Belize, Trans Panama and Costa Rica

Starting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, travel to Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala and finish in Acapulco, Mexico. In the midst of a rainforest, under a verdant canopy, enter the realm of the Mayans which is ancient and alive with past secrets and archaeological spectacles. Wander cobbled streets with names from the ?old countries? and take a photograph of a wild monkey, hovering hummingbird, or a colorful queen angelfish. You?ll discover postcard-perfect lagoons, peaceful white sand beaches, captivating ports, diverse cultures, lush jungles and breathtaking landscapes. This is a journey that stimulates and enlightens.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 16-day Silversea Expedition ? "Belize, Trans Panama and Costa Rica". This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2: At Sea

As you make way through the depths of the southeastern Atlantic Ocean and into the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatán Channel to the Caribbean Sea, you meet fellow explorers and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II: spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, exquisite dining experiences, and fascinating talks in the theater.

Day 3: Tulum, Mexico

The Mayan City of Tulúm is the only such ruin found on Mexico?s Caribbean coastline. Little remains of the original bright red painted hew, but you might notice some residue. Despite its lack of colour, the site is considered to be one of the world?s best-preserved coastal Mayan sites. Its stunning location atop a bluff with an eastward-facing vista of aquamarine waters certainly makes it one of the most beautiful.

Following a detailed tour with your expert local guides, enjoiy some time to explore on our own before being whisked via Zodiac back to the Prince Albert II. Alternately, choose to remain at a nearby resort, which has been reserved exclusively for you.

Back aboard the ship tonight, you are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard Gala Event whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 4: Cruise & Explore Belize Barrier Reef, Belize

Stretching along some 200 miles (322 kilometres) of Belize?s coastline rests a pristine barrier reef, second in size only to Australia?s Great Barrier Reef. Hundreds of cays, islets, islands and three of the Western Hemisphere?s four atolls provide refuge to a multitude of sea life.

From Charles Darwin?s ?most remarkable reef in the West Indies? to Jacques Cousteau?s amazing underwater roofless cave simply dubbed The Blue Hole, you explore one of nature?s most phenomenal creations. Discover the endemic, endangered, and migratory wildlife of Belize and its palm and mangrove-fringed shores that linger over crystal clear waters.

Half Moon Caye is one of your stops which was the first such site to be established as a natural monument by the Natural Parks System, because of the refuge it provides to long-time residents like, the Red-footed boobies and Magnificent frigates. Via the ship?s Zodiacs and alongside your expert staff, you enjoy an entire day of exploration.

Day 5: Belize City, Belize

Established by 17th century British loggers searching for precious mahogany trees, Belize City is a place of calm encircled by lush tropical rainforests. This thriving seaport serves as the country?s capital, a major commerce centre, and is home to a colorful mix of about one-third of Belize?s total population.

Explore the diverse and colorful flora and fauna of Peccary Park Adventure Centre in Gracie Rock Village, just 20 miles from the city. Pristine and protected with dense canopy, the Park is riddled with caves, century-old trails, natural arches, and amazing evidence of the life and times of the ancient Mayans who ruled these lands.

Day 6: Monkey River Town & Punta Gorda, Belize

Hidden in the rainforest and just off the shores of the Monkey River lies the northernmost village in Belize?s Toledo District. Monkey River Town is a remote village of about 200 Creole natives who make a living from fishing, hunting and tourism.

Via local transport, go inland to explore the Mayan ruins at Nim Li Punit. A guest lecturer from the Archaeological Department of Belize City will privately tutor you on the insights and understanding of this former kingdom by the sea. Following, enjoy some local lunchtime fare before continuing your journey to the Garifuna Village of Punta Gorda. This distinctive community is prideful of their heritage and have created a living museum in the form of a traditional Garifuna village inclusive of a restaurant, an arts and crafts shoppe and an artefact museum.

Days 7-8: At Sea

Spend two days navigating the Caribbean Sea, which is named for the native Carib people, who lived in this region when the Spanish explorers first arrived in the 15th century. Join your in-residence photographer, Richard Harker, as he introduces you to the best techniques for photographing your expedition. From uncultivated natural terrain to breathtaking landscapes, he explains the nuances of photographic challenges in a myriad of diverse environments.

