Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark Ship

Arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama this afternoon and transfer to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest this evening. You may opt for a culturally-immersive pre-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.Arrival Time: Arrive before 12:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Panama City, Panama

Day 2

Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit

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 Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.

Day 3

Gulf of Panama Islets

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac. Here you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants and brown boobies.

Day 4

Coiba National Park, Panama

Begin 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.

Day 5

Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula

Enter 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.

Day 6

Corcovado National Park

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 7

Puerto Caldera / Disembark Ship / San José

Disembark 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.
Departure City: San José, Costa Rica

Ship

Your cruise ship

About this ship

National Geographic Quest

Explore North America’s wildest coastal regions aboard the National Geographic Quest, a purpose-built expedition ship that offers an ideal blend of comfort, agility, and immersive discovery. Measuring 238 feet in length and accommodating just 100 guests, this nimble vessel is perfectly suited for exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage, the Pacific Northwest, Baja California, and Central America—reaching remote inlets and secluded shorelines that larger ships simply can’t access.

Designed with exploration in mind, the Quest features 50 outward-facing cabins, many with large windows or sliding glass doors and private balconies. Each stateroom is thoughtfully appointed with modern décor, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms, creating a welcoming space to unwind after active days in the field. Select cabins offer connecting layouts ideal for families or small groups.

Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, with a spacious lounge for lectures and recaps, an open-air observation deck, a wellness area with a fitness center, and a dining room serving fresh, locally inspired cuisine. Regional flavors, sustainable sourcing, and an open seating policy make mealtimes both delicious and convivial.

Equipped with a full expedition toolkit—including Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and undersea video technology—the Quest is built for hands-on exploration. Each voyage is led by a passionate team of naturalists, marine biologists, and a National Geographic-certified photo instructor, offering daily excursions, expert insights, and up-close encounters with wildlife such as whales, sea lions, bears, and bald eagles.

Whether cruising beside calving glaciers in Alaska or snorkeling with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, the National Geographic Quest delivers an active, enriching, and deeply personal travel experience—crafted for curious travelers seeking adventure with meaning.

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