Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia Expeditions

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Amazingly diverse flora & fauna—and an engineering marvel

Within the lush and vibrant green of this region lie many discoveries. The flash of scarlet macaw wings amid treetops. The scintillating iridescence on the hummingbirds sipping nectar as they hover. And so many moments that will stay with you long after you leave—the atavistic thrill of hearing howler monkeys call to each other in the trees or the peace of sinking into a pool at the base of a waterfall deep in the jungle. Add to that the privilege of seeing one of the world’s great feats of engineering from the deck of an expedition ship as you cross the Panama Canal—an absolute peak travel experience.

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Duration

8 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$7,461

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Duration

8 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$7,461

Top Highlights

Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
Discover the wild rainforests of Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic dubbed “the most biologically intense place on Earth”

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Special Offers

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Central America

New Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Duration

9 days

From

$6,801

Prices are per person

Highlights

Central America

New Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Duration

9 days

From

$6,801

Top Highlights

Actively explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano Area as you zipline from peak to peak, hike deep into the rainforest, and walk suspension bridges through the tree canopy
Search for the region’s fascinating wildlife, including sloths, toucans, agoutis, owls, tree frogs, and more
Take a dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs, warmed by volcanic activity, and tour a wildlife conservation property founded by locals

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Special Offers

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja

Duration

6 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$4,536

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja

Duration

6 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$4,536

Top Highlights

Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, snorkel crystalline waters, and explore wildlife-rich parks and preserves
Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, and soaring by zipline
Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches before a barbecue dinner on the sand

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Special Offers

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Duration

8 days

Oct
Nov

From

$5,448

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Duration

8 days

Oct
Nov

From

$5,448

Top Highlights

Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island
Visit the palm-shaded Panamanian archipelago of Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands), an autonomous province that is home to the indigenous Guna people, and get immersed in local culture
Discover the coastal treasures and remote wilderness of Colombia, exploring vibrant villages, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich jungles

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Special Offers

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

New The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle

Duration

8 days

Jan
Dec

From

$5,911

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

New The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle

Duration

8 days

Jan
Dec

From

$5,911

Top Highlights

Transit the legendary Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and dramatically lit up at night—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, a former US bombing range, and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore

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Special Offers

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Expedition Highlights

Actively discover the legendary wildness of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Hike, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, and zip line. Go by ship to venture to places far from tourist infrastructure, landing at remote, empty beaches by Zodiac to find exotic birds and flowers. If you venture to Colombia, explore some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where endemic species thrive amidst intriguing, modern cultures. If you choose to cross the Panama Canal, do so in a way worthy of the peak experience. Go aboard an expedition ship with open decks to experience it up close. Cross over two days to see the workings of the locks by day and in the coolness of night.

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Life On Board

Escape winter, or go to relish one of the world’s most exciting natural environments. The onboard atmosphere is comfortable and casual, akin to that of a large private yacht. And our wellness philosophy is designed to relax and revitalize mind, body, and spirit.

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

What to Expect: Transiting the Panama Canal

In this episode of What to Expect, National Geographic Quest Captain Tim Lyon describes the unique way we cross over from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal while taking in the lush biodiversity of the area.

Expedition Spotlight: Brilliant Biodiversity on the Osa Peninsula

In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Zoey Greenberg highlights the brilliant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula and the species that inhabit its lush greenery and pristine shores.

Explore with National Geographic Experts: Volcanologist Arianna Soldati

In this episode of Explore with National Geographic Experts, learn more about Arianna Soldati’s passion for volcanoes and the insights she'll share on two upcoming voyages to Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Striking Portraits of Panama and Colombia

Recently returned from our Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast voyage, staff photographer David Vargas captured soul-stirring images of the people and places at the heart of this vibrant region.

Costa Rica by Ship: A Unique Look at Tropical Wildness

With jaguars and toucans in the cool mist of cloud forests, blue morpho butterflies and sloths in tropical rainforests, and a kaleidoscope of marine life swirling around coral reefs, Costa Rica’s varied habitats burst with biodiversity. The wildest of these wild places are also the least accessible—unless you approach by expedition ship.

Ahhhh Moment: Costa Rica

Take a breather and enjoy the peaceful landscapes, sounds, and wildlife of Costa Rica.

The Wonders of Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park's remote location has enabled this nature preserve to maintain its reputation as one of the most interesting and abundant ecological destinations around.

Discover Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Naturalist

Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.

Undersea Specialist

Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools, including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialists show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

Wellness

Our wellness program embodies the belief that nature is vitalizing and that wildness, as Thoreau famously said, supplies a tonic. Wellness specialists are fully accredited and experienced licensed massage therapists and are aboard every ship in the National Geographic-flagged fleet. They lead morning stretch class, aerobic walks ashore, kayak outings, and more.

