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Cloud forests, volcanoes, waterfall gardens and the sea: The ultimate allure of a Panama and Costa Rica vacation. This expedition offers an amazing variety of experiences, including an in-depth transit of the Panama Canal; and time on land in Monteverde Cloud Forest and at Arenal Volcano, active since 1968. Explore the area by small ship cruising aboard the versatile National Geographic Sea Lion, go kayaking, or use Zodiac landing craft, and snorkeling gear. Join rainforest hikes amid monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Naturalists accompany every activity and our Undersea Specialist uses state-of-the-art equipment to open up the vibrant undersea world.

Day 1 - Miami/Panama City, Panama/Colon/Embark Ship

Depart U.S.in late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board National Geographic Sea Lionand set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit anchoring in Gatun Lake. This unique interruption makes us one of the few ships that make the crossing in two days, as well as the only ship permitted the exclusive opportunity to explore impressive Barro Colorado, which we visit tomorrow.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Barro Colorado/Panama Canal Transit

By special arrangement, board Zodiacs this morning for a visit to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake. This area includes two islands that were created when the lake was formed. Guides from the Smithsonian Research Station will accompany us to this pristine island spot, which has become a world-famous center for scientific study. Because of its remoteness, animals from insects all the way up to primates - can be observed in their natural habitats without any outside disturbance at all. In fact, many of the most important biological discoveries involving plants and animals have originated here. Once on the island, you can enjoy the area on foot or by Zodiac. After our visit, reboard the Sea Lion to continue our crossing. Since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships, we are not always able to have a daylight crossing. The nighttime crossing, however, is extremely memorable - especially since the canal is so dramatically lit at night. Marvel as you watch the locks lower the ship 85 feet down to sea level, while mules hold the ship in place.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Gulf of Panama Islets

Today make good use of our Zodiacs and kayaks as we explore this cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama. The islands are covered with hills carpeted with thick green vegetation. Along with our naturalists, enjoy an exciting introduction to the region's varied bird life. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigatebirds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galapagos fame.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Isla Coiba National Park

Crossing into Panama, explore one of its national parks, protecting three kinds of habitats: the island, the reef and the sea life. Anchor near the little island of Granito Del Oro, we can see the coast of Panama on the horizon. Isla Coiba includes thousands upon thousands of acres, 80% of it ocean. The eastern Pacific has very few living coral reefs because the water is too cool, but the exception lies here. These waters are full of life with over 69 species of fish living among the healthy coral. Hike the interior or snorkel the hours away among sea turtles, sea stars and schools of anchovies. Parrot fish decorate the algae and if we're lucky, we may see the rare bifin or bifin spazus which can weigh up to 300 lbs. Our natural history staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers, so that anyone with a desire can see the wonderland below. For those who prefer something drier, our Undersea Specialist shoots underwater video and displays the footage during our evening recap.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Gulfo Dulce Costa Rica

Today make our first landfall in Costa Rica with a beautiful destination, Casa Orquideas, a privately owned tropical garden accessible only by boat and special invitation. Ron and Trudy MacAllister put this garden together over 20 years of collecting local rain forest plants and trading them with other botanical gardens. To see these varied and colorful plants in such a lush, natural setting is almost dreamlike. Here roam among a profusion of orchids, spotting tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, take some time to explore the forested bays of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking and swimming. The mangrove forest that lines the shoreline forms a unique ecosystem to observe up close on our kayaks. The bird watching is wonderful; look for birds with names as colorful as their feathers: black-crowned tityra, fiery-billed aracari, chestnut-mandibled toucans and scarlet macaws.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Osa Peninsula

This morning, the Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula in the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing area for the day will depend on sea conditions, but whichever spot is chosen will offer many options for spending the day. The park projects into the Pacific like a bony thumb bent downwards towards Panama and ranks among the finest national parks in Costa Rica. Until recently, it was one of the most inaccessible rainforests, so it is quite rich and untouched. We may stop at San Pedrillo or San Josecito, enjoying a beach barbeque for lunch. After dining al fresco in such a beautiful location, choose from snorkeling, horseback riding, beachcombing, swimming in waterfall pools or simply resting in a hammock as the breezes pass over you. Leave late in the afternoon, heading to our next destination, possibly spotting tropical spotted dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays breaking water as they swim alongside the ship.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Because the abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, we arrive here before breakfast. Lethargic, three-toed sloths remain statue-like in the dense trees. White-throated capuchin monkeys, agoutis, howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, squirrel monkeys, white-lined sac-winged bats, and tamandua anteaters are all well within reach here. Birders will be happy, too, with the possibility of seeing the purple crown fairy, bare-throated tiger heron, orange chinned parakeet and so much more. The smallest kingfisher on the continent is the American pygmy kingfisher. It's hard to spot, but our naturalists often can find one for those with the patience to wait.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Herradura/Disembark Ship/Carara Biological Reserve/Monteverde Cloud Forest

Surely you're familiar with rain forests, but have you ever been to a cloud forest? Visit Costa Rica's Carara Biological Reserve, a tropical forest, known for its varied wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, the endangered scarlet macaw and huge American crocodiles that crawl out on the river banks. A scenic drive up the mountain takes us to Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its high altitude - the clouds literally go right through the forest. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids.

