Cloud forests, volcanoes and the sea: The ultimate allure of a Panama and Costa Rica vacation. This expedition offers an amazing variety of experiences, including an in-depth transit of the Panama Canal; and time on land in Monteverde Cloud Forest and at Arenal Volcano, active since 1968. Explore the area by small ship cruising aboard the versatile National Geographic Sea Lion, go kayaking, use Zodiac landing craft, and snorkeling gear. Join rain-forest hikes amid monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Naturalists accompany every activity and our Undersea Specialist uses state-of-the-art equipment to open up the vibrant undersea world.