Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Arrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to Puerto Caldera, the main port for Costa Rica. This evening, embark the National Geographic Quest and set sail south on your Central American journey. You may opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro. The extension adds five days before the expedition for incredible wildlife exploration on a glamping adventure. Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: San José, Costa Rica

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. Conditions permitting, venture into Corcovado National Park, where you can swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel and capuchin. Alternatively, take Zodiacs into the forest, cruising along a jungle river that is shrouded by a thick canopy harboring iguanas, monkeys, myriad bird species and beautiful blue morpho butterflies.

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce, along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica, as your nimble expedition ship takes you 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.

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 snorkeling or simply spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing on the beach.

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac. Here you 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, the ship will most likely begin crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit.

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.

Disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a culturally-immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Departure Time: Depart after 12:30 p.m. local time. Departure City: Panama City, Panama