Exploring Costa Rica and Panama is a singular experience that combines biodiverse jungle wildlife with an in-depth crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. It is the perfect winter escape. Dense, lush rainforest. Pristine deserted beaches. Monkeys galore. Hike deep into the rainforest; kayak and paddleboard along the shore; take a cool swim in a waterfall pool; snorkel over a coral reef. Opportunities abound to see creatures in their natural environs—both on land and in the sea. Expert local naturalists and photo instructors are with you every step of the way, always giving you choices and expanding your knowledge. Aboard, you can always savor panoramic views from the 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive chance to visit to Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association at Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula, where you can assist in data collection and the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles into the sea.
Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
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
Discover the wild rainforests of Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic dubbed “the most biologically intense place on Earth”
Explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take a Zodiac cruise up a wild river
Meet the Emberá people of Panama, who welcome us into their village, and meet others working to protect this eco paradise
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highlights
Duration
8 Days
Price
From $6,820 per person (does not include flight)
Dates
Jan
Feb
Mar
Dec
Special offers
$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION
Share Costa Rica & Panama Canal Adventure Cruise | Lindblad Expeditions
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Day By Day
Explore coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. Learn about the abundant wildlife residing here. More avenues for exploration give you the most interesting options. Combine all this wildness with a transit of the legendary Panama Canal—aboard National Geographic Quest. While our route is planned, we will always remain flexible in our approach to take advantage of sightings and opportunities for discovery.
U.S. / San José, Costa Rica / Puerto Caldera / Embark
After arrival in San José this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and set sail south on our Central American adventure. (D)
Day 2
Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific—a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
As our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Coiba National Park, Panama
The first stop in Panama this morning is at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Gulf of Panama Islets / Panama Canal Transit
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of
Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might
spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical
cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for
the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching
more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal
engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still
traversed by some 14,000 ships every year.
As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal
during the day, we’ll most likely begin our
crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically
lit. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Colón / Panama City, Panama / Disembark / U.S.
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and
transfer to the airport in Panama City for your
flight home. (B)
Alternative Route
Explore coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. Learn about the abundant wildlife residing here. More avenues for exploration give you the most interesting options. Combine all this wildness with a transit of the legendary Panama Canal—aboard National Geographic Quest. While our route is planned, we will always remain flexible in our approach to take advantage of sightings and opportunities for discovery.
Embark
Disembark
Day 1
U.S. / Panama City / Colón / Embark
Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest in the evening. Later, as the tropical night falls, our ship enters the Panama Canal at Gatun Locks. Our crossing to the Pacific through this colossal engineering feat, a tribute to sheer human determination, has begun and we make our way towards vast Gatun Lake. (D)
Day 2
Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Gulf of Panama Islets
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Coiba National Park, Panama
We begin our day at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Golfo Dulce / Costa Rica
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Exploring by Zodiac, paddleboard and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula
Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce. By special arrangement, visit Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific—a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Puerto Caldera / Disembark / San José / U.S.
Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home. (B)
Alternative Route
Explore coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. Learn about the abundant wildlife residing here. More avenues for exploration give you the most interesting options. Combine all this wildness with a transit of the legendary Panama Canal—aboard National Geographic Quest. While our route is planned, we will always remain flexible in our approach to take advantage of sightings and opportunities for discovery.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal: Natural & Man-made Wonders
Special Offers
Special Offers
$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION
Special Offers
Book by April 30, 2023, and choose either a $700 air credit per person or a free pre-or-post voyage 3-day Panama City extension on select 2024 departures. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare prior to any additional applicable savings. Call for details.
FREE ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE ON SELECT DATES
Special Offers
Receive free roundtrip airfare from Miami to San Jose on select departures. Complimentary air is based on economy group flights and must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad's group flight is not available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit. Baggage fees may be additional. New bookings only and may not be combinable with other offers or pre- or post-extensions. Call for details.
