National Geographic Quest: Costa Rica & Panama Canal ex. San Jose
8 Days - National Geographic Quest
Voyage through the Panama Canal, a marvel of historical engineering, and gain special access to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Canal Zone. Discover pure wildness—you’ll snorkel an undersea paradise, and spot monkeys and sloths in the rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama on this coastal expedition.
from AUD $11095pp
Home » National Geographic Quest: Costa Rica & Panama Canal ex. San Jose
Itinerary Highlights
- Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
- Transit the Panama Canal - a historical marvel of engineering
- Kayak cool azure waters where the rain forest meets the sea
- Explore idyllic islands; snorkel over a vibrant coral reef and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Embark Ship
- Day 2: Corcovado National Park
- Day 3: Osa Peninsula
- Day 4: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park
- Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets
- Day 7: Gatún Lake - Panama Canal Transit
- Day 8: Panama City - Departure
Day 1: San José, Costa Rica/ Puerto Caldera/Embark ship
Upon arrival in San José, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark our ship National Geographic Quest.
Day 2: Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula 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, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel.
Day 3: Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula
Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. 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 rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset.
Day 4: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids, closed to the general public and reached by boat only. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac rides, and swimming.
Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park
The first stop in Panama this morning is 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 snorkelling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It 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.
Day 7: Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Board our Zodiac 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 1923, researching its 120 mammals and diverse tree species. It is also the site of a National Geographic supported project that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests.
This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Day 8: Colón/Panama City - Departure
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
23 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 | AUD $11095pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11095pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12058pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13020pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $14645pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $16177pp | Contact us | |
07 Dec 2024 - 14 Dec 2024 | AUD $11095pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11095pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12058pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13020pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $14645pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $16177pp | Contact us | |
21 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024 | AUD $12278pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $12278pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $13903pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $14694pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $16066pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $17077pp | Contact us | |
09 Jan 2025 - 16 Jan 2025 | AUD $12042pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $12042pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $13584pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $14678pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $16505pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $18222pp | Contact us | |
28 Jan 2025 - 04 Feb 2025 | AUD $11659pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11659pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12928pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13956pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $15706pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $17347pp | Contact us | |
16 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025 | AUD $11419pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11419pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12414pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13409pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $15083pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $16669pp | Contact us | |
07 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 | AUD $11309pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11309pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12294pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13278pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $14941pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $16505pp | Contact us | |
30 Nov 2025 - 07 Dec 2025 | AUD $11430pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | AUD $11430pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | AUD $12425pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | AUD $13409pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | AUD $15094pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Suite | AUD $16669pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 Cabin
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 2 Cabin
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 3 Cabin
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view window private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 4 Cabin
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, balcony with sliding glass door, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
Category 5 Suite
17m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view windows, convertible sofa bed, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
National Geographic Quest Deckplan
Specifications
- Crew: 35
- Officers: United States
- Guests: 100
- Tonnage: 2906
- Length: 238 Feet / 72 Metres
- Width: 45 Feet
- Speed: 12 Knots
- Passenger Decks: 4
- Built: 2017
- Registry: United States of America
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during the voyage
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Use of kayak and snorkelling equipment
- Services of expedition leader and naturalist staff
- Park entrance fees
- All port charges and service taxes
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Any items not listed as included