated island is mainly a fishing community. Corn Island has some spectacular rustic beaches with white sands that are lined with palm trees - a secluded retreat if all you want to do is relax in the warm sun.
If you want to explore the local wildlife, Corn Island is perfect for scuba diving with its plentiful coral reefs and rich sea life. The island is very much focused on its beaches and marine life, which means its attractions are too. During your time here, perhaps visit the Corn Island Marine Park, the Spanish Galleon or enjoy the picturesque views from the lookout point.
03 Nov San Andres, Colombia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1500. Land by launch or tender.
This archipelago of small coral islands in the Caribbean lies nearly 500 miles north-west of the Colombian mainland and some 140 miles east of Nicaragua. For a long time the islands were a British colony, and although the Spanish took possession after independence, the British influence on language, religion and architecture is still very much in evidence.
San Andres is everything you might expect of an archetypal Caribbean island – covered with coconut palms, white coral beaches and clear and turquoise-blue seas. Wildlife – particularly birds and iridescent green and blue lizards – abounds in the palm forests.
Local taxis will be available at the tender pier for those passengers wanting to explore independently.
04 Nov Cruise the Panama Canal
04 Nov Balboa. Panama
Arrive 1700 on November 4. Depart 1700 on November 5.
Balboa is a town set close to the Panama Canal mouth. It was founded in 1914 and named after explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the first European to reach the Pacific from the New World.
Balboa is now considered part of Panama City's township of Ancon. Since its incorporation into the Republic of Panama, Balboa has been redeveloped to enhance the port's capacity and to adapt to private ownership of houses and commercial enterprises.
Sightseeing highlights for anyone visiting Balboa today include the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, the remaining English-language churches or perhaps visit the famed Powell Orchid Garden which houses over 400 species of these beautiful native flowers.
06 Nov Coiba Island, Panama
Arrive 0800. Depart 1400. Land by launch or tender.
Coiba Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it's an area of true natural beauty and culture. This quiet area is completely undeveloped, so you'll get to experience a culture which hasn't been affected by mass numbers of tourists.
During your time here, you can enjoy snorkelling where there's the opportunity to see sharks, turtles and other tropical marine life. In land, you can take a trip on one of the many jungle trails, where you'll get to see wildlife and lush greenery. Local guards in the area can also show you around the old derelict prison which still stands on the island, an interesting piece of Coiba's history.
07 Nov Golfito, Costa Rica
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The Costa Rican rainforest and the Wildlife Refuge contribute to Golfito's stunning backdrop. The small port town of Golfito Costa Rica enjoys views of the tranquil turquoise waters of Golfito Bay. The area has a number of yachting and boating services, as well as sport fishing.
Out of the water, the Golfito Wildlife Refuge is an attraction not to be missed. The evergreen forests run up to the coastline of Golfito and is said to be one of the wettest places in the world due to its heavy annual rainfall. In the refuge, you'll find many mammals, as well as the collared peccary, agouti, raccoons, coati, frogs and snakes.
09 Nov Acajutla, El Salvador
Arrive 0800. Depart 2100.
Acajutla is El Salvador's main seaport and is on the Pacific coast of Central America. This quiet town is popular for its beautiful beaches and the Los Cabanos beach, which is near the port stop-off, is popular with divers because of its rich marine life. Away from the waters, you could visit the stunning and untouched forests of Apaneca – one of Acajutla’s best attractions.
Acajutla handles a large portion of El Salvador's coffee exports and shipments of sugar and balsam (a resin used in perfumes and cosmetics).
One of Acajutla's most important celebrations is between March and April when they celebrate the passion of Christ. In that day, people clean the roads and create decoratives images in the sand they bring from the beach, and at noon they begin the simulation of the passion from San Francisco de Asis church near Barrio La playa ending in the same location the next day in the early hours of the day.
10 Nov Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest Pacific Ocean port. The area is steeped in history and was once home to the fascinating Mayan culture; with many ancient Mayan ruins still standing. You may also like to visit the ancient city of Tikal, another significant landmark of Puerto Quetzal. For those who are just seeking relaxation, Puerto Quetzal also boasts some of the finest beaches in the area, as well as a host of bars along the seafront.
11 Nov Amapala, Honduras
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Land by launch or tender.
The small fishing village of Amapala is on the island of La Tigre. La Tigre is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Fonseca and enjoys amazing views and stunning backdrops. Beautiful beaches and fine seafood make this little town a hidden gem off the Pacific Ocean.
Amapala is formed by El Tigra Island, its satellite islets and rocks in the Gulf of Fonseca. As of 2001 it has a population of 2,482 (of which 4 people were living on Isla Comandante). Thanks to a natural deep channel, and despite lacking modern infrastructure, Amapala long served as the main Honduran port in the Pacific Ocean.
12 Nov San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Land by launch or tender.
San Juan del Sur is the most popular travel destination on Nicaragua's coast. And no wonder why, with its bustling local culture and various tourist attractions. Some of the area's attractions include surfing and fishing, along with stunning beaches and a lively nightlife. Not far from the port, you'll find a host of shops and restaurants, where you can perhaps buy gifts and try the local cuisine. One thing's for sure, San Juan del Sur's natural beauty and friendly locals make it a place you'll want to visit again and again.
13 Nov Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.
Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula and its port handles mainly cruise ships. Puntarenas is the coutry's most important fishing port, so the local delicacy mainly consists of seafood. On its waterfront, you'll find countless bars and restaurants, along with open-air cafes which are perfect on a hot summer's day. Away from the beach, you'll find the Manuel Antonio National Park, Cocos Island National Park and a number of other nature reserves.
14 Nov Caldera, Costa Rica
Arrive 0100. Disembark Quest for Adventure.
Puerto Caldera is set in a lush, unspoiled region of Costa Rica. For a small port town, Puerto Caldera has some excellent features, including cliffs which form a picturesque backdrop in the distance. And from the top, offer some truly breathtaking views of the country’s Pacific Coast. If you feel like venturing further in, not far from Caldera you'll find Carara National Park, a stunning place which has a number of rare birds.