The Journey Between The Seas
Rave reviews are coming in for what is regarded as Central America 's the best tour: the Journey Between the Seas , by Panama Marine Adventures. Aboard the Discovery, a luxury 24 passenger/10 crew member yacht, guests experience the variety of astonishing destinations that only Panama can offer in one short tour: pristine nature including jungle, rainforest and islands, authentic Indian cultures, Spanish colonial history, abundant close-up wildlife, both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and the Panama Canal .
The crew is highly praised by seasoned travelers and the guides are Panama 's top nature and historical guides.
The Journey Between the Seas is popular for family vacations and reunions: the whole family can travel in first-class comfort having both great fun and an intimate learning experiences of nature, history, Indian cultures and the Panama Canal .
Experience the Authentic: The Discovery journey is authentic tourism at its best: a feast of intense, sensory experiences, the aroma of remote places, the texture of unknown things, the multicolor tapestry of nature, the accent of unheard languages, and the exquisite flavor of what has never before been tasted. It is the incomparable feeling of penetrating the secrets of other worlds, other lives.
Food for the Soul: The yearning for a closeness is the virtue and spirit of the true traveler and it is the reason for the Journey Between the Seas . This communion of body and spirit is only possible within the intimate realm of a such fine, compact craft that covers direct marine routes to pristine lands.
The crew of ten has been carefully selected and trained to ensure a perfect journey for the 24 exclusive passengers of the Discovery. Inside the cozy, spacious cabins and lounges, the magic of night melts imperceptibly with the fabulous sunrises at amazing places that offer their purest charms at dawn ready for a day of excursion. From its decks, everything looks close, vivid, amazing, moving and…simply unforgettable!
Testimonies About the Journey Between the Seas
- “I have been waiting a LOOOOONGGGG time for something like this, and all in all I was not a bit disappointed” … Annie Berk, Vice President of Ladatco Tours.
- “Vern and I had a marvelous time and are still talking about the Discovery and our wonderful adventure. Its crew and the beautiful country of Panama . All were FIRST CLASS!” … Jaci Barton , Massachusetts .
- “ It isn't hyperbole to say that we thought it was a great trip, with a great crew, terrific guides and a well thought out itinerary.” … Peter Rose, editor of SoGoNow.com.
- “ I learned a lot about Panama and it is really a great destination. I hope that this new knowledge will translate into more people visiting this unique country! This is really a fantastic product, and I know it's going to be a great success!!” … Virginia Oviedo, Product Manager for Latin America , Abercrombie & Kent.
- “ Your crew is adorable and competent. They ran things as an upscale cruise should be run.” … Carla Hunt, editor of Recommend Magazine.
- “ Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. It will make a fabulous story or stories. Thanks again to the crew. They are very special and loving people.” … Eleanor Mc Daniel, writer for Odyssey Couleur Magazine.
- “ Thanks again for a fabulous experience. Let me start by saying Terry and I had a fantastic time in Panama and can't wait to come back!” … Connie Ekelund, Associate Publisher & Editor of Fusion Publishing Inc.
- “ It was a fantastic and unique experience with lots of varied activities for all types of tourist interests. A true learning experience that is fun for the traveler that would like to be well educated on the history and culture of Panama, the indigenous tribes of Panama and the natural history of the country.” … Charlie Weaver, Destination Manager, International Expeditions.
- “A warm hats off to the Panama Marine Adventures for a fantastic expedition.” … Sandy Doss, Vice President of Academic Programming, Holbrook Travel.
- “Thank you all for a wonderful vacation in Panama ! …Dean, Gail & Ben Bergstrom, Columbia Missouri , December 28, 2007.
- “So honored to ‘test the waters' on the Discovery. Discovery treated us like royalty!”… Bill Family, December 28, 2007.
Discovery Yacht Facts:
- Passenger Capacity: 24
- Launched: December 2004
- Length : 108 ft.
- Beam: 31 ft.
- Draft: 6 ft.
- Officers & Crew: 10, Panamanian.
