Discover Panama, Costa Rica and Barbados

Your luxurious yacht cruise begins in Central America and Panama City, the capital of Panama. Here, you'll be transferred to your Emerald luxury yacht and embark on your memorable discovery of the Southern Caribbean.

Today, we pass through the Panama Canal, the most famous attraction in Panama. Considered one of the one of the world's greatest engineering feats, this man-made canal was built to significantly decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Since its completion in 1914, the Panama Canal has seen in excess of 900,000 vessels and is regarded by many as a feat of engineering, which was originally considered impossible to build. On board your luxury yacht, you'll experience this historic waterway for yourself.

Welcome to the San Blas archipelago, a group of islands located just north-west of Panama scattered across the sparkling Caribbean Sea. There are 378 islands within the archipelago, spread across an area of roughly 259-square-kilometres (100-square-miles). Most of the islands are uninhabited, but on some of the larger ones, you may get an opportunity to meet the native people, known as the Kunas. Formally called Kuna Yala (”Land of the Kuna”), San Blas is an autonomous territory of Panama, famed for its untouched nature and traditional culture.

Located along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias uniquely combines the charm of colonial architecture and vibrancy of modern life. This dynamic port city is well-known for its fascinating cultural festivals, breathtaking landscapes and excellent cuisine. It also bears the legacies of storied Latin American history within its UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled Old Town and narrow stone walkways. As one of the most well-preserved cities in the Americas, Cartagena de Indias has inspired many artists throughout the ages.

Alongside its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, Santa Marta boasts a rich history and culture as Colombia's oldest surviving city, founded in 1525 as the country's first Spanish settlement. Its compact historic centre, framed by colourful façades and lively plazas, sits between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the sea, giving the city a distinctive backdrop and relaxed coastal feel.

The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad welcomes with a unique blend of old and modern, lending a special charm to this bustling harbour city. Enjoy strolling along the streets lined with a variety of boutiques and striking residential buildings. Among the remarkably well-preserved architecture is the green ‘Stadhuis', which houses the City Hall. Another interesting site is the Aloe Museum and Factory, which dates back to 1890 and illustrates the fascinating story of aloe production, on which the economy was once dependent.

Today, you'll stop at Willemstad, the charming capital of Curaçao and a vibrant port city renowned for its stunning blend of culture, rich history, and colourful architecture. Nestled along the southern coast of the island, Willemstad is divided into two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge that swings open for ocean-going vessels.

This island group makes an attractive destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike, as all the islands offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and swimming, as well as hiking. Bonaire, just off the north coast of Venezuela, is famous for its pioneering conservation efforts, with a large section of the island under protection status. Today, enjoy exploring Kralendijk, the colourful capital of Bonaire, popular for its heritage architecture and lovely sandy beaches.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, soaking up the stunning views from the comfort of your luxury yacht. Today, make the most of the yacht's stylish spaces and exceptional facilities, extending to the inviting aqua pool, contemporary wellness zone and al fresco dining out on deck.

Today, you'll arrive at Mayreau, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Grenadines, with a surface area of just four square kilometres (1.5-square miles). The population of Mayreau is no more than 250 residents, who live in the village on the island's highest point, Station Hill. The charming little church and community centre at the top of the hill provide spectacular views across the islands. On a clear day, you can observe both Grenada and Saint Vincent, as well as other nearby islands, showcasing the vivid colours of the reefs and waters surrounding the Tobago Cays.

Discover Bequia Island, a hidden paradise in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, revealing idyllic, secluded spots and a distinct lack of traffic. This beautiful island offers visitors a chance to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle, without the hustle and bustle of mainstream beach tourism. Delight in exploring untouched pristine beaches and truly relax and unwind amid stunning nature.

After breakfast, you'll have time to explore Bridgetown at leisure. The vibrant capital of the beautiful island-nation of Barbados, Bridgetown is a port city steeped in history, known for its British colonial architecture and authentic Bajan cuisine. In the afternoon, you'll be welcomed back on board your Emerald luxury yacht for the second half of your marvellous Caribbean journey, where you'll get to explore stunning Panama and the Costa Rican west coast in depth.

This morning, you'll depart Bridgetown and cruise to Speightstown. This charming town, located on the north-west coast of Barbados is famed for its rich history, vibrant culture and picturesque setting. Speightstown features an eclectic mix of colonial-era buildings, colourful shops, and modest residences. Many buildings here reflect the island's rich architectural heritage and come painted in distinctive pastel hues.

Welcome to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a beautiful island-nation in the Caribbean Sea. The capital, Kingstown, is clustered around the bay on the island of Saint Vincent and offers local dining and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Visit St. George's Anglican Cathedral, an elegant Georgian-style church built around 1820, resplendent with colourful stained-glass windows. In the afternoon, your luxury yacht will sail onwards to Bequia Island.

Embedded in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Bequia Island reveals a hidden paradise, with secluded peaceful spots and distinct lack of traffic. The island offers visitors a chance to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of mainstream beach tourism. Here, you can explore untouched pristine beaches and relax and unwind amid stunning natural beauty.

Today, you'll arrive in Mayreau, the smallest of the Grenadines inhabited islands, measuring approximately four square kilometres (1.5-square miles), with a population of approximately 250 residents. From the charming church at the top of the island's highest hill, on a clear day, you can see both Grenada and Saint Vincent islands, along with the vivid colours of the coral reefs and waters surrounding the Tobago Cays. In the evening, you'll set sail for Union Island.

Union Island is renowned for its clear and calm turquoise waters and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Enjoy the stunning white-sand beaches encircled by lush tropical mountains and a tempting range of beachfront bars and restaurants. Today, why not spend a blissful day swimming and snorkelling off your yacht's Marina Platform, enjoying Emerald Cruises complimentary array of exciting aquatic toys.

Today, we set sail for Tobago Cays, an awe-inspiring archipelago known universally as the ultimate paradise destination. Naturally, this is a popular yachting anchorage spot, where warm, sandy bottomed aquamarine waters are brimming with turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, and starfish. One of the islands beyond the reef, Petit Tabac, is where the popular film franchise, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean' (2017) was partly filmed.

Your time on board your Emerald luxury yacht comes to an end, returning to beautiful Bridgetown, Barbados. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, you'll be transferred to the airport for your journey home, or to continue your holiday.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.