Panama and Costa Rica Coastal Cruise | National Geographic Expeditions

Arrive in Panama City this afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark the Greg Mortimer. You may also choose to arrive early for a pre-voyage extension through Panama City and the tropical forests of the San Lorenzo Protected Area.

Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the Indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes. You’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful eagles.

Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore different islands in the archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations and the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. White sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruises, snorkeling and beach activities.

Explore the picturesque Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important marine and coastal protected areas along the Pacific coast of Panama, just off the Azuero Peninsula. The island is draped in dry tropical rainforest and home to seabird nesting areas and expansive white-sand beaches. Enjoy nature walks, kayaking and snorkeling from the beach over coral reefs where colorful reef fish, rays and other marine species are commonly seen. After lunch, explore the mainland town of Pedasí, a proud center of folkloric traditions on the Azuero Peninsula—widely regarded as the cultural heart of Panama. Shaped by centuries of isolation, Spanish colonial roots, Indigenous traditions and a strong rural identity, Azuero has preserved customs, music, dress and craftsmanship that have largely disappeared elsewhere in the country. Learn about the rich culture of the area during live folkloric presentations featuring traditional music and dance from the region, then hear about traditional dress, food and construction techniques.

Spend the day exploring 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 is 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, kayaking or relaxing on the beach.

Spend the next two days exploring the spectacular Golfo Dulce area, along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Start the morning at anchor in front of Golfito, and explore this mangrove-fringed gulf by Zodiac and kayak. Scan the jungle tree line 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. Later, explore the Rio Seco private reserve, located within the Piedras Blancas National Park and only accessible by sea. Hike in mature rainforest and seek out a panoply of wildlife as you take in a kaleidoscope of tropical color, with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green.

Go ashore at Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula and head inland to meet with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, hearts of palm and sugar cane. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association and hear presentations from the staff, including a talk by the dedicated researchers working to positively impact sea turtle conservation.

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the lushest 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, explore by Zodiac, cruising along a jungle river shrouded by a thick canopy that harbors iguanas, monkeys, myriad bird species and blue morpho butterflies.

Along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, marking the transition between the wetter jungles of the south and Guanacaste’s drier environment, lies Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife reserve. Learn about the hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit this thriving ecosystem while exploring the park’s tracks and trails. Look for white-faced capuchin monkeys, turquoise-browed motmots and, with luck, scarlet macaws. The northern tamandua also resides here, and while often elusive and quiet, this primarily arboreal member of the anteater family may be spotted. Later, as you enjoy lunch on board, you'll cruise to a cluster of offshore islets collectively called Isla Tortuga. Relax on the beach shaded by swaying palms and tropical vegetation, and enjoy afternoon refreshments and hors d'oeuvres on the beach.

Set off inland to explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This mountainous region is part of the extraordinarily biodiverse Guanacaste Conservation Area and encompasses more than 34,000 acres. The region, with its forests carpeting the sides of two active volcanoes, is alive with geothermal activity as bubbling mud pots spout and steam rises above the canopy. Choose between several enticing options today, including a hike through the transition zone where tropical dry habitat meets the temperate cloud forest. Here, keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, with the possibility of encountering mantled howler monkeys and regional birds, including the white-throated magpie-jay. Alternatively, after a short hike into the forest, opt to swim below Las Chorreras Waterfall or soar through the canopy by zipline. Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous poolside lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin.

Depending on the day’s conditions, you may choose to explore Santa Elena Bay in Santa Rosa National Park, Junquillal Wildlife Refuge or Cuajiniquil Bay—all part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. While venturing out by Zodiac, immerse yourself in the tropical environment, as great kiskadees sally out from exposed perches to capture flying insects and orange-fronted parakeets chatter overhead. Predators such as mangrove hawks may take wind, setting out on a late afternoon hunt, while ringed kingfishers watch the shallows for the flash of a fish.

Disembark in Puerto Caldera and transfer to the airport in San José for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a post-voyage extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro. The extension adds five days after the expedition for incredible wildlife exploration through a glamping adventure.