DAY 1 | March 14. Miami / Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark / Gatún Lake
Upon arrival in Panama City, drive to Colón, board National Geographic Sea Lion, and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit. Stretching more than 50 miles, the Canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. Anchor in Gatún Lake for the night. (D)
DAY 2 | March 15. Barro Colorade Island / Panama Canal Transit
In the morning, we’ll board expedition landing craft for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. 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. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the Canal. In the evening, continue through the complex lock system of 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. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 | March 16. Gulf of Panama Islets
This archipelago of islands due south of Panama City has a storied past—pearls, conquistadors, buccaneers, and so much more. We’ll explore the turquoise waters via expedition landing craft or kayak, where dolphins and whales have been spotted. Observe roosting and nesting magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies on the bluffs of isolated islets. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 | March 17. Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. You’ll have an opportunity to search for the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey. The pristine beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 | March 18. Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
We enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce, a protected gulf along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; look for tanagers, parrots, and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 | March 19. Osa Peninsula
We anchor off the Osa Peninsula, unreachable by road, to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, you may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride, or join an expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest to look for monkeys. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 | March 20. Manuel Antonio National Park
Spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park. We explore early, when the wildlife is most active. The naturalists point out monkeys or birds as they zip through the forest, and lethargic three-toed sloths in the trees. In the afternoon, find a place for a final hike or take a refreshing swim. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 | March 21. Herradura / Disembark / San José / Miami
After breakfast, disembark in Herradura and transfer to the airport in San José for flights home. (B)
