Costa Rica and Panama Canal Expedition

Costa Rica and Panama Canal Expedition Cruise - 8 Days

Prices From £4,824pp
November to March | 7 nights

Costa Rica and Panama Canal Expedition Cruise - 8 Days

Aboard: National Geographic Quest

Experience the astonishing diversity of Costa Rica and Panama on this unforgettable National Geographic Quest expedition, a journey that combines pristine wilderness with one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. From the lush rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, home to monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birdlife, to the crystal-clear waters of Coiba National Park, you’ll explore thriving ecosystems by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot alongside expert naturalists.

The adventure culminates with an extraordinary two-day transit of the Panama Canal, offering rare views of this historic waterway by both daylight and under the glow of night, with a special stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island. Along the way, you can snorkel coral reefs teeming with life, meet inspiring local conservationists, and experience the natural splendour that makes this region one of the most biologically rich on Earth.

Various departures available. This itinerary also operates in reverse. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Sail the legendary Panama Canal, experiencing this engineering marvel by day and night, with exclusive access to Gatún Lake
  • Explore the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, among the most biodiverse places on Earth
  • Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and discover rare wildlife in Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Journey by Zodiac and kayak through tropical rainforests and mangroves alive with monkeys and colourful birdlife
  • Travel in true expedition style, guided by expert naturalists and researchers

What's Included

  • All meals onboard
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks
  • Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkelling gear, Zodiac and boat rides, where relevant
  • Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centres
  • Complimentary basic WiFi
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • Assistance by National Geographic certified photo instructor

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

San José / Puerto Caldera - Embark
1Day

San José / Puerto Caldera - Embark

Your adventure begins in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, where having arrived independently, you will transfer to the Pacific coast port of Puerto Caldera. Here you will board the ship and settle into your comfortable cabin as you prepare to sail south along the country’s lush coastline. This evening, meet your expedition team and fellow travellers over dinner as you begin your journey through Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.

For those wishing to extend the experience, an optional five-day pre-voyage glamping extension in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers unforgettable encounters in one of Central America’s most biodiverse rainforest regions. Please enquire for more details.

Osa Conservation Area
2Day

Osa Conservation Area

Today brings you to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth and home to some of Costa Rica’s last remaining lowland rainforest. Conditions permitting, venture into the magnificent Corcovado National Park, where you can hike beneath the towering canopy, swim in rainforest waterfalls, and look for all four species of Costa Rican monkeys (howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin), along with vibrant birdlife and tropical flora. Alternatively, we may explore by Zodiac, cruising up a jungle river lined with lush vegetation and alive with iguanas, monkeys, and flashes of brilliant blue morpho butterflies. Every turn of the river reveals another glimpse into the untamed beauty of the Osa Conservation Area.

Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula
3 - 4Days

Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula

We’ll now spend the next two days exploring the tranquil beauty of Golfo Dulce, a secluded tropical fjord on Costa Rica’s southwest coast. Surrounded by mangrove forests and lush rainforest, this biodiverse bay is alive with colour and sound. Venture inland to meet local families who sustainably harvest cocoa, sugar cane, and hearts of palm, gaining insight into life in these remote communities. Explore the forest on guided hikes, kayak through peaceful waterways, or set out by Zodiac in search of vibrant wildlife including toucans, tanagers, parakeets, aracaris, and scarlet orchids.

On the western shore of the bay, we’ll go ashore at Playa Blanca, a pristine stretch of coastline backed by dense jungle. Here, a special visit with the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association offers the opportunity to learn about vital sea turtle conservation efforts and meet the passionate researchers dedicated to protecting these remarkable creatures.

Coiba National Park, Panama
5Day

Coiba National Park, Panama

This morning, we arrive in Panama at the secluded Isla Coiba, the largest island in Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. Once a remote penal colony, the island’s isolation has allowed its ecosystems to thrive, creating a sanctuary for endemic wildlife such as the Coiba agouti, mantled howler monkey, and four species of sea turtle. Spend the day exploring this tropical paradise with the option to snorkel over vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, walk shaded jungle trails, or relax on pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and unspoiled wilderness.

Gulf of Panama Islets / Panama Canal Transit
6Day

Gulf of Panama Islets / Panama Canal Transit

Begin the day exploring the Gulf of Panama’s remote islets by Zodiac, a haven for coastal birdlife. Glide past rocky outcrops alive with frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, and brown boobies, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of these tropical waters.

This afternoon, we’ll set a course for one of the world’s great engineering marvels, the iconic Panama Canal. Spanning more than 50 miles and completed in 1914, this historic waterway continues to serve as a vital link between oceans, with over 14,000 ships passing through each year. As evening falls, experience the unforgettable moment when your ship begins its nighttime canal transit, the locks illuminated dramatically against the warm tropical night.

Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
7Day

Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit

Wake to the calm waters of Gatún Lake, at the heart of the Panama Canal, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest alive with birdsong. Today offers two ways to explore this remarkable region. The first is a visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island, where scientists study one of the world’s most intensively researched rainforests. The second is a boat ride to the Chagres River for a guided hike along the trails of the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Keep watch for toucans, sloths, monkeys, and vibrant tropical birds flitting among the canopy. As evening descends, continue through the Panama Canal’s intricate lock system, and by special arrangement, enjoy a rare opportunity to anchor overnight on Gatún Lake, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the jungle.

Colón / Panama City - Disembark
8Day

Colón / Panama City - Disembark

Your Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruise concludes in the port city of Colón. Here, you will disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Panama City airport for onward or homeward flights. As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, take with you the vivid memories of rainforests, coral reefs, and the marvel of the Panama Canal. For those wishing to extend their adventure, consider a post-voyage extension to explore the historic heart of Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A view from Above

All Aboard

National Geographic Quest
Mid range  adventure vessel

National Geographic Quest

Built in 2017, the National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the remote coastlines of the Americas. Designed with decades of Lindblad Expeditions’ expertise, she navigates effortlessly through Alaska’s narrow channels, Costa Rica’s tropical shores, and Baja’s whale-filled lagoons. With sleek lines, large windows, and a shallow draft, Quest brings guests closer to nature, while twin boarding platforms make Zodiac excursions quick and easy for spontaneous wildlife encounters.

Hosting just 100 guests and 52 expert crew, National Geographic Quest blends discovery with comfort. Onboard, guests enjoy sustainably inspired dining, a relaxed lounge and bar, an open bridge, and a sundeck ideal for wildlife watching. Well-appointed cabins, some with private balconies, offer a peaceful retreat after each day’s adventures. Every voyage delivers the authentic, immersive exploration that defines a true National Geographic expedition.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Costa Rica, Panama adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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