- Cabins: 12. (8 queen and 4 twin). All cabins are outside with large windows and have private bathrooms and individual air conditioning.
- Dress: Casual at all times.
- Dining: The dining area, bar and lounge are located on the mid deck which is fitted with floor to ceiling glass. Panamanian food and indigenous dishes are offered. A barbecue is held on the top deck during Panama Canal transit day.
The World's Most Incredible 8 Day Itinerary:
Northbound Journey
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Day 1
Saturday
Panama City - Flamenco Marina.
Sail the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora Island , where the Discovery will stay the first night before navigating to the Darien Jungle. Take this opportunity to meet your expedition leaders, the crew and your fellow travelers while you savor our tempting native cuisine. -
Day 2
Sunday
Darien Jungle.
Step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years to a place that not many have had the privilege of experiencing. More than an excursion, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indians. A proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as they were before the Spaniards colonized the region. These natives are also master crafters of cocobolo wood carvings and basketry. After motoring up river you will see the village emerging from the jungle, as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the rivers edge. -
Day 3
Monday
Pearl Islands – San Telmo.
Snorkel and swim on the waters of the Pearl Islands . The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of pearl oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900`s. On the outer portion of the archipelago, the islands of San Telmo and Galera are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. Take the opportunity to swim and kayak along beautiful and unspoiled beaches. View the remains of the submarine Explorer built in 1865 during the Civil War and which sunk off the coast of San Telmo during the oyster fishery of the late 1800´s. -
Day 4
Tuesday
Panama Canal Transit – Gatun Lake.
Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning's ship convoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks. The Discovery will be raised 85 feet above sea level to Gatun Lake . You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience up close the history and operation of this engineering marvel. Navigate the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal , bisecting the Continental Divide. This section of the Canal is full of history and geological value and you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. Spend the night in Gatun Lake on Panama Canal waters. -
Day 5
Wednesday
Panama Canal – Barro Colorado.
Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now the Gatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As the region was flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the mountain peaks, which are now the many islands that dot the renowned lake. Explore Barro Colorado Island where the Smithsonian´s Tropical Research Center is located. Your expedition leader will take you on board small crafts past lush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake to witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can see in their native surroundings. The sights, sounds and scents that make up this beautiful, tropical jungle will engulf you. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world's premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild. Later in the afternoon, the Discovery will complete its full Panama Canal transit on its way to the Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Chagres River. -
Day 6
Thursday
Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo.
Experience the magnificent Chagres River which was used by the conquistadors to move their gold across the Isthmus of Panama en-route from Peru to Spain and by the gold prospectors who attempted a "short cut" from the US East coast to the gold fields of California . The river was the centerpiece of the colonial inter-oceanic route and is now the lifeline of the Panama Canal full of wildlife and tropical jungle. Explore Fort San Lorenzo which is located on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres on the Atlantic side where your leader will offer details of the immense amount of history found on this area. The fort was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to defend their well known gold trail. -
Day 7
Friday
Portobelo – Caribbean.
Enjoy the town of Portobelo on Caribbean waters which was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. This quaint town is rich in history as it was the site of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main . Explore the fortifications built by the Spaniards to protect their treasures and visit the Church of San Felipe , the sanctuary of the Black Christ. Spend the night in the bay of Portobelo , the most important refuge for the Spanish galleons in the Caribbean. -
Day 8
Saturday
Portobelo – Caribbean.
Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark the Discovery. Travel by motor coach to Panama City and back to reality. This two hour trip will allow you to traverse the trans-isthmian highway from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean .
The Southbound Journey follows the same exploration route in reverse.
Recent Fares: US$3,950 per person. There will be a US$250 per person early booking discount if full payment is received 180 days before departure. Price includes transfers to and from the ship, shore excursions, use of equipment, all meals and beverages onboard the ship, taxes and port charges.
* Charter rates are available upon request.
Email: infodiscovery@pmatours.net
USA Toll Free: 1.888.836.0102
Panama Tel: 507. 226. 8917
Website:www.pmatours.net
