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Amazingly diverse flora & fauna—and an engineering marvel
Within the lush and vibrant green of this region lie many discoveries. The flash of scarlet macaw wings amid treetops. The scintillating iridescence on the hummingbirds sipping nectar as they hover. And so many moments that will stay with you long after you leave—the atavistic thrill of hearing howler monkeys call to each other in the trees or the peace of sinking into a pool at the base of a waterfall deep in the jungle. Add to that the privilege of seeing one of the world’s great feats of engineering from the deck of an expedition ship as you cross the Panama Canal—an absolute peak travel experience.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$6,801
Prices are per person
Highlights
Central America
New
Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal
Duration
9 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
From
$6,801
Top Highlights
Actively explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano Area as you zipline from peak to peak, hike deep into the rainforest, and walk suspension bridges through the tree canopy
Search for the region’s fascinating wildlife, including sloths, toucans, agoutis, owls, tree frogs, and more
Take a dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs, warmed by volcanic activity, and tour a wildlife conservation property founded by locals
Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast
Duration
8 days
Oct
Nov
From
$6,310
Top Highlights
Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island
Visit the palm-shaded Panamanian archipelago of Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands), an autonomous province that is home to the indigenous Guna people, and get immersed in local culture
Discover the coastal treasures and remote wilderness of Colombia, exploring vibrant villages, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich jungles
New
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle
Duration
8 days
Jan
Dec
From
$6,889
Top Highlights
Transit the legendary Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and dramatically lit up at night—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, a former US bombing range, and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore
Actively discover the legendary wildness of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Hike, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, and zip line. Go by ship to venture to places far from tourist infrastructure, landing at remote, empty beaches by Zodiac to find exotic birds and flowers. If you venture to Colombia, explore some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where endemic species thrive amidst intriguing, modern cultures. If you choose to cross the Panama Canal, do so in a way worthy of the peak experience. Go aboard an expedition ship with open decks to experience it up close. Cross over two days to see the workings of the locks by day and in the coolness of night.
Escape winter, or go to relish one of the world’s most exciting natural environments. The onboard atmosphere is comfortable and casual, akin to that of a large private yacht. And our wellness philosophy is designed to relax and revitalize mind, body, and spirit.
In this episode of What to Expect, National Geographic Quest Captain Tim Lyon describes the unique way we cross over from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal while taking in the lush biodiversity of the area.
Expedition Spotlight: Brilliant Biodiversity on the Osa Peninsula
In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Zoey Greenberg highlights the brilliant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula and the species that inhabit its lush greenery and pristine shores.
Explore with National Geographic Experts: Volcanologist Arianna Soldati
In this episode of Explore with National Geographic Experts, learn more about Arianna Soldati’s passion for volcanoes and the insights she'll share on two upcoming voyages to Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Striking Portraits of Panama and Colombia
Recently returned from our Panama and Colombia:Exploring the Caribbean Coast voyage, staff photographer David Vargas captured soul-stirring images of the people and places at the heart of this vibrant region.
Costa Rica by Ship: A Unique Look at Tropical Wildness
With jaguars and toucans in the cool mist of cloud forests, blue morpho butterflies and sloths in tropical rainforests, and a kaleidoscope of marine life swirling around coral reefs, Costa Rica’s varied habitats burst with biodiversity. The wildest of these wild places are also the least accessible—unless you approach by expedition ship.
Take a breather and enjoy the peaceful landscapes, sounds, and wildlife of Costa Rica.
The Wonders of Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park's remote location has enabled this nature preserve to maintain its reputation as one of the most interesting and abundant ecological destinations around.
See, do and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.
Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools, including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialists show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.
Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.
Our wellness program embodies the belief that nature is vitalizing and that wildness, as Thoreau famously said, supplies a tonic. Wellness specialists are fully accredited and experienced licensed massage therapists and are aboard every ship in the National Geographic-flagged fleet. They lead morning stretch class, aerobic walks ashore, kayak outings, and more.
Making a Difference
Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. One hundred percent of traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia support the National Geographic Society’s Early Career Grants, which promote future leaders with novel and exploratory projects that span the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology. In awarding each $5,000 to $10,000 grant, preference is given to projects that directly impact Costa Rica, Panama, or Colombia coastlines and communities.
FAQs
FAQs and Key Information
From climate conditions to water temperature to packing the right footwear, find answers to the questions Expedition Specialists get most often.
