Voyage through the Panama Canal, a marvel of historical engineering, and gain special access to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Canal Zone. Discover pure wildness—you’ll snorkel an undersea paradise, and spot monkeys and sloths in the rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama on this coastal expedition.
Central America
National Geographic Quest: Costa Rica & Panama Canal ex. San Jose
8 Days aboard National Geographic Quest . From USD $7,238pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
- Transit the Panama Canal - a historical marvel of engineering
- Kayak cool azure waters where the rain forest meets the sea
- Explore idyllic islands; snorkel over a vibrant coral reef and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Embark Ship
- Day 2: Corcovado National Park
- Day 3: Osa Peninsula
- Day 4: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park
- Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets
- Day 7: Gatún Lake - Panama Canal Transit
- Day 8: Panama City - Departure
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: San José, Costa Rica/ Puerto Caldera/Embark ship
Upon arrival in San José, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark our ship National Geographic Quest.
Day 2: Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel.
Day 3: Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula
Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset.
Day 4: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids, closed to the general public and reached by boat only. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac rides, and swimming.
Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park
The first stop in Panama this morning is at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkelling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit.
Day 7: Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Board our Zodiac to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1923, researching its 120 mammals and diverse tree species. It is also the site of a National Geographic supported project that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests.
This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Day 8: Colón/Panama City - Departure
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.
Next Departure Date: 28 Jan 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Jan 2025 - 04 Feb 2025 | USD$7462pp | ||
| Category 1 Cabin | USD$7462pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 Cabin | USD$8274pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 Cabin | USD$8932pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 Cabin | USD$10052pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 Suite | USD$11102pp | Contact us | |
| 16 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025 | USD$7308pp | ||
| 07 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 | USD$7238pp | ||
| 30 Nov 2025 - 07 Dec 2025 | USD$7315pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 Cabin
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 2 Cabin
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 3 Cabin
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view window private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 4 Cabin
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, balcony with sliding glass door, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 5 Suite
17m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view windows, convertible sofa bed, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
National Geographic Quest Deckplan
Specifications
- Crew: 35
- Officers: United States
- Guests: 100
- Tonnage: 2906
- Length: 238 Feet / 72 Metres
- Width: 45 Feet
- Speed: 12 Knots
- Passenger Decks: 4
- Built: 2017
- Registry: United States of America
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during the voyage
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Use of kayak and snorkelling equipment
- Services of expedition leader and naturalist staff
- Park entrance fees
- All port charges and service taxes
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Any items not listed as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Central America
Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
