fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures

$0VIBPN 0 0
Call for Price

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Embark on our only Central American expedition that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with the region’s wildlife, culture, and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal by day and by night. Learn about the country’s indigenous and colonial history while visiting local communities and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and more as you venture into lush rainforests, a wildlife refuge, and an important national park. In the surrounding turquoise waters, snorkel pristine coral reefs which shelter an array of colorful marine life. 

Trip Name
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures
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 Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark Ship
Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Marvel at the coastline ahead as we sail to the historic port of Portobelo.Arrival Time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m. Arrival City: Panama City, Panama Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Portobelo / Panama Canal Transit
This morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver, or go for a snorkel. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. 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. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAY 3 Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Gulf of Panama. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 4 Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge / Pedasí
This morning, we arrive at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Once a US Army bombing range, this protected area is home to black and green iguanas, sea turtles, and several species of birds and tropical fish. There is time to enjoy the beach and snorkel. In the afternoon, visit the mainland for a Spanish heritage cultural experience in the town of Pedasí on the scenic Azuero Peninsula.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 5 Playa Muerto, Darién National Park
Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site which contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes. We’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions, and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding, or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful eagles.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAYS 6-7 Pearl Islands
Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches, and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities, and snorkeling.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - DAY 8 Balboa / Disembark Ship / Panama City, Panama
After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.Departure Time: Depart anytime after 2:30 p.m. Departure City: Panama City, Panama Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-12-202514-12-2025Array Array10,556Category 1. From
07-12-202514-12-2025Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
14-12-202521-12-2025Array Array10,556Category 1. From
14-12-202521-12-2025Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
09-01-202616-01-2026Array Array10,984Category 1. From
09-01-202616-01-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
16-01-202623-01-2026Array Array10,984Category 1. From
16-01-202623-01-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
06-12-202613-12-2026Array Array10,760Category 1. From
06-12-202613-12-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
13-12-202620-12-2026Array Array10,760Category 1. From
13-12-202620-12-2026Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
29-01-202705-02-2027Array Array11,087Category 1. From
29-01-202705-02-2027Array Array0More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Inclusions

    • Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island
    • Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore
    • Meet the indigenous Emberá people of Darién in Playa Muerto Village and learn about their customs, traditions, and deep reverence for their natural surroundings
    • Sea kayak, hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and an enduring connection to the pearl trade

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Panama
More of activity:
South & Central America Cruises