Embark on our only Central American expedition that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with the region's wildlife, culture, and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal by day and by night. Learn about the country’s indigenous and colonial history while visiting local communities and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and more as you venture into lush rainforests, a wildlife refuge, and an important national park. In the surrounding turquoise waters, snorkel pristine coral reefs which shelter an array of colorful marine life. 


Highlights


• Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island

• Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore

• Meet the indigenous Emberá people of Darién in Playa Muerto Village and learn about their customs, traditions, and deep reverence for their natural surroundings

• Sea kayak, hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and an enduring connection to the pearl trade


Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Marvel at the coastline ahead as we sail to the historic port of Portobelo.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m. 
Arrival City: Panama City, Panama 

Meals Included: Dinner


This morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver, or go for a snorkel. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. 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. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Gulf of Panama. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


This morning, we arrive at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Once a US Army bombing range, this protected area is home to black and green iguanas, sea turtles, and several species of birds and tropical fish. There is time to enjoy the beach and snorkel. In the afternoon, visit the mainland for a Spanish heritage cultural experience in the town of Pedasí on the scenic Azuero Peninsula.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site which contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes. We’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions, and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding, or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful eagles.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches, and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, 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.

Departure Time: Depart anytime after 2:30 p.m. 
Departure City: Panama City, Panama 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itineraries are subject to change.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,556 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,556 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,984 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,984 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,760 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$10,760 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

More Cabin Categories & Prices Available

Please contact us for more information

Category 1. From

$11,087 AUD pp
Category 1. From
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

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.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Quest

Optional excursions available. Please get in touch for more information.

Inclusions


• Accommodation in stateroom
• The full meal plan
• The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
• Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*
• Activities offered during expedition cruises (see section "Expedition cruises")
• Access to all the common areas on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area

Exclusions


• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
National Geographic Quest
Central America Small Ship CruiseSmall Ship Cruise
8 Days from
$1,320 AUD per day

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