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7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Cruise from Puerto Caldera

Ship: National Geographic Quest

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Mar 2, 2024 from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Ended: Saturday, Mar 9, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Mar 2, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Quest. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Mar 2, 2024

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

After arrival in San Jose this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and set sail south on our Central American adventure.

Day 2 - Sunday - Mar 3, 2024

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys-howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin.

Day 3 - Monday - Mar 4, 2024

Playa Blanca, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. 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 rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and a beautiful sunset.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Mar 5, 2024

Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

As our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica's dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie's tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Mar 6, 2024

Isla de Coiba, Panama

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 snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach.

Day 6 - Thursday - Mar 7, 2024

Cruising the Gulf of Panama, Panama

Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropic 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 - Friday - Mar 8, 2024

Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama

Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.

Day 8 - Saturday - Mar 9, 2024

Colon, Panama

After breakfast, disembark in Colon and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.