BRINGING THE KIDS
Special Offers
We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
Special Offers
Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
Special Offers
Join us and celebrate your great milestones, including birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, retirements, and more. Beginning in 2023, groups of 8 or more traveling together in celebration receive 5% off and a complimentary group photograph, while the cabin-of-honor receives onboard ship credit, beautiful cake, and more onboard celebrations. Milestone celebration must be communicated at time of booking. Milestone amenity package is one per group, intended for the guest celebrating the Milestone event. Group discount is applicable to cruise portion only, and does not apply towards additional services such as hotels, extensions, airfare, etc. Group cancellation terms also apply. Not combinable with certain offers.
COMBINING OFFERS
Special Offers
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
FREE BAR POLICY
Special Offers
Enjoy free beer and wine (excluding super-premium brands) on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion. Starting in 2024, your full bar tab (excluding super-premium brands) will be included.
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Special Offers
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
Extend your stay in Panama City and have a private tour at the Panama Canal Museum at the Miraflores Locks, as well as a former U.S. Army base, Frank Gehry’s BioMuseo, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the historic Casco Viejo Old Town and the natural beauty and wildlife of the San Lorenzo Protected Area.
Today was our last expedition day, and it was a sunny and beautiful day with lots of nature and plenty of wildlife sightings. Different options were offered in the morning, including a visit to Barro del Colorado Island with hikes into the rainforest, Zodiac rides around the island, and walks in the Rainforest Discovery Center. Barro del Colorado Island is one of the most studied places on Earth. Scientists from the Smithsonian Institute use the forest as a living lab, and research is conducted in many different branches of biology. Today we discussed the Neotropics, coatis and their routes, the decomposition of organic matter by ants, and the dispersion of seeds by agoutis. We spotted several bird species, including lattice-tailed trogons, great tinamus, and antbirds. In the interior of the forest and from Zodiacs, we spotted howler monkeys at the edge of the forest near Gatun Lake. We enjoyed a surprise spotting of the American crocodile. Finally, in a more remote area in the Gamboa region, some guests did their best to photograph the hummingbirds in the Rainforest Discovery Center. During a walk in the rainforest, they spotted monkeys nearby. We could not have finished the week in a better way. This morning was a great wrap up of the whole expedition. The forest presented its best self with a nice breeze and low humidity and heat, which triggered a substantial amount of wildlife activity. From reptiles to mammals, we had a little bit of everything. As if all that was not enough, we had the chance to travel around the lake in pangas in the afternoon. We enjoyed a lot of good surprises, including a sighting of tamarin monkeys. This completed our list of five possible monkey species to see during the expedition. One of our house specialties was also spotted: the snail kite. No matter which walks our guests took or which activities they participated in, they are leaving with a new understanding of the dense biodiversity in this part of the world. Every single day of this trip, we had multiple opportunities to enjoy the animals that live in the heavy, rainy forest, and we feel very grateful for that. There is no doubt that it is worth it to get out there and look for what we love during an incredible adventure in nature. Thanks to our guests for coming to this part of the world and joining us on this expedition. It was simply fantastic.
We woke up to waves battering the hull as we transited from Coiba National Park to the Bay of Panama and the Panama Canal. At 9:00 a.m., our expedition leader gave us a morning briefing, explaining what the canal crossing would be like and introducing activities for tomorrow. Afterwards, we watched a fascinating film on the construction of the Panama Canal. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the dining room while watching brown boobies swoop and dive all around the boat. After lunch, guests were treated to presentations and a Q & A by Panamanian naturalists Joshua and Gabriel. By the time they finished, we were waiting in the Bay of Panama for our turn to cross the canal. We enjoyed sangria and ceviche on the sundeck as we watched whales spouting among the cargo boats. Panama City gleamed white in the distance. For dinner, we had a Panamanian feast, featuring chicken tamales, “ropa vieja” or shredded beef, tortillas, and fried mature plantains. The staff wore festive Panama hats and carried maracas. After dinner, everyone waited eagerly on the bow for our 8:00 p.m. appointment to enter the canal. Joshua and Gabe talked about the canal as we waited and answered guests’ questions as the lights twinkled beautifully from shore and from the other ships. Finally, we entered the locks and began to cross, eventually anchoring at Barro Colorado Island in Lake Gatun.
