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From San Jose to Panama City

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Dates:

27 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

Duration:

7 Nights

Journey type:

Cruise only (please call for flight options)

No. of ports:

Ship:

National Geographic Quest

Cruise Line:

National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

Fares:

From £7,673 pp

From San Jose to Panama City

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Dates:

27 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

Duration:

7 Nights

Journey type:

Cruise only (please call for flight options)

No. of ports:

Ship:

National Geographic Quest

Cruise Line:

National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

Fares:

From £7,673 pp

Voyage Itinerary

27 December

Setting sail from San Jose

Colonial buildings in San José, Costa Rica

27 December

Costa Rica: Puerto Caldera

Puerto Caldera is a major port on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, about an hour and a half from the capital, San José. Nearby attractions include the beach town of Puntarenas, the fantastic wildlife of the Carara Biological Reserve and Tortuga Island, a beautiful spot for snorkelling.

28 December

Costa Rica: Osa Conservation Area

29 December

Costa Rica: Golfo Dulce

Seldom visited by tourists, the lush and humid Golfo Dulce is home to Piedras Blanca National Park, an area of pristine rainforest teeming with wildlife. Amongst the mangroves that line the coast lurk crocodiles and river otters, while the canopy above is home to nimble monkeys and colourful toucans.

30 December - At sea

31 December

Panama: Isla de Coiba

Isla de Coiba is a former penal colony and was off-limits for many years, so around 80% of the island is still pristine rainforest. Turtles nest on the white sand beaches between April and October, and the densely forested interior is home to an incredible array of wildlife.

1 January - At sea

2 January

Panama: Gatun Lake

The vast man-made Gatun Lake forms part of the Panama Canal, and acts as a reservoir for the canal’s system of locks. The lake is surrounded by pristine rainforest, and its largest island, Barro Colorado, is used by the Smithsonian Institution for scientific research into the flora and fauna of the tropics.

Capuchin monkeys, Gatun Lakes, Panama Canal

3 January

Panama: Colón

Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón is not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.

3 January

Arriving in Panama City

The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.

The ship

National Geographic Quest

Capacity:: 100 Guests
Crew:: 52 Staff
Style:: Expedition cruising at its best, so expect relaxed informalevenings after adventurous days!

National Geographic Quest and Venture are intimate in scale and far-reaching in ambition, accommodating just 100 guests and designed to explore Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and Central America.

What we love

National Geographic Quest and Venture have been designed based on feedback from Lindblad's loyal guests, with features including six sets of interconnecting cabins, making this a great ship for families and groups. You can expect the usual host of 'Tools for Exploration', including a glass-bottom boat, remotely-operated vehicle with underwater camera, kayaks and zodiacs, plus scuba diving equipment on selected voyages.

Learn more about National Geographic Quest

inclusions

All meals on board
Beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks
All park fees and permits
Activities and excursions
Basic Wi-Fi package

Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.

Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?

You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

How much time is spent ashore?

Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.

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Why Mundy?

Who we are

Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.

We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.

More about Mundy

We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.