Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia Expeditions

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Amazingly diverse flora & fauna—and an engineering marvel

Within the lush and vibrant green of this region lie many discoveries. The flash of scarlet macaw wings amid treetops. The scintillating iridescence on the hummingbirds sipping nectar as they hover. And so many moments that will stay with you long after you leave—the atavistic thrill of hearing howler monkeys call to each other in the trees or the peace of sinking into a pool at the base of a waterfall deep in the jungle. Add to that the privilege of seeing one of the world’s great feats of engineering from the deck of an expedition ship as you cross the Panama Canal—an absolute peak travel experience.

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Duration

8 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$7,461

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Duration

8 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$7,461

Top Highlights

Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
Discover the wild rainforests of Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic dubbed “the most biologically intense place on Earth”

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Special Offers

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Central America

New Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Duration

9 days

From

$6,801

Prices are per person

Highlights

Central America

New Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Duration

9 days

From

$6,801

Top Highlights

Actively explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano Area as you zipline from peak to peak, hike deep into the rainforest, and walk suspension bridges through the tree canopy
Search for the region’s fascinating wildlife, including sloths, toucans, agoutis, owls, tree frogs, and more
Take a dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs, warmed by volcanic activity, and tour a wildlife conservation property founded by locals

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja

Duration

6 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$4,536

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Exploring Costa Rica: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja

Duration

6 days

Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec

From

$4,536

Top Highlights

Navigate the pristine coastline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, snorkel crystalline waters, and explore wildlife-rich parks and preserves
Discover diverse tropical ecosystems while exploring via kayak and paddleboard, on foot, and soaring by zipline
Spend an afternoon enjoying Isla Tortuga’s palm-shaded beaches before a barbecue dinner on the sand

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Special Offers

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Duration

8 days

Oct
Nov

From

$5,448

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Duration

8 days

Oct
Nov

From

$5,448

Top Highlights

Transit the Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and in the coolness of night—plus an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island
Visit the palm-shaded Panamanian archipelago of Guna Yala (formerly San Blas Islands), an autonomous province that is home to the indigenous Guna people, and get immersed in local culture
Discover the coastal treasures and remote wilderness of Colombia, exploring vibrant villages, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich jungles

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Special Offers

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Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

New The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle

Duration

8 days

Jan
Dec

From

$5,911

Prices are per person

Highlights

Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Central America

New The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle

Duration

8 days

Jan
Dec

From

$5,911

Top Highlights

Transit the legendary Panama Canal over two days to see it by day and dramatically lit up at night—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Research Institute
Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, a former US bombing range, and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore

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Special Offers

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Expedition Highlights

Actively discover the legendary wildness of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Hike, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, and zip line. Go by ship to venture to places far from tourist infrastructure, landing at remote, empty beaches by Zodiac to find exotic birds and flowers. If you venture to Colombia, explore some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where endemic species thrive amidst intriguing, modern cultures. If you choose to cross the Panama Canal, do so in a way worthy of the peak experience. Go aboard an expedition ship with open decks to experience it up close. Cross over two days to see the workings of the locks by day and in the coolness of night.

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Life On Board

Escape winter, or go to relish one of the world’s most exciting natural environments. The onboard atmosphere is comfortable and casual, akin to that of a large private yacht. And our wellness philosophy is designed to relax and revitalize mind, body, and spirit.

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

What to Expect: Transiting the Panama Canal

In this episode of What to Expect, National Geographic Quest Captain Tim Lyon describes the unique way we cross over from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal while taking in the lush biodiversity of the area.

Expedition Spotlight: Brilliant Biodiversity on the Osa Peninsula

In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Zoey Greenberg highlights the brilliant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula and the species that inhabit its lush greenery and pristine shores.

Explore with National Geographic Experts: Volcanologist Arianna Soldati

In this episode of Explore with National Geographic Experts, learn more about Arianna Soldati’s passion for volcanoes and the insights she'll share on two upcoming voyages to Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Striking Portraits of Panama and Colombia

Recently returned from our Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast voyage, staff photographer David Vargas captured soul-stirring images of the people and places at the heart of this vibrant region.

Costa Rica by Ship: A Unique Look at Tropical Wildness

With jaguars and toucans in the cool mist of cloud forests, blue morpho butterflies and sloths in tropical rainforests, and a kaleidoscope of marine life swirling around coral reefs, Costa Rica’s varied habitats burst with biodiversity. The wildest of these wild places are also the least accessible—unless you approach by expedition ship.

Ahhhh Moment: Costa Rica

Take a breather and enjoy the peaceful landscapes, sounds, and wildlife of Costa Rica.

The Wonders of Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park's remote location has enabled this nature preserve to maintain its reputation as one of the most interesting and abundant ecological destinations around.

Discover Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Naturalist

Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.

Undersea Specialist

Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools, including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialists show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings and the basics of composition and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.

Wellness

Our wellness program embodies the belief that nature is vitalizing and that wildness, as Thoreau famously said, supplies a tonic. Wellness specialists are fully accredited and experienced licensed massage therapists and are aboard every ship in the National Geographic-flagged fleet. They lead morning stretch class, aerobic walks ashore, kayak outings, and more.

