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There are few places in the world where nature is as exuberant, colorful or diverse as in the tropics of Costa Rica. It is home to an amazing blend of flora and fauna. But this journey takes us beyond Costa Rica to the inspiring land of Panama. To many, Panama is synonymous with the Canal, one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. What many people don't know, is that the country of Panama offers a level of natural beauty and biological diversity that's equal to Costa Rica's. Explore famous national parks and wildlife reserves, including a privately-owned tropical garden. Walk rain forest trails, home to capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, green iguanas and colorful hummingbirds. Relax as we enjoy all the comforts and intimacy of small ship cruising. Swim and snorkel Panama's famed Isla Coiba. Kayak along wildlife-rich, remote coastlines. Go horseback riding on the beach. Transit the legendary Panama Canal visit Barro Colorado with scientist escorts from the Smithsonian Research Station. The 62-passenger Sea Lion is ideal for those seeking small ship adventure and activities.

Day 1 - U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colon/ Embark Ship

Depart U.S. 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 Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night.

Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Barro Colorado/Panama Canal Transit

In the morning, board Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatun Lake. This island has been the primary Smithsonian center for tropical rain forest study since 1923, and we are very proud to have special permission to visit the facilities at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Meet some of the scientists and learn about their work before we reboard to continue our crossing. 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 - Gulf of Panama Islets

Today explore this cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama in kayaks and zodiacs. The islands are covered with hills carpeted with thick green vegetation. Along with our naturalists, you'll 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, we explore one of its national parks, protecting three kinds of habitats: the island, the reef and the sea life. As we 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. We can 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 we roam among a profusion of orchids, spotting tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, we 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 kayaks. The bird watching is wonderful, so 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. 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

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, get an early start, arriving 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 8 - Disembark Herradura, Depart San Jose

Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The U.S. bound flight departs in late morning, arriving in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


COSTA RICA TO PANAMA REVERSE ITINERARY-IN-BRIEF

Day 1: Miami/San Jose, Costa Rica/Herradura/Embark Ship
Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 3: Osa Peninsula
Day 4: Golfo Dulce
Day 5: Isla Coiba National Park, Panama
Day 6: Gulf of Panama Islets
Day 7: Panama Canal Transit
Day 8: Colon/Disembark Ship/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/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 Panama Canal and Wonders of Costa Rica 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.

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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