Le Dumont D'Urville, 7 Night Central America Jewels & Panama Canal ex Colón, Panama to Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Let yourself fall under the spell of an itinerary whose every port of call unveils its finest assets, between the lushness of the Costa Rican jungles and the magic of Panama’s crystal-clear waters. During an unforgettable 8-day journey between Colón andPuntarenas aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, you will set off to discover these wild regions where nature reigns supreme, but also to encounter the ancestral people who are guardians of age-old traditions and this unique biodiversity. Sail between two worlds, where the ocean whispers ancient secrets and the tropical forests shelter an infinity of wonders.

At each port of call on your trip, each guest will be able to choose one included activity from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, set off to encounter an Emberá community in the heart of the Darien Park jungle, from Playa Muerto; explore Panama’s cultural and botanic diversity by visiting its capital, Panama City; or discover the beauty of the San Blas archipelago, between idyllic beaches and an encounter with the Kuna community, from Holandes Cayes. The diversity of options on offer promises intense and varied experiences. (Find the full list of excursions under the Itinerary tab.)

Your journey in Central America will start with the discovery of Holandes Cayes’s white sands and paradisiacal waters, right in the heart of the coral islets of the San Blas archipelago.

You will then sail towards the Panama Canal, the legendary maritime route crossing the Isthmus of Panama and linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. You will navigate the Miraflores locks , which make up the canal’s final section before the Pacific Ocean, and arrive in Fuerte Amador. On this artificial peninsula on Flamenco Island, you will be captivated by the dense, pristine vegetation and its unique biodiversity.

Then, Le Dumont-d’Urville sails to the beautiful Darién National Park in Panama. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty. This will also be an exceptional opportunity to journey back in time as you discover the Embera tribe. These proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life.

Sailing northwest! You will leave the Panamanian shores to head for the Costa Rican coast. In Golfito, admire unique tropical vegetation. As the gateway to explore one of Central America’s largest primary tropical forests, Golfito represents a veritable enchanted interlude.

As a grand finale, you will arrive in Puntarenas, which is the end of your journey between the Panamanian shores and the Costa Rican coastline.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...