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This 11 day active, engaging yet casual small ship expedition to Panama and Costa Rica bridges continents and divides oceans to immerse you in the wild landscape of this tropical, lush region of central America. This style of travel enables you to become an active explorer, where other cruises offer only the passivity of tourism. Discover the magnificent cloud forests, volcanoes and oceans with 1 expert for every 15 guests aboard the intimate, 60-passenger expedition cruise ship "Sea Lion". Snorkel with Undersea Experts, and allow our Expedition Leader to tailor the day’s events to your preferred activity level.

Day 1 - U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colon/Embark/Gatun Lake
Depart Miami 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 the Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night. The diversity of the flora and fauna is amazing. In just one small area here, 525 species of birds have been spotted in a single day. Gatun Lake is surrounded by impenetrable jungle and aside from the canal; the area remains virtually untouched by humans.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Barro Colorado Island/Panama Canal Transit
Visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument, the primary Smithsonian center for tropical rain forest study since 1923. Meet some of the scientists and learn about their work before re-boarding to transit the Canal. Often we have the opportunity to cross part of the Canal during the day, and another when it is dramatically lit at night.

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

Day 3 - Casco Viejo
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historic center of Panama City. Discover the old Santo Domingo monastery and Flat Arch, which reportedly helped convince canal engineers that Panama was earthquake-proof. Visit the Canal Museum and the beautiful Gold Altar at the San Jose Cathedral.

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

Day 4 - Mogue
Today enter the mouth of the Mogue River, a winding, mangrove-lined waterway that leads into Darien National Park. Board local boats and look for blue morpho butterflies on our way to the Embera village of Mogue. Learn about the culture and traditions of the Embera people, famous for their handicrafts. Men are expert carvers of Cocobolo wood and women weave baskets made from palm fibers with dyes made from various plants.

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

Day 5 - Las Perlas
The “Pearl Islands” are composed of over 200 islands and islets, and surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with coral beds and a rich diversity of marine life. Snorkel, swim, or relax on white sand beaches. Search for dolphins and whales that frequent these warm Pacific waters during an afternoon at sea.

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

Days 6-7 - 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, and see the coast of Panama on the horizon. 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 8 - Golfo 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 which allows for observation up close on our kayaks. The bird watching is wonderful and we'll 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 9 - 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. 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. We'll 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 10 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Although this park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it rivals Poas Volcano Park for the title of the most popular. Because the abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, we will 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. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica's beautiful coastline, finding a great spot for a final hike or swim.

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

Day 11 - Herradura/Disembark/San Jose/U.S.
After an early breakfast, say your farewells and disembark in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

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/Triple Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 1 and 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. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.

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 Many Faces of Panama and Costa Rica cruise begins in Panama City and ends in Herradura. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from Miami, California. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 8 of the outlined itinerary. Our experts can assist in scheduling charter flights to and from Miami.

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. Sea lion comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 spacious outside cabins. All cabins face outside with windows or portlights (Lower Deck only). Each has private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Library; Sun Deck with chairs; Outside Deck area for viewing. Our "open Bridge" policy allows you to meet officers and crew. A small gym for travelers to work out. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. 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. Spa services are available on board.

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.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to other regions of Costa Rica. We offer custom extensions to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and many other great options.
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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