2016 COSTA RICA AND PANAMA CANAL
Inspiring, fun & insightful Joining an expedition to Costa Rica
and the Panama Canal is a singular experience of diverse
nature and jungle wildlife coupled with an in-depth crossing of
the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. A knowledgeable,
engaging staff caters to your daily interests and provides insight,
all while traveling in comfort. Escape into wildness The perfect
winter escape. Dense, lush rain forest. Pristine deserted
beaches. Monkeys galore. Coatimundis and dozing sloths, plus
toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Walk deep into the rain
forest; the only sounds are the birds and monkeys in the trees
and your own footfalls. And slowly, everyday life dissipates as
revitalization takes over. Each day reveals distinct facets of the
region: forest trails for hiking, a cool swim in a waterfall pool, or
a coral reef to snorkel. Opportunities abound to see creatures in
their natural environs—both on land and in the sea. Exhilarating
adventures daily You’ll walk the rain forest, kayak through
mangroves, search for wildlife by expedition landing craft, and
transit the Panama Canal—a modern wonder of the world.
Snorkel at Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some
of the best reefs in the Eastern Pacific. Our expert naturalists
and photo instructors are with you every step of the way, always
giving you choices and expanding your knowledge. And aboard,
you can always savor panoramic views from the National
Geographic Sea Lion. Travel with an exceptional team Explore
with the largest, most knowledgeable expedition team in the
region. With one naturalist for every 12 guests, you’re ensured
more access and varied points of view. With no assigned
groups, you are free to experience the different personalities
and specialties of our staff. They
know these trails and coastlines well, adding insight, depth, and
clarity to each landing. Our naturalists are adept at spotting
wildlife and our photo instructors will help you with camera
settings in the rain forest and aboard ship. Their enthusiasm for
the region and its biodiversity is contagious.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Panama City, Panama / Colón/ Embark Ship
On arrival in Panama, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Sea Lion
and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún
Lake for the night. (D)
DAY 2: Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Board an expedition landing craft this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature
Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at
the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since
1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be
found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National
Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and
wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so
challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the
complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D)
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
DAY 3: Gulf of Panama Islets
Please Note:
Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the
Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here,
we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants,
and brown boobies. (B,L,D)
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit,
conditions permitting.
DAY 4: Isla Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may
hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming,
snorkeling amid tropical fish and stand up paddle boarding. Our staff will
assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier
clime, our 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 Orquídeas, a privately
owned garden accessible only by boat and a unique opportunity to see a
profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later,
explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, stand up paddle
boarding expedition landing craft cruises and swimming. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Osa Peninsula
The 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 try horseback riding or swim in
waterfall pools after a hike. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see
four species of monkey in one day: howler, spider, capuchin 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. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it
often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out monkeys or vividly
colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, 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/San José
Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive
to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. (B)
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
YOUR SHIP: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEABIRD & SEALION
National Geographic SeaBird &
YOUR SHIP:
SeaLion
VESSEL TYPE:
Comfortable Expedition
LENGTH:
52 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
62 (in twin cabins)
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
1982 / Refurbished 2015
Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea
Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their
small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests.
The feeling, 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.
Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin
62-guest ships, _National Geographic Sea Lion_ and _National
Geographic Sea Bird_. The extensive renovation to guest cabins,
the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has
transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition
hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from
the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new
carpets throughout the ships.
\- The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and
reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with
additional
seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables
and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and
LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food &
beverage area, library, and Global Market.
\- The dining room's upgrade features all new tables, chairs,
ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has
been replaced and features a display showcasing selections
from the regions explored.
\- Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings
have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux
leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new
windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a
dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms
now feature new shower doors and all new hardware.
\- Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor
awning.
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
INSIDE YOUR SHIP
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
PRICING
Optional extras & upgrades
Panama City Pre or Post Voyage Extension
Extend your stay in Panama City and take advantage of two brand new and
groundbreaking sites. Experience the newly completed Observation Center at
the Panama Canal’s new and expanded third lock, which will be in prime
construction phase and flooded to begin operations a year later. Visit the
not-yet-opened Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo (Museum of Biodiversity),
tour the Miraflores Locks and lunch overlooking the canal. Enjoy dinner
downtown complete with a traditional dance performance.
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com