Travel aboard the National Geographic Quest which accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities and climate controls.
Expeditions are January-March, and November-December. Departure dates vary depending on the itinerary.
Public areas
A choice of public areas is available for all guests. Our ship features a library; global market, lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; observation deck; partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables; and spa. Even the bridge is open to guests, giving you the opportunity to meet the captain and officers, and to learn about navigation.
Heating & air-conditioning
The ship is fully climate controlled, either heated or air conditioned, depending on the outside temperature.
Windows
There are grand view windows in the dining room and lounge connecting you to the outdoors.
Library
National Geographic Quest features an on-board library with a selection of books pertaining to the regions we visit.
Photo kiosk
For those interested in downloading digital photos aboard any of our ships, there is a digital photo kiosk where you can download your photos to various types of digital media.
Email/Internet access
Email and Internet access are available onboard. Your personal email and Internet may be accessed from your own device in your cabin or in one of Wi-Fi areas aboard. Charges apply. Please note that when the vessel is remote areas, satellite email access may not be possible.
Laundry
No, we do not offer laundry service on board.
Telephone & fax
Satellite telephone calls and fax transmissions are available at an additional charge.
Elevator
There is no elevator on the National Geographic Quest.
Smoking
For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Climate controls
Each cabin has its own thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature (heating or air conditioning) in your cabin.
Windows/portholes
All cabins face outside with either windows or portholes. Some portholes may be covered periodically during rough seas.
Shower amenities
We supply botanically inspired conditioning shampoo, body wash, and body lotion. If you choose to bring your own shampoo and/or conditioner, we recommend that you bring biodegradable products.
Hair dryers
Hair dryers are available in each cabin.
Electrical appliances
Each cabin is equipped with at least one 110v (American) electrical outlet which can be used for electric razors, laptops, and other small devices.
Valuables
The ship is not equipped with safety deposit boxes. Guests are asked to see the Purser if they have something that must be kept in the ship's safe, although we recommend leaving valuables at home. All passports are kept throughout the duration of the voyage by the Purser.
A great deal of thought goes into what we serve, bringing the regional flavors to your table with local fruits, vegetables, and spices. Meals are served in one open seating in the dining room. Some meals may be served on deck or even ashore on a remote beach. Tables in the dining room are always unassigned to encourage mingling and to ensure you dine with a variety of fellow guests and expedition team members.
Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, with an array of healthy options from fruits, vegetables, freshly squeezed juices, homemade breads—choices range from simple to indulgent to satisfy any yearnings. Dinner is served with varied meat, fish, or vegetarian options at every meal. Our sustainable seafood program aims to serve locally caught or harvested fresh seafood. And our baker presents fresh breads and desserts daily to surprise and delight.
If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will gladly accommodate you. Unfortunately, we cannot provide kosher meals but can provide vegan meals. Meal hours will be posted in your Daily Program.
Throughout your expedition, there is no need for formal clothing, unless you’re inspired to do so. The onboard atmosphere is casual and comfortable, and so is the dress code.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and hot chocolate are available throughout the day as are light snacks.
Yes, alcohol, considered a personal item, is available for purchase on the ship. You may also be able to have a drink at a local place during the voyage.
Expedition Landing Craft
Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, the amphibious landing craft we use to land on remote islands and shorelines that would otherwise be inaccessible. These sturdy inflatable rubber boats are the same craft that Jacques Cousteau used in his expeditions for over 30 years. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by outboard engines, and are capable of carrying 12 to 14 people with ease.
Kayaks Kayaking provides one of the best means for personal exploration.
National Geographic Quest is outfitted with a fleet of kayaks for everyone who wants to participate. They are very stable and easy to master for novices and experts alike. Lessons and assistance will be offered for newcomers to the sport, so all interested parties may join in this activity. There is something special about being alone, or with a partner in our double kayak, paddling along a remote coastline.
Undersea tools for exploring National Geographic Quest is equipped with panoply of underwater exploration equipment, including underwater cameras which bring up images to view on LCD screens in the comfort of the lounge. Splash cams and hydrophones bring to life the sights and sounds beneath the sea, and our Undersea Specialist may also dive for a look at marine life. These tools allow us to go further and get closer to nature’s wonders. For more information see Tools for Exploration.
Snorkeling Our goal is to ease packing restrictions and provide added comfort in the water, and we provide snorkels, masks, fins, shorty wetsuits, and beach towels on board. To ensure a perfect fit, you may want to bring your own mask and snorkel. In you require a prescription mask, please bring that along. The shorty wetsuits are available in a range of adult sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, and XXL. Unfortunately, due to storage constraints, we are unable to provide children’s wetsuits, as they often require special fitting and to provide a sufficient range of sizes is beyond our capacity. We advocate the buddy system for everyone at all times. It is highly recommended that children 14 years of age and under be accompanied by an adult and wear an inflatable snorkel vest while snorkeling.
