Inviting Beaches & Latin Culture in Central America (Southbound)
Cruise Overview
Perfect beaches, vivid cultures and lively cities
13-day expedition cruise down Central America's Pacific coastline, from San Diego and Baja California to Puntarenas in Costa Rica.
Visit coastal communities and experience authentic cultures, from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Nicaragua to the ancient roots of Acajutla.
See incredible wildlife like whales, pelicans, herons, hummingbirds and turtles in tropical habitats, such as magnificent Huatulco National Park.
Beach life
Soak up Californian rays in sunny San Diego, before we cruise south to lively Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Enjoy Puerto Vallarta' bustling markets, and relax on the pristine beaches of Huatulco and Nicaragua's San Juan del Sur.
History and culture
In Puerto Chiapas, you can visit Mayan ruins at Izapa or explore the mangroves on a boat tour. Sample Salvadorian food in Acajutla and learn about the Sandinistas in Nicaragua's former capital, Léon. See Granada's Spanish colonial buildings or visit a volcano before your Latin adventure ends in Puntarenas.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Sunny San Diego
Day 1
Sunny San Diego
Your adventure begins in California's 'Beach City'
With its heady mix of urban sophistication, laidback surfer vibe, and year-round sunshine, San Diego provides the perfect start to your trip.
Culture buffs should head to Balboa Park, with its 17 museums, art galleries and performing arts venues. Or take a trolley car tour and explore Downtown, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the waterfront of San Diego Bay.
Then it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship MS Fridtjof Nansen. Make yourself at home in your comfortable surroundings as you set sail.
Relax onboard
Day 2–3
Relax onboard
Reconnect with nature along the Baja California coast
Leaving the US behind, we sail south to Cabo San Lucas. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow explorers.
You can take part in our onboard wellness activities like yoga and meditation, relax in the spa or by the pool, or look for whales out on deck. Or perhaps curl up in the panoramic Explorer Lounge, watching the scenery go by.
Our Expedition Team will begin their fascinating program of lectures covering a wide range of subjects. Head to the Science Center for more learning and discovery. And find out more about our Citizen Science projects, where you can contribute to important global research.
Beautiful Cabo San Lucas
Day 4
Beautiful Cabo San Lucas
Discover the natural wonders of Cabo San Lucas
You'll experience a change of tempo as our expedition cruise docks at Cabo San Lucas.
With stunning beaches and azure waters, 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 beneath teem with fish, sea lions, rays, and even whales.
Join an optional excursion and stop at Baja’s most famous beach, the beautiful Playa del Amor. Geology and botany enthusiasts will love the Museo de Historia Natural downtown, where you can also learn about local marine life conservation.
Enticing Puerto Vallarta
Day 5
Enticing Puerto Vallarta
Discover this vibrant Mexican resort city
Situated along Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's premier coastal destinations, with an abundance of nature and water sports.
In El Malecón, the boardwalk buzzes with performers. Look up to see the death-defying dance of the papantla flyers. Head to Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale to taste delicious tamales, tacos and mole. Or visit Isla Cuale, a vast open-air market close to the striking Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
You can visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens on an optional excursion, with its impressive orchid house and native plants. Or learn to make authentic Mexican dishes like chile relleno, stuffed green peppers, in a cooking class.
Wellness at sea
Day 6–7
Wellness at sea
Recharge and relax back on board your ship
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
Day 8
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
Day 9
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
Day 10
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
Day 11
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
Day 12
Relax in San Juan del Sur
Enjoy Nicaragua's best beaches and fine architecture
The penultimate stop on your Pacific Coast cruise is the Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Sur. It's a surfer's paradise, framed by colorful 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—stopping at Catarina for panoramic views of Apoyo Lagoon and Lake Nicaragua.
Arrival in Puntarenas
Day 13
Arrival in Puntarenas
Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading home
Your Central American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a relaxed Costa Rican city 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.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is 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 fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Yoga and meditation sessions with an instructor
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of trekking poles and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help configure your camera settings
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
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