Panama and Costa Rica: Panama Canal and San Blas Islands
Secrets of Central America
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.
Colón to Puntarenas
Ten nights link the Panama Canal with Costa Rica's Pacific nature reserves. Le Bougainville leaves Colon, visits the Spanish Fuerte San Lorenzo and the autonomous Guna Yala archipelago before the ship climbs the canal lock staircase. On the Pacific side the Pearl Islands, the UNESCO wilderness of Coiba and the most species-rich bay in the world off Drake Bay open up. The marina, 16 Zodiacs and Blue Eye Lounge open every leg, with premium all-inclusive remaining standard.
Route highlights
- Colón: Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal with fortress and railway heritage.
- Fuerte San Lorenzo: Spanish fortress at the Caribbean mouth of the Chagres River, a UNESCO site.
- San-Blas-Inseln: Autonomous Guna Yala archipelago with 365 islands and Mola tradition.
- Panamakanal: 82 km waterway with Gatun Lake, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores.
- Isla de Coiba: UNESCO national park in the Pacific, wildlife stronghold with hammerhead sharks.
- Drake Bay: Gateway to Corcovado National Park with Costa Rica's highest biodiversity.
- Refugio Nacional Curú: Private reserve with spider monkeys and tropical dry forest.
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
Colón
10 nights
Puntarenas
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Colón (Panama) · Embarkation
Colón sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The canal - opened in 1914 and 80 kilometres long - is one of the great engineering wonders of humankind; 35 to 40 ships pass through it every day.
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Festung San Lorenzo (Colón)
Colón sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The canal - opened in 1914 and 80 kilometres long - is one of the great engineering wonders of humankind; 35 to 40 ships pass through it every day.
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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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At sea
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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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Playa Muerto, Nationalpark Darién
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Insel Coiba
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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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Drake Bay (Costa Rica)
Drake Bay on Costa Rica's Pacific coast is the gateway to Corcovado National Park - described by National Geographic as the "most biologically intense place on Earth". All four of Costa Rica's monkey species, tapirs, jaguars and basilisk lizards live in dense lowland rainforest here.
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Curú Wildlife Refuge
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Puntarenas · Disembarkation
Le Bougainville
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.
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 Bougainville
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 | € 7.110 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.670 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.900 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.950 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.760 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.260 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 26.680 | 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. 10 nights from EUR 6.740 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
