Let's put it this way. You can explore Costa Rica and Panama on your own (if you are the adventurous sort). Or, you could hook up with a group and explore these countries via a tour bus.

However, you will NEVER see Costa Rica and Panama the way we did, on an Uncruise Adventures small ship cruise that brought us to remote areas pretty much inaccessible to tourists, or humanity, to be honest.

For one week, we were removed from civilization, docking at remote and exquisitely beautiful islands and national parks whose flora and fauna took our breaths away.

See more of our experiences on this magical voyage at our USA TODAY article.

For more photos of this adventure, check out our PHOTO GALLERY to explore all the magical moments we experienced on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise.

Watch a 90-second YOUTube VIDEO of what you can experience on this sublime adventure cruise!

Pura Vida!