Voyage through the Panama Canal, a marvel of historical engineering, and gain special access to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Canal Zone. Discover pure wildness—you’ll snorkel an undersea paradise, and spot monkeys and sloths in the rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama on this coastal expedition.
For more information on the National Geographic Quest please view the ship page.
View National Geographic QuestOn arrival in Panama, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Quest and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún Lake for the night.
Dinner included.
Board an expedition landing craft this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, expedition landing craft cruises or swimming.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The National Geographic Quest anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest 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 rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Disembark after breakfast in Puerto Caldera. Drive to the airport in San José for flights home.
Breakfast included.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 | AUD$12200pp | ||
| Category 1 Cabin | AUD$12200pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 Cabin | AUD$13825pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 Cabin | AUD$14606pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 Cabin | AUD$15967pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 Suite | AUD$16981pp | Contact us | |
| 23 Jan 2026 - 30 Jan 2026 | AUD$11939pp | ||
| 11 Feb 2026 - 18 Feb 2026 | AUD$10696pp | ||
| 02 Mar 2026 - 09 Mar 2026 | AUD$10979pp | ||
| 21 Mar 2026 - 28 Mar 2026 | AUD$10979pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
12.6m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, 2 portholes, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view window private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
15m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, balcony with sliding glass door, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
17m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, writing desk, large view windows, convertible sofa bed, private bathroom, A/C, shower, bathroom amenities, hairdryer, luggage storage, WIFI, TV, non-smoking.
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