The 62-guest National Geographic Quest hosts five naturalists plus an Expedition Leader—one expert per 10 guests. One of the most important aspects of every expedition is the knowledge of our terrific staff of naturalists, biologists, undersea specialists, photo instructors, and other specialists who provide talks, guidance ashore and daily camaraderie. The staff will greatly enhance your experience, sharing special insights into areas of the world they know intimately.
Your expedition team is key to your experience. They not only accompany all your explorations off the ship, they also give engaging talks and informal presentations on board. The state-of-the art lounge is equipped with facilities for films, slideshows, and presentations. Naturalists will share their knowledge and add insight to all you see and do. Our Undersea Specialist shoots undersea footage and then shows images on flat screens in the comfort of the ship’s lounge, giving you a rare view of the undersea world. Our staff with National Geographic photography certification share their images and offer one-to-one critiques for those who are interested in participating.
This is a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic tradition, as much a part of the expedition as riding in the expedition landing craft. Recaps are generally held each evening in the Lounge prior to dinner and include informal presentations by the staff and a lively review of the day’s events involving both staff and guests. At the conclusion of Recap, your expedition leader will review the activity options for the next day.
Every expedition offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer and you'll go home with the best shots ever.
A video chronicler accompanies every expedition. With cameras at-the-ready 24 hours a day and seven days a week, these talented professionals have just one goal: to capture the essence of your expedition for you. A Voyage DVD will be professionally edited and made available for purchase at the end of your expedition—proof of your intrepid spirit!
Yes, everyone on our expedition team speaks English. Some are multi-lingual as well.
The National Geographic Sea Lion carries exercise equipment on the covered portion of the sun deck, including an exercise bike, elliptical, stretch bands, and yoga mats. In addition, as part of our wellness program, our wellness specialist leads stretch classes inspired by yoga and Pilates each morning on the sun deck before breakfast. Kayaking, hiking, and swimming offer a connection to the outdoors.
Exploring the world can be a powerful restorative tonic. To that end, we offer you options to tap into your own personal wellness goals and help you rejuvenate as best we can. A Wellness Specialist is available for wellness elements ranging from massages and body treatments to activities with more fitness in mind, such as aerobic hikes, water sports, and personalized guidance with the fitness equipment. Our goal is not a one model fits all, but rather a multi-tiered approach to exploration and rejuvenation. There is a spa treatment room on the National Geographic Sea Lion where wellness treatments are offered from our specialist for an additional fee.
Children of any age are welcome on our Costa Rica & Panama expedition. We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Take $500 off the double occupancy rate for each person under 18.
A minor consent form must be signed by the parents or parent not traveling with the child. It is also suggested that the legal guardian of the child sign and have notarized a letter of consent to travel with their knowledge.
Prior to your departure date, we will provide you with a list of port contacts and phone numbers, indicating how you can be reached in case of emergency. The ship is equipped with satellite communications for Internet access, telephone, and fax.
Our ships are equipped with satellite communications for e-mail and Internet access, and telephone and fax, for which charges apply. Email access is available 24 hours a day through the purchase of pre-paid Internet access cards onboard, however, since it is satellite access and we explore remote locations, sometimes we are without a signal to connect. Once purchased, the Internet cards can be used to access the Internet on your personal device in your cabin using an Ethernet cable, or at select wireless access points on board, or at the Internet kiosks. Internet cards are available in the following increments:
a. Internet Gold Card, 250 minutes, $100.00
b. Internet Silver Card, 100 minutes, $55.00
c. Internet White Card, 50 minutes, $22.50
Yes, there is a doctor on board National Geographic Sea Lion voyages in Costa Rica and Panama; and his/her services are free of charge. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency. Please inquire about the doctor for your individual expedition.
No immunizations are required for this expedition; although the CDC recommends that the normal routine vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP Vaccine), and Polio Vaccine.
No medical form is necessary.
The water may be rough at times. If you are susceptible to motion discomfort, you may want to bring preventative medication. Please check with your personal physician for recommendations.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need a passport for this voyage.
No visa is necessary for U.S. and Canadian citizens. You will also need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your expedition.
The shipboard currency is the U.S. Dollar. All services and products purchased on board the ship may be paid for by cash, check, or credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover Card).
In foreign ports, a small amount of local currency will be available for exchange aboard ship.
All gratuities ashore are included in your expedition cost. Gratuities to crew aboard ship are at your own discretion.
The cost of your DVD varies according to the length of your voyage.
That’s a personal choice. You will be able to use credit cards and personal checks aboard. Unfortunately, we are unable to cash personal checks or traveler's checks for cash on board. We will also have small, limited amounts of local currency available on board.
Often, the most memorable events are those that are unplanned. That’s why every Lindblad-National Geographic itinerary has flexibility built into the schedule. When we’re out visiting towns, time is left open for exploring. So, if we happen to encounter a musical group, for example, we’ll have the time to stop and watch rather than having to rush off somewhere else. To get a sense of what these adventurous, open-ended days are like, spend some time reading our Daily Expedition Reports. You can read the top ten or browse our archives, looking at the destination and time of year that most interests you.
