Central America

Secrets of Central America

Name: Secrets of Central America
Brand: Ponant
Price: 8140 USD
Availability: InStock

Connecting two continents, Panama and Costa Rica both possess unique biodiversity and landscapes. During this expedition cruise, tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of the mythical Panama Canal. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the local communities as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here. Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.

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16 departures

Le Bougainville · 2027

From$10,890per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedBack-to-back offer -10%Starting tier sold outAI PickActive promotion on this Ponant departure to Central AmericaAI Pick11-day Ponant voyage

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Route Map

Gallery

14 photos

Voyage Overview

Voyage Highlights

Expeditions

Embark on explorations to the farthest reaches of the world — from polar realms to tropical latitudes — where each day is marked by Zodiac landings led by your dedicated expedition team. Glaciologists, ornithologists, ethnologists, and marine mammal specialists — true experts of these remote regions — your naturalist guides invite you to a fully immersive and enlightening experience. Activities: All activities are supervised by the expedition team, made up of experienced naturalist guides — including Zodiac outings, for example. All activities are included and organized directly on board by the expedition team. Optional paid excursions may be offered depending on the cruise. Landings: Primarily carried out by Zodiac. Your experts on board: The expedition team composed of naturalist guides. Additional services: A complimentary parka and complimentary loan of boots (depending on the cruise). Children: Children from 6 years of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on Le Commandant Charcot ).

Destinations

Please Note

### Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions. ### General Information The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. ### Passport Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip. ### Panama - Customs Passengers are advised to complete a customs declaration form on the following website: https://declaraciondeviajero.ana.gob.pa/ (https://declaraciondeviajero.ana.gob.pa/) . Both paper and digital forms are valid and can be completed at any time before crossing the Panamanian border. Passengers who complete the digital form must show the QR code to the border personnel. ### Panama - fièvre jaune The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for this cruise. This vaccine, which is valid for life, must be documented with an official certificate, which may be checked upon your arrival. We strongly recommend that you keep this document with you for the entire duration of your trip List of items prohibited on board To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically. ### Use of drones Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Included

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites³
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges
Included activities may vary depending on the type of exploration:
Timeless Voyages: One included excursion⁴ per person, per day, and per port, led by local guides (monument visits, local product tastings, etc.)
Discovery Voyages: One included activity per person, per day, and per port, which may be either an included excursion⁴ led by local guides or an included activity supervised by naturalist guides
Expedition Voyages: One included activity per person, per day, and per port, supervised by naturalist guides (hiking, Zodiac outings, etc.) Exclusive stopovers with limited or no infrastructure will be offered for self-exploration. Passengers will thus be free to explore the area and enjoy independent activities (beach swimming, shopping, dining, shows, etc.)
Lectures by our naturalist guides or destination experts (excluding Sea Voyages)
Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Le Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, subject to weather and safety conditions, local authorizations, and the Captain's approval
National park and protected area fees
Accompaniment by a team of naturalist guides only on Expedition and Discovery cruises; on land or, depending on the destination, during Zodiac outings and/or landings
Timeless Voyages: The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. The excursion program will be finalized closer to your cruise departure and made available on our website.
Discovery Voyages: The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. Landings, activities, and wildlife encounters are provided for information purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. Activities and excursions mentioned are examples. Activities may change depending on weather conditions and navigation opportunities (see each activity’s description for more details). The excursion program will be finalized closer to your cruise departure and made available on our website.
Expedition Voyages: The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. Landings, activities, and wildlife encounters are provided for information purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. Activities may change depending on weather conditions and navigation opportunities (see each activity’s description for more details).
Le Paul Gauguin : The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. The excursion program will be finalized closer to your cruise departure and made available on our website.

Ship

Le Lapérouse

Ponant

This superb yacht unique atmosphere a subtle blend of luxury intimacy and well-being. French flag

Passengers184

Tonnage9,976 GT

Built2018

Ice Class1C

Decks6

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Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children aged 6-11 eligible for discount when sharing with two full-fare adults. Baby equipment available on request. Kids club available on select voyages. Children: 6–17 years Child discount: 70%

Third Person Policy

Third adult in Deluxe Suite on sofa bed. Third person discount applies to adults and children. Maximum 3 persons per suite. Adult discount: 70% Child discount: 50%

Single Supplement

Default rate: 2× Single supplement of 2.0x applies to all staterooms and suites. PONANT Bonus program members may receive reduced supplement on select departures.

Cancellation Policy

210+ days before departure: 20% penalty 120–210 days before departure: 50% penalty 90–120 days before departure: 75% penalty 0–90 days before departure: 100% penalty Cancellation fees apply as per the schedule above. Travel insurance strongly recommended. Name change fee: $200 EUR

Wi-Fi & Communications

Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi onboard all vessels.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy