7-Night Lindblad Expeditions Costa Rica and Panama Canal Cruise
Sailing the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience that places you at the heart of one of history’s greatest engineering triumphs. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, you’ll enjoy privileged access—transiting the locks by both day and night—and benefit from a team of experts who illuminate every nuance of the crossing. Beyond the steel and stone of the canal, discover the vibrant tropical worlds of Costa Rica and Panama: snorkel colorful coral reefs, kayak along hidden shorelines and trek into lush rainforests filled with monkeys and colorful birdlife.
Ship: National Geographic Quest | Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions | Sail Date: March 20, 2027 | From/To: Panama City to San Jose | Length: 7-Nights
Category 1 (2 portholes; location Main Deck) From
$7,500
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Category 2 (2 portholes; location Main Deck) From
$8,030
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Category 4 (private balcony; location Upper Deck) From
$10,310
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Category 5 (Suite with two large windows & more space; location Observation Deck) From
$11,340
Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses
Highlights:
- Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
- Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
- Discover the wild rainforests surrounding Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic dubbed “the most biologically intense place on Earth”
- Explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take a Zodiac cruise up a wild river
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
|
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. Arrival Time: Arrive before 12:00 p.m. local time. Meals Included: Dinner |
| Day 2 |
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 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 Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 3 |
Gulf of Panama IsletsToday, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac. Here you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants and brown boobies. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 4 |
Coiba National Park, PanamaBegin your 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 or simply spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing on the beach. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 5-6 |
Golfo Dulce / Osa PeninsulaEnter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce, along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica, as the nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, hearts of palm and sugar cane. Hike in mature rainforest, kayak in peaceful waters and explore by Zodiac, scanning the jungle treeline for a dazzling array of avifauna, including golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets. Take in a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green. Go ashore on the western side of the bay in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula. By special arrangement, visit with the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 7 |
Corcovado National ParkAnchor 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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 8 |
Puerto Caldera / Disembark Ship / San JoséDisembark in Puerto Caldera and transfer to the airport in San José for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a post-voyage extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro. The extension adds five days after the expedition for incredible wildlife exploration through a glamping adventure. Departure Time: Depart after 12:30 p.m. local time. 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 pricing was as of October 5, 2026 and is not guaranteed to be available. Other restrictions may apply.
