Expedition Details

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama on a cruise aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Venture into the rain forests of Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks; search for monkeys, frogs, sloths, and brightly colored birds; and ride horseback on pristine beaches. Cap off your voyage with a crossing of the legendary Panama Canal.

Trip Highlights

• Discover hidden pools and waterfalls deep within the jungles of the Osa Peninsula.
• Kayak around the tiny islands of the Gulf of Panama, and snorkel off Isla de Coiba.
• Join biologists on a hike through the protected forests of Barro Colorado Island.
• Examine the fascinating locks system that made the Panama Canal one of the greatest engineering achievements of its era.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 — U.S./San José, Costa Rica/Herradura

Upon arrival in San José, transfer to Herradura and embark the National Geographic Sea Lion.
(B)

Day 2 — Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick forests fringe spectacular white-sand beaches. Venture into this lush wilderness, watching for three-toed sloths lazing among the branches as well as monkeys and vividly colored birds. This afternoon, trace the park's beautiful coastline and stop to take a refreshing swim, or a hike.
(B,L,D)

Day 3 — Osa Peninsula

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula, unreachable by road, to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride on the beach, take a Zodiac cruise, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — Golfo Dulce

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce, a protected gulf along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit the Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, orchids, and flowering gingers closed to the general public and reachable only by boat. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking and swimming.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Coiba National Park, Panama

We'll make our first stop in Panama this morning at the remote Isla de 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 only by special permit. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey as well as four varieties of turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, kayak along the coast, take a guided hike in the forest, or just relax on an idyllic beach.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal Transit

Our nimble Zodiacs and kayaks allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies. Reboard the Sea Lion this afternoon and head to the Panama Canal. Stretching slightly more than fifty miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914 and 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.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit

Board a Zodiac this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join researchers for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex locks system of the canal.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — Colón/Panama City/U.S.

After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.
(B)

Optional Extensions

• Monteverde Cloud Forest - Pre-Trip Extension, 4 Days
• Monteverde, Sarapiquí River, and Arenal Volcano - Post-Trip Extension, 7 Days

Related Trips

• Costa Rica and Panama Birding Expedition
• Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Photography Expedition

• Print this page
• Send to a friend
• Ask a question about this trip

 View Larger

This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.