Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
8° 32′ N 83° 34′ W
Costa Rica's Cloud Forest through the Panama Canal
Highlights





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
San José, Costa Rica
Panama City, Panama
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 RicaUpon 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 ForestA 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 ShipEnjoy 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 ParkAt 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 PeninsulaEnter 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 avifauna—watching 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 DulceAs our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifauna—watching 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, PanamaOur 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 TransitThe 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 TransitBy 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 CityFollowing breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates & Rates
Ships
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.
Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey
Make a reservation
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
Expedition Extensions
Panama City & San Lorenzo Post-Extension
3 Days
From
$1,540
/ per person
Expedition Team
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.
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$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION
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View our brochure for more details
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
$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$9,210
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$9,210
/ per person
$700 AIR CREDIT OR FREE 3-DAY PANAMA CITY EXTENSION
View our brochure for more details