Costa Rica and the Panama CanalAn adventure cruise showcasing the natural wonders of land and sea

Your Travel Itinerary

Day 1 — Miami, San José, Costa Rica, Herradura, Embark
Upon arrival in San José, transfer to Herradura and embark your ship. (D)

Day 2 — Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a dry rain forest that was given designation as a World Heritage site. The abundant wildlife here is most active in the morning, so today you will be off to an early start. Wildlife such as vividly colored birds can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a Naturalist to point out monkeys or three-toed sloths. This afternoon, explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast for a perfect spot for a hike or swim. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Osa Peninsula
Your ship will anchor off the remote Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park today. Although our exact landing location will depend on sea conditions, today you may have the chance to swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride, or take a Zodiac cruise. A trek through the rain forest may reveal up to three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider, and squirrel. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Casa Orquideas is a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation. Make a stop here today to see a profusion of exotic orchids, while also looking for tanagers, parrots, and gaudy toucans. Later, you’ll explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, a perfect place for swimming and kayaking. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Isla Coiba National Park, Panama
Isla Coiba is both a World Heritage site and one of Panama’s most remote national parks. Enjoy the opportunity to hike the tropical, moist forest trails. This is also a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming amid tropical fish. Our Naturalists will take underwater footage today, for those who prefer to stay dry while still experiencing the wonders beneath. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Gulf of Panama Islets
Today you'll explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds, frigate birds, brown pelicans, and Blue-footed boobies. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Gatún Lake, Panama Canal Transit
Stop to visit the Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake Gatún. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special arrangement, an expert from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) will accompany you through the tropical forest. What began in 1923 as a small field station on Barro Colorado Island, in the Panama Canal Zone, has developed into one of the leading research institutions of the world. The island is covered with tropical forest and boasts a nearly intact mammal fauna. With increasingly intense research in a protected setting, housing accommodations and modern laboratories for scientists, STRI’s facilities provide a unique opportunity for long-term ecological studies in the tropics. Some 900 visiting scientists from academic and research institutions around the world visit STRI annually, where their research allows them to better understand tropical habitats. Although STRI is based in Panama, research is conducted throughout the tropics.

Following your visit, reboard the National Geographic Sea Lion to continue crossing the Panama Canal, an exciting final day to your cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Colón, Panama City, Panama, U.S.
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B)