Sea lion diving in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The cruise pier, Puntarenas.
14-day expedition cruise from Costa Rica along the Pacific Coast to San Diego, exploring the coastline of Central America.
Discover vibrant cities and unforgettable beaches, bays and coves as you cruise to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Mexico.
Visit nature spots and national parks teeming with incredible wildlife, paddle among the mangrove forests, and learn about local communities.
Explore a coastline blessed with pristine beaches, bays and coves, providing a safe habitat for thousands of tropical animals, birds and marine life – a paradise for nature lovers.
Your expedition cruise will begin in Costa Rica’s capital San José and take you on an adventure that includes the former Nicaraguan capital of Léon, the colonial city of Granada, and Cabo San Lucas at the tip of the Baja California peninsula.
Hotel
Onboard activities
Landing activities
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
You'll begin your exploration of Central America in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, affectionately known as ‘Chepe’. Pack in as much as you can in an exciting day of discovery.
Explore Barrio Escalante, where you'll find a lively arts scene, a kaleidoscope of shows, microbreweries and food stalls. You can take a stroll through historic Barrio Amón, and learn more about the country’s pre-Columbian and modern culture at one of the city's many fascinating museums.
Finally, experience an authentic Old World feel at Mercado Central and sample the local cuisine before spending the night at your hotel.
Today, you'll enjoy a boat tour along the Tárcoles River to the Guacalillo Mangrove Estuary – home to an estimated 300 species of native and migratory birds.
Spot colourful caracaras, kingfishers, Yellow Warblers, and the Scarlet Macaw. Keep your eyes peeled for basilisk lizards, iguanas, crocodiles and monkeys along the shore.
Then it's onto Puntarenas where MS Roald Amundsen awaits. Before boarding, enjoy try a Churchill – the town's official snack of shaved ice with fruit, syrup and ice cream. Once aboard your hybrid-powered ship, you can get settled in and meet your Expedition Team.
As we cruise the Pacific Coast, we'll visit the Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Sur – a surfer's paradise, framed by colourful Victorian era clapboard houses, and fresh seafood restaurants.
You'll enjoy a bus tour of Granada, home to some of the finest 16th century colonial architecture in the country. After, we'll visit a local school where we plan to drop off donated school supplies.
Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to the steaming fumaroles of the active Masaya Volcano, and stop at Catarina for panoramic views of Apoyo Lagoon and Lake Nicaragua.
From Puerto Corinto, you'll explore the vibrant former capital of Nicaragua, León – considered the intellectual and liberal centre of the country.
León is home to one of Latin America's best art collections, while its streets and buildings tell their own tale of revolution, through colourful Sandinista murals of protest, war and local heroes like Carlos Fonseca.
Explore more at the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, where you'll be guided by former revolutionaries, who'll provide first-hand commentary of living through those times. We say goodbye to Nicaragua as we cruise to El Salvador.
Today we dock at Acajutla, a former Mayan village that's now El Salvador’s main seaport. Stroll along dark sand beaches, and taste local Salvadoran dishes at the harbor restaurants. And don't forget to try the region's famous coffee.
You can choose from a number of fascinating optional excursions. Take a trip inland to the cities of Sonsonate or Nahuizalco and Ataco in Acajulta. Or head to Cerro Verde National Park, home to the Izalco and Ilamatepec volcanoes. You might even visit UNESCO-protected Joya de Cerén, a 600 CE Mayan village, nicknamed the 'Pomeii of America'.
Our Central American expedition cruise continues to Mexico. From Puerto Chiapas, you'll be able to join a variety of optional excursions.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy a guided boat excursion to the nearby mangrove streams and lagoons to spot pelicans, herons, hummingbirds and turtles. Or you can visit Chocolate City and learn how locally grown cocoa beans are transformed into sweet delights.
Alternatively, explore the ancient ruins and stone carvings of Izapa, dating back to 1,500 BCE. Or enjoy a guided tour of Tapachula, a city filled with the cultural influences of immigrant port and agricultural workers.
Spend the day in Huatulco – a vision of paradise with scenic bays, beaches and sheltered coves. You'll visit its national park, home to over 700 plant species, 130 mammals, 300 bird species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians – a dream for nature lovers and photographers.
Optional excursions include catamaran trips to Chahué, Tangolunda, Organo and Maguey bays. Or perhaps a tour to Conejos Bay, Copalita River, and an arts and crafts museum. You can also opt to visit the communities of Piedra de Moros, Pueblo Viejo and Las Pozas, and learn about Mexican culture.
It's time for a relaxing day at sea as we cruise to Puerta Vallarta. Sit back and admire the scenery, go for a swim or soothe your muscles in the spa. Or join our art workshop to create pieces inspired by your travels.
For in-depth geological and biological insights, stop by the ship’s Science Center and analyse any expedition samples. The Expedition Team will continue their series of lectures, and you can take part in our Citizen Science projects, contributing important data to research.
You can also take it easy in the comfort of our Explorer Lounge & Bar, chatting over a drink or reading a book.
We visit Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier coastal destinations. Situated along Bahía de Banderas, it offers an abundance of nature and watersport options.
Downtown in El Malecón, the boardwalk buzzes with performers – and look up to catch the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers. You'll discover colourful markets and handicraft stalls too.
