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8 Night Exploring Arenal Volcano Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal and Land Tour

From San Jose to Panama City

National Geographic Quest

Lindblad Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13962337
  • Departs: Mon, Jan 25, 2027
  • Returns: Fri, Jan 29, 2027
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    Oceanview $6,668
    Balcony
    Call to Book1-877-872-8154
    Suite $8,772
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Jan 21, 2027
    Day
    1
    San Jose, Costa Rica
    • San Jose, Costa Rica
    • Bus Travel
    • La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Arrive in San Jose this afternoon and transfer to La Fortuna. This charming town in the northern highlands will be your base as you explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a sampling of Costa Rica's best wildlife areas and trails. Opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage wildlife and glamping extension in the rainforests and reserves of Cano Negro. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Friday - Jan 22, 2027
    Day
    2
    • La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Spend the first few days exploring the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano Area. Once considered Costa Rica's most active volcano, this cone-shaped wonder (which has been dormant since 2010) looms large over the verdant hillsides that surround it, providing a stunning backdrop to your activities. Highlights include ziplining over dramatic views of the volcano, lush jungles, and picturesque Lake Arenal; traversing suspension bridges for panoramic treetop vistas; searching for wildlife on the tropical forest floor; and taking a relaxing dip at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, which is heated by the natural energy surging from the nearby volcano. You'll also visit land near La Fortuna, which was set aside to preserve the habitat for two- and three-toed sloths. Over 30 individuals of both species have been counted in the area. Your naturalists will share insights about the flora and the other fauna, including toucans, agoutis, tree frogs, and owls, which reside in this tropical rainforest. Lastly, marvel at the lush scenery of a local butterfly farm where iconic species like the blue morpho are sustainably raised on the property. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Jan 23, 2027
    Day
    3
    • La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Sunday - Jan 24, 2027
    Day
    4
    • La Fortuna, Costa Rica
    Monday - Jan 25, 2027
    Day
    5
    San Jose, Costa Rica
    • San Jose, Costa Rica
    • Air Travel
    • Panama City, Panama
    • Bus Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 5 - Monday - Jan 25, 2027
    Day
    5
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Colon, Panama
    Fly from San Jose to Panama City on a recommended group flight or on a flight selection of your own. Transfer by land to Colon to embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and marvel at the coastline ahead as you sail to the historic port of Portobelo.; Note: If you are not purchasing a recommended group flight, please get in touch with Lindblad Expeditions to confirm your arrangements. ...
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    Tuesday - Jan 26, 2027
    Day
    6
    Portobelo, Panama
    • Portobelo, Panama
    • Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
    This morning, explore the Caribbean Sea on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or Zodiac cruises upriver. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit several of the town's fortifications, as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo's pirate history. Enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, crossing will most likely begin at night when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument. ...
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    Wednesday - Jan 27, 2027
    Day
    7
    Cruising Gatun Lake, Panama
    • Cruising Gatun Lake, Panama
    • Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
    This morning, you have a choice of two activities: Hiking and Zodiac cruising around Barro Colorado Island, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, or a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, followed by a hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal and venture into the Pacific Ocean. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 28, 2027
    Day
    8
    Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
    • Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
    Explore one of the approximately 200 islands that make up the idyllic Pearl Islands archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations, and eventually the Spaniard colonizers and African slaves, who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches, and shallow reefs provide a memorable backdrop for beach activities and snorkeling. ...
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    Friday - Jan 29, 2027
    Day
    9
    Balboa, Panama
    • Balboa, Panama
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 9 - Friday - Jan 29, 2027
    Day
    9
    • Bus Travel
    • Panama City, Panama
    After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home, or to begin a three-day Panama City extension.


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