This morning, guests aboard National Geographic Quest visited the little island of Coco, a pristine snorkeling destination within Coiba Island National Park. The crystal-clear waters revealed an extraordinary array of marine life. Guests snorkeled over a rocky reef teeming with vibrant fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, and angelfish. A thrilling highlight was the appearance of a whitetip reef shark, the star of the day. Guests also spotted eels and graceful sea turtles, making for an unforgettable underwater experience. After returning to the ship for a delicious lunch, the afternoon was spent on the main island of Coiba. The stunning beach offered a serene environment for relaxation. Guests engaged in exciting water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddling, taking in the breathtaking coastal views. It was a perfect day of exploration and adventure, offering a combination of vibrant marine life and the natural beauty of Coiba Island National Park.
The sun kissed our faces as the ship glided through the calm waters of the Pacific. Having just navigated the intricate locks of the Panama Canal, a marvel of human engineering, we were now embarking on a new adventure — a visit to the enchanting Iguana Island. The island, a pristine gem, emerged on the horizon, its white sands contrasting with the turquoise waters. As we disembarked, we were greeted by a sight straight out of a nature documentary: hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds, in the sky. We donned our snorkeling gear and plunged into the crystal-clear waters, a kaleidoscope of colors and life unfolding before our eyes. Schools of vibrant fish darted through coral reefs. Back on land, we explored the trails, home to a myriad of black iguanas and halloween crabs. The tranquility of the place was palpable, a stark contrast to the bustling activity we left behind by crossing the canal. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the island, we gathered on the beach to return to the ship and continue our journey. We will cherish the memory of this idyllic day, a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
We awoke at our anchorage in Gatun Lake, which was, at the time of its creation, the largest man-made lake in the world. The longest running tropical research center is also located here, on Barro Colorado Island (BCI). We disembarked for hikes on this unique island and explored a trail system that has hosted researchers since the 1920’s. Many foundational studies on tropical ecology originated here, including groundbreaking work on leaf-cutter ants, spider monkey hormones, and the motivations of tent-making bats. During panga and Zodiac cruises we observed lovely birds, including the snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), an elegant raptor with a notably curved beaked used for extracting apple snails from their shells. Upon leaving BCI we passed through Gatun Locks (with a crocodile) and arrived in Colon in time to celebrate our trip with the world premiere of the guest slideshow. This was a trip to remember — from Costa Rica’s lush Osa Peninsula to Panama’s famous canal, we have been mesmerized every nautical mile of the way.
Crossing the Panama Canal at night from the Pacific Coast is an awe-inspiring experience that blends engineering marvel with natural beauty. As the ship approached the Miraflores Locks, the shimmering lights of Panama City provided a breathtaking backdrop. The canal’s gates illuminated by golden floodlights stands as a testament to human ingenuity. Entering the locks was like stepping into a giant machine. The stillness of the night amplified the sounds of rushing water and the hum of powerful machinery. Watching the water levels rise, lifting the vessel into the next chamber, felt almost magical. Crew members worked seamlessly with canal personnel, their communication precise, ensuring the crossing unfolded smoothly. The transition from the Pacific Ocean to Gatun Lake offered a serene contrast. Under a canopy of stars, the lake’s calm waters reflected the surrounding jungle, where the occasional call of nocturnal wildlife echoed in the darkness. Crossing the Panama Canal at night was a rare and humbling experience, a perfect blend of history, innovation, and natural wonder.
Today on our first day in Panama we visited Coiba Island, an adventure filled with nature, vibrant marine life, and tranquil waters. Nestled off Panama’s Pacific coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for biodiversity and pristine beauty. It is a paradise of untouched beaches surrounded by lush rainforests. After a short briefing, the real adventure unfolded. Snorkeling reveals a kaleidoscope of coral reefs teeming with marine life. Schools of tropical fish dart around while sea turtles glide gracefully beneath the surface. For the lucky few, a glimpse of a harmless whitetip reef sharks added to the thrill. Kayaking through the crystal-clear waters offered a different perspective of the island. Paddling along the mangroves, we heard the rhythmic sounds of exotic birds and spotted white-faced capuchin monkeys playing among the trees. The peaceful surroundings created a sense of serenity that is hard to match. Coiba Island is more than just a destination, it’s an immersion into nature’s wonders, leaving visitors with lasting memories of adventure and peace.
The Panama Canal, which effectively connects more than 144 shipping routes, 1,700 ports, and 160 countries, is much more than its transit locks. It is miles of wild landscape, rich with intrigue and an astonishing biodiversity of wildlife.