From Puerto Caldera to Balboa · South America & Antarctica · 7 nights
From Puerto Caldera to Balboa
True clipper ships, these beautiful four-masted vessels reflect a proud seafaring heritage in their elegant sails, warm woods and polished brass.
Sister ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer certainly stand out
from the crowd. In full sail they are an awe-inspiring sight,
reminiscent of a bygone age, yet combining this tradition with the
comfort of a modern cruise line, ideal for those who wish to
experience a tall ship cruise. Climb the mast or relax by the small
pool; you can be as involved as you wish on these easy-going and
friendly ships.
Puerto Caldera is a major port on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, about an hour and a half from the capital, San José. Caldera itself is an industrial port with little to detain you, but the nearby city of Puntarenas is a popular beach destination, with a nice seafront promenade where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a seafood lunch. Other local attractions include the fantastic flora and fauna of the Carara Biological Reserve and beautiful Tortuga Island, a great spot for snorkelling.
Tortuga Island is actually made up of two separate islands just off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, both uninhabited and both absolutely stunning. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the clear, coral-rich waters, or relax on pristine white sand beaches.
The little town of Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a nature-lover’s paradise that’s home to monkeys, iguanas and the reclusive three-toed sloth. The area around Quepos also boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and the town itself has some nice restaurants.
Beautiful Isla Parida lies within the protected Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, its tranquil beaches lapped by warm, crystal clear waters where you’ll find an abundance of marine life. This is a great place to kick back and chill out for a day, in idyllic tropical surroundings.
The Pearl Islands archipelago is made up of more than 200 islands and islets off Panama’s Pacific coast, most of which are uninhabited and rich in bird and marine life. It’s a great place to go snorkelling or scuba diving, and whale watching tours operate between July and October.