Making a Difference

Lindblad Expeditions supports stewardship efforts through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund. One hundred percent of traveler contributions to the LEX-NG Fund in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia support the National Geographic Society’s Early Career Grants, which promote future leaders with novel and exploratory projects that span the fields of conservation, education, research, storytelling, and technology. In awarding each $5,000 to $10,000 grant, preference is given to projects that directly impact Costa Rica, Panama, or Colombia coastlines and communities.

FAQs

FAQs and Key Information

From climate conditions to water temperature to packing the right footwear, find answers to the questions Expedition Specialists get most often.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

3/20/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Caletas Private Reserve and Corcovado National Park

Over five days ago, we began our journey in Panama and now we’re on our last day in Costa Rica. We decided to explore one of the most important areas in terms of biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula is home to approximately 4% of the biodiversity in the world. For many years, people tried to mine the area because it is very rich in minerals, specifically gold. Over thirty years ago the government of Costa Rica decided to promote the country as a tourist destination and today it is a pioneer of sustainability in Central America. We began our morning activities offering different options for our guests. The first activity was a coastal walk, and some had the opportunity to see a boa, a white-throated capuchin monkey, and a mantled howler monkey. In the afternoon, part of our group chose to go for a waterfall hike led by our naturalists, and they finished at a swimming hole where they took time to relax and enjoy themselves. Other guests took the long Pargo trail where they saw a Central American spider monkey, and a tapir, one of the most difficult animals to see in the tropics. We finished our day with an amazing sunset from the bow of the National Geographic Quest , a great end to a great day.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/19/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

We arrived last night at the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, bringing us to the heart of coastal Costa Rican life. After breakfast, we disembarked and were greeted by families whose lives are intertwined with this fertile land. The rainforest enveloped us. First, we visited a traditional sugarcane mill where families demonstrated the ancient process of extracting sweet juice using horse-powered grinders. Their hands moved with practiced precision, transforming the raw cane into rich molasses. Along a shaded stream, we joined Don Juan who taught us the patient art of gold panning. Water swirled in wooden bowls as tiny flecks of precious metal caught the sunlight. The journey continued to cacao groves, where Alex proudly showed us their cultivation methods. We tasted the raw fruit before seeing the meticulous fermentation process. Nearby, the delicate vanilla orchids climbed trellises, their beans carefully tended by the skilled farmers, it was a cathedral of biodiversity where our guides pointed out medicinal plants their ancestors have used for centuries. As dusk approached, we returned to our waiting ship, carrying memories of these resilient families whose traditions flourished in harmony with this bountiful landscape.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/18/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Golfito and Rio Seco

Today, National Geographic Quest anchored at Golfito Harbor, and after breakfast our guests set out to explore the area. Some opted for a Zodiac cruise, while others chose kayaking. Along the coast framed by lush forest, we encountered howler monkeys, tree boas, and the elusive common potoo. In the mangroves, we spotted seabirds, spotted eagle rays, and graceful sea turtles. It was a vibrant display of local wildlife. In the afternoon after repositioning to the serene waters of Golfo Dulce, we visited Río Seco, a stunning area bordered by Piedras Blancas National Park. Guests ventured along forest trails greeted by flocks of scarlet macaws flying in colorful groups above our landing beach. We spotted trogons, black-hooded antshrikes, and chestnut-backed antbirds while the air was filled with the melodic songs of countless other birds. After our walk, the owner of the property welcomed us with nutritious snacks and exotic drinks—a perfect way to end an unforgettable day immersed in nature’s beauty.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/17/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Isla Coco Islet and Coiba, Panama

Coco Islet was our morning destination. This jewel of an island is quite small and surrounded by clear seas rich in marine life. Cocos is a wonderful place for snorkeling from a white sandy beach. About a dozen species of corals were seen, along with surgeonfish, sergeant majors, puffers, king angels and Moorish idols. One of the highlights were the whitetip reef sharks which we saw in deeper waters. National Geographic Quest repositioned a short distance to Isla Coiba. This nature preserve is bigger than some small island countries in the Caribbean. Here we had the opportunity to practice some more water activities, and to take a short walk across the island. The highlight for some was kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The clear water right next to the tropical rain forest is an incredibly beautiful setting for paddling around. Once we were underway, we had multiple groups of pantropical spotted dolphins who came along to bow ride and playfully swim alongside our vessel.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/16/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge was created and protected by law around 1981. This is a 53-hectare wildlife reserve that has 13 hectares of dry tropical rainforest surrounded with a 40 hectare of coral reefs. There is also a large colony of frigatebirds that use this island as an important nesting area. Our guests took the opportunity to explore this refuge with our naturalists and as they did, they passed the nesting area of the frigatebirds. Several males had their gular pouches inflated and were expecting to soon be joined by females. After walks around the premises, we grabbed our gear and went snorkeling. The coral reef that surrounds the islands has over 17 species of coral and a bit more than 340 species of fish. Not only were fish found, but also hawk-billed sea turtles. There was so much to see along the beach, too. A pair of American oystercatchers were found guarding their nest. Two eggs were eagerly protected by their parents. We returned on board and during cocktail hour, we shared our thoughts about the marvelous day we had spent in the wildlife refuge.

The Panama Canal, which effectively connects more than 144 shipping routes, 1,700 ports, and 160 countries, is much more than its transit locks. It is miles of wild landscape, rich with intrigue and an astonishing biodiversity of wildlife.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

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Central America 2024-26

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