Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
- Transit the Panama Canal—a historical marvel of engineering
- Kayak cool azure waters where the rain forest meets the sea
- Explore idyllic islands; snorkel over a vibrant coral reef and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves.
Short Description
Joining an expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal is a singular experience of diverse nature and jungle wildlife coupled with an in-depth crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. A knowledgeable, engaging staff caters to your daily interests and provides insight, all while traveling in comfort.
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colón/Embark Ship
Meals: Dinner
Depart U.S. late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City. On arrival, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún Lake for the night.
Day 2: Barro Colorado Nature Monument/ Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Board an expedition landing craft this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Day 3: Gulf Of Panama Islets
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies.
Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling amid tropical fish and stand up paddle boarding. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.
Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, expedition landing craft cruises and swimming.
Day 6: Osa Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The National Geographic Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Day 7: Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. 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 rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset.
Day 8: Herradura/Disembark/San José/U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The U.S. bound flight departs in late morning, arriving in the late afternoon.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 550
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43 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Company Reviews
Never made the trip, have not been reimbursed by travel insurance
UnCruise is an amazing dream!!
UnCruise is an amazing dream!!
Several trips made and will do more
Several trips made and will do more!
Done 10 trips
Details
Ship Name
National Geographic Quest
Ship Stats
National Geographic Quest comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 136-square-foot category 1 to the 185-square-foot category 5 suite. Twenty-two of the 50 cabins will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. Twelve cabins will connect via internal doorway access allowing families to combine their rooms. Plus, all category 5 suite cabins can accommodate a third person on a convertible sofa bed.
Ship Description
National Geographic Quest will be the perfect ship to explore the tropical coasts of Costa Rica, Panama,To build her we turned to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, the company that built the beloved National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—vessels that, with our regular maintenance schedule and recent refurbishment, have been operating successfully for decades. Nichols Brothers has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964 so we entrusted them with the Quest, and we are proud that it will be the first expedition ship of its kind to be made entirely in the U.S.
In addition, Quest cruise ship achieves some other notable firsts. She will be the first ship in our fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Cancellation policy
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days $350*
119–90 days Advance payment cost
89–60 days 25% of trip cost
59-45 days 50% of trip cost
44-0 days No refund
Trip ID#:
CosRicLin
What's excluded
Airfare
- International and internal airfare
Pre- and post-expedition
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Expedition extensions
- Gratuities
Aboard ship
- Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, & National Geographic Explorer)
- Spa treatments
- Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, & National Geographic Explorer)
- Scuba diving
- Laundry
- Internet and phone
- Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
- Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II
Meals Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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