Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

8° 32′ N 83° 34′ W

A guest walking over a hanging bridge in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightCosta Rica's Cloud Forest through the Panama Canal

Costa Rica's Cloud Forest through the Panama Canal

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Highlights

The Curú Wildlife Refuge is a Wildlife refuge of Costa Rica, part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, tropical dry forests on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, near Tambor. Although it is a wildlife refuge, it is also private property, forming part of a ranch of 12.14 square kilometres.
  • Visit Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest, known for its butterflies and orchids, and Corcovado National Park to search for four species of monkeys

  • Explore the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce to meet local communities, visit a sea turtle rehabilitation center, discover myriad tropical birds, and kayak pristine waters

  • Search for endemic wildlife in Panama’s UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park

  • Experience the biodiversity of the Gulf of Panama's Islets and enjoy an overnight on Gatun Lake

  • Transit the legendary Panama Canal by day and night, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes of the Canal Zone, a region rich in wildlife

Day by Day

Starts at

San José, Costa Rica

Ends at

Panama City, Panama

Download Itinerary

Day 1

San José, Costa Rica

Upon arrival in San José, a short drive brings us to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

San José, Costa Rica

Upon arrival in San José, a short drive brings us to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner

Days 2-3

Monteverde Cloud Forest

A scenic drive takes us to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails filled with butterflies and bird life. Ascend a series of suspension bridges known as the Skywalk for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. Learn about life in the early Monteverde community from a family member of one of the original Quaker homesteaders, and spend each night at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 2-3

Monteverde Cloud Forest

A scenic drive takes us to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails filled with butterflies and bird life. Ascend a series of suspension bridges known as the Skywalk for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. Learn about life in the early Monteverde community from a family member of one of the original Quaker homesteaders, and spend each night at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Monteverde / Puerto Caldera / Embark Ship

Enjoy a visit to a butterfly farm before transferring to Puerto Caldera to join the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Monteverde / Puerto Caldera / Embark Ship

Enjoy a visit to a butterfly farm before transferring to Puerto Caldera to join the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Corcovado National Park

At anchor off the Osa Peninsula, take in views of some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific Coast. Within the biodiverse 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Corcovado National Park

At anchor off the Osa Peninsula, take in views of some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific Coast. Within the biodiverse 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce situated along Costa Rica’s southwestern edge as our expedition ship navigates the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. On the western side of the bay, go ashore on the Osa Peninsula via the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak the calm waters of Golfo Dulce, the continent’s only tropical fjord. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association to assist researchers with data collection. Hear presentations by LAST staff highlighting the work of dedicated researchers who work diligently to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce situated along Costa Rica’s southwestern edge as our expedition ship navigates the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. On the western side of the bay, go ashore on the Osa Peninsula via the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak the calm waters of Golfo Dulce, the continent’s only tropical fjord. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association to assist researchers with data collection. Hear presentations by LAST staff highlighting the work of dedicated researchers who work diligently to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Golfo Dulce

As our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifaunawatching and listening for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris, and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, all constantly chattering in flight above the jungle’s treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids set against a backdrop of verdant green tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing bay waters.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Golfo Dulce

As our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifaunawatching and listening for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris, and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, all constantly chattering in flight above the jungle’s treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids set against a backdrop of verdant green tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing bay waters.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Coiba National Park, Panama

Our arrival in Panama brings us to the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A one-time 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 turtles. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling. Go kayaking or hiking. Try stand-up paddleboarding. Or simply relax on the beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Coiba National Park, Panama

Our arrival in Panama brings us to the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A one-time 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 turtles. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling. Go kayaking or hiking. Try stand-up paddleboarding. Or simply relax on the beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Gulf of Panama Islets / Panama Canal Transit

The tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama are ideally explored by Zodiac or kayak, revealing an ecosystem home to frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. The afternoon brings us to the Panama Canal, a colossal engineering feat stretching more than 50 miles across the Isthmus of Panama. Completed in 1914, today it is traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, our transit will most likely begin at night when the canal is lit dramatically.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Gulf of Panama Islets / Panama Canal Transit

The tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama are ideally explored by Zodiac or kayak, revealing an ecosystem home to frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. The afternoon brings us to the Panama Canal, a colossal engineering feat stretching more than 50 miles across the Isthmus of Panama. Completed in 1914, today it is traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, our transit will most likely begin at night when the canal is lit dramatically.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit

By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument. Options for discovery include hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, a facility on Barro Colorado Island, or boat rides to the mouth of the Chagres River to hike trails at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. In the evening, we will continue our transit of the canal’s complex lock system.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit

By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument. Options for discovery include hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, a facility on Barro Colorado Island, or boat rides to the mouth of the Chagres River to hike trails at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. In the evening, we will continue our transit of the canal’s complex lock system.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Colón / Disembark / Panama City

Following breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11

Colón / Disembark / Panama City

Following breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

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Ships

Ship National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest

Guests

100

Cabins

50

National Geographic Quest: Designed for Adventure

Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is ideal for the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of the Pan-American waters. Her design and engineering were informed by our nearly 40 years of experience in the narrow straits of Alaska, the coast of Costa Rica, and into the gray whale nursery lagoons of Baja. 

Examples of features unique to Lindblad Expeditions include twin boarding platforms that enable our team to load two Zodiacs at once, so our guests can get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. She also features a shallow draft, allowing her Captain to navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.

Modern, clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables guests to see, do, and experience the best of her geographies.

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View of the skyline of Panama City framed by tropical rainforest, Panama

Panama City & San Lorenzo Post-Extension

3 Days

From

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/ per person

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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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Central America 2023-25


From cloud forest and rainforest to pristine bays and eco-rich islands, journey deep into wilderness and private reserves, UNESCO-listed natural wonders, and national parks to unlock the fabled treasures of Costa Rica and Panama. See myriad exotic birds soar over tropical jungles, listen for the screech of howler monkeys, and connect with people who protect a traditional way of life. In addition to active exploration—hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling and Zodiac cruising—you'll transit the man-made marvel of the Panama Canal.

From

$9,210

/ per person

Does not include flights

Book Now
duration
11 Days
starts at
San José, Costa Rica
ends at
Panama City, Panama
Book by Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Central America 2023-25

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

From

$9,210

/ per person

Book Now
duration
11 Days
starts at
San José, Costa Rica
ends at
Panama City, Panama

View our brochure for more details

Central America 2023-25

From

$9,210

/ per person

Book Now
duration
11 Days
starts at
San José, Costa Rica
ends at
Panama City, Panama
Book by Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Central America 2023-25