Transit the Panama Canal to stunning biodiversity, exhilarating history, and intriguing cultures

Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia aboard the National Geographic Quest. Hike into dense rainforests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity, glide through little-explored inlets by Zodiac and kayak, and meet the indigenous inhabitants of a secluded Panamanian archipelago where age-old traditions remain part of everyday life. Experience the diverse heritage of stunning cities and remote towns off the beaten path, from the Arab-influenced architecture of Colombia’s Santa Cruz de Lorica to the bustling shores of Santa Cruz del Islote—the most densely populated island in the world.

  • 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

  • Explore Colombia’s rainforests, among the most biodiverse on Earth, with almost 1,900 bird species and an astonishing list of approximately 450 mammals

See less highlights

Duration

8 Days

Price

From $6,110 per person

Dates

Oct

Nov

Next departure

10/22/2022

Special offers

BRINGING THE KIDS

COMBINING OFFERS

BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS

TRAVELING AS A GROUP

$450 AIR CREDIT OFFER

EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS

Ships

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia, New and Noteworthy

Day By Day

Explore tropical rainforests and idyllic islands. Meet the welcoming people living in harmony on the planet’s most crowded island. Learn about ancient cultures, the proxy war fought between England and Spain along this coast, and find 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

Panama City, Panama

Disembark

Cartagena, Colombia

Itinerary PDF

Reverse

Embark

Cartagena, Colombia

Disembark

Panama City, Panama

Itinerary PDF

Alternative Route

Explore tropical rainforests and idyllic islands. Meet the welcoming people living in harmony on the planet’s most crowded island. Learn about ancient cultures, the proxy war fought between England and Spain along this coast, and find 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

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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

Special Offers

Special Offers

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.

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.

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.

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.

$450 AIR CREDIT OFFER
Special Offers

Book by November 30, 2021, to receive a $450 air credit on select departures of Panama & Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast. 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 November 30, 2021. Valid for new bookings on departures on Lindblad-National Geographic ships, Delfin II, and The Jahan made by Nov 30, 2021, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

Dates, Rates & Cabins

Travel on this itinerary from $6,110 per person

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

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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

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