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 7 days / 6 nights
A journey in the DISCOVERY is a feast of intense, sensory experiences: the aroma of remote places, the texture of unknown things, the multicolor tapestry of nature, the accent of unheard languages, the exquisite flavor of what has never before been tasted and the knowledge absorbed; that is the incomparable feeling of penetrating the secrets of other worlds. That proximity is life, it is beginning and end. The yearning for that closeness is the virtue and spirit of the true traveler and it is the reason for the Journey Between the Seas. That communion of body and spirit is only possible within the intimate realm of a compact craft, designed to cover the narrowest marine routes that take us to pristine lands.
A crew of ten has been carefully selected and trained to ensure the perfect journey for up to 24 exclusive passengers of the Discovery. Inside the cozy, spacious cabins and lounges, the magic of night melts imperceptibly with the fabulous sunrises at amazing places that offer their purest charms at dawn ready for a day of exploration. From its decks, everything looks close, vivid, amazing, moving and…unforgettable.
THE ADVENTURE - NORTHBOUND JOURNEY 
Day 1 Panama City - Flamenco Marina Sail the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora, where the Discovery will stay the first night before navigating to the Darien Jungle. Take this opportunity to meet your expedition leaders, the crew and your fellow travelers while you savor our tempting native cuisine. (D) Day 2 Darien Jungle
More than an excursion, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indians. A proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as they were before the Spaniards colonized the region. These natives are also master crafters of cocobolo wood carvings and basketry. After motoring up river you will see the village emerging from the jungle, as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the rivers edge.
In the afternoon the Discovery will sail west to the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of pearl oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900`s. The opportunity is great to explore the small islets’ coves and mangrove inlets by kayak or zodiac cruise. Return to the Discovery at sundown to enjoy a delicious dinner on deck. (BLD) Day 3 Pearl Islands
Snorkel and swim on the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of Pearl Oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900`s. On the outer portion of the archipelago, the islands of San Telmo and Mogo Mogo are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. Kayak along beautiful and unspoiled beaches and view the remains of the submarine Explorer built in 1865 during the Civil War and which sunk off the coast of San Telmo during the oyster fishery of the late 1800´s.
This afternoon the Discovery will reposition to the northern side of the archipelago to explore by dinguie the bird rookeries of Pacheca and Pachequilla Islands. Filled with Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans, Brown and Blue-footed Boobies, and many others, these islands protect one of the largest concentrations of seabirds that gather here during the dry season to feed on the abundant fish life. (BLD) Day 4 Panama Canal Transit - Gatun Lake
Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s ship convoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. The Discovery will be raised 26m (85 feet) above sea level to Gatun Lake. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience up close the history and operation of this engineering marvel. Navigate the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal, bisecting the Continental Divide. This section of the canal is full of history and geological value and you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. Spend the night in Gatun Lake on Panama Canal waters. (BLD) Day 5 Panama Canal - Barro Colorado
Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now the Gatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As the region was flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the mountain peaks, which are now the many islands that dot the renowned lake. Explore Barro Colorado Island where the Smithsonian´s Tropical Research Center is located. Your expedition leader will take you on board small crafts past lush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake to witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you could see in their native surroundings. The sights, sounds and scents that make up this beautiful, tropical jungle will engulf you. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world’s premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoon on its way to the mouth of the Chagres River. (BLD)
Day 6 Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo
Experience the magnificent Chagres River which was used by the conquistadors to move their gold across the Isthmus of Panama en-route from Peru to Spain and by the gold prospectors who attempted a "short cut" from the US East coast to the gold fields of California. The river was the center piece of the colonial inter-oceanic route and is now the lifeline of the Panama Canal full of wildlife and tropical jungle. Explore Fort San Lorenzo which is located on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres on the Atlantic side where your leader will offer details of the immense amount of history found on this area. The fort was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to defend their well known gold trail. Later that evening, the Discovery will reposition to Colon, where it will spend the night before disembarking the next day. (BLD)
Day 7 Portobelo - Disembarkation - Panama City
Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark the Discovery. Travel by motor coach to Portobelo and enjoy this town located on Caribbean waters which was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. This quaint town is rich in history as it was the site of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main. Explore the fortifications built by the Spaniards to protect their treasures and visit the Church of San Felipe, the sanctuary of the Black Christ. Later in the afternoon, board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City. This one hour railroad trip will allow you to traverse the picturesque trans-isthmian route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The line flanks the Panama Canal passing through lush rainforests, cruising alongside the Canal’s locks, through the historic Gaillard Cut and gliding over slender causeways in Gatun Lake. (BL)
THE SOUTHBOUND JOURNEY FOLLOWS THE SAME EXPLORATION ROUTE IN REVERSE
PRICE
$3,450 per person + 7% tax (double occupancy)* Additional price for single occupancy: US$1,725 + 7% tax DATES 2011 May 26 - June 1, 2011
July 26 - Aug 1, 2011
Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2011
INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED
- Lodging, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner) and drinks on board
| - International airfare
- Lodging in Panama City
| - All land and water transportation within Panama
| - Gratuities for Naturalist Guides
| - Transportation, shore excursions and use of equipment
| - Alcoholic beverages
- Personal equipment
| - All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates
| | - Services charges and crew gratuities
- Port charges
| | - Services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations
| | DISCLAIMER & NOTE CRUISE OPERATIONS
Cruise itineraries are subject to wind, tide and weather conditions and are operated at the sole discretion of the Discovery in the interests of the safety and welfare of the passengers, vessel and crew. The Discovery reserves the absolute right to decline to accept or retain any person(s) on any cruise, shore excursion or other cruise activity, to cancel, amend or alter any cruise schedule or cruise itinerary, shore excursion or any other service for any reason which the Discovery in its absolute and sole discretion considers desirable or necessary in the interests of the vessels and or passengers safety and/or well being. Arrival and departure times various places of call are provided as a guide only and in this regard no warranty, condition or guarantee, express or implied, is given or intended. The minimum number of passengers to operate the cruise is 8 people. The Discovery reserves the right to cancel any cruise before the departure date in which case the full payment will be reimbursed.