Head to Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale to taste delicious tamales, tacos and mole. Or you can learn some authentic recipes at a Mexican cooking class. Join an optional excursion to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, to see its impressive orchid house, native palms, agave and cacti.
With stunning beaches and azure waters, Baja California's Cabo San Lucas is beloved by Hollywood stars. Its biggest star though is Land’s End – jagged granite arches, stacks and needles that form El Arco. The waters here teem with fish, sea lions, rays, and even whales.
You can visit El Arco on an optional excursion and stop at Baja’s most famous beach, the beautiful Playa del Amor.
Or, if your interests lie more in geology and botany, then head to Museo de Historia Natural in downtown Cabo San Lucas, where you'll also learn about local marine life conservation efforts.
We say goodbye to Mexico as we cruise to San Diego, our final destination. Enjoy the next two days at sea, swapping tales of your travels in the Explorer Bar or over a delicious meal in one of the onboard restaurants.
Our lecture programme continues, delving further into the points of interest you've encountered on the expedition. You can hone your wildlife photography skills out on deck, or book relaxing treatments in the Wellness Centre.
If you've not yet done so, you can still take part in Citizen Science projects, providing vital data for research. Before we reach San Diego, your Expedition Team will host a highlights presentation of your Pacific Coast adventure.
We say a fond farewell to MS Roald Amundsen as we dock in San Diego. With its heady mix of urban sophistication, laidback surfer vibe, and year-round sunshine, San Diego provides the perfect finale to your trip.
Spend your day at the beach or take a trolley car tour to explore Downtown, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the San Diego Bay waterfront. Culture buffs should head to Balboa Park, with its 17 museums, art galleries and other performing arts venues.
With so many places to visit in San Diego, we highly recommend booking an optional Post-Programme to tour the city before returning home.
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Onboard Science Programme
Our Science Programme has one goal: to increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.
Our Science Programme has one goal: to increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.
Our expedition ships serve as the perfect platform for scientific research; with access to remote regions of the world and onboard experts, we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community - with help from our guests!
We invite our guests to participate in science activities, developing a greater understanding of the region in which they travel, becoming true ambassadors, and returning home to champion the protection of our planet's most fragile ecosystems.
Delivery of our own lecture programme.
Interacting with guests in our Science Centers to reinforce the lecture programme with practical hands-on guest experiences.
Citizen science programme involving guests in programmes for third-party organisations.
Carrying scientific equipment for sample collection on behalf of research institutes.
Hosting scientific personnel on board to conduct collaborative science programmes.
Seabird Distribution with the Antarctic Site Inventory — Surveys throughout the Antarctic Peninsula help scientists understand how seabirds are using different habitats and provide valuable information about their life cycles.
Cloud Observations with the Globe Program — By observing and recording cloud cover timed to NASA satellite fly-overs, guests can help scientists understand how surface and air temperature are affected by cloud cover, and how clouds will respond to a changing climate.
Happywhale — We assist in tracking individual whales throughout our world’s oceans by harnessing the power of whale watching enthusiasts - our guests - expanding our scientific knowledge of their behaviour and distribution.
Sea Leopard Project — A non-profit study aimed at a better understanding of the behaviour, ecology, and population dynamics of leopard seals on the Antarctic Peninsula to promote their conservation and safe human-seal interactions.
Fjord Phyto — Study phytoplankton to better understand how they respond to water temperature changes in the polar regions, providing a key to help mitigate future environmental impacts.
Join the Expedition Team here for a range of lectures, photography workshops, and Citizen Science Projects. The area also features scientific and educational equipment, such as microscopes and interactive maps.
In-depth talks on history, climate change, sustainability, wildlife, Earth science, culture, and other topics specific to the destination you are visiting are held here. Learning more about each subject is certain to enhance your expedition experience.
Our Science Programme has one goal: To increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.
What the Science Programme is about
Learning from the experts on board
Facilities, equipment and activities
Citizen Science research projects- and how you can contribute
Speaker: Verena Meraldi
Young Explorers Programme
Welcome all young explorers
Young Explorer is a complimentary, year-round programme on selected Hurtigruten ships for curious and active youth aged 6-12 years of age.
The children will learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives, and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. The Young Explorers’ Programme makes it easier to meet other children on board, bond over common activities and form lasting friendships.
There will be daily onboard activities related to different Young Explorers’ topics. Through the Young Explorers’ Programme, children will get a deeper understanding of nature, climate and culture. Depending on seasons and destinations, they will also be introduced to topics like wildlife, local food, environmental protection and famous explorers. This will give the children a sense of what it is like to be a real explorer in beautiful, untouched surroundings.
All children aged 6 to 12 years are welcome to participate in the Young Explorers’ Programme. At the beginning of the voyage, you will receive more practical details of the programme. Parents/guardians do not participate in Young Explorers’ activities, but depending on the size and variation of the group some parents may be asked to join on an informal basis. The Young Explorer activities will only be offered in English.
It is free of charge to join the Young Explorer Programme. To reserve, please contact our booking office at [email protected] or call +441224980439.
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us
Practical information you need to know
The Caribbean and Central America