Day 9: San Blas Islands, Panama

Discover an intact ancient culture thriving in alongside a modern world; pristine beaches with a mosaic of sea life just off shore; verdant rainforests filled with a kaleidoscope of wildlife; and adventure and treasure oft in every corner. The San Blas Islands or Cuna (Kuna) Yala Reserve is home to the Cuna (Kuna) natives, who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Cuna community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colorful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas?handcrafted artwork that have become popular tourist souvenirs.

This afternoon, you are free to shop for local handicrafts, or swim and snorkel off the pristine beaches. These idyllic islands are surrounded by coral reef and comprised of coral topped with a light sprinkling of topsoil. September and October are the best months for snorkelling because the waters are the clearest due to a lesser amount of rainfall during these months. These protected islands and reefs shelter a dazzling diversity of marine life, and it is yours to encounter.

Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Cuna (Kuna), please refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts and men keep their shirts on when moving about the island in places other than beach areas.

Day 10: Panama Canal, Panama

Today you pass through the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama and the American continent. The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Three sets of locks work as water elevators lifting ships to the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 metres) above sea level, and later lowering them again to sea level on the other side. By using the Canal, vessels avoid travelling the 14,000 nautical mile route through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.

NOTE: Due to heavy traffic in the Canal, a daytime transit cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation of exact times will be established once you get close to the actual transit date.

Day 11: Cruise & Explore Isla Coiba, Panama

Making full use of your small, manoeuvrable ship and Zodiacs, you may land at this obscure part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, exploring land and sea, marvel at the natural wonder that is Isla Coiba. You may be greeted by the roaring sound of the social, but mostly harmless, Howler monkey. Setting out in search of an abundant assortment of birdlife along with your natural history staff, you may spot some of the 150 known bird species, including the bi-coloured hawk and Coiba spine tail. You may also encounter a sea turtle nest or two in the white sand.

Today you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride in one of the specially designed clear kayaks in the Pacific Ocean. Just off shore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America and it is teaming with underwater activity.

Day 12: Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica

You use the ship?s Zodiacs to go ashore at the small port town of Quepos, which is best known for sport fishing and tourism. Tranquil turquoise beaches, lush tropical jungles, and a fantastic variety of flora and fauna can only begin to paint the portrait of this idyllic destination. Quepos is less than 4.5 miles (7 km) from Costa Rica?s most popular gem, Manuel Antonio National Park, where you begin the day?s exploration.

Together with your highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guides you hike through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforests hoping to encounter numerous species of monkeys a multitude of birds.

Alternatively, enjoy a cruise through the mangroves, considered to be an important ecosystem packed with hundreds of species of marine and land animals at the beginning of their life cycles.

Day 13: At Sea

Binoculars and cameras in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds, dolphins, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of humpback whales who migrate to the warm tropical waters for mating and calving.

Or, simply indulge in any of the special amenities offered aboard ship. Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of the shimmering sky.

Day 14: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Today, the ship docks at a busy multi-purpose port, the first of its kind in Guatemala. Here discover black sand beaches, volcanoes and lush forests teeming with wildlife. Built in the mid 1980s to replace the aging Puerto San José, Puerto Quetzal is your gateway to the provincial charm of La Antigua Guatemala. La Antigua provides you with a genuine glimpse of Central America?s colonial past. Surrounded by towering volcanoes and mountains, rests this Spanish colonial jewel were it seems time has forgotten it for the past three centuries.

Day 15: At Sea

Take this opportunity to listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists, or engage in an in-depth discussion about the cultures or wildlife you have encountered during this expedition and swap prized photos with newfound friends. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked library.

Day 16: Huatulco, Mexico

Just 425 miles (684 km) southeast of Acapulco rests a coved hideaway, Huatulco. A little-known resort area nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the azure waters of the Pacific, this Oaxacan hamlet is a untapped paradise of private bays, fine white sand, warm temperatures and unusual landscapes. As a bonus, arrive to parades and jubilation on this national holiday celebrating Mexico?s independence from Spain.

One of today?s tour options takes you off into the historical roots of Oaxaca and Mexico. Visit three small communities make stops at local homes and citrus and fruit groves.

Alternatively, set out to discover the rich diversity of wetland birds and the unspoiled beauty of a caducifólia jungle as we hike the trails of the Copalita River. Huatulco is a bird-watchers haven filled with rich ecosystems and a vast variety of flora and fauna.

Day 17: Acapulco, Mexico

The Prince Albert II will arrive at Acapulco, Mexico during the early morning hours on the 17th of September. After breakfast, disembark.