Costa Rica & the Panama Canal

National Geographic Quest: Approximately 100 Travelers

An important feature of any Lindblad Expeditions adventure cruise is the small ship size. Smaller ships are able to access more remote areas off limits to large cruise ships, and guests aboard enjoy more intimate nature encounters as well as more personalized interactions with the ship's naturalist staff. Guests are divided into smaller groups for expedition landing craft excursions, kayak outings and hikes ashore.

Accommodations aboard ship, dinner from Day 1 to breakfast on final day, non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship, excursions and entrance fees, services of Lindblad Expeditions' leader, naturalist staff and a ship doctor, use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment, all port charges and service taxes.

Air transportation; horseback riding; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, voyage DVD, etc.; discretionary tips to naturalist staff and crew; optional travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.

Recommended Insurance

Since the areas we travel to are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we strongly recommend that all guests have, at minimum, medical evacuation insurance for this program. While this is not required, we make this strong suggestion in the interest of our guests' safety. We recommend that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more information about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer by calling 800-543-8917.

Easy to Moderate
Our Panama and Costa Rica adventure cruise does not require a high degree of physical fitness overall. A range of options will be offered to you, and we stress that all activities are optional. Shorter walks will always be available. Faster paced walks for those who want more of a workout will also be offered. Depending on conditions, trails may be potentially wet and muddy, and uneven terrain may be encountered. Kayaking will be an option available to guests. Travelers should be aware that the heat and humidity in the tropics may be very high and roads may be bumpy. Please be prepared for water landings.

On all departures, guests will have a special opportunity to encounter sea turtles while on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Visit the Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association at Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula, where their research and rehabilitation work primarily centers around the hawksbill turtle, which can weigh up to 200 pounds. These amazing animals spend months, even years, feeding in the open ocean, sometimes thousands of miles from shore. But each individual begins life on land, and sea turtle females must return to the shore to dig nests and lay eggs. Assist LAST researchers with data collection and hear from the staff, including a talk by the head biologist who has dedicated her life to turtle conservation. Learn how they take a holistic and comprehensive approach to sea turtle conservation by gathering important population and life history data, conducting coral reef research, and implementing studies on how to enhance and improve mangrove habitats and sea grass beds where turtles feed. Along the way, the organization takes in injured animals, many having been entangled in fishing gear. These marine reptiles are nursed back to health and eventually returned to their native habitat in the vast Pacific. At the end of your visit, you will be invited to assist and observe as rehabilitated, healthy turtles are released back into the Pacific.

We can best serve you by having Lindblad Expeditions’ air department book your flights, since Lindblad is most familiar with the special requirements of each trip. Please call Lindblad directly at 800-397-3348. Note that while Lindblad Expeditions’ air department will offer you its best available rates on airfare, you may find better fares online.