Costa Rica and Panama: Panama Canal and San Blas Islands · Feb 2028
Secrets of Central America
What makes the voyage of the Le Bougainville to Central America special?
Ten nights link Costa Rica's Pacific reserves with the Panama Canal and the Guna Yala islands. Le Bougainville leaves Puntarenas, anchors off Drake Bay, calls at the southern port of Puerto Jimenez on the Golfo Dulce and glides through the mangroves of the Rio Esquinas. The UNESCO wilderness of Coiba and the Pearl Islands open the way before the ship climbs the canal lock staircase and the autonomous Guna Yala archipelago lets the voyage close in front of Colon. The marina, 16 Zodiacs and Blue Eye Lounge open every cove, with premium all-inclusive throughout.
Route highlights
- Puntarenas: Slender Pacific peninsula and gateway to the Nicoya region.
- Refugio Nacional Curú: Private reserve with spider monkeys and tropical dry forest.
- Puerto Jiménez: Small harbour on the Golfo Dulce and gateway to the Osa Peninsula with Corcovado.
- Isla de Coiba: UNESCO national park in the Pacific, wildlife stronghold with hammerhead sharks.
- Panamakanal: 82 km waterway with Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun Lake.
- San-Blas-Inseln: Autonomous Guna Yala archipelago with 365 islands and Mola tradition.
- Colón: Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal with Caribbean connections.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Bougainville to Central America?
10 nights from Puntarenas to Colón, including Refugio Nacional Curú, Puerto Jiménez, Rio Esquinas.
Puntarenas
10 nights
Colón
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Puntarenas · Embarkation
Puntarenas lies on Costa Rica's Pacific coast and is the starting point for trips into the national parks of the Nicoya Peninsula. Costa Rica is home to 5 per cent of the world's biodiversity on just 0.03 per cent of its land area.
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Curú Wildlife Refuge
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Puerto Jimenez
On the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's Pacific coast at the Golfo Dulce, this former gold-prospector village today acts as the gateway to Corcovado National Park, regarded as the most biologically diverse place on Earth. Tapirs, jaguars and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species inhabit the surrounding primary rainforest.
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Rio Esquinas
The Río Esquinas in Costa Rica is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park - one of the last Pacific lowland rainforests in Central America. Monkeys, toucans, sloths and crocodiles live in dense jungle on both sides of the river.
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Insel Coiba
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Playa Muerto, Nationalpark Darién
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Perleninseln
The Pearl Archipelago (Archipiélago de las Perlas) off Panama's Pacific coast comprises more than 200 islands. Tropical forest, white beaches and rich marine life (humpback whales pass through from July to October) define the mostly uninhabited islands.
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Insel Pacheca
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San Carlos
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At sea
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San-Blas-Inseln
Over 300 islands and islets belonging to the indigenous Guna people - an autonomous territory of Panama. The San Blas Islands combine palm-fringed beach paradise with vibrant Guna culture and crystal-clear water.
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Colón (Panama) · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 |
| Sea °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 50 | 50 | 70 | 110 | 110 | 120 | 140 | 150 | 165 | 140 | 90 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Lesser Antilles
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Bougainville to Central America?
Highlights of this route: Puntarenas · Refugio Nacional Curú · Puerto Jiménez
Puntarenas
Puntarenas lies on Costa Rica's Pacific coast and is the starting point for trips into the national parks of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Refugio Nacional Curú
Refugio Nacional Curú on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is one of the country's oldest private nature reserves.
Puerto Jiménez
On the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's Pacific coast at the Golfo Dulce, this former gold-prospector village today acts as the gateway to Corcovado National Park, regarded as the most biologically diverse place on Earth.
Rio Esquinas
The Río Esquinas in Costa Rica is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park - one of the last Pacific lowland rainforests in Central America.
Isla de Coiba
Isla de Coiba off Panama's Pacific coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Panama's largest national park.
Playa del Muerto
Playa del Muerto ("Beach of the Dead") on Santa Cruz (Galápagos) is a nesting site of Pacific green sea turtles.
What does the Le Bougainville offer?
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
Impressions of the Le Bougainville
What cabins does the Le Bougainville offer?
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
What does the deck plan of the Le Bougainville look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Bougainville to Central America cost?
From € 7,160 p.p., 10 nights, departure 23.02.2028.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 8.360 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 9.250 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.690 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.230 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 14.100 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 14.100 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 14.100 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.100 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 18.960 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 19.940 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 20.910 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 20.910 | Available | Book |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 22.940 | On request | Book |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 26.680 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Bougainville?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Le Bougainville to Central America?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 7.160 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time for a cruise to Central America?
The best time to sail this route is December to April (dry season).
