Expedition Highlights

• Visit a Kuna Indian village
• Snorkel, swim and kayak amidst colourful fish and coral
• Discover Cartagena’s old walled city
• Relax on idyllic beaches of powdery white sand
• Photograph beautiful coral rock formations
• Learn about endangered Hawksbill turtles
• Explore uninhabited islands
• Listen to native stories and traditional parang songs
• Scout out endemic flora and birdlife

Day 1 — Colón, Panama
Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 10-day Silversea Expedition – Caribbean Sea Adventure. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 — San Blas Islands, Panama
Today we are given a rare opportunity to experience the Caribbean as it was before the European explorers came here. The San Blas Islands, or Kuna Yala Reserve, is home to the Kuna people who are believed to be descendants of the Caribs. Visit a Kuna community and observe their intriguing lifestyle and gain insight into their colourful traditions, which are passed from one generation to the next through dances and chants. These customs and life events are sometimes chronicled in their Molas. Molas are handcrafted artwork that has become popular tourist souvenirs. Made by Kuna women, these rainbow-coloured fabrics are adorned with jungle animals, birds, fish or geometric patterns and brimming with creativity.

During our morning walk around Wichub Wala Island we will learn more about local culture and see presentations of traditional dances. Shop for local handicrafts and perhaps get a henna tattoo or traditional ankle bracelet made by one of the Kuna women.

This afternoon the Silver Explorer will reposition to Waili-dup Island, where we can swim, kayak or snorkel off the pristine, white-sand beaches. Join our onboard Marine Biologist for an exhilarating snorkel tour. This idyllic island is surrounded by coral reef that shelters a dazzling diversity of marine life.

Out of respect for the traditions and customs of the Kuna, we ask that women refrain from wearing swimsuits and short shorts, and men keep their shirts on during our morning at Wichub-Wala.

Day 3 — Cartagena, Colombia
One of the grand ports of the Spanish Main, Cartagena’s founding dates to 1533. With its fascinating history, old walled city, formidable fortresses and colonial architecture, Cartagena is considered one of the most captivating ports in the Caribbean. Departing from the port, our tour begins at the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Its construction began in 1536 and lasted 121 years. We will then continue to the Rafael Nuñez House and Museum. Rafael Nuñez was President of Colombia four times, he wrote the words of the National Anthem and created the constitution of 1886.

Within the walled city ramparts, we will visit the dungeons which were built to store provisions for the troops but are now home to a handicrafts market. The tour continues to The Heredia Theater, built from the ruins of Mercy Church (1625) to commemorate the Centenary of the Independence (1911), and now restored as a cultural centre. Historic Cartagena is surrounded by nine miles of ramparts that protected Cartagena from the attacks of marauding English pirates. During our guided walk we will visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery and stop at Casa Pestagua, a stunning example of a Spanish Colonial House that is now a 5-star boutique hotel for a drink of locally made Coco Lemonade or fruit juice. Our excursion concludes with a visit to Casa Román the private home of Teresita Román, famous in Colombia for her cookbook and desserts. The house is an extravagant nineteenth-century Moorish fantasy built around a tiled courtyard with arched windows copied from the Alhambra.

Day 4 — At Sea
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 — Oranjestad, Aruba
We begin our day in Aruba with a scenic drive along Eagle Beach, past the resort hotels to the oldest lighthouse on the island. We will see the Alto Vista Chapel, where the Spanish missionaries are said to have converted the island’s Indians into Christians. Our route then takes us along the north coast to the beautiful Baby Natural Bridge, right next to the Natural Bridge, which collapsed in 2005. This spot demonstrates the powerful forces of the sea, which over the years have carved through coral and limestone. Continuing on our journey, we pass the Bushiribana gold smelter ruins, close to where gold was discovered in 1824, and arrive at the Casibari Rock formation, a group of large diorite and granite boulders. We conclude our tour by heading to the south coast to see the world’s largest water desalination plant.

Alternatively, you can choose to experience turquoise waters and spectacular marine life by motorised catamaran. Gorgeously coloured fish perform their water ballet as we cruise smoothly by rugged and beautiful coral rock formations. A leisurely tour of the island’s best snorkelling spots includes the 397-foot-long Antilla shipwreck, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Afterwards, enjoy sweet tropical drinks, bask in the sun and delicious breeze on deck, and relax to the pulse of island rhythms.

