Star Collector: Central American Explorations via the Panama Canal
 
San Juan to Puerto Vallarta
Mon Apr 6, 2026 - Tue Apr 28, 2026,
 22 days
 on Star Seeker
VIEW ALL DATES
Starting from $8,499 USD
ADD TO
WISH LIST
REMOVE
FROM
WISH LIST

ITINERARY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

The best on land brought to you by the best at sea. Get to the heart of local cultures with Windstar shore excursions. You don't want to just dip a toe in local culture, you want to dive into the deep end, and that's exactly what Windstar shore excursions are designed to do. All of our excursion are created to provide authentic local experience - the kind travelers like you are looking for. And with more than 2,500 excursions to choose from, you can experience your destination in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who loves to get to know the faces behind the many places we travel.

Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
Watersports
Platform
Shore
Excursions
Expand
Mon Apr 6
San Juan
Arrive:
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
The imposing façade of El Morro fortress is just one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Juan. Admire the colorful colonial buildings from your casually elegant ship, docked right in the heart of Old San Juan.
Tue Apr 7
Isla Catalina
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:9:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Small Isla Catalina boasts gleaming white-sand beaches ringed by coral reefs beckoning snorkelers. The island is a protected Natural Park where one beach is completely protected from the wind and the sea is delightfully calm. While beaches occupy more than 2/3 of the coastline, Isla Catalina also has unique rocky coasts and cliffs. One of the best diving sites of the Dominican Republic, Muro, can be found here. It boasts an impressive underwater wall over 328 feet deep. Isla Catalina is also the only place in the D.R. where raccoons and wild hares can be found.
Wed Apr 8
Santo Domingo
Arrive:7:00 AM
Depart:3:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
La Capital, as Santo Domingo is affectionately known, is a UNESCO site and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with Zona Colonial buildings dating back to the 1500s. Santo Domingo is also considered the most modern metropolis in the Caribbean doing a great job of converging old and new.  At the heart of the Zona Colonial, a pedestrian-friendly maze of cobblestones and interesting architecture is the first cathedral built in the New World. Find time to sample the aromatic coffee and cacao.
Thu Apr 9
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 10
Cartagena
Arrive:2:30 PM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
1 Available
+_
Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.
1 Shore Excursion Available
+
_
Cartagena, A Taste of Getsemani at NightCulture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Refreshments | Walking
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$105
VIEW DETAILS
Sat Apr 11
Cartagena
Arrive:
Depart:1:30 PM
Watersports Platform: 
8 Available
+_
Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.
8 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Cartagena, The National Aviary Tour Sightseeing | Wildlife | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$85
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena, Colombian Coffee Experience Refreshments | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$125
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena, Colombian Cooking ClassCulture | Dining | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$169
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena: Cartagena City HighlightsCulture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$69
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena, Historical Getsemani and Old City Walking TourEssentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$55
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena, Cartagena On Your OwnCulture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | Walking
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$39
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena, Romancing the Stone Culture | Refreshments | Walking | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$55
VIEW DETAILS
Cartagena: Baru Island Snorkel AdventureEssentials Collection | Outdoors | Refreshments | Snorkeling
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$195
VIEW DETAILS
Sun Apr 12
San Blas
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 378 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited, some by the Kuna people.  Scattered over an area of about 100 square miles, the islands are the number 1 vacation destination in Panama although the Kuna work hard to protect their land against overwhelming tourism and keep the islands healthy and lovely, unique and untouched by culture. These white-sand and palm tree lined islands are encompassed by a coral reef and warm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkeling and is home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, sharks and giant manta rays.
Mon Apr 13
Colón
Arrive:7:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
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.
4 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Colon: The Old & the Modern Panama with Transfer to Airport Sightseeing | UNESCO | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Colon, Agua Clara Visitor Center with Transfer to Airport Sightseeing | Walking | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Colon: Agua Clara Visitor Center with Transfer to HotelEssentials Collection | Sightseeing | Walking
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Colon: The Old & the Modern Panama with Transfer to Hotel Sightseeing | UNESCO | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Tue Apr 14
Panama Canal
Arrive:4:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
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.
