Star Collector: Pacific Horizons from Panama to Tahiti

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City.  In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City.  In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long.  The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Here you will be treated to Windstar's Signature Beach Party on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots &nbsp;of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America.&nbsp;<em>This port is accessed with a wet landing.</em>

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.&nbsp;

Your wet landing will drop you off at Punta Leona Beach Club, a well-known private beach resort community located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Nestled amidst lush tropical rainforests, Punta Leona offers visitors a pristine and picturesque environment to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The resort is known for its stunning white sand beach, Playa Mantas, and clear turquoise waters. Traverse the suspended cable bridges over the forest canopy in Carara National Park, or board a jungle cruise boat up the Tarcoles river to see one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Punta Leona provides a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. <strong>*This port is accessed by a wet landing and there may be a fee for using the resort amenities. Taxis and tours organized independently will need to be added to the resort guest list.* </strong>

Located on the Gulf of Nicoya, the small town of Puerto Caldera is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s top attractions, perfect for travelers who like more off the beaten path destinations where the native Tico lifestyle can be experienced. It is the gateway to San Jose, Jaco and the big city of Puntarenas, plus Los Suenos and Tortuga Island. Carara National Park is nearby, the rainforest home to crocodiles, over 400 species of birds and is considered the most likely place to see scarlet macaws.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time &mdash; and luggage space &mdash; for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you&rsquo;ll have trouble making your choices but you won&#39;t be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Spend the morning in search of the perfect sailing conditions as we make our way toward Raiatea. This route offers the best chance to raise the sails and truly let the ship show what it can do. While exact timing depends on the wind and weather, we&#39;ve built flexibility into the itinerary to allow for sailing either in the morning or the evening before&mdash;whenever nature is most favorable. It&rsquo;s all part of the adventure, so keep an eye on the horizon and get ready for a dynamic, wind-powered experience.<br />
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Raiatea, &ldquo;The Sacred Island,&rdquo; is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa&rsquo;aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Raiatea, &ldquo;The Sacred Island,&rdquo; is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa&rsquo;aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs &mdash; and you&rsquo;ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You&rsquo;ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs &mdash; and you&rsquo;ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You&rsquo;ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.