Caribbean, San Blass
Natural Treasures of
Costa Rica & Panama
With Distinguished Guest Lecturer Dr. Miroslav (Miro) Kummel, Professor of Environmental Studies and Science at Colorado College
GUEST LECTURER
Dr. Miroslav (Miro) Kummel received his bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University and earned his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Michigan. As a population ecologist, Miro’s research connects the boundaries of mathematics, biology, and climatology. His research focuses on two distinct areas of spatial ecology: population dynamics in complex networks, and the role of climate change in ecosystem collapse and ecosystem transitions. He spends his free time birding, organic gardening, painting with watercolors, woodworking with hand tools, doing pottery, and backpacking.
The SEA CLOUD SPIRIT navigating in the Panama Canal
Canopy walk, Costa Rica Rainforest
Green-winged Macaw Ara, Costa Rica
Kuna indigenous women practicing a traditional dance, San Blas Islands, Panama
ITINERARY
Sunday, February 28, 2027
DEPART THE US | ARRIVE SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica
Depart the US on flights for San José, capital of Costa Rica. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar). Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening. (D)
Monday, March 1
SAN JOSÉ | PUNTARENAS | EMBARK
After breakfast, visit San José’s excellent National Museum of Costa Rica for a comprehensive introduction to the country’s history, anthropology, and archaeology. Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Pacific coast Puntarenas, located on Costa Rica’s protected Nicoya Peninsula, to embark SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. The ship sails in the evening for Punta Leona. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, March 2
PUNTA LEONA | CARARA NATIONAL PARK
SEA CLOUD SPIRIT arrives at Punta Leona for a visit to Carara National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse natural treasures. Carara is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife including two-toed sloths, anteaters, agoutis, and monkeys, along with more than 400 avian species. Three massive suspension bridges traverse the dense canopy. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, March 3
MARINA FLAMINGO
Following the morning under sail, enjoy the afternoon and evening exploring lovely Marina Flamingo. This brand-new marina offers a wide array of attractions, including boutique shops, along with the opportunity to visit one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. (B, L, D)
Thursday, March 4
PLAYA PANAMA | PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK
From sheltered Playa Panama, explore Palo Verde National Park. This massive, vibrant oasis is a true bird-watcher’s paradise: a designated wetland of international importance, that is home to over 300 species. (B, L, D)
Friday, March 5
DAY UNDER FULL SAILS
During this day at sea, watch the skilled crew climb the rigging, set sails, and hoist them by hand. Attend lectures, relax, and enjoy the many amenities of the SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 6
QUEPOS | MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Arrive in Quepos, gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. With eco-friendly infrastructure, a network of accessible pathways connect stunning crescent beaches and the untamed green heart of its jungle, which is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and wildlife. (B, L, D)
Sunday, March 7
PUERTO JIMÉNEZ | PIEDRAS BLANCAS RAINFOREST PARK
From Puerto Jiménez, explore the varied tropical Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, a vital biological corridor that enables wildlife to thrive. (B, L, D)
Monday, March 8 – Tuesday March 9
TWO DAYS UNDER FULL SAILS
Delight in watching the skilled crew at work during these two full days at sea. Take in lectures, relax, and enjoy SEA CLOUD SPIRIT’S many amenities as she sails to Panama. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, March 10
PEARL ISLANDS, Panama
Arrive this morning in the Pearl Islands, located in the Bay of Panama. This lush paradise with its rich diversity of marine life and varicolored beaches has a long history that begins with the Indigenous Coclé and Cueva people. In modern times, the island of Contadora became significant to US history as the location where President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977. (B, L, D)
Thursday, March 11
PANAMA CANAL
Today brings a daytime sailing of the Panama Canal. Since its completion in 1914, this masterpiece of engineering has become one of the world’s most significant commercial waterways. It links approximately 2,000 ports, handles about 5% of global maritime trade, and is the sole direct, high-volume connector between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Fauna and flora abound enroute, and sightings of endemic species are likely. (B, L, D)
Friday, March 12
SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the pristine coral islands of the San Blas Archipelago. Self-governed by the Indigenous Kuna people, a traditionally matrilineal society, this remote chain has eschewed mass tourism in favor of preserving ancient culture, religion, and biodiversity. A welcome ceremony performed by the Kuna is a special experience, as is the opportunity to view and purchase mola: intricate hand-stitched textiles. (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 13
COLÓN | DISEMBARK | PANAMÁ CITY | USA
After breakfast, disembark in Colón, the eastern terminus of the Panama Canal. Transfer to the international airport in Panamá City for flights homeward. (B)
The 136-Guest SEA CLOUD SPIRIT
Built in 2021, the SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is undoubtedly among the world’s most unique and beautiful cruise ships. Measuring 452 feet in overall length, and with a beam of 56 feet, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is an authentic three-mast full- rigged yacht that combines the traditional aspects of ocean-going sailing ships of bygone eras with 21st-century state-of-the-art technologies and amenities. One of the most thrilling experiences aboard is to watch the skilled crew hoist by hand the ship’s 28 sails, which cover a total sail area of 44,100 sq ft. When not riding the winds, the ship is powered by diesel-electric engines with low-sulfur marine diesel oil. The combination of traveling under sail and high-quality diesel oil for the engines provides one of the most sustainable cruising experiences available.