Tue Apr 14
Balboa / Fuerte Amador
Arrive:10:00 PM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
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.
Wed Apr 15
Balboa / Fuerte Amador
Arrive:5:00 PM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
7 Available
+_
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.
7 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Balboa, Gamboa Aerial Tram Outdoors | Wildlife | Sightseeing | Essentials Collection
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$125
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Panama Canal: The Past & FutureCulture | Dining | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing
Duration7 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$225
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Panama City & Miraflores LocksCulture | Essentials Collection | Sightseeing | UNESCO | Walking
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$119
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Concierge Collection: Full Day Private Van & GuideConcierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration8 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$699
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Concierge Collection: Half Day Private Van & GuideConcierge Collection | Sightseeing
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$499
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Monkey Watch Outdoors | Wildlife | Boating | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$115
VIEW DETAILS
Balboa, Authentic Emberá Indigenous VillageBoating | Concierge Collection | Culture | Refreshments
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$149
VIEW DETAILS
Thu Apr 16
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 17
Isla Parida
Arrive:8:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
4 Available
+_
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.
4 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Isla Parida, Archipelago Cruising for Dolphins & MonkeysBoating | Essentials Collection | Outdoors | Sightseeing | Wildlife
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$209
VIEW DETAILS
Isla Parida, Concierge Collection: Chiriqui Gulf Fishing Tour Wildlife | Boating | Watersports | Concierge Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$685
VIEW DETAILS
Isla Parida, Hiking on Parida Island Hiking | Sightseeing | Wildlife | Essentials Collection
Duration2.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$75
VIEW DETAILS
Isla Parida, Island Hopping with Snorkel Boating | Sightseeing | Snorkeling | Essentials Collection
Duration3 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$165
VIEW DETAILS
Sat Apr 18
Golfo Dulce
Arrive:8:30 AM
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
5 Available
+_
Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots  of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica’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. This port is accessed with a wet landing.
5 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Golfo Dulce: Day Pass to Botanika Rainforest ResortBeach | Essentials Collection | Outdoors | Refreshments
Duration6.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$135
VIEW DETAILS
Golfo Dulce, Concierge Collection: Chocolate Farm - A Sweet Experience Outdoors | Wildlife | Refreshments | Walking | Concierge Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$185
VIEW DETAILS
Golfo Dulce: Dolphin Watch & Enchanted Beach Wildlife | Beach | Boating | Refreshments | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$205
VIEW DETAILS
Golfo Dulce: Oceans & Canals Kayaking Watersports | Wildlife | Refreshments | Beach | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$149
VIEW DETAILS
Puerto Jimenez, Sloth Walking TrailsConcierge Collection | Outdoors | Sightseeing | Refreshments | Walking | Wildlife
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$205
VIEW DETAILS
Sun Apr 19
Quepos
Arrive:6:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
6 Available
+_
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. 
6 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Quepos: Mangrove Wildlife & Boat Cruise Wildlife | Refreshments | Boating | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$139
VIEW DETAILS
Quepos: Traditional Culinary Experience Dining | Culture | Essentials Collection
Duration5 Hours
Activity LevelEasy
$209
VIEW DETAILS
Quepos: Concierge Collection: Rainforest Extravaganza *Concierge Collection | Dining | Hiking | Sightseeing | Wildlife
Duration5.75 Hours
Activity LevelEasy-Moderate
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Quepos: Rainforest Horseback, Cascades & BBQ Horseback | Dining | Wildlife | Essentials Collection
Duration5.75 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$159
VIEW DETAILS
Quepos, Concierge Collection: Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Watersports | Outdoors | Dining | Culture | Concierge Collection
Duration6 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$219
VIEW DETAILS
Quepos, Beyond-Ordinary: Manuel Antonio National Park Nature WalkBeach | Beyond Ordinary Collection | Outdoors | Refreshments | Walking | Wildlife
Duration4.5 Hours
Activity LevelModerate-Strenuous
$139
VIEW DETAILS
Mon Apr 20
Puerto Caldera
Arrive:6:00 AM
Depart:6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Located on the Gulf of Nicoya, the small town of Puerto Caldera is one of Costa Rica’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.
