Panama To Costa Rica + Monteverde, Arenal Volcano And Sarapiqui

Day-to-Day Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colon/N.G. Sea Lion

Depart U.S.in late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit anchoring in Gatun Lake. This unique interruption makes us one of the few ships that make the crossing in two days, as well as the only ship permitted the exclusive opportunity to explore impressive Barro Colorado, which we visit tomorrow. (D)

DAY 2 — Barro Colorado Island & Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Tr

Today we’ll combine two of the main reasons many of us come south of the border: the Panama Canal and the tropical rain forest. By special invitation, board a Zodiac this morning to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument, set in Gatun Lake and home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Inaccessible to most travelers, the island itself is quite unique. Before the building of the Canal it was actually the top of a mountain, and when the river valley was flooded to form man-made Gatun Lake, it became the island we see today. You’ll hike through the lush forest with Smithsonian guides. As always, the forest is full of surprises: monkeys, anteaters, slow-moving sloths, brilliantly colored birds. Reboard National Geographic Sea Lion to continue our crossing, possibly at night when the Canal is dramatically lit. (A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships.) (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Gulf of Panama Islets

Flexibility and adventure go hand in hand. Since we’re not tied to a minute-by-minute timetable, we take the day to leisurely explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied birdlife. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Isla Coiba National Park

Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike tropical, moist forest trails, swim and snorkel amid tropical fish. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, Naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquideas, a privately-owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Osa Peninsula & Corcovado N.P.

National Geographic Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or kayak. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Manuel Antonio National Park

The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so we are sure to get an early start. Monkeys or vividly colored birds can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a Naturalist to point out lethargic three-toed sloths. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where we’ll find a great spot for a final hike or swim. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Herradura/Disembark/Carara Biological Reserve/Mont

Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion in Herradura and take a 20-minute drive to the Carara Biological Reserve. View monkeys, iguanas, the endangered scarlet macaw and huge American crocodiles. A drive up the mountain takes us to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with lichen, moss and 300 species of orchid. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Monteverde Cloud Forest

Visit a butterfly garden of native species. Explore forest trails; search for the elusive resplendent quetzal. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Monteverde/Arenal

Experience the skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy — considered the last frontier of the tropical cloud forest. Take a leisurely 3 ½-hour drive to Arenal, past verdant Tilaran and around Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, adorned by the mighty Arenal Volcano. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Arenal Volcano

Explore rain-forest trails and take time this afternoon for volcano gazing. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Arenal/Sarapiquí

Cross the northern plains leading to the rich rain forests of Sarapiquí. Go whitewater rafting or river floating on the Sarapiquí River. After lunch check into Sueño Azul, a working hacienda and spa, where we spend the next two nights. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 — Sarapiquí

In the morning visit La Selva, a well-known site for research on tropical ecology. In the afternoon walk the hacienda’s grounds, swim in the pool or river, or sample spa treatments. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 — Sarapiqui/San Jose

After breakfast you’ll take the scenic route to the capital city, San Jose for visit of the city and the Gold Museum. Lunch at a restaurant in the exclusive Escazú area. This evening will be spent at the Doubletree Cariari Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 15 — San Jose/U.S.

This morning we drive to the airport for flights home. (B)

Dates & Rates

Map

Ships

National Geographic Sea Lion

National Geographic Sea Lion can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. View ship details...

Related Video