JEWELS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN & PANAMA CANAL

ITINERARY

You will then visit the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama. Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries. Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)? In fact, 3 million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed both the climate and the biodiversity in the planet and played a key role in the creation of the world we know today. Lunch at local restaurant included.

14:00 hrs - Embarkation time at Flamenco Island. Sail the tropi
cal waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora Island, where the M/V Discovery will stay the first night. Take this opportunity to meet your expedition leaders, the crew and your fellow travelers while you savor our tempting native cuisine. Sunset dinner.
3 nights aboard the M/V DISCOVERY

(L,D)


Saturday, December 28, 2019 – Darien Jungle

Step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years to a place that not many have had the privilege of experiencing. 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 river’s edge.

Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owe
s 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. 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 1800s.

(B,L,D)


Monday, December 30, 2019 - Panama Canal Partial Transit - Disembark

Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s ship convoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks. The Discovery will be raised 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. After a Sunday farewell brunch disembark at the Panama Canal Dredging Division’s pier in Gamboa, a small town located on the shores of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River, the main source of water for the canal’s operation. You will be transferred to your hotel back in Panama City.

(B)

NOTE: Optional pre-tour and post-tour extensions are available!

• Easy/moderate hiking 2-4 hours per day with rolling, slippery hills.
• Hotel or lodge accommodation comfortable

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. 
• 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.
• PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO The Discovery may photograph or film passengers and their activities during the course of an expedition cruise. These materials can be used by the Discovery for marketing purposes or training activities without any obligation to compensate the passenger. Copies of these materials could also be purchased for a modest charge.
• 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 PACK
• Lightweight, rubber sandals. 
• Comfortable, “closed” walking shoes with rubber soles and good support (for on board the ship and shore excursions). You can also wear tennis shoes or sneakers. You may want to bring two pairs so that you will have a dry pair if one should get wet or muddy. Some of the hikes on shore may involve walking through muddy terrain, especially if it has rained recently.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and waterproof sun block: 30 SPF minimum. 
• Wide-brimmed hat for rain or sun. 
• If you wear contact lenses, bring a pair of prescription glasses for occasions when lenses may be bothersome. 
• Camera, lenses, plenty of film, and extra camera batteries. 
• A good pair of binoculars. 
• 1 or 2 bathing suits and cover-up. 
• Cotton or other lightweight long pants. 
• Lightweight rain poncho. 
• Long-sleeved shirts for protection from the sun. 
• Mid-calf length socks. 
• Shorts. 
• A small backpack or rucksack; a waterproof bag to hold camera and/or binoculars. 
• T-shirts, polo shirts, and/or other comfortable, lightweight short-sleeved shirts. If you plan to use a T-shirt while snorkeling, please pack extra. 
• Waterproof insect repellent. 
• Travel alarm clock. 
• Make sure to bring enough CASH to purchase crafts in Darien and Portobelo and also for tips at the end of the cruise, since the boat does not take credit cards.

REVIEWS

SHIP INFO

• 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

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