Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Lindblad Expeditions
4.7 . Excellent
93%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
8 days
From: $ 5,990 $ 749 / day
Checking price

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.

Style Small ship cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Lodging Level Comfort (4*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Panama City
End City San Jose

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

Checking price
Price From $ 5,990
Price Per Day: $ 749 per day
Checking price
  • Deposit Price: $ 550

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Lindblad Expeditions.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

43 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings

93%
4.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 40
Great 0
Average 0
Disappointing 0
Terrible 3
Value
4.7
Guide
4.7
Activities
4.7
Lodging
4.7
Transportation
4.7
Meals
4.7

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

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Company Reviews

Never made the trip, have not been reimbursed by travel insurance

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
I had to withdraw from a trip due to pneumonia. Six months later, after my submission was long approved, I still am unable to receive reimbursement from TripMate, the travel insurance company. I will never use Nat Geo or Lindblad for another trip, though I had planned to. That they would work with such a untenable partner company is incomprehensible.
Read more

UnCruise is an amazing dream!!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
UnCruise is an amazing dream!! The crew, the sales team, the office team, all go out of their way to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We were on the August 1, 2020 cruise. Even tho things didn’t go quite the way we planned, UnCruise was unbelievable. We will be back. UnCruise was my first ever cruise. They will be the only company we ever cruise with.
Read more

UnCruise is an amazing dream!!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
UnCruise is an amazing dream!! The crew, the sales team, the office team, all go out of their way to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We were on the August 1, 2020 cruise. Even tho things didn’t go quite the way we planned, UnCruise was unbelievable. We will be back. UnCruise was my first ever cruise. They will be the only company we ever cruise with.
Read more

Several trips made and will do more

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Great small ships with knowledge filled historians ans naturalists to find the birds and animals. Several trips made and will do more

Several trips made and will do more!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Great small ships with knowledge filled historians ans naturalists to find the birds and animals. Several trips made and will do more!

Done 10 trips

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Small ships, excellent naturalists, delicious meals. We've done 10 trips and loved everyone of them!

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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