Study Voyage: Costa Rica and Panama
French elegance and a genuine spirit of discovery aboard Le Lapérouse
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Puntarenas to Colón
Seven nights with Smithsonian Journeys take you from the Pacific through the Panama Canal to Colon. Le Laperouse leaves Puntarenas, anchors off the Manuel Antonio gateway of Quepos and off the remote beach of Playa del Muerto before the ship climbs the canal lock staircase. The Smithsonian scholarly programme places the accent on natural history, volcanology and tropical biodiversity. The voyage closes in the autonomous Guna Yala archipelago in front of Colon. The marina, 16 Zodiacs and Blue Eye Lounge open every leg, with premium all-inclusive throughout.
Route highlights
- Puntarenas: Slender Pacific peninsula and gateway to the Nicoya region.
- Quepos: Gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park with beaches and sloths.
- Playa del Muerto: Remote Pacific beach in Darien Province with Embera encounters.
- 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 2027 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.
The Route
Puntarenas
7 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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Quepos
Quepos lies on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast and is the gateway to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Monkeys, sloths and beautiful bays await visitors right on the doorstep.
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At sea
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Playa Muerto, Nationalpark Darién
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Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island
The Fuerte Amador anchorage lies along the Amador Causeway near Panama City, where a raised roadway links several islands at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. From here the view reaches across the old town skyline and the Bridge of the Americas.
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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
Le Lapérouse
Le Lapérouse was in 2018 the first of the Explorer class and set the standard: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet. A ship that combines the spirit of discovery with savoir-vivre.
The Ship
Cabins
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
Deck plan · Le Lapérouse
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 7.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.860 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.670 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.910 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.910 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.910 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.770 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.280 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 20.230 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
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. 7 nights from EUR 6.170 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Lapérouse?
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
