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| Tayrona National Park sits on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. |
Adrenaline seekers looking for more than just the softer side of adventure cruising should check out Sea Voyager Expeditions. Headed by former executive director of International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and ecotourism expert Denise Landau, this medley of experiential itineraries is positioning itself to fill the more intense void in the adventure cruising market.
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| Tayrona National Park sits on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. |
The line, which launches this year’s voyages with the M/V Sea Voyager on August 31, will serve Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador year-round, constantly transiting the Panama Canal. The goal is to pay calls to areas of untouched wilderness, small villages and indigenous peoples (think the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica; and Colombia’s Arawak, Catio and Embera tribes).
Guests on each excursion will be accompanied by naturalists and guides, and cruisers are encouraged to participate as much or as little as they wish. This could be hiking the forest trails one day and relaxing on a secluded beach the next. Naturalists are experts across the sciences, from birds and marine animals to plants and history.
The M/V Sea Voyager, formerly used by Linblad Expeditions, has been totally refurbished. The expedition ship has a 60-passenger capacity and will have a crew and staff of 30 who are, for the most part, from the area and so will be able to provide local flavor and details. Landau tells us the vibe will be like a private yacht with experiences that have a keen focus on nature and culture. Land experiences can be customized: Say, if a passenger has a special interest in seeing indigenous monkeys or if some have a special interest in the birds of the area.
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| Tayrona National Park sits on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. |
The vessel will arrive at each destination pre-dawn so passengers can rise early to go birding, take photos or partake in a zodiac ride, if they choose.
Nice Touch: We hear that meals are prepared using local ingredients, freshly caught seafood and locally grown coffee. Currently in the works are menus that will take advantage of local produce in the area as well as spices available in the region. Local wines will be served gratis at dinner, and cocktail recipes are also in the works to include local rums.
Sales are being handled through Global Voyages Group and at 888-912-2572.
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| Tayrona National Park sits on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. |