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EXPEDITION CRUISE | CRUISETOUR

Costa Rica and The Panama Canal (8 Days)

Cruise Line
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Ship
National Geographic Quest
30 Nov 2025 - 07 Dec 2025
Virtuoso Benefits
Promotion(s)
For availability and pricing:

Itinerary

Day 1 30 Nov 2025
San Jose, Costa Rica
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

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.

Day 2 01 Dec 2025
Osa Conservation Area, Costa Rica, 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, we will 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.

Day 3 02 Dec 2025
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Day 4 03 Dec 2025
Playa Blanca, Costa Rica

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.

Day 5 04 Dec 2025
Isla Coiba, Panama

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.

Day 6 05 Dec 2025
Archipiélago de las Perlas, Panama
Panama Canal, Panama

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac. Here you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropic 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.

Day 7 06 Dec 2025
Gatun Lake, Panama
Panama Canal, Panama

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.

Day 8 07 Dec 2025
Colón, Panama
Panama City, Panama

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 World Heritage Site.

Cruise Benefits

Virtuoso Voyages offer exclusive benefits and experiences you can only get by booking with a Virtuoso Advisor.

Virtuoso Benefits on Your Sailing

Guests may also be entitled to the following complimentary benefits.

Please consult your Virtuoso travel advisor for restrictions that may apply.

Up To $200 USD Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS: Virtuoso Guests will enjoy $200 USD shipboard credit per stateroom ($100 per person) on all sailings aboard National Geographic branded ships.

Onboard credit will be applied to your shipboard account. Travel Advisors: Restrictions apply; please see the Booking Instructions and Terms & Conditions under the Advisor Info tab for additional details.

Promotion(s)

To secure a promotion, contact your travel advisor.
  • Enjoy Suite Exclusives with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

    Valid for Travel Now Through 06 Jul 2026

    Enjoy Suites Exclusives across the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet. Guests staying in eligible cabin categories* will have access to an array of amenities and perks designed to enhance the onboard experience, including:

    • An exclusive Welcome Gift upon embarkation
    • An in-room espresso machine
    • Complimentary laundry services
    • Priority booking for spa and wellness treatments**
    • Priority booking igloo stays***

    *Amenities are valid on suites booked on National Geographic Endurance Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Resolution Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Explorer Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Orion Categories 4, 5, and 6; National Geographic Quest Category 5; National Geographic Venture Category 5; National Geographic Endeavour II Suites A, B, and C; and National Geographic Islander II Islander Suite

    **Priority booking for spa treatments is valid for one appointment per departure

    ***Priority booking for igloo reservations are only available on National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance and are subject to weather conditions and duration of the voyage, which may limit the number of reservations available.

  • Bring the Kids - Save $500 off the cabin fare for each child under 18

    Valid for Travel Now Through 15 Apr 2028

    Discover the wonders of the world together on a transformative small-ship adventure. A Lindblad-National Geographic expedition is a wonderful fit for all families—whether you are parents traveling with grade-schoolers or grandparents bringing the entire brood on a multigenerational celebration. With activities that combine learning and fun and a team of dynamic experts leading the way, every day is full of discoveries that awaken new passions no matter your age.

    Save $500 off cabin fare for each child under the age of 18 on any departure.

    Terms & Conditions: *Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions or airfare and may not be combined with other offers.

Product Terms & Conditions

Advance and Final Payments

To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.

Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.

Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy

Our standard cancellation policy is available at expeditions.com/cancellation-policy. This cancellation policy applies to expeditions, additional services, and most extensions.

Please inquire or refer to the detailed extension itinerary for the specific cancellation policy of each extension. The effective date of a cancellation will be the date on which your cancellation notice is received. Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees. The cancellation policy for certain longer voyages and Holiday departures may vary due to high demand for these voyages, and the cancellation policy for certain voyages may differ from our standard cancellation policy due to promotional offers.

Should the voyage’s cancellation policy differ from our standard cancellation policy, the cancellation policy as printed on your reservation invoice shall govern.

On March 17, 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission published the final rule amending 46 C.F.R. Part 540 regarding the establishment of passenger vessel financial responsibility for nonperformance of transportation. 87 FR 15125. In accordance with this regulation, Lindblad Expeditions provides a full refund to the original form of payment made. Requests for refunds may be made in writing to bookings@expeditions.com.

Note: Every effort has been made to produce pricing information accurately. Lindblad Expeditions reserves the right to correct promotional or pricing errors at any time, or to increase the Price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, park fee increases, taxes, or fuel surcharges.

Responsibility and Other Terms & Conditions

Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions; and the National Geographic Society's liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the cruise ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available where within this site or upon request. By registering for a trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.

GENERAL

Lindblad Expeditions may amend these terms and conditions at any time. All amended terms and conditions shall automatically be effective upon being posted by Lindblad Expeditions to the Site. We always use industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving visitor data exchanged with our site.

Cost Includes:

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff 
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
  • Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer,National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
  • Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan (connectivity permitting).
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available 
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

Not Included:

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable. 



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