After spending three days learning about the tropical rainforest and culture of beautiful Costa Rica, we moved to our next destination, Coiba National Park, which is located in Panama. Panamanians consider Coiba to be the jewel of the Pacific Ocean. It plays a very important role in the conservation of marine wildlife. Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia share a marine corridor for important species like whales, dolphins, and hammerhead sharks. In 1919, the government of Panama created a prison on the island that remained open until 2000. When the prison closed, the Smithsonian grew interested in Coiba, and they set up a research station on the island. Recently, Dr. Hector Guzman led a team in an important exploration of deeper water, and they found new species of fish and soft coral reef. On board National Geographic Quest , we landed early and dropped anchor in this amazing place. At 8:30 a.m., guests went to Cocos Islet for snorkeling and to the ranger station for nature walks. Midmorning, we swapped the groups, so guests had the opportunity to enjoy both activities. After lunch, we offered kayaking and paddleboarding. Many guests participated, and everyone enjoyed these experiences. During the walk, guests had the opportunity to observe white-throated capuchin monkeys. We took some time to observe their behavior. On the island, the species developed different skills because there are no natural predators. This allows the monkeys to spend more time on the ground. They can open coconuts and have developed tools to open shells and clams. Around 3:30 p.m., we moved to our next destination, Panama City, for the canal crossing.
Today we visited the private reserve of Dolphin Quest. Located in the heart of Golfo Dulce by the slopes of Piedras Blancas National Park, these 700 acres are managed by a family. We arrived at a coastal beach full of pebbles that led us into the family’s organic gardens. We found several crops growing along the edge of the forests. These crops allow the family to fulfill their own needs with a minimum amount of land. The rest of the land has been set aside to preserve its ancient beauty. Our guests had the opportunity to join various walks through the preserve. Some guests went for a long walk to the heart of the property, where the park and the buffer zone meet. Other guests opted for a medium walk. Everyone enjoyed connecting with the wildlife offered here. We enjoyed observing the lush vegetation while listening to the sounds of the jungle. Dolphin Quest is an extraordinary example of a sustainable project. The area serves as a buffer from the wildlife and human activities of Piedras Blancas, and it acts as a boundary between the forest and the coast. Liberated scarlet macaws are protected by the project, as are many other birds that fly over this beautiful and intense place. At the end of our visit, we were surprised with cold drinks prepared by the galley. It was a rewarding treat. Once everyone returned to National Geographic Quest , the vessel sailed to Golfito. Right after lunch, we were ready for activities in the former banana harbor. Golfito is a cute little town in the foothills of Golfito National Wildlife Refuge. The town is managed by the University of Costa Rica. Two different activities were offered, including Zodiac cruises and kayaking. Both activities were fantastic. As we ended our day of activities, National Geographic Quest was ready to sail towards Panama, where we will continue our adventures. What a great day!
Today we arrived in the beautiful coastal community of Playa Blanca, one of the most lively and interesting places on the Osa Peninsula. We went ashore, and we were greeted by flocks of scarlet macaws with their very majestic colors. And off we went for interesting and cultural visits hosted by local families in their homes. The entrepreneurial projects run by these families are all based in ecofriendly tourism under conservation laws put in place by the Costa Rican government. Our guest relished their visits. No one is more knowledgeable than local people when it comes to explaining their backgrounds, history, and daily endeavors. We were offered natural juices, empanadas, fried plantains, and pour over coffee. After our activities in the morning, we had a great picnic lunch that was followed by a cultural presentation by children from the area. We enjoyed listening to the music and seeing the dresses and talents of these young children as they celebrated Costa Rican culture and heritage with guests. We also had the chance to observe as representatives from a foundation called LAST (Latin America Sea Turtles) released a hawksbill turtle. What a great day.
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