Explore the Nature and Culture of Central America’s Pacific Coast
Cruise Overview
Discover the unspoilt wonders of Central America's Pacific Coast
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.
Idyllic beaches and incredible biodiversity
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.
Vibrant cities and cultural exploration
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.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Related cruises
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Discover San José
Day 1
Discover San José
Sample the culture and cuisine of Costa Rica's capital
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.
Tárcoles River wildlife
Day 2
Tárcoles River wildlife
Scarlet Macaws, basilisk lizards and crocodiles
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.
Relax in San Juan del Sur
Day 3
Relax in San Juan del Sur
Enjoy Nicaragua's best beaches and fine architecture
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.
Revolutionary León
Day 4
Revolutionary León
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of León
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.
Exploring El Salvador
Day 5
Exploring El Salvador
Discover volcanoes and Mayan villages in 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'.
Mangroves in Mexico
Day 6
Mangroves in Mexico
Explore the wildlife of the Mexican mangroves
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.
Huatulco National Park
Day 7
Huatulco National Park
Discover the beaches, plants and wildlife of Huatulco
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.
Serenity at sea
Day 8-9
Serenity at sea
Relax and recharge back on board ship
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.
Enticing Puerto Vallarta
Day 10
Enticing Puerto Vallarta
Discover this vibrant Mexican beach resort
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.
Beautiful Cabo San Lucas
Day 11
Beautiful Cabo San Lucas
Discover the natural wonders of Cabo San Lucas
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.
Relax Onboard
Day 12-13
Relax Onboard
Enjoy the final leg of your Pacific Coast expedition
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.
California's 'Beach City'
Day 14
California's 'Beach City'
Visit San Diego, California's 'Beach City'
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.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 13-day expedition cruise.
Hotel
- Overnight in San Jose before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Transfers
- Transfer from hotel to ship in Puntarenas including a Jungle Boat Tour and lunch before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
- Yoga and meditation sessions with an instructor
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us
Excursions
Pre-post programmes
Ships on this expedition
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition