4th Guest Travels Free!

This winter, book three full-paying guests and bring a fourth person free on select departures! Offer expires February 28, 2022.

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Through the canal and into pure wildness

Exploring Costa Rica and Panama is a singular experience that combines biodiverse jungle wildlife with an in-depth crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. It is the perfect winter escape. Dense, lush rainforest. Pristine deserted beaches. Monkeys galore. Hike deep into the rainforest; kayak and paddleboard along the shore; take a cool swim in a waterfall pool; snorkel over a coral reef. Opportunities abound to see creatures in their natural environs—both on land and in the sea. Expert local naturalists and photo instructors are with you every step of the way, always giving you choices and expanding your knowledge. Aboard, you can always savor panoramic views from the 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive chance to visit to Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association at Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula, where you can assist in data collection and the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles into the sea.

  • 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”

  • Explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take a Zodiac cruise up a wild river

  • Meet the Emberá people of Panama, who welcome us into their village, and meet others working to protect this eco paradise

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Duration

8 Days

Price

From $6,620 per person
(does not include flight)

Dates

Jan

Feb

Mar

Dec

Special offers

COMBINING OFFERS

BRINGING THE KIDS

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

FREE ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE OR 50% OFF PANAMA CITY EXTENSION - ON SELECT DATES

SOLO TRAVELER SAVINGS

$450 AIR CREDIT OFFER

EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS

TRAVELING AS A GROUP

4TH GUEST TRAVELS FREE

Ships

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Day By Day

Explore coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. Learn about the abundant wildlife residing here. More avenues for exploration give you the most interesting options. Combine all this wildness with a transit of the legendary Panama Canal—aboard National Geographic Quest. While our route is planned, we will always remain flexible in our approach to take advantage of sightings and opportunities for discovery.

Current

Embark

San Jose, Costa Rica

Disembark

Panama City, Panama

Download Itinerary

Reverse

Embark

Panama City, Panama

Disembark

San Jose, Costa Rica

Download Itinerary

Alternative Route

Explore coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and idyllic islands. Learn about the abundant wildlife residing here. More avenues for exploration give you the most interesting options. Combine all this wildness with a transit of the legendary Panama Canal—aboard National Geographic Quest. While our route is planned, we will always remain flexible in our approach to take advantage of sightings and opportunities for discovery.

Embark

Disembark

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Call now

Make a reservation

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Call now

Make a reservation

RESERVE

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Discover

Costa Rica & the Panama Canal: Natural & Man-made Wonders

Special Offers

Special Offers

COMBINING OFFERS
Special Offers

Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

BRINGING THE KIDS
Special Offers

We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
Special Offers

Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

FREE ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE OR 50% OFF PANAMA CITY EXTENSION - ON SELECT DATES
Special Offers

Book Costa Rica & the Panama Canal and receive FREE round-trip economy group airfare between Miami and San Jose/Panama City. Or, receive 50% off a 3-day Panama City Extension, combinable with the expedition. Offer not available on holiday departures. Complimentary air is based on economy group flights, must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions, and is not available with land extensions. Baggage fees may be additional. In the case that Lindblad’s group flight is not available at time of booking, you will receive a $450 credit. New bookings only and not combinable with other offers. Call for details.

SOLO TRAVELER SAVINGS
Special Offers

Book now and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on select departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

$450 AIR CREDIT OFFER
Special Offers

Book by February 28, 2022, to receive a $450 air credit on select departures. Valid for new bookings only on select departures, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare prior to any additional applicable savings. Call for details.

EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS
Special Offers

Book 2023 departures and get 2022 rates if booked by January 31, 2022. Valid for new bookings on departures on Lindblad-National Geographic ships, Delfin II, and The Jahan made by Jan. 31, 2022, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Special Offers

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.

4TH GUEST TRAVELS FREE
Special Offers

4th person travels free on select departures. Book by February 28, 2022. Bookings of three full-paying guests may bring a fourth person for free on select departures. Offer applicable only on bookings of two double-occupancy cabins, and second cabin must be in same category or lower as first cabin. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and is not combinable with other offers. Call for details.

Dates, Rates & Cabins

Travel on this itinerary from $6,620 per person

Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff

View Directory

Extensions

Expedition Extensions

Make the most of your proximity and time

Panama City & San Lorenzo Pre-Extension
Panama City & San Lorenzo Pre-Extension

Pre-trip

3 Days

From

$1,490 per person

Extend your stay in Panama City and have a private tour at the Panama Canal Museum at the Miraflores Locks, as well as a former U.S. Army base, Frank Gehry’s BioMuseo, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the historic Casco Viejo Old Town and the natural beauty and wildlife of the San Lorenzo Protected Area.

Choose to join us in 2022 and enjoy 50% off this extension or fly free from Miami to Panama City/San Jose—or vice versa—your choice. Visit our Special Offers page or call for details.

View extension

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

1/12/2022

Read

National Geographic Quest

Isla Coiba Marine National Park, Panama

We spent most of today enjoying the beauty and serenity of Coiba Island and nearby Coco Islet. The underwater world is the highlight at Coco Islet. Snorkelers marveled at the fish and sea turtles. The beach near Coiba Island’s ranger station was the launching place for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, birdwatching and photography. Both locations were great for swimming, soaking up the sun, taking in the views of the surrounding islets and enjoying our last full day in Panama.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/11/2022

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National Geographic Quest

Azuero Peninsula - Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

After a successful Panama Canal transit, we cruised over 90 nautical miles overnight to arrive on a speck of an island just east of the Azuero Peninsula. Isla Iguana became a wildlife refuge in the early 1980s.   In addition to conspicuous pelagic bird activity, the underwater world of this island features interesting coral reefs that shelter a great deal of fish and marine wildlife. We tested our snorkeling gear and enjoyed the warm water temperatures offered in this part of the tropics. In just a few minutes, we spotted guineafowl puffers, bicolor parrotfishes and the triggerfishes and surgeonfishes that are representative of this tropical reef.   Isla Iguana has spectacular white sand beaches and trails for exploring. We visited a site that was once a bomb shooting range for the U.S. Army during the Second World War. During our walk, we noticed bomb craters that are now home to the hermit crabs, reptiles and birds that breed explosively all over Isla Iguana. The island is home to more than 60 bird species, and it is one of the largest nesting sites for the magnificent frigatebird. In honor of its name, the island is also a common dwelling ground for black iguanas and spiny-tailed lizards.   After a wonderfully sunny day in this tropical paradise, we lifted anchor and began making our way to the third island of our expedition, Coiba Island.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/10/2022

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National Geographic Quest

Barro Colorado Island and the Panama Canal

Selecting a vacation is hard with so many great destinations, but transiting the Panama Canal is high on the bucket list of most world travelers. Our transit started yesterday afternoon when we left the northern entrance of Cristobal Port. As a country, Panama runs east to west; the canal runs north to south.   Approaching a lock chamber of the Panama Canal for the first time is always a moment of astonishment. The Gatun locks are particularly amazing. It is the only set of locks with three chambers, which elevates visitors from sea level to lake level at 85 feet. It is hard to know where to look with so much going on. Panamanian naturalist Mauricio narrated the processes taking place and shared facts about the historical engineering of a canal built over 100 years ago. Everyone walked away impressed. We anchored on the lake for a peaceful and starlit evening.   After waking up at dawn on Gatun Lake, National Geographic Quest navigated to the world-renowned Barro Colorado Island. Barro Colorado is the largest island in the 164 square mile lake, and it is home to the oldest rainforest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute currently operates the reserve, established in 1923. With special arrangements, we visited the scientific reserve. It was a biologist’s dream location!   Some guests enjoyed Zodiac expeditions, while others went on hefty trail walks. This virgin rainforest island on a hilltop lived up to our expectations. Our scientific team of naturalists and guests alike raved about how much they saw during both excursions. Wildlife sightings included reports of sloths, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys and anteaters. We also spotted several birds, like crested guans, slaty-tailed trogons, black-hooded antshrikes, toucans, snail kites, flycatchers and honeycreepers.   During the afternoon, we proceeded with the second half of the day’s journey. We transited the Canal to the Pacific, a total journey of eight hours, to stepdown through the two-lock systems of Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. We enjoyed watching the ship traffic with a new appreciation for the magnitude and importance of this critical waterway. It was an amazing first day and a great way to start the trip.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/8/2022

Read

National Geographic Quest

Barro Colorado Island and the Panama Canal

Today we finished our expedition by visiting one of the crown jewels of tropical research, Barro Colorado Island. The island was formed when the waters of the Chagres River were dammed to form the Gatun Lake in 1913. Since its early years, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has managed, administered and preserved its 6.0 square miles of territory, making it a mecca for tropical biologists from all over the world.   We heard inspiring and educational information about the multiple scientific projects occurring all over the island. For example, Dr. Meg Crofoot has studied the behavioral and movement ecology of the island’s primates for over a decade. Dr. Katharine Milton has run a census for more than three decades to understand more about the genetic, spatial and social relationships among the adults in groups of the island’s howler monkeys. Most of these long-term projects include measuring, mapping and identifying the woody trees and shrubs on the large plots of land. This information helps naturalists understand the effects of climate on tropical forests all over the world.   Our visit to this island also gave us one last opportunity to see some incredible wildlife. We spotted tamandua anteaters and various species of birds, like slaty-tailed trogons, snail kites and gray-lined hawks. We were delighted to see multiple species of monkeys once more, including spider monkeys, howler monkeys and playful white-faced capuchins. Even the three-toed sloths came out to see us depart for our late night crossing of the Panama Canal.   After returning to sea level at the Gatun locks, we finally reached the Atlantic Ocean. We completed a journey that started several days ago in the beautiful rainforests of Costa Rica on the Pacific side. What an expedition this has been.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/4/2022

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National Geographic Quest

Playa Blanca and Puerto Jimenez

Today we navigated the protected waters of Golfo Dulce, a gulf located in the gateway of Corcovado National Park. This pristine rainforest in Costa Rica showcases one of the most spectacular conservation efforts in Central America. Local families hosted us in their homes, proud to share their lives with us. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to try local food while learning how individuals and communities overcome the challenges associated with living in such a remote area.   Everyone enjoyed the chance to observe wildlife and a beautiful array of tropical plants. Conservation efforts have made a positive impact that allow species to preserve and expand their home range. We also enjoyed a wonderful Costa Rican folkloric presentation. Children performed beautiful dances and shared music that celebrates the connection of people to this beautiful country.   Later, we all participated in the release of a green sea turtle. Specialists caught the turtle to teach guests about the methods used to collect data for the study and protection of sea turtles.

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Call now

Make a reservation

RESERVE

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348)

Call now

Make a reservation

RESERVE

Sign up for our newsletter & special offers

Sign up

View our brochure for more details

Central America 2022-23
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America 2022-23

The breathtaking biodiversity of Costa Rica, Belize, and the Panama Canal

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Costa Rica & Panama 2021-2022
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Costa Rica & Panama 2021-2022

Panama Canal: A Marvel of Engineering Ensconced in Wildness

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Panama & Colombia 2021-22
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Panama & Colombia 2021-22

Exploring the Caribbean Coast | A Uniquely In-Depth Canal Transit | Experience Two of the Most Biodiverse Countries on Earth | Rewarding Encounters With the People of Paradise

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