San Jose (C.R.)
San Jose (C.R.) 12/21/2024
After arrival in San José this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and set sail south on our Central American adventure. (D),
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/21/2024
After arrival in San José this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and set sail south on our Central American adventure. (D),
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas)
Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas) 12/21/2024
After arrival in San José this afternoon, we transfer to the Pacific Coast town of Puerto Caldera. This evening, we embark our ship National Geographic Quest and set sail south on our Central American adventure. (D),
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park 12/22/2024
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest 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 rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin. (B,L,D),
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12/22/2024 |
12/22/2024 |
Playa Blanca (C.R.)
Playa Blanca (C.R.) 12/23/2024
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. By special arrangement, visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific—a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D),
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12/23/2024 |
12/23/2024 |
Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez)
Golfo Dulce (Puerto Jimenez) 12/24/2024
As our Golfo Dulce exploration continues by Zodiac, paddleboard, and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica's dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie's tanagers, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris, and crimson-fronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay. (B,L,D),
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12/24/2024 |
12/24/2024 |
Coiba Island
Coiba Island 12/25/2024
The first stop in Panama this morning is at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D),
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12/25/2024 |
12/25/2024 |
Gulf of Panama Islets
Gulf of Panama Islets 12/26/2024
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. 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. (B,L,D),
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |
Panama Canal
Panama Canal 12/26/2024
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. 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. (B,L,D),
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |
Gatun Lake (Panama)
Gatun Lake (Panama) 12/27/2024
By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D),
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12/27/2024 |
12/27/2024 |
Panama Canal
Panama Canal 12/27/2024
By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D),
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12/27/2024 |
12/27/2024 |
Colon (Panama)
Colon (Panama) 12/28/2024
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B),
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12/28/2024 |
12/28/2024 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 12/28/2024
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B),
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12/28/2024 |
12/28/2024 |
Panama City
Panama City 12/28/2024
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. (B),
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12/28/2024 |
12/28/2024 |