SEA CLOUD SPIRIT has 69 staterooms and suites that accommodate a maximum
of 136 guests. All are ocean viewing, spacious, and decorated in a refined and elegant style that is akin to that of classic private yachts. All feature a marble bathroom. Wood-paneled lounges and other common spaces invite relaxation, while the light-filled restaurant accommodates all guests in one open sitting and serves fine classic cuisine, accented by regional specialties and wines.
Other facilities include a spacious fitness room with panoramic ocean views, a wellness and spa center, library, boutique, Lido bar and bistro, and swim platform. An elevator serves all decks, and Wi-Fi is available in all cabins and common areas. There is ample deck space to relax, unwind and enjoy the sea views. The ship is operated by a seasoned and professional team of 85 crew members, while the ship’s open bridge policy offers guests a rare opportunity to stand with the captain or officers, watching the artistry of traditional sailing in motion.
All prices are per person, double occupancy
Category E – Superior Staterooms | $11,990
Category D – Deluxe Staterooms | $13,490
Category C – Grand Staterooms | $14,490
Category B – Junior Veranda Suites | 205–237 sq. ft. | $16,390
Category A – Veranda Suites | $17,390
Single occupancy supplement:
Category E $4,990 supplement; Category D $5,790 supplement; Category C $10,590 supplement; Category B $11,990 supplement.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
The rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges such as shore excursions or embarkation and port charges. Other than the international airfare and expenses of a personal nature, all else is included. Specifically, the rates include:
● One night at the Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar) in San José, Costa Rica.
● Cruise aboard the SEA CLOUD SPIRIT, as described in the itinerary.
● Group airport/hotel/pier transfers at designated times, and handling of luggage on arrival and departure dates.
● Complete program of tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary with professional English speaking guides.
● Lectures and discussions with Professor Miro Kummel from Colorado College.
● All meals aboard the ship, with a selection of wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.
● Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard the ship hosted by the captain.
● Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
● Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night.
● 24-hour room service.
● Gratuities to the ship’s crew, guides, porters and drivers.
● 10 GB of data aboard the ship.
● The services of an experienced Thalassa Journeys Trip Director.
● All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
● Complete pre-departure material.
NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; travel insurance; expenses of a personal nature; any items not mentioned in the itinerary or the above inclusions
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Travelers can expect to walk an estimated total of 2–4 hours per day. Nature excursions may involve navigating uneven, slippery, rocky, or inclined terrain, unpaved paths, or steps without handrails. Standing may be necessary if seating is not available during excursions, and embarking/disembarking the ship and motor coaches will be necessary. Guests should also be comfortable climbing into and out of motorized Zodiacs for shore excursions, which may involve wet landings in the national parks, so sure footing and good balance are important. Conditions may be hot and humid, so appropriate clothing, sun and bug protection, and a spirit of adventure will help you get the most from this incredible voyage.
Squirrel monkeys, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica