The Discovery

JOURNEY BETWEEN THE SEAS
Description: The Discovery is a comfortable live aboard catamaran with spacious cabins and communal areas. With just 24 passengers the Discovery offers an intimate exploration of the Panama Canal which is not found on the large cruise ships. During a 6-night voyage visit the Darien jungle, home to the Embera Indians, snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands, transit the Panama Canal in daylight, explore wildlife rich Barro Colorado Island and experience Panama's colonial history at San Lorenzo and Portobelo.

Itinerary (Northbound):
Day 1:	Sail the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora Island where the Discovey will drop anchor for the night before navigating to the Darien jungle . (D)

Day 2:	Travel by river into the Darien jungle and visit the Embera Indians. There will also be the opportunity for birdwatching from the zodiacs and kayakking. (FB)

Day 3:	Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. On the southernmost area of the archipelago the islands of San Telmo and Galera are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. (FB)

Day 4:	Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning's ship convoy for the northbound canal passage. Traverse the Miraflores and San Pedro locks, and navigate the Gaillard cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal. Overnight on Gatun Lake. (FB)

Day 5:	Explore Barro Colorado Island, home of the Smithsonian's Tropical Research Centre and an excellent location for wildlife viewing. In the afternoon complete the Panama Canal transit and sail to the Chagres River. (FB)

Day 6:	Visit the 16th century Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spaniards to defend their gold trail, and enjoy the flora and fauna of the river's edge. (FB)

Day 7:	Disembark the Discovery and explore the 16th century town of Portobelo which legend has it was founded by Christopher Columbus. In the afternoon board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City. This one hour journey passes through lush rainforests, alongside the Canal's locks, through the historic Gaillard Cut and across causeways in Gatun Lake. (HB)
THE SOUTHBOUND JOURNEY FOLLOWS THE SAME EXPLORATION ROUTE IN REVERSE.

2012/2013 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)

DEPARTS

2012
APR 21, MAY 28*, JUN 23, JUL 21, AUG 25, OCT 23

2013
APR 23*, JUN 15, JUL 13, NOV 19

£2230

£2230

*Itinerary travels in reverse

Capacity: 24 passengers • Overall Length: 108 foot catamaran • Cabins: 6 queen and 6 twin outside cabins with picture windows, private facilities and climate controls • Facilities: Upper deck dining room, bar and lounge; upper deck bbq and sun deck • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft; kayaks; expedition leader.

Click for deck plan (pdf)

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: From the UK to Panama City start at £740 per person • Personal Items: Panama Tourist Card ($5 per person); lodging in Panama city; guide gratuities

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

Guide to the Birds of Panama

Where to Find Birds in Panama

Bradt Travel Guide: Panama