7-Night Lindblad Expeditions Panama and Panama Canal Cruise
Panama and Panama Canal, Pearl Island & Darien Jungle
Embark on our only Central American expedition that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with the region’s wildlife, culture and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal by day and by night. Learn about the country’s indigenous and colonial history while visiting local communities and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds and more as you venture into lush rainforests, a wildlife refuge and an important national park. In the surrounding turquoise waters, snorkel pristine coral reefs which shelter an array of colorful marine life.
Save up to 20% + 50% Reduced Deposits on Select 2026-2027 Departures when you book by February 9*! Plus get our exclusive $200 Onboard Credit per stateroom.
Ship: National Geographic Quest | Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions | Sail Date: December 13, 2026 | From/To: Roundtrip Panama City | Length: 7-Nights
Main Deck, Category 1, Porthole Windows From
$5,535
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Upper Deck, Category 3, large Window From
$6,336
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Upper Deck, Category 4, Small Private Balcony From
$7,605
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Observation Deck, Category 5, Large Windows From
$8,370
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Highlights:
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Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island
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Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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Meet the indigenous Emberá people of Darién in Playa Muerto Village and learn about their customs, traditions and deep reverence for their natural surroundings
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Sea kayak, hike, Zodiac cruise and snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and an enduring connection to the pearl trade
What's Included:
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary
- Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant
- Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in itinerary
- Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and snacks
- Cocktails and spirits on select ships
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
- 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers
- Comlimentary WiFi, with the exception of Delfin II.
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1
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Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark ShipArrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama this afternoon and transfer to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest this evening. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Meals Included: Dinner |
| Day 2 |
Portobelo / Panama Canal TransitThis morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver, or go for a snorkel. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, you'll most likely begin your crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 3 |
Gatún Lake / Panama Canal TransitToday, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Gulf of Panama. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 4-5 |
Pearl IslandsApproximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities and snorkeling. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 6 |
Playa Muerto, Darién National ParkPlaya Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes. You’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful eagles. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 7 |
Punta Patiño Nature ReserveThis morning, explore the historically important town of Portobelo, located on the northern coast of the isthmus of Panama. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history. During your visit, enjoy a Congo dance presentation, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Afro-Panamanian community, holding great historical significance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, you'll most likely begin your crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 8 |
Balboa / Disembark Ship / Panama City, PanamaDisembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a culturally-immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Departure Time: Depart anytime after 2:30 p.m. Meals Included: Breakfast |
National Geographic Quest
Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is ideal for the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. Her design and engineering were informed by nearly 40 years of experience in the narrow straits of Alaska, the coast of Costa Rica and into the gray whale nursery lagoons of Baja.
Modern and clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables guests to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.
Highlights
Born in the USA, she and her sister ship, National Geographic Venture, are at home in pan-American waters.
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National Geographic Quest was purpose-built to explore the North American coast, her design and engineering informed by our nearly 40 years of experience in these regions.
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Examples of features unique to Lindblad Expeditions include twin boarding platforms that enable our team to load two Zodiacs at once, so our guests can get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time.
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She also features a shallow draft, allowing the Captain to navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.
*Prices are in USD, per person based on double occupancy, availability and subject to change without notice. All cruise taxes, fees and port charges are included in the above pricing. All promotions are capacity controlled by Lindblad Expeditions and can be eliminated at any time without notice. Exclusive offer of $200 shipboard credit is based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply.
