Pristine islands of the Caribbean & the Panama Canal

Welcome on board your Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse II, where you will be greeted by the Captain and our attentive crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious 6-star suite. Your unforgettable journey begins in the dynamic capital of Panama, where a striking skyline of modern skyscrapers meets the colonial charm of 17th-century churches and historic plazas. A melting pot of cultures, this cosmopolitan city is alive with history, vibrant markets, and a thriving culinary scene.

Please book your flight to arrive into Panama City prior to 02:00 PM.

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

The Panama Canal Transit is the journey of a ship through the Panama Canal, a famous waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. During the transit, ships pass through a series of locks that raise and lower them to different water levels. This engineering marvel allows vessels to avoid the long voyage around Cape Horn. The canal plays a vital role in global trade by saving time and fuel. Thousands of ships transit the canal each year, carrying goods between continents.

Guna Yala, also known as the San Blas Islands, is governed by Panama’s Guna Indigenous people, who work tirelessly to ensure this pocket of paradise is preserved and protected for future generations. The narrow territory is made up of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by Guna people – the rest are blissfully unpeopled and untouched.

Look out for stalls selling molas, a traditional textile made from layers of coloured fabric crafted to form patterns and pictures inspired by their cosmogenic beliefs – these one-of-a-kind souvenirs are as eye-catching as they are intricate.

Discovery:
Join your Discovery Team for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard excursion, spending the day exploring the sparkling waters of this stunning archipelago. Paddle through breathtaking scenery, swim or snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, and then relax on a sandy beach under a palm tree, soaking in the beauty around you.

The San Blas archipelago is located off the Caribbean coast, east of Colon, and is made up of 365 islands that range in size from tiny ones with a few coconut palms to islands on which hundreds of Kuna Indians live. Only about fifty are inhabited. The Kuna rule the San Blas Territory with internal autonomy, and have tightly preserved their language and cultural traditions over the centuries despite influences from European colonies. In addition to their own language, Spanish is widely spoken and many men work on the mainland, but live on the islands. Women wear costumes with unique designs based on local themes, geometric patterns, and stylised fauna and flora. The island of El Porvenir is one of the main seats of government for the Kuna Indians. Many Kunas from the other islands came to settle on El Porvenir, bringing with them their traditional arts and crafts, including the famous molas. These intricately hand-sewn designs are made by the women of the tribes as part of their blouses and dresses. With the increased tourism, molas are now a favoured souvenir and craft item for visitors.

Cartagena's magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena's walls protected the city's riches as well as the New World's most important African slave market.

Embark on a cultural odyssey at Cabo de La Vela, where the indigenous Wayuu people welcome you to their ancestral lands. Learn about their rich traditions, from vibrant handicrafts to ancient rituals. Engage with locals and share stories during a visit to the local school. Cabo de La Vela is a place of striking beauty where the rugged desert landscape is adorned with windswept dunes and lapped by crystalline waters.

Discovery:
On this day, you might have the chance to enjoy a Zodiac cruise, snorkelling, or other water activities with your Discovery Team. Please check the Daily Program for full details.

Step into the captivating charm of this picturesque harbour town, where colourful Dutch architecture blends seamlessly with Caribbean warmth. Indulge in unique shopping experiences, then relax on a historic 17th-century veranda with a refreshing drink made from the legendary Curaçao liqueur. Stroll through Willemstad’s World Heritage-listed Old Town and harbour and savour a delicious fusion of Dutch and Afro-Caribbean culinary delights.

Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.

At sea, life is both exciting and challenging. Ships travel across vast stretches of water, carrying people and goods from one place to another. Sailors spend many days away from land, facing changing weather and strong waves. The endless view of the ocean can be beautiful and peaceful. After their journey, they feel happy and relieved when they finally reach shore.

A picture-perfect paradise, the Tobago Cays are a pristine collection of five uninhabited islands in the heart of the Grenadines. Protected as a marine park, these breathtaking isles are surrounded by crystalline turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life.

Discovery:
On this day, you might have the chance to enjoy a Zodiac cruise, snorkelling, or other water activities with your Discovery Team. Please check the Daily Program for full details.

A true hidden gem of the Caribbean, Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, spanning just four-square kilometres (1.5 square miles) and home to a community of around 250 residents. With no airport and limited access, this secluded paradise remains blissfully untouched. From the hilltop church, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Unwind with a signature cocktail at the Sky Bar, then indulge in an all-inclusive culinary experience, from contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to the finest steak and seafood at Elements or bold Asian fusion flavours at Koko’s.

Discovery:
On this day, you might have the chance to enjoy a Zodiac cruise, snorkelling, or other water activities with your Discovery Team. Please check the Daily Program for full details.

The small island of Mayreau, just one and 1/2 square miles in area (3.9 square kilometres) is the smallest inhabited island of The Grenadines, and is part of the independent state of St.Vincent in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Two of the best known islands in The Grenadines are Mustique and Bequia, the second largest island in this group. The Grenadine Islands are strung out in a gentle sweep between St.Vincent and Grenada. Most visitors to Mayreau arrive from cruise ships, on the regular ferry, or by yacht. There are no proper roads on the island, only a few vehicles, no airport and only a single unnamed village. Mayreau and the neighboring Tobago Cays are very popular for divers and snorkellers. Saline Bay, on the west coast of the island, has a wonderful broad beach and a few local vendors selling T-shirts and local craft. A climb up the road to the hilltop village on the island provides breathtaking views across Mayreau, Canouan, the Tobago Cays and Carriacou.

Tucked beneath the majestic World Heritage-listed Pitons, Soufrière captures the essence of St. Lucia's charm. This quaint town buzzes with street vendors, local shops, hidden waterfalls and vibrant pools. Once the original capital of Saint Lucia, Soufrière lies within the Qualibou Depression, the crater of a dormant volcano. Visitors can unwind in mud baths, explore sulphur springs and marvel at the iconic lava domes, Gros Piton and Petit Piton.  Savor the island's flavourful cuisine, from green figs and salt fish to hearty callaloo soup, traditionally made with crab or shrimp.

Discovery:
On this day, you might have the chance to enjoy a Zodiac cruise, snorkelling, or other water activities with your Discovery Team. Please check the Daily Program for full details.

The oldest town in St. Lucia and the island’s former French colonial capital, Soufrière was founded by the French in 1746 and named for its proximity to the volcano of the same name. The wharf is the center of activity in this sleepy town (population, 9,000), particularly when a cruise ship anchors in pretty Soufrière Bay. French colonial influences are evident in the second-story verandahs, gingerbread trim, and other appointments of the wooden buildings that surround the market square. The market building itself is decorated with colorful murals. Soufrière, the site of much of St. Lucia’s renowned natural beauty, is the destination of most sightseeing trips. This is where you can get up close to the iconic Pitons and visit colonial capital of St. Lucia, with its "drive-in" volcano, botanical gardens, working plantations, waterfalls, and countless other examples of the natural beauty for which St. Lucia is deservedly famous.

Your unforgettable voyage comes to an end in the lively capital of Barbados, where British colonial heritage blends seamlessly with the island’s laid-back Caribbean charm.

Savour one final indulgent breakfast aboard your 6-star Discovery Yacht, reflecting on the extraordinary  moments and new friendships made along the way. As you disembark, take with you memories of an unforgettable voyage through some of the Caribbean and Latin America's most breathtaking destinations.

Please book your flight to depart out of Bridgetown after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Colombia and Panama.   

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.