Caribbean Sea Chronicles: Panama Canal to Antigua

Overview

Transit the legendary Panama Canal to discover vibrant, tropical beauty in Panama and Colombia before sailing among over half a dozen gem-like islands in the Caribbean Sea. Become enriched in the multifaceted histories and cultures of each nation from Panama’s Guna Yala archipelago to Colombia’s Santa Marta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike through volcanic landscapes in Montserrat, and kayak or snorkel in crystalline waters off Dominica and the Grenadines.

Arrive in Panama City and transfer to the Port of Balboa where you will board the National Geographic Orion. This evening, begin your transit of the Panama Canal to the Caribbean Sea.

Fly to Punta Arenas, then drive to Puerto Natales, one of Patagonia’s southern gateways, and check in to The Singular Hotel Patagonia. Have an afternoon tour of town and dinner at the hotel.

Wake up amidst the Guna Yala archipelago—known also as the San Blas Islands—a scattering of 368 white-sand isles off the northeast coast of Panama. Spend the day exploring this paradise where the Guna people still live as their ancestors did: in thatched huts making ancient handicrafts such as molas, colorful panels of stitched fabric. Deeply committed to their culture, the Guna are admired as a politically autonomous community, where women make the rules and gender fluidity is celebrated.  In the afternoon, head offshore to explore the vibrant marine world of this breathtaking utopia by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard.

Today you will venture to Cispatá Bay, where you’ll spend the morning among the most extensive area of mangroves on Colombia’s Caribbean coast learning from local community guides who’ll share their knowledge of the prolific wildlife. Participate in the release of rehabilitated, young caimans with Asocaiman, a local conservation group.   After lunch on board, you’ll voyage to the Sanguare Natural Reserve. This former cattle ranch, now part of the national system of protected areas, offers great opportunities to explore on foot or by water. Learn about the conservation work being done as you explore the tropical dry forests, coastal lagoons, and sea grass beds. Set out on kayaks or paddleboards, or relax on the sand and sip a chilled refreshment.

The oldest city in Colombia, Santa Marta is a historical gem. Considerably more laid back and intimate than Cartagena, the city’s heritage is a blend of indigenous ethnic groups, Spanish colonial architecture, and modern history. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site since 1979, it is also the gateway to Tayrona National Park, which spans from the secluded beaches to one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world– the Sierra Nevada Santa Marta. Spend the day exploring the many options this magical region has to offer.

Today, you will visit Slagbaai National Park, the first nature reserve established in the Dutch Caribbean in 1969. Encompassing the northern part of the island, this desert oasis is a sanctuary for many endemic species, including parrots, flamingos, and iguanas. The beaches within the park are important nesting grounds for all four species of sea turtles. You will also explore the National Marine Park surrounding the island, which was created to protect the narrow fringing reef and mangroves that are teeming with life.

Drive through the lush Arima Valley to the Asa Wright Nature Center, a mecca for nature lovers. You’ll have a choice of trails to walk as you look for toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots, and butterflies. Or stay on the “birding veranda” and let the avifauna come to you. Later on, drive to the Caroni Swamp, where scarlet ibis return by the hundreds at dusk to roost—one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles.

Anchor at tiny Bequia and explore the charming waterfront. Go snorkeling at a nearby reef, swim along palm-backed beaches, or visit a traditional model boat museum. In Port Elizabeth, browse the local market or find a café along the Belmont Walkway. This evening, set sail across St. Vincent Channel toward St. Lucia.

Arrive at St. Lucia and anchor under the island’s iconic twin peaks, the Pitons, which rise dramatically above the sea. After exploring the fishing port of Soufrière, drive into St. Lucia’s active volcanic crater and discover the otherworldly landscape of mud pools and sulfur springs. Located on the grounds of a former plantation, the Mamiku botanical gardens are alive with the sounds of birds and rush of Diamond Falls. Delve into the history of the grounds which spans the reign of Louis XIV, the War of the Brigands, and the freedom of the slaves over the British. Spend the afternoon at sea on the lookout for marine life.

Spend the day exploring Dominica, known as “the nature island” for its spectacular beauty and many protected reserves. Hike through an enchanting rainforest with a panoply of wildlife. Join the historian in exploring the ruins of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison, and learn about Dominica’s turbulent colonial history. Swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters or hop on a paddleboard to explore the island’s volcanic reefs and nutrient-rich waters.

Nicknamed the “emerald isle,” this tiny volcanic island has lush green forests, high peaks, and black sand beaches. Montserrat is also known for the 1995 eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano that destroyed much of the island’s southern portion and buried Plymouth, the capital. You’ll visit the Volcano Observatory to learn what scientists continue to discover about the island. Then, hike the spectacular trails of the northern region, keeping an eye out for the beautiful Montserrat oriole. This evening, be on deck to enjoy the kaleidoscopic sunset and mountainous backdrop of Montserrat as you set sail for Antigua, the final stop.

This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight.