Epic Costa Rica and Panama

Arrive in Panama City this afternoon and transfer to Colón to embark the National Geographic Venture. Set sail for the Panama Canal to transit this engineering marvel, likely after dark when the locks are dramatically illuminated. Completed in 1914, it stretches more than 50 miles, and approximately 14,000 vessels sail through it each year. By special arrangement, the ship anchors overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument. You may also choose to arrive three days early for an optional pre-voyage extension that explores Panama City and Fort San Lorenzo, built by the Spanish in the 1600s and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Disembark this morning at Barro Colorado, an island formed by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to learn about efforts to understand and protect the extraordinary biodiversity of one of the planet’s most extensively researched tropical forests—including studies supported by National Geographic. Alternatively, take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. Later, the ship continues through the complex lock system of the canal at the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks, descending to the Pacific Ocean.

Today, explore the Gulf of Panama’s tiny islets by Zodiac, watching for frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants and brown boobies. Alternatively, land at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge (tides permitting), one of the most important marine and coastal protected areas along the Pacific coast of Panama. Here, you’ll enjoy nature walks in dry tropical rainforests and your first snorkeling outing in the shallows off its white-sand beaches.

Spend a full day at the remote Isla Coiba, a former penal colony within Coiba National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s only accessible by special permit. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Search for birds and other wildlife on nature walks and discover rich marine life while snorkeling. Other activities may include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or relaxing on the beach.

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 with inspiring local families living in remote communities and learn about their work with cocoa, hearts of palm and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest, kayak peaceful waters and explore by Zodiac, scanning the jungle tree line for a dazzling array of avifauna, including golden-hooded tanagers, toucans, Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets. Take in a kaleidoscope of tropical color as bromeliads, heliconias and orchids brighten the verdant landscape. Enjoy a presentation by a researcher with the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association about the organization’s efforts to protect sea turtles in the region.

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to explore one of the richest lowland rainforests on the Pacific coast. Conditions permitting, venture into Corcovado National Park to swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest in search of howler, spider, squirrel and capuchin monkeys. Alternatively, cruise a jungle river on Zodiacs, watching for iguanas, monkeys, tropical birds and blue morpho butterflies beneath the forest canopy.

Drive to the highlands of Costa Rica to explore artistic traditions in the small town of Sarchí, known for its handicrafts and colorful oxcarts. Once used to transport coffee and other goods, these decorated carts have become a national symbol. Visit nearby Else Kientzler Gardens to discover a rich collection of over 2,000 species of tropical plants, spread over 17 acres, with over two miles of nature paths. Enjoy lunch ashore before continuing your journey. Today marks a transition, as some guests conclude their voyage while others embark to begin their adventure. Note: some staff may rotate, bringing fresh energy and expertise for the journey ahead.

Explore the Gulf of Nicoya, a vast, island-dotted estuary, where sheltered waters, forested islands and mangrove-lined shores sustain abundant marine and birdlife as well as traditional fishing communities. These extensive wetlands serve as vital nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans and offer a rich setting for discovering the region’s wildlife, scenery and coastal culture. Learn about efforts to restore mangrove habitat in areas once altered by sugarcane cultivation, shrimp farming and salt production. By reopening tidal channels and allowing native mangroves to regenerate naturally, large-scale projects have rehabilitated more than 700 acres—helping revive fisheries and wildlife habitat, protect important “blue carbon” ecosystems and engage local communities in their stewardship.

Drop anchor off the remote Papagayo Peninsula, where dramatic volcanic headlands shelter secluded beaches and quiet coves. Tropical dry forest blankets the landscape, providing habitat for howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas and abundant birdlife, while rocky reefs and rich marine life lie beneath the clear coastal waters. Conditions permitting, explore Bahía Huevos, a protected bay edged by sandy beaches and rainforest. Swim, snorkel or kayak in its sheltered waters; search for wildlife on a nature walk; or venture by Zodiac into nearby mangrove-lined waterways.

Spend the day exploring Bahía Santa Elena, a protected marine area bordered by Santa Rosa National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Its striking, undeveloped shoreline provides important breeding habitat for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, whale sharks and rays. The National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture are the first and only expedition ships to anchor here since the park was established, and your visit supports the surrounding communities and the continued protection of this remote wilderness. Explore by Zodiac or kayak, hike a trail created specifically for our expeditions and, conditions permitting, swim or snorkel in the bay. As you venture out, watch for great kiskadees, orange-fronted parakeets, mangrove hawks and colorful ringed kingfishers.

Journey inland to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Here, forests cloak the slopes of two active volcanoes, where bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and other geothermal features reveal the powerful forces shaping this mountainous landscape. Choose from several ways to explore: Hike through a transition zone where tropical dry forest meets temperate cloud forest, watching for mantled howler monkeys and white-throated magpie-jays; swim beneath Las Chorreras Waterfall after a short forest walk; or soar through the canopy by zipline. Later, gather at Hacienda Guachipelin for a poolside lunch featuring fresh ceviche.

With the ship anchored in Bahía Coco, travel inland to Hacienda El Viejo, a historic working hacienda and private wildlife refuge bordering Palo Verde National Park. Cruise the Tempisque River through one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland ecosystems, watching for crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds. Discover the role of sugarcane in Guanacaste’s rural heritage and follow the rum-making process from the extraction and cooking of fresh cane juice to fermentation, distillation and barrel aging. Conclude with a guided tasting before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, explore Playas del Coco, a former fishing village now known for its lively seaside atmosphere. Stroll the waterfront promenade and browse its restaurants, cafés and shops.

Explore Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve, set along the Nicoya Peninsula where the wetter forests of the south meet Guanacaste’s drier landscapes. Follow forest trails in search of white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and scarlet macaws. With luck, spot the elusive northern tamandua, a primarily tree-dwelling member of the anteater family. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise toward the offshore islets collectively known as Isla Tortuga. Relax on a palm-fringed beach, then celebrate the finale of your Guanacaste adventure with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres ashore.

Disembark in Puerto Caldera and drive to the airport in San José for your flight home.