Along the piers of Balboa, the port marking the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, you'll see yachts from all over the world. Balboa was built to house American administrative headquarters for the Canal and many of the buildings are handsome examples of the American colonial style of the early 1900's.

San Jose Island is the second largest in the Pearl Islands. It's located just 90 kilometers from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama.The waters of San Jose abound in tropical game fish, and are considered-among the best deep sea fishing grounds in the world. They host an abundance of tuna, black marlin, coberra, red snapper, lobster, shrimp and giant oysters.Coconut palms and wild sugar cane pepper the irregular coastline. There are also a stunning array of beaches to be found that vary in colour from coral white to ebony black and golden.

Isla Iguana is a natural attraction of the Azuero Peninsula offering the only white sand beach in the region and beautiful clear waters. Accessible only by boat and Inhabited by rare birds, purple and red crabs and of course iguanas, it's considered to be a wildlife refuge. It is great for snorkelling and you may spot morey eeels, rays and turtles swimming in the warm waters. There is also a hiking trail that you can follow where you can see nesting birds.

Nestled off the Pacific coast of Panama, Coiba National Park boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity within its azure waters and dense rainforest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pristine sanctuary encompasses the largest island in Central America, Coiba Island, along with 38 smaller islands. A haven for marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales, the park's coral reefs teem with vibrant fish species. On land, it shelters rare flora and fauna, including the endemic Coiba spinetail bird. Once a penal colony, its remote location has helped preserve its natural splendor, offering visitors a glimpse into a pristine ecosystem largely untouched by human development.

Golfito is Costa Rica's most southern port town. It was built for bananas export when the United Fruit Company moved its regional headquarters here in the '30s and remained until it's departure in the 1980s. Today it acts as a gateway to visitors who wish to surf at Pavones or take part in sport-fishing. There are other activities on offer including dolphin watch and kayaking to nearby mangrove forests.

The small busy town of Quepos serves as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the rapid rise in ecotourism has meant that Quepos has been descended upon it, has largely retained it's authentic feel.There is a good restaurant scene, the streets are easy to navigate and the locals are friendly.

Isla Tortuga is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder soft whitte sand beaches that are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise. You can also play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or even get a ride of a glass-bottom boat. However if you are feeling adventuous you can ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.

Puerto Caldera is the cruise port that is the major gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, at 80 km distance from the capital San José. A cruise extension to the Arenal Volcano or Monteverde Cloud Forest is not to be missed