The weather is generally warm, with daytime temperatures in the 60-70s°F (15-25°C). Springtime temperatures can reach the high 80s°F (29-31°C). In winter, winds and cold fronts can cause temperatures to drop into the 50s°F (10-14°C). At night, temperatures can drop into the 50 °F (10-14°C), so sweaters and jackets will be necessary.
The coastal terrain in Costa Rica & Panama is generally sandy or rocky. There will be several activity options available on every excursion, including hikes of different difficulty levels based on length and terrain. Our naturalists will describe each hike ahead of time so you can choose the right one for you.
Yes, your expedition team always offers walks of varied lengths for different fitness levels and interests. Our Wellness Specialist may lead a faster paced walk for those who want more of a workout. Naturalist-guided walking and hiking options will be offered regularly throughout your expedition, as conditions allow. Shorter walks will always be offered.
Hiking sticks are permitted and may prove to be helpful. There are some provided onboard however, you are welcome bring along your own.
We will have one or two snorkeling opportunities.
When you board a expedition landing craft to make a landing, at times there is shallow water to walk through after you disembark the expedition landing craft and walk ashore.
Yes, our ship is equipped with an onboard fleet of 36 double kayaks—to give our guests the opportunity for personal, eye-level views.
Yes, guests are welcome to visit the bridge to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation and the extensive equipment located on the bridge.
On every expedition, we offer an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer and you'll go home with the best shots ever. The photo instructor is there to help every level of photographer, so remember to pack your camera.
Also designed to accommodate all levels of photographers from beginners to pros, our photo expeditions offer 360º photo ops, the instruction of a robust photo team giving you the tips you need when you need them, and all the time you need to get your shots right. They feature outings timed to take advantage of the best light—aboard expedition landing craft for up close encounters with marine mammals, or on trail hikes. Plus, unique share and learn opportunities like onboard photo clinics, one-to-one critiques and inclusive laptop gallery events to see each other's shots.
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot with and learn from the best in the world—a National Geographic photographer joins every photo expedition, in addition to two Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructors. They're engaging presenters and interesting travel companions, too—with good stories to share about their assignments, from the podium and over drinks or dinner.
Expedition costs are all-inclusive:
- All ship and hotel accommodations
- All meals aboard ship and most meals ashore except when an itinerary provides an at your leisure morning, afternoon, or evening. All non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship.
- Tips, taxes, port charges, and service charges (gratuities to ship’s crew at your own discretion)
- All shore excursions and sightseeing, entrance fees, special access permits.
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Use of kayaks and expedition landing craft excursions
- Services of a ship’s physician
- Services of our expedition team
- International airfare is always shown as a separate cost since many of our travelers prefer to use frequent flyer miles.
There are never hidden charges, like port charges. Of course, you’ll want to check carefully the inclusions for the journey you’ve selected, but you can rest assured there will be nothing hidden. Activities and shore excursions are included in the cost of every Lindblad Expedition. We don't want you to miss out on anything. Many cruise lines charge you extra, often hundreds of dollars, to see the sites that prompted you to book in the first place. With Lindblad, all activities and sightseeing are included-from guided hikes to kayaking. You'll always have the freedom to pick and choose activities as your day unfolds: a long hike, a shorter walk, kayaking, a expedition landing craft excursion, or relaxing aboard ship. After all, these are not scheduled tours, these are expeditions. Everyone is different—every day is different.
All activities are included: kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. You can enjoy personal discoveries on a kayak excursion or while snorkeling.
The ship travels at various times depending on the day’s activities. Generally we travel from location to location at night.
By using the gangway when docked at port, or a expedition landing craft when we land at empty beaches.
No, National Geographic Sea Lion does not have a pool.
Argentina and Chile are two hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and fourteen hours behind Sydney, AUS (AEDT).
Yes, if you arrive and depart on the group flight.
No, you will not be charged any departure tax at the airport.
Yes, we’ll be glad to assist you with arrangements in the cities of embarkation and disembarkation only.
Yes you can combine your Costa Rica & Panama expedition with an extension to Monteverde Cloud Forest; and to Arenal Volcano, Sarapaqui, and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Our style is always informal. The relaxed atmosphere of every journey, a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic hallmark, is something our travelers tell us they particularly enjoy. There is never a need for fancy clothing, so our recommendations on your travel wardrobe are all about comfort, practicality, and the conditions in the region you're exploring. Ship to shore is our online store, which specializes in the kind of clothing, footwear and accessory items suited to expedition travel. Some items on our suggested Costa Rica & Panama packing list includes:
- Short and long-sleeved T-shirts
- Lightweight jacket or fleece
- Pants—jeans, etc.
- Hiking boots or sneakers, plus waterproof shoes for wet expedition landing craft landings
- Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
You will need a hiking boot or sneaker, as well as a waterproof shoe for wet landings. A sturdy Teva-like sandal might double as both. We recommend a closed-toe shoe on board as it can get chilly at night, especially when we’re underway.