Making a Difference

Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. One hundred percent of traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia support the National Geographic Society’s Early Career Grants, which promote future leaders with novel and exploratory projects that span the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology. In awarding each $5,000 to $10,000 grant, preference is given to projects that directly impact Costa Rica, Panama, or Colombia coastlines and communities.

FAQs

FAQs and Key Information

From climate conditions to water temperature to packing the right footwear, find answers to the questions Expedition Specialists get most often.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

4/10/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Montserrat and Antigua

We began the day anchored off the coast of Montserrat, an island that was devastated by a volcanic eruption that made two-thirds of the island uninhabitable. The Emerald Time Capsule – Volcano and Plymouth Tour offered a powerful look at the 1997 eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, featuring a visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and a walk through the haunting remains of Plymouth in the Exclusion Zone. A second option, the Duberry-Cassava Nature Trail Hike, took guests on a peaceful rainforest loop through Montserrat’s northern terrain, showcasing native plants and birds. Montserrat was also the homeland of one of the Caribbean’s most successful soca musicians. Born Alphonsus Cassel, Arrow’s 1982 hit song “Hot, Hot, Hot” is an iconic party anthem. By late afternoon, we arrived in Antigua and docked for the night. Guests were invited to explore ashore independently. The day concluded with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails at 5:30 p.m., including a showing of the guest slideshow, followed by a special Farewell Dinner in the dining room.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/9/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Portsmouth, Dominica

Today, we explored the wild beauty of Dominica, fondly known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean.” With lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and more than 300 rivers, it remains one of the Caribbean’s most untouched and captivating destinations. Rooted in Kalinago heritage, colonial struggles between the French and British, and independence in 1978, the island’s history mirrors the depth and diversity of its landscapes. Our morning took us into Morne Diablotin National Park, home to Dominica’s tallest mountain. There, we enjoyed a peaceful 1.5-mile walk along the Syndicate Nature Trail, surrounded by dense rainforest. We kept our eyes peeled for Dominica’s iconic parrots and were lucky to spot a few jaco parrots soaring above the treetops. In the afternoon, we visited Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park. This restored 18th-century British garrison, once home to over 600 soldiers, now offers sweeping views of Prince Rupert Bay and a powerful glimpse into the island’s colonial past. We wrapped up the day with an informative cocktail hour and recap, a delicious dinner, and the always-anticipated Crew Show. It was a nice mix of nature, history, and fun — a lovely experience on this remarkable island.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/8/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Soufrière, St. Lucia

As we approached Soufrière, the air was thick with the unmistakable scent of sulfur, a tantalizing hint of the thrilling volcanic wonders that awaited us onshore. National Geographic Orion anchored beneath the towering silhouette of Petit Piton, one of St. Lucia's most iconic and dramatic peaks. Our first stop, the mesmerizing sulfur springs where the smell was worth the spectacle. This was followed by a stroll through the lush, vibrant botanic gardens where nature’s vivid hues seemed to dance in the tropical sun. With the afternoon still young, we wandered through the charming streets of the town, soaking in the lively local culture before unwinding on the soft sands of a serene beach—another slice of paradise found on our Caribbean adventure.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/7/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Bequia, The Grenadines

Today, we arrived at Bequia in the heart of The Grenadines. Our morning began with a refreshing snorkeling excursion over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Next, we toured the island’s winding roads, discovering hidden coves and learning about Bequia’s history of commercial whaling which continues to this day. Here they continue to hunt humpback whales who migrate from the North Atlantic during the winter to give birth and mate in the Caribbean waters. They are one of few countries still commercially whaling. After soaking in panoramic vistas, we concluded our adventure at Jack’s Bar, savoring local cocktails while recounting the day’s highlights. Today was a truly memorable blend of exploration and relaxation.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/6/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Tobago

Greetings from Tobago! Being in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago has been amazing, and National Geographic Orion continued to make her way through the Caribbean Islands. It was a wet day with the clouds and rain settling in, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Hiking and birding tours were arranged for guests. The tropical rain forest was so luscious and full of birdlife that it kept guests rapt at the beauty of Tobago. The afternoon was a fanfare of music, dancing, great food, and beverages provided by our restaurant and bar staff.

The Panama Canal, which effectively connects more than 144 shipping routes, 1,700 ports, and 160 countries, is much more than its transit locks. It is miles of wild landscape, rich with intrigue and an astonishing biodiversity of wildlife.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America 2024-26

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