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Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands, and the Panama Canal Cruise
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Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands, and the Panama Canal Cruise itinerary:
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.
Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands, and the Panama Canal Cruise reverse itinerary:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
National Geographic Quest
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go.
PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare.
CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable).
SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist.
WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
• 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