Tue Apr 21
Curú, Costa Rica
Arrive:6:00 AM
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
1 Available
+_
Located along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the Curu Wildlife Reserve is an impressive nature reserve spanning 12 square kilometers. This biodiverse paradise is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike looking for a responsible way to experience Costa Rica’s forest and pristine beaches. Wander through dense tropical dry forests teeming with howler monkeys, capuchins, and a plethora of exotic birds or relax and bask in the sun on the beach.
1 Shore Excursion Available
+
_
Curu, Through the Eyes of a NaturalistOutdoors | Wildlife
Duration1.75 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$89
VIEW DETAILS
Wed Apr 22
Playas del Coco
Arrive:6:00 AM
Depart:3:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
2 Available
+_
Playas del Coco, with its unspoiled cocoa-colored beaches, is a jumping off point for rainforest canopy tours, nature walks, and other inspiring eco-adventures. It is one of the more popular beach towns in the country for both locals and tourists and is well-known for being a family friendly town. This port is accessed with a wet landing.
2 Shore Excursions Available
+
_
Playas Del Coco, Catamaran & Snorkel Tour Snorkeling | Refreshments | Beach | Boating | Essentials Collection
Duration4 Hours
Activity LevelModerate
$145
VIEW DETAILS
Playas Del Coco, Canopy Zip Line Outdoors | Wildlife | Essentials Collection
Duration3.5 Hours
Activity LevelStrenuous
$109
VIEW DETAILS
Thu Apr 23
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Apr 24
Puerto Chiapas
Arrive:6:00 AM
Depart:3:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Puerto Chiapas is an important commercial port for agricultural produce and the gateway to Tapachula and the Izapa Mayan ruins. The Izapa played a major role in the creation of the Mayan calendar and the settlement here is 3,500 years old. The ruins include the Mayan Tree of Life carving, several plazas, pyramids and ball courts. The fertile fields produce high-quality cocoa beans and bananas. In Tapachula visit the planetarium for information on Mayan astronomy and cosmology. See the architecture and town square with its diverse influences from German, Chinese, Japanese and French cultures over the years and shop for handcrafted goods like leathers and ceramics.
Sat Apr 25
Huatulco
Arrive:10:00 AM
Depart:4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Santa Maria Huatulco is one of the few places on earth to earn the pure air EarthCheck Gold Certification.  It is known for the nearby pre-Hispanic ruins found at Parque Eco-Arqueologico Copalita, including a large stone temple. Huatulco is home to nine bays together called Bays National Park, a protected reserve. The coral reefs provide excellent diving opportunities and kayaking the rapids and sport fishing are also popular activities here. A visit to the Museum of Oaxacan Art will provide an chance to purchase traditional clay creations known as “Barro Negro,” and date back several centuries. Each piece is unique and hand sculpted.
Sun Apr 26
AT SEA
Arrive:
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Apr 27
Manzanillo
Arrive:10:00 AM
Depart:5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Recognized as Mexico’s busiest seaport, Manzanillo was also the location for the filming of Bo Derek’s slow-motion jog down the beach in the movie “10.”  The large blue sculpture at the waterside plaza is a tribute to Manzanillo’s self-proclaimed status as “Sailfish Capital of the World.” The waters off Manzanillo offer a high concentration of marlin and other deep-sea fish and excellent dive sites with numerous coral reefs, shipwrecks. With 350 days of sunshine a year any day can be a beach day and Miramar Beach will attract with its waterfront promenade, golden sand and spectacular view of the twin bays here.
Tue Apr 28
Puerto Vallarta
Arrive:9:00 AM
Depart:
Watersports Platform: 
A popular resort town, visitors come here to relax and rest on the lovely sandy beaches or take up activities like strolling the picturesque boardwalk, horseback riding, snorkeling and boat trips.  The quaint cobblestone center of Puerto Vallarta is home to boutiques, restaurants, bars and the ornate Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church.
Puerto Vallarta’s biodiversity is home to hundreds of species including orchids, birds, ocelots, jaguars and iguanas. The sea is full of wildlife as well including dolphins and humpbacks.