A scenic drive up the mountain takes us to Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve established by the Quakers in the 1970s. Meet the daughter of one of the original homesteaders. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with lichens, mosses and 300 species of orchids. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

Our morning visit to a butterfly garden focuses on species native to the Monteverde area. Later, we continue to explore Monteverde's forest trails rich with butterflies, insects and birds. Watch for the rare resplendent quetzal and the often heard, but rarely seen, mantled howler monkeys.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Monteverde/Arenal

Today experience the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, to get a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy - considered the last frontier of the tropical cloud forest, still poorly understood and little studied. Later, take a leisurely 3.5-hour drive to Arenal, past verdant Tilaran, where the hilltops are lined with modern windmills. The country road winds through pastures of Brahmin cattle and around Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest lake adorned by the mighty Arenal Volcano.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Arenal Volcano

Explore rain-forested trails and take the afternoon for volcano gazing. At sunset, find out more about this smoldering colossus from a local vulcanologist working with OVSICORI, a leading institute in charge of monitoring Arenal as well as seismic activity throughout the region.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Arenal/Sarapiqui

Cross the northern plains leading to the rich rain forests of Sarapiqui. After lunch, visit the pre-Columbian- styled Sarapiqui Neotropical Center. Visit the center's Museum of Contemporary Indigenous Culture and its botanical garden, highlighting medicinal and edible plants used by ancient cultures. Tour an excavation site at the Center and discover how indigenous peoples lived in these wild environs. Settle in for the night at nearby Sueno Azul, a working hacienda and spa.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Sarapiqui

Explore the hacienda's peaceful grounds, where the Sardinal and Rio Frio rivers meet. Tour its forested property on horseback or via tractor pull and play in soothing natural springs and soft cascades hidden among the lush foliage. Spend the late afternoon relaxing, swimming in the pool or sampling spa treatments. After dinner, experience the rain forest at night with a visit to La Selva, a well-known site for research on tropical ecology.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Sarapiqui/San Jose

En route to San Jose, stop to visit Sibu Chocolatier - makers of some of the world’s finest organic chocolate. Here learn the Aztec & Mayan history of the cacao plant and enjoy a workshop on preparing chocolate. After a picnic lunch of traditional Costa Rican fare, visit one of San Jose’s fine museums. The day ends with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 - San Jose/Miami

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Included Meals: breakfast

11 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Miami/San Jose, Costa Rica
Days 2&3 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 4 - Monteverde/Herradura (embark aboard)
Day 5 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 6 - Osa Peninsula
Day 7 - Gulfo Dulce
Day 8 - Isla Coiba, Panama
Day 9 - Gulf of Panama Islets/Gatun Lake
Day 10 - Panama Canal Transit
Day 11 - Colon/Disembark/Panama City/Home


Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 2 only. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Family Cruises: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Land Cost Includes: Accommodations aboard ship; all meals; all non alcoholic beverages aboard ship; all shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; transfer from airport/ship if traveling on group flights; use of kayaks and snorkeling gear; all port taxes and service charges during the voyage; gratuities to local guides/drivers; services of natural history staff and a ship physician.

Not Included: Air transportation Miami/Central America/Miami unless otherwise noted; extensions; horseback riding; passport/visa fees; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, email, and laundry; gratuity to ships crew at your discretion.

Arrival/Departure:The Panama to Costa Rica with Monteverde expedition begins in Panama City and ends in San Jose. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from Miami, California. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 15 of the outlined itinerary.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Group Discount: For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Child Discount: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the Double Occupancy price for each person under 21.

Accommodations Aboard: Our expedition ship, M.V. National Geographic Sea Lion comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 spacious outside cabins. All cabins are above the waterline, with large picture windows. Each has lower berths, private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Public Areas include a glass-enclosed Lounge and full-service bar can be opened to sea breezes or closed and air-conditioned; Library; A canopied Sun Deck with chairs and wide-open Observation Deck area for viewing. Our "open Bridge" policy allows you to meet officers and crew. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet. Lunch is often served on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. An Undersea Specialist will be on board in Baja. A Video Chronicler will be on board all voyages.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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