Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

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.