Panama and Costa Rica: Panama Canal and San Blas Islands · Dec 2027
Secrets of Central America
What makes the voyage of the Le Bougainville to Central America special?
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.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Bougainville to Central America?
10 nights from Colón to Puntarenas, including Fuerte San Lorenzo, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal.
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
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: Colón · Fuerte San Lorenzo · San-Blas-Inseln
Colón
Colón sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal.
Fuerte San Lorenzo
Fuerte San Lorenzo is a 16th-century Spanish fortress at the Caribbean mouth of the Chagres River in Panama.
San-Blas-Inseln
Over 300 islands and islets belonging to the indigenous Guna people - an autonomous territory of Panama.
Panamakanal
The Panama Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific over a length of 80 kilometres.
Perleninseln
The Pearl Archipelago (Archipiélago de las Perlas) off Panama's Pacific coast comprises more than 200 islands.
Saboga
Off the Pacific coast of Panama, Saboga forms part of the Pearl Islands archipelago.
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 € 6,740 p.p., 10 nights, departure 02.12.2027.
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 | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.860 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.220 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.670 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.900 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.900 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.900 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.900 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.950 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.760 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.570 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.570 | Available | Book |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.260 | 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 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.
When is the best time for a cruise to Central America?
The best time to sail this route is December to April (dry season).
