Rainforest, Reefs and Lost Worlds

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Let us take you to some of the loveliest and untouched islands in Central America and the Caribbean Sea. The Central American countries have over the past decade grown in their appeal to the UK traveller. No wonder when you consider the attractions; teeming rain forest, cool cloud forest, sugar-sand beaches and a remarkably diverse landscape, wildlife and culture.

When most people think of Panama and Costa Rica, they think of overland travel but not the hours which are usually spent traversing rugged roads in order to get around. There is an easier and more comfortable way to explore the region and that is by small ship, and the Panama Canal makes an itinerary such as this possible.

It promises to be a fascinating voyage combining as it covers little known island territories of Colombia and Honduras as well as visits to the atolls of Belize. The islands of San Andres and Providencia are well off the usual beaten tourist track, belonging to Colombia they are exceptionally beautiful and very different to the better known and more commercial islands. Likewise the Honduran island of Roatan with its dense rain forests and magnificent reefs is a real Caribbean hideaway. But, when it comes to reefs the waters off Belize are extraordinary. Belize’s Barrier Reef, is second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, a true marine paradise of amazingly clear waters. Panama also offers marvellous wildlife together with indigenous cultures in remote jungle and island locations and, in addition, the navigation of the Panama Canal alongside vast cargo vessels is a sight not to be missed.

Rainforest, Reefs and Lost Worlds itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA.

Fly by scheduled indirect flight via the USA. Upon arrival transfer to the Real Intercontinental Hotel or similar for an overnight stay.

Day 2 - SAN JOSÉ TO PUNTARENAS.

Morning visit to the Gold Museum before the scenic drive to Puntarenas on the Pacific coast to embark the MS Island Sky and sail in the early evening.

Day 3 - GOLFO DULCE.

Visit the famous gardens at Casa Orquideas (Orchid House), see a profusion of orchids and look out for tanagers, parrots and colourful toucans. We will also have the opportunity to visit the Osa Wildlife Rescue Centre for orphaned, injured and displaced animals indigenous to the southern zone of Costa Rica.

Day 4 - ISLA COIBA, PANAMA.

This once infamous prison island, now a National Park, has reverted to an island paradise. This morning will be spent exploring the 38 tiny surrounding islands dotted along the northern coast with their amazing beaches and coral reefs alive with all manner of fish. Later, explore the main island, which boasts some 147 species of birds, and walk up to the observation tower.

Day 5 - DARIEN, PANAMA.

This morning arrive at the wild, rugged and remote Darien Province. We will travel up river by zodiac and local boat to an Embera Indian settlement, untouched by the modern world. These little known tribes offer a fascinating glimpse of an ancient world that has changed little since Sir Francis Drake was ransacking the shore of the Spanish Main.

Days 6 & 7 - PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT.

A highlight of the expedition, the Panama Canal transit takes between eight and ten hours including crossing Lake Gatun, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed as cargo vessels have priority so these two days will be tailored to suit. Depending on our schedule we hope to visit either the vibrant metropolis of Panama City or the once important 17th century trading and military Caribbean port of Portobello with its defensive forts and burial site of Sir Francis Drake.

Day 8 - THE CORN ISLANDS, NICARGUA.

Fifty miles off the Nicaraguan Coast, lie one of the Caribbean’s forgotten tropical paradises; the Corn Islands. This afternoon we will visit Big Corn Island lush with exotic fruit trees, native palms and surrounded by white sandy beaches. Here, there is little in the way of hotels and infrastructure but we will be rewarded by the pristine beaches and some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean.

Day 9 - SAN ANDRES, COLOMBIA.

This morning we arrive at San Andres. Due to its location in the far south west corner of the Caribbean Sea and its relatively undeveloped tourism infrastructure, this Colombian-owned island is not on the usual ‘cruise run’. The island and its keys are very beautiful and we will spend the day exploring the island on land and sea.

Day 10 - ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA.

Often referred to as ‘Old Providence’ in English, Providencia is located 50 miles north of San Andres. This is another beautiful Colombian Island that is little known and untouched by the hand of tourism. Along with its smaller sister island of Santa Catalina, it is enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system of some 35 km in length, making it one of the most significant reefs in the world. Captured twice by Henry Morgan and his buccaneers who aimed to make it a British possession, it nevertheless ended up Spanish, and is now a remote Columbian island.

Day 11 - AT SEA.

Sailing along the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.

Day 12 - ROATAN, HONDURAS.

Continuing our quest for hidden islands, we arrive at Islas de la Bahia and the island of Roatan. It is larger than our previous islands yet still possesses that magical air of times gone by. The island’s history is a turbulent mix of Spanish and British colonialism, slave trading, pirates and traders. Such infamous characters as John Coxen, Ned Low and Blackbeard frequented these remote mountainous shores. An island tour takes us to the far eastern shores where we learn of Garifuna people, the native Indians of the Caribbean and visit the Carambola Botanical Garden where we are rewarded with stunning views from an outlook at the top.

Day 13 - LIVINGSTON, GUATEMALA.

Surrounded by water and jungle, Livingston is a settlement of the Garifuna people. It can only be reached by boat which is just one of the things that makes it unique among Guatemalan cities. We will venture up the Rio Dulce and enjoy the stunning scenery before spending some time in Livingston itself.

Day 14 - BELIZE CITY, BELIZE.

We have an interesting day ahead as we travel inland to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai (translates to ‘submerged crocodile’). From the nearby town of Orange Walk Bridge we board local boats for a wildlife cruise through mangroves, wetlands and forests. Look out for egrets, herons, kingfishers, snail kites and black collared hawks as we make our way up river past Morelet’s crocodiles. A short walk through the jungle brings us to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve with its massive pyramids which are in fact pyramids built upon pyramids. Local guides will tell the story of this site which is the only Mayan city known to have been inhabited through every age of Mayan civilisation.

Day 15 - BELIZE CITY TO LONDON.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Belize City for your indirect flight, via the USA, back to London.

Day 16 - LONDON.

Morning arrival.

Map for Rainforest, Reefs and Lost Worlds

Island Sky

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.