Central America
Venture to Central America, a land carved with rivers, spiked with peaks and draped in a thousand shades of green. In this pristine region where tropical wilderness reigns, discover staggering biodiversity amid rainforests, rivers and oceans guided by your veteran expedition team. Hike through Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park, snorkel among vibrant sea life in Colombia’s pristine waters or Zodiac cruise to the remote communities of Panama’s Gala Yuna archipelago. You’ll travel between each fascinating place aboard the nimble National Geographic Quest, designed to take you deep into the wild heart of the Americas.
“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.”
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Central America Expeditions
Central America Ships
National Geographic Quest
GUESTS 100
CABINS 50
DECKS 4
National Geographic Quest was purpose-built to explore the Americas, her design and engineering informed by nearly 40 years of experience in these regions.
Expedition Team in Central America
Every member of the expedition team—from your naturalists and photographers to your expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many are veteran guides chosen for their extensive knowledge of subjects like wildlife biology and volcanology, while special guests—including National Geographic Experts—offer additional insights into the region’s diverse natural landscape. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.
Your knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by your dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Vibrant scarlet macaws fly amongst the trees in Corcovado National Park.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Panama Canal
Guests look on in awe as the National Geographic Quest transits the Panama Canal, one of the greatest modern engineering feats in the world.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Anmardub Island, Panama
A traveler ventures out in the turquoise waters of the Islet of Anmardub by kayak.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Curú Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica
A white-faced capuchin monkey, the most intelligent among all New World monkeys, climbs the trees of Curu Wildlife Reserve.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Islas Murciélagos, Costa Rica
A guest photographs the stunning, untouched landscape in Islas Murciélagos.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Portobelo, Panama
Local dancers perform the Congo Dance of Panama, the most unique and colorful manifestation of folklore in the province of Colón.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Guna Yala, Panama
A family of local villagers paddles a handmade wooden canoe near National Geographic Quest.
Photo Gallery: Highlights from Central America
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A traveler wades through crystal-clear waters near a majestic waterfall at Guachipelin National Park.
Latest Video
What to Expect - Transiting the Panama Canal
- Feb 2024
The Panama Canal is a technological wonder that changed the world economy when it opened in August 1914, and transiting this historic waterway is a highlight on Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. Normally, ships take 8-10 hours to transit the Isthmus of Panama, but on a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage, you’ll experience the canal and the rainforest that surrounds it over the course of two days. In this episode What to Expect, National Geographic Quest Captain Tim Lyon describes the unique way you'll cross over from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean while taking in the lush biodiversity of the area.
View our brochure for more details
Central America 2024-26