- PASSENGER BAGGAGE AND VALUABLES
A baggage allowance of two (2) items per passenger is permitted. It is recommended that baggage be kept to a minimum. All baggage must be clearly and durably marked and identified with passenger(s) name and address. Passengers should ensure that all baggage, valuables and other personal items are comprehensively insured. No intoxicating liquors, firearms, weapons, nor toxic, flammable, illegal or dangerous goods or substances shall be carried aboard the Discovery.
The Discovery shall not be liable for any loss or damage, of whatsoever nature arising of passenger(s) baggage, valuables and/or person articles and valuables, the liability for which shall at all times remain solely with the passenger(s) and in this regard the passenger(s) shall release and indemnify the Discovery from any claim or liability.
- RELEASE
The passenger(s) shall release and indemnify the Discovery, its owners and tour operator from and against any cause of action, claim, liability, suit or demand of whatsoever nature howsoever arising whether directly or indirectly whether contractual or tortious either at law or in equity for any loss, damage, injury, illness, delay, inconvenience, or expense suffered, sustained, or incurred by the passenger(s) as a result of or by any reason of either directly or indirectly any act or omission of whatsoever nature by the Discovery, its employees, agents, suppliers, invitees, crew, other passengers, or other persons whomsoever, whether on board the Discovery or not, or from any perils of the sea or on land or whatsoever other cause.
All company defenses, and passenger releases and indemnities shall extend in total for and to the benefit of all Discovery employees, servants, agents, suppliers, invitees, shareholders, heirs, successors, and assigns.
- REFUNDS
No refunds shall be payable to any passenger(s) for any unavailed service(s) once the cruise has commenced, other than for a decision by the Discovery to interrupt any cruise for any reason including but not limited to wind, tide, weather, passenger(s) safety, industrial action, loss or failure of machinery or equipment, vessel damage, vessel safety or force majeure.
WHAT TO BRING
- Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger, also available for rent at Ancon Expeditions of Panama)
| - Water bottle
- Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
| - Camera with extra batteries & film
| - Sandals, sneakers / hiking boots
| - Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
| | - Insect repellant, Sunscreen, bathing suit
| - Money in small denominations
| | - Toiletries & personal medications
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The Discovery
Passenger numbers on the Discovery are limited to just 24, ensuring everyone can enjoy serenity and privacy together with the excitement and closeness of a true exploration cruise.
Discovery is a 33 meter-long, purpose built catamaran providing 6 queen and 6 twin cabins. All cabins have individual climate control, bathrooms and huge windows which extend along the length of the cabin allowing you to enjoy the scenery in complete privacy.
The dining area, bar and lounge are located on the upper deck which is fitted with floor to ceiling “glass walls” providing a spectacular dinning experience and plenty of space to unwind. Enjoy Panamanian gastronomy as we delight you with exquisite indigenous dishes prepared by our talented Chef. A BBQ and sun deck are located on the topmost observation deck.
The Discovery is equipped with a unique platform that lowers kayakers and zodiacs gently into the water and also retrieves them in perfect safety and comfort.
The tour leaders
Onboard the Discovery you will find enthusiastic expedition leaders that will provide insight and profound understanding of the adventure you will undertake. They are experienced and well trained naturalists ready to share their vast knowledge and understanding.
Your expedition leaders share a love for history and a passion for nature. They will introduce you to native human groups that still preserve their customs and traditions, and to a world of stunning natural beauty and rich history unknown by most. They are experts on their fields and they will make your journey onboard the Discovery an unforgettable experience.
Technical Information
- Type of Vessel: Catamaran Live-Aboard
- Built: Rrichardson Devine Marine Constructions, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Launched: December 2004
- Hull: Marine Grade Aluminium
- Loa: 33 meters
- Beam: 9.75 meters
- Maximum Ladden Draft: 1.85 meters
- Main Engine: 2 X Detroit Diesel MTU Series 60, 740 HP
- Gensets: 2 X Isuzu 105 KVA
- Capacity: 24 persons
- Maximum Speed: 18 knots
- Cruising Speed: 15 knots
- Crew Capacity: 11
- Fresh Water Storage Capacity: 6000 liters
- Fresh Water Production Capacity: 500 liters per hour
- Range: 850 NM
Read this fascinating article written by Sue Attwood during her recent Journey Between the Seas experience. Contact us at
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for your booking!
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