Enticing Puerto Vallarta

Welcome to this vibrant Mexican resort city

You'll begin your Central America coastal cruise in Puerto Vallarta along Bahía de Banderas. Spend some time here and you'll see why it's one of Mexico's premier coastal destinations, with its abundance of nature and water sport options. 

Downtown in El Malecón, the boardwalk buzzes with performers. Look up to catch the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers. Head to Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale to sample authentic dishes of tamales, tacos and mole. Or visit Isla Cuale, a vast open-air market close to the striking Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Then it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Settle in and make yourself comfortable as we set sail.

Wellness at sea

Explore all your expedition ship has to offer

It's time for a relaxing day at sea as we cruise to Hualtuco. Sit back and admire the scenery, go for a swim, pick up tips from our onboard photographer, or attend our art workshop.

You can also get active with our Yoga and Wellness Program, featuring early morning mile-long walks on deck and stretching sessions. Join our wellness workshops, which can help improve physical and mental balance, or book a treatment with our massage therapists.

For in-depth geological and biological insights, stop by the ship’s Science Center and analyze any expedition samples.

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 over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. It's a dream for nature lovers and photographers.

Optional excursions include catamaran trips to Chahué, Tangolunda, Organo and Maguey bays. Or a tour to Conejos Bay, Copalita River, and a craft museum. You can also opt to visit the communities of Piedra de Moros, Pueblo Viejo and Las Pozas, and learn about Mexican culture from cooking to cacti.

Mangroves in Mexico

Discover Izapa's ancient past or mangrove wildlife

Our Central American expedition cruise continues to Puerto Chiapas, Mexico. From here, you'll be able to join a variety of optional excursions.

Wildlife lovers can opt to join a guided boat tour to the nearby mangroves, home to pelicans, herons, hummingbirds and turtles. Or you can visit Chocolate City and learn how artisans turn locally grown cocoa beans into sweet delights.

You can explore the ancient ruins and stone carvings of Izapa, dating back to 1500 BCE, or enjoy a guided tour of Tapachula, a city filled with the cultural influences of immigrant port and farm workers.

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 Acajutla. 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'.

Revolutionary León

Immerse yourself in the history of León

From Puerto Corinto, you'll explore the vibrant former capital of Nicaragua, León—considered the intellectual and liberal center 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.

Look out for colorful Sandinista murals of protest, war, and local heroes like Carlos Fonseca. Explore more at the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, where former revolutionaries will be your guides, sharing first-hand commentary of what life was like then. From here, it's on to San Juan del Sur.

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. It's a surfer's paradise, framed by colorful Victorian-era clapboard houses and seafood restaurants.

Our included activity is a bus tour of Granada, home to some of the country's finest 16th century architecture. Then 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.

Arrival in Puntarenas

Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading home

Your Central American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a Costa Rican city on a needle of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.

Before returning home, why not join one of our Post-Programs. You can visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano Area, where you’ll see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or enjoy a jungle boat tour and discover the Costa Rican capital of San José.