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Peregrine Travel Centre

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Adventure Cruise

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Adventure Cruise

From AUD $8,897

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Description

Sailing the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience that places you at the heart of one of history’s greatest engineering triumphs. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, you’ll enjoy privileged access—transiting the locks by both day and night—and benefit from a team of experts who illuminate every nuance of the crossing. Beyond the steel and stone of the canal, discover the vibrant tropical worlds of Costa Rica and Panama: snorkel colorful coral reefs, kayak along hidden shorelines and trek into lush rainforests filled with monkeys and colorful birdlife.

Trip Name
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Adventure Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores. Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: San José, Costa Rica/ Puerto Caldera/Embark
Upon arrival in San José, transfer by land to Puerto Caldera and embark our ship National Geographic Quest. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see three species of monkeys—howler, spider, and capuchin. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula
Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Exploring by Zodiac, paddleboard and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellow- throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson- fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Isla Coiba National Park
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, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal Transit
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical 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, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 7: Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 8: Colón/Panama City, Panama/Disembark
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B)
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $10,899Category 01
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $11,654Category 02
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $12,473Category 03
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $14,961Category 04
29-11-202606-12-2026AUD $16,457Category 05
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $10,900Category 01
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $11,656Category 02
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $12,474Category 03
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $14,963Category 04
20-12-202627-12-2026AUD $16,459Category 05
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $13,593Category 01
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $14,536Category 02
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $15,557Category 03
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $18,660Category 04
27-12-202603-01-2027AUD $20,526Category 05
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $11,429Category 01
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $12,229Category 02
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $13,457Category 03
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $16,143Category 04
03-01-202710-01-2027AUD $17,000Category 05
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $11,429Category 01
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $12,229Category 02
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $13,457Category 03
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $16,143Category 04
10-01-202717-01-2027AUD $17,000Category 05
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $10,714Category 01
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $11,429Category 02
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $12,571Category 03
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $15,086Category 04
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $15,857Category 05
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $10,714Category 01
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $11,429Category 02
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $12,571Category 03
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $15,086Category 04
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $15,857Category 05
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $10,714Category 01
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $11,429Category 02
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $12,571Category 03
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $15,086Category 04
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $15,857Category 05
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $10,000Category 01
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $10,700Category 02
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $11,786Category 03
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $14,143Category 04
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $14,857Category 05
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $10,000Category 01
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $10,700Category 02
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $11,786Category 03
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $14,143Category 04
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $14,857Category 05
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $9,286Category 01
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $9,943Category 02
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $10,929Category 03
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $13,114Category 04
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $13,857Category 05
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $10,186Category 01
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $10,906Category 02
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $11,670Category 03
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $14,010Category 04
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $15,406Category 05
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $9,714Category 01
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $10,429Category 02
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $11,471Category 03
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $13,771Category 04
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $14,471Category 05
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $9,714Category 01
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $10,429Category 02
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $11,471Category 03
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $13,771Category 04
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $14,471Category 05
16-12-202723-12-2027AUD $8,897Category 01
16-12-202723-12-2027AUD $9,514Category 02
16-12-202723-12-2027AUD $10,183Category 03
16-12-202723-12-2027AUD $12,214Category 04
16-12-202723-12-2027AUD $13,436Category 05
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $8,897Category 01
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $9,514Category 02
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $10,183Category 03
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $12,214Category 04
23-12-202730-12-2027AUD $13,436Category 05
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $8,897Category 01
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $9,514Category 02
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $10,183Category 03
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $12,214Category 04
30-12-202706-01-2028AUD $13,436Category 05
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $8,897Category 01
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $9,514Category 02
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $10,183Category 03
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $12,214Category 04
06-01-202813-01-2028AUD $13,436Category 05
18-01-202825-01-2028AUD $8,897Category 01
18-01-202825-01-2028AUD $9,514Category 02
18-01-202825-01-2028AUD $10,183Category 03
18-01-202825-01-2028AUD $12,214Category 04
18-01-202825-01-2028AUD $13,436Category 05
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $9,700Category 01
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $10,386Category 02
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $11,114Category 03
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $13,343Category 04
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $14,671Category 05
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $9,700Category 01
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $10,386Category 02
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $11,114Category 03
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $13,343Category 04
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $14,671Category 05
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $9,700Category 01
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $10,386Category 02
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $11,114Category 03
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $13,343Category 04
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $14,671Category 05
02-03-202809-03-2028AUD $9,700Category 01
02-03-202809-03-2028AUD $10,386Category 02
02-03-202809-03-2028AUD $11,114Category 03
02-03-202809-03-2028AUD $13,343Category 04
02-03-202809-03-2028AUD $14,671Category 05
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $9,700Category 01
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $10,386Category 02
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $11,114Category 03
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $13,343Category 04
23-03-202830-03-2028AUD $14,671Category 05

Inclusions

    • 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”
    • Explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take a Zodiac cruise up a wild river
    • Meet the Emberá people of Panama, who welcome us into their village, and meet others working to protect this eco paradise

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