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Panama Canal, Corals and Cultures

A Wildlife & Cultural Expedition Linking Two Oceans Aboard the MS Island Sky

We have joined forces with The Ultimate Travel Company for this unique wildlife expedition in association with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Message from Lee Durrell:
I am so excited to be involved with another Durrell Expedition aboard the Island Sky.
As one of the greatest 20th century champions of biodiversity conservation, Gerald Durrell led the way in demonstrating how zoos could and should play a vital role in saving species from extinction. But that was not his only legacy. He established a ‘mini-university’, which has been attended by more than 2,500 conservation practitioners from 130 countries, collectively called Durrell’s Army. We will meet some of the ‘best and brightest’ of the graduates on our journey, and hear how they are carrying on Durrell’s crusade.

I am delighted with the cruise itinerary for a more personal reason. It will take me back to places where Gerry and I worked on The Amateur Naturalist, a popular television series we made in the early ‘80s. We filmed in the rich and fascinating jungles of an island formed when the floodgates to the Panama Canal were first opened nearly a hundred years ago. We also filmed in the magical San Blas Islands, known for their white sand beaches and exquisite reefs, where the snorkelling was remarkable. The San Blas are home to the makers of the intricate reverse appliqué mola cloths, the Kuna Indians, a people who had had little experience of the outside world when Gerry and I were there. I wonder how much things have changed? Come with me to find out!

Lee Durrell
Honorary Director
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Dr Lee Durrell
Since childhood Lee has had a love and affinity for animals, studying animal behaviour as a postgraduate in Madagascar. Marriage to Gerald Durrell resulted in a unique 16 year wildlife partnership with numerous television series and accompanying books, such as Ark on the Move, The Amateur Naturalist and Durrell in Russia as well as her own book The State of the Ark. Lee established and managed the Trust’s conservation programme in Madagascar from the mid ‘80s until 2000. As Honorary Director, she plays an important ambassadorial role for the Trust and maintains a key position on the Board of Trustees.

Andy Bunten
An obsessive enthusiast about wildlife since he can remember, Andy has worked in nature conservation all his life for wildlife trusts, local government and, for 26 years, for the RSPB. He was RSPB’s Regional Director for the South East of England for five years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. He is widely travelled, having led trips as far afield as Spitsbergen and the Seychelles, as Egypt and Hungary. He has been on numerous trips to see the wildlife of this fantastic Central America area, finding such amazing species as quetzals and howler monkeys in Costa Rica and countless hummingbirds and the superb scarlet ibis in Venezuela. Andy also has also pursued Central America’s many winter migrant species that spend their summers in North America.
Departures

Panama Canal, Corals and Cultures itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON HEATHROW TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Upon arrival transfer to the Ramada Herradura hotel or similar for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - SAN JOSÉ TO PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA.
Morning visit to the Gold Museum and brief city tour of San José. Lunch at the hotel. Meet a Durrell graduate involved in Costa Rica’s hugely varied wildlife before the scenic drive to Puntarenas on the Pacific coast to embark on MS Island Sky and sail in the early evening.
Day 3 - ISLA CAÑO, COSTA RICA.
Hosted by a Durrell graduate, spend the day on this remote island, walking and snorkelling. With its mysterious stone spheres, believed to be a pre-Columbian burial ground, and gorgeous coral reefs, the Caño Biological Reserve is also home to a huge variety of marine life including turtles, dolphins, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, tuna, snapper, grouper and, on occasion, whales.
Day 4 - ISLA COIBA, PANAMA.
This once infamous prison island, now a National Park, has reverted to an island paradise. Morning exploration of the 38 tiny surrounding islands dotted along the northern coast with their amazing beaches and coral reefs alive with all manner of fish. Later, explore the main island, which boasts some 147 species of birds, and walk up to the observation tower.
Day 5 - DARIEN, PANAMA.
Following a night crossing of the Golfo de Panama, arrive at the wild, rugged and remote Darien Province. Travel up river to an Embera Indian settlement, untouched by the modern world. These little known tribes offer a fascinating glimpse of an ancient world that has changed little since Sir Frances Drake was ransacking the shore of the Spanish Main.
Days 6 & 7 - PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT.
A highlight of the expedition, the Panama Canal transit takes between eight and ten hours including crossing Lake Gatun, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed as cargo vessels have priority so these two days will be tailored to suit. Special behind-thescenes visit (thanks to Durrell) to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in mid-Canal at Barro Colorado, with an opportunity to experience areas of the island not usually open to visitors, including, it is hoped, seeing the forest canopy from a special ‘aerial platform’. The intention is to anchor off the research island for a memorable day at the institute which, for more than 80 years, has been studying the island’s lush forest with its monkeys, slow-moving sloths, anteaters and many bird species. In addition visit either the vibrant metropolis of Panama City or the once important 17th century trading and military Caribbean port of Portobello with its defensive forts and burial site of Sir Francis Drake.
Day 8 - SAN BLAS ISLANDS, PANAMA.
Visit the stunning San Blas Archipelago made up of over 400 islands which line the north coast of Panama with dazzling white sandy beaches set in a turquoise sea and superb snorkelling. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as ‘molas’.
Day 9 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA.
Today there is a choice between a walking tour of the colonial walled-city of Cartagena, virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches; or a visit by boat to the nearby Rosario Islands at Isla Baru, encircled by coral reefs. A Durrell graduate will give an introduction to the newly-built aviary holding a collection of Birds of Colombia and projects conserving endangered marine life.
Day 10 - AT SEA.
A day at sea. Relax on deck, listen to lectures from the on-board team of specialists on birds and marine life and hear a talk by Lee Durrell.
Day 11 - BONAIRE.
In Bonaire, world famous for the variety of its corals, fish and exceptionally clear waters, visit the Washington/ Slagbai National Park, created to protect some of the Caribbean’s last remaining desert habitat. The island’s bird life is remarkable including flocks of native parrots and in one of the lagoons a resident flock of flamingos. Bonaire’s largest town, Kralendijk, is a charming place with many fine examples of classic Dutch colonial architecture.
Day 12 - LOS ROQUES, VENEZUELA.
The beaches of this group of tiny Venezuelan islands are amazing, with fine coral sand, and are virtually deserted, with lagoons and atolls all round and the clearest water imaginable. Spend the day exploring this pristine archipelago where the breeding of four species of turtle is studied at Dos Mosquises Sur. The area is also a mecca for divers.










Day 13 - LOS TESTIGOS, VENEZUELA.
Sail to the untouched Los Testigos where again there are wonderful empty beaches with only a handful of resident fishermen. The island has a huge colony of frigate birds and behind the line of coconut trees are high dunes with stunning views for those prepared for the steep climb.
Day 14 - TOBAGO CAYS & BEQUIA, GRENADINES.
This morning explore the four tiny islets of Tobago Cays, a marvellous area of protected national park, famous for its incredibly beautiful reefs. Over lunch sail to the delightful Grenadine island of Bequia. A place of pure old world atmosphere, only seven miles by two, the island has a tradition of boat building, and Port Elizabeth has a charming waterfront with small boutiques and wooden villas.
Day 15 - BARBADOS TO LONDON.
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy some time at leisure before transferring to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Day 16 - LONDON GATWICK.
Morning arrival.
Map for Panama Canal, Corals and Cultures

Island Sky - Discounts Apply!

*** Enquire Now for current discounts! *** MS Island Sky underwent a significant multi-million pound refurbishment in May 2010 to make her one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Cabin layout for Island Sky - Discounts Apply!