National Geographic Quest: Costa Rica & Panama Canal ex. Panama City
8 Days - National Geographic Quest
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.
from USD $7101pp
Home » National Geographic Quest: Costa Rica & Panama Canal ex. Panama City
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: Panama City - Embark Ship in Colon
- Day 2: Gatun Lake - Panama Canal Transit
- Day 3: Gulf of Panama Islets
- Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park
- Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Day 6: Osa Peninsula
- Day 7: Corcovado National Park
- Day 8: Puerto Caldera - Disembark Ship in San Jose
Day 1: Panama City - Colon - Embark Ship
On arrival in Panama, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Quest and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún Lake for the night.
Day 2: Barro Colorado - Gatun Lake - Panama Canal Transit
Board an expedition landing craft this morning 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 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Day 3: Gulf of Panama Islets
Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies.
Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.
Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, expedition landing craft cruises or swimming.
Day 6: Osa Peninsula
The National Geographic Quest anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Day 7: 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 8: Puerto Caldera/Disembark/San Jose
Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
14 Dec 2024 - 21 Dec 2024 | USD $7101pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $7101pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $7717pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $8333pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $9373pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $10353pp | Contact us | |
28 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025 | USD $7858pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $7858pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $8898pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $9404pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $10282pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $10929pp | Contact us | |
16 Jan 2025 - 23 Jan 2025 | USD $7707pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $7707pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $8694pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $9394pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $10563pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $11662pp | Contact us | |
04 Feb 2025 - 11 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 | |
23 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025 | USD $7392pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $7392pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $8029pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $8673pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $9758pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $10780pp | Contact us | |
14 Mar 2025 - 21 Mar 2025 | USD $7238pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $7238pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $7868pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $8498pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $9562pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $10563pp | Contact us | |
21 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 | USD $8092pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $8092pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $9170pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $9688pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $10591pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | USD $11263pp | Contact us |
**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