Day 6 — Los Roques, Venezuela
Los Roques Archipelago National Park was created to protect a marine ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. The park covers 221,120 hectares (546 acres), making it the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. Its coral reefs host incredible underwater fauna and flora, and its beautiful beaches of white sand and crystalline waters make it a diving paradise. These waters contain 61 species of corals, 200 species of crustaceans, 140 species of mollusks, 45 species of echinoderms, 60 species of sponges, and 280 species of fish. In addition, 92 bird species, 50 of which are migratory, can be seen in the park.

On a Gran Roque city tour we will visit the Plaza Bolivar Los Roques where we can appreciate the local architecture and do a bit of souvenir shopping, The Temple of the Virgin del Valle, The Enramada where we can see local fishermen at work, and a lighthouse from the 1800s with spectacular views. Our tour concludes with a demonstration of music and dance typical of the Venezuelan coast.

At Madrisky Cay, relax on a beautiful beach in the shade of a large umbrella while sipping local beers and snacking on local seafood favourites such as ceviche. Hop aboard a speedboat for snorkelling tour or join a walking tour to the island of Cavo Pirata, where we will learn of artisanal methods of lobstering.

Day 7 — At Sea
Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 8 — Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Also known as Mucura, Port of Spain is the capital and commercial centre of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The local population is an astonishing melting pot of African, Asian, Indian and European, as is the architecture. From Hindu temples to gingerbread rococo it represents the eclectic international mix that represents the city’s peoples and cultures.

Our scenic drive takes us past magnificent buildings overlooking the Queen’s Park Savannah as we head east to Lopinot Village, one of the few villages that has held on to its heritage. The village is named after a Frenchman who came to Trinidad in 1800 and settled in this area with land granted to him for services rendered to the British Crown. Lopinot is rich in history and culture and our knowledgeable guide will bring this to life through stories and parang songs. Parang is the traditional music of Trinidad’s Christmas sung in Spanish and played on string instruments. We next visit an old cocoa and coffee plantation to learn how the Spanish settlers grew and processed these products in the traditional way. We will even have the opportunity to taste the sweet cocoa beans. We will also visit an organic herb and spice garden before returning to the port.

Alternatively, join our onboard naturalists who will be keen to point out the variety of flora and birdlife on a visit to the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre, a 200-acre bird sanctuary and conservation centre located deep in the hills of the Northern Range. Following our 1-1/2 hour drive we will be met by a knowledgeable guide for an informative nature walk through the lush tropical forest of exotic trees and colourful flowers. While sightings are not guaranteed, you’ll want to keep a watchful eye out for toucans, manikins and hummingbirds as well as graceful butterflies that live in this unique environment.

Day 9 — Bequia, Grenadines
Bequia is the largest island in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chain and home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. We will visit this nursery for young Hawksbill turtles run by islander Orton “Brother” King with the goal of preventing the extinction of this beautiful ocean species. We will take in the sights from atop Mount Pleasant, the highest accessible point in Bequia and then head back down to one of Bequia’s stunning white beaches for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing with a refreshing cocktail.

In the afternoon, a historian/folklorist will delight us with tales of the island depicted in true Caribbean fashion. Hear the beat of the drum as the slaves toiled daily. Watch the French Quadrille and feel the infectious rhythms calypso and soca. The presentation is infused with poetry, drama, music and a touch of humour, allowing us to easily get lost in the spirit of the island.

Day 10 — Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
The Government of St Vincent & the Grenadines established the Tobago Cays as a marine park to protect, conserve and improve the area’s natural resources. Uninhabited and accessible only by water, the Tobago Cays are recognised as the "jewel in the crown" for marine tourism in the Southern Grenadines. Four of the Cays – Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Jamesby and Baradal – are enclosed within the aptly named Horseshoe Reef, while the fifth Cay, Petit Tabac, lies just to the east. Other reefs and shallows surround the islands, such as Egg Reef and World's End Reef on the eastern side, and Mayreau Gardens to the west. In this tranquil, idyllic setting we will spend the day kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and exploring by Zodiac with the Expedition Team.

Day 11 — Bridgetown, Barbados
We will arrive at Bridgetown in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer.

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.