This cruise has already sailed

7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Cruise from Colon

Ship: National Geographic Quest

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Mar 9, 2024 from Colon, Panama

Ended: Saturday, Mar 16, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Mar 9, 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 9, 2024

Colon, Panama

Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama

Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer by land to Colon and embark the National Geographic Quest in the evening. Later, as the tropical night falls, our ship enters the Panama Canal at Gatun Locks. Our crossing to the Pacific through this colossal engineering feat, a tribute to sheer human determination, has begun and we make our way towards vast Gatun Lake.

Day 2 - Sunday - Mar 10, 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 3 - Monday - Mar 11, 2024

Cruising the Gulf of Panama, 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.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Mar 12, 2024

Isla de Coiba, Panama

We begin our day 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 5 - Wednesday - Mar 13, 2024

Golfo Dulce, 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. Exploring 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. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay for an afternoon swim.

Day 6 - Thursday - Mar 14, 2024

Playa Blanca, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

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. By special arrangement, visit 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. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific-a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Day 7 - Friday - Mar 15, 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 8 - Saturday - Mar 16, 2024

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San Jose for flights home.