Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands, and the Panama Canal Cruise
Experience a wide breadth of Central American wonders on this dynamic voyage that pairs an inland exploration of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano Area with a maritime adventure through the Panama Canal to Portobelo and the Pearl Islands. Zipline through tropical rainforests, search for a panoply of wildlife on hikes and Zodiac cruises, visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and snorkel crystalline waters fringed by pristine beaches. Along the way, naturalists and local guides will illuminate each day’s discoveries—from colonial history to local conservation initiatives.
Highlights
• Actively explore the breathtaking Arenal Volcano Area as you zipline from peak to peak, hike deep into the rainforest, and walk suspension bridges through the tree canopy
• Search for the region’s fascinating wildlife, including sloths, toucans, agoutis, owls, tree frogs, and more
• Take a dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs, warmed by volcanic activity, and tour a wildlife conservation property founded by locals
• Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus, enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island
• Discover the storied Spanish architecture and pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Sea kayak, Zodiac cruise, take a stroll, or snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters and an enduring connection to the pearl trade
Arrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to La Fortuna. This charming town in the northern highlands will be your base as you explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a sampling of Costa Rica’s best wildlife areas and trails. Opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage wildlife and glamping extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San José, Costa Rica
Meals Included: Dinner
Spend the first few days exploring the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano Area. Once considered Costa Rica’s most active volcano, this cone-shaped wonder (which has been dormant since 2010) looms large over the verdant hillsides that surround it, providing a stunning backdrop to your activities.
Highlights include ziplining over dramatic views of the volcano, lush jungles, and picturesque Lake Arenal; traversing suspension bridges for panoramic treetop vistas; searching for wildlife on the tropical forest floor; and taking a relaxing dip at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, which is heated by the natural energy surging from the nearby volcano.
You’ll also visit land near La Fortuna, which was set aside to preserve the habitat for two- and three-toed sloths. Over 30 individuals of both species have been counted in the area. Your naturalists will share insights about the flora and the other fauna, including toucans, agoutis, tree frogs, and owls, which reside in this tropical rainforest. Lastly, marvel at the lush scenery of Pierella Ecological Gardens, a nature reserve and butterfly farm where iconic species like the Blue Morpho are sustainably raised on the property.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from San José to Panama City on our recommended group flight or on a flight selection of your own*. Transfer by land to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and marvel at the coastline ahead as you sail to the historic port of Portobelo.
*If you are not purchasing our recommended group flight, please get in touch with us to confirm your arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, explore the Caribbean Sea on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or Zodiac cruises upriver. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the town’s fortifications, as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s pirate history. Enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, crossing will most likely begin at night when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you have a choice of two activities: Hiking and Zodiac cruising around Barro Colorado Island, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, or a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, followed by a hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Pacific Ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore one of the approximately 200 islands that make up the idyllic Pearl Islands archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations, and eventually the Spaniard colonizers and African slaves, who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches, and shallow reefs provide a memorable backdrop for beach activities and snorkeling.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home, or to begin a three-day Panama City extension.
Departure Time: Depart any time after 12:30 p.m.
Departure City: Panama City, Panama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores.
Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
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