The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle
Travel round-trip from Panama City aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest for a Panama-focused small ship exploration. Spend 2 days transiting the canal, plus soak in indigenous and colonial history, local communities and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with daily off-ship activities above and below the water.
Embark on a Central American expedition that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with the region’s wildlife, culture and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal, spending time there during both the day and by night.
Learn about the country’s indigenous and colonial history while visiting local communities and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and more as you venture into lush rainforests, a wildlife refuge and an important national park. In the surrounding turquoise waters, snorkel pristine coral reefs which shelter an array of colorful marine life.
The highlights are many on this Panama expedition. Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island. Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore. Meet the indigenous Emberá people of Darién in Playa Muerto Village and learn about their customs, traditions, and deep reverence for their natural surroundings. Sea kayak, hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and an enduring connection to the pearl trade.
Travel aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Quest. This purpose-built small expedition ship is ideal for exploring Panama’s colorful coastline. Appreciate the onboard expedition technology, including a hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera and video microscope.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Panama small ship cruises and Panama vacations.
Northbound The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle Itinerary
The northbound itinerary begins by exploring the Pacific side of the canal first, and ends by disembarking at Colón with an overland transfer back to Panama City.
Arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama this afternoon and transfer to Port Balboa to embark the National Geographic Quest this evening. You may opt for a culturally immersive pre-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Later on, you’ll enter the Panama Canal at the Gatun Locks.
This morning, arrive along the coast of the Darién Province. Punta Patiño Nature Reserve is Panama’s largest private nature reserve and boasts a rich tapestry of habitats that foster biodiversity.
Today you will reach the local beaches by Zodiac. Overhead, search for a variety of birds including mangrove hawks, laughing falcons and roseate spoonbills, or, by land, look for crab-eating raccoons and crocodiles. Additional opportunities may be available to walk the beach, kayak in the shallow bay or continue to explore by Zodiac.
Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes.
You’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, which is one of the world’s most powerful eagles.
Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade.
Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities and snorkeling.
Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, you’ll most likely begin your crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.
Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal.
This morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver or go for a snorkel. In the early afternoon, you’ll be greeted in town by Congo music and a traditional dance performance.
Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which collectively is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history. During your visit, enjoy a Congo dance presentation, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Afro-Panamanian community, holding great historical significance.
The ship will remain anchored into the evening, allowing you to enjoy the sunset in the bay of Portobelo as you recap the highlights of your expedition.
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. Ask your Adventure Specialist about enjoying a culturally immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff, expert guides and a ship’s doctor; park fees; use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The northbound Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle cruise begins and ends in Panama City, Panama (PTY). Plan flights to arrive to Panama City by 12:00pm Noon on Day 1 of the itinerary; an overland transfer follows, to embark the ship in Balboa. Disembarkation in Colón is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary, followed by an overland transfer to the Panama City airport; plan flights to depart Panama City no earlier than 2:30pm on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, land treks and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Southbound The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle Itinerary
The southbound itinerary begins with an overland transfer to embark the ship in Colón, exploring the Caribbean side of the canal first, and ends by disembarking back in Panama City.
Arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama this afternoon and transfer to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest this evening. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. You may opt for a culturally immersive pre-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
This morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver, or go for a snorkel. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s rich pirate history.
Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, you’ll most likely begin your crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.
Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Gulf of Panama.
Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade.
Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities and snorkeling.
Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Emberá and Wounaan tribes.
You’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá who will share their customs, traditions and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful eagles.
This morning, arrive along the coast of the Darién Province. Punta Patiño Nature Reserve is Panama’s largest private nature reserve and boasts a rich tapestry of habitats that foster biodiversity. Today you will reach the local beaches by Zodiac. Overhead, search for a variety of birds including mangrove hawks, laughing falcons and roseate spoonbills, or, by land, look for crab-eating raccoons and crocodiles. Additional opportunities may be available to walk the beach, kayak in the shallow bay or continue to explore by Zodiac.
Disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home. Ask your Adventure Specialist about enjoying a culturally immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff, expert guides and a ship’s doctor; park fees; use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The southbound Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle cruise begins and ends in Panama City, Panama (PTY). Plan flights to arrive to Panama City by 12:00pm Noon on Day 1 of the itinerary; an overland transfer follows, to embark the ship in Colón. Disembarkation in Balboa is after breakfast on the final day of the outlined itinerary, followed by an overland transfer to the Panama City airport; plan flights to depart Panama City no earlier than 2:30pm on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, land treks and wildlife observation.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts. There is no special kids programming on this itinerary.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art, expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing. Spacious cabins, open decks and specialty exploration tools make her the ideal small ship for sailing in the waters of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, California, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama.
Built in 2017 and designed with 50 years of expedition experience in mind, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allows guests to get on and off the ship quickly to maximize on wildlife sightings. Created with a shallow draft, the Nat Geo Quest draws only nine feet of water, allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. She joins her identical sister ship, the National Geographic Venture, in being among the most luxurious expedition ships to explore waterways worldwide.
Why Sail Aboard National Geographic Quest
Choose the National Geographic Quest to be immersed in nature and wildlife aboard one of the most purpose-built expedition ships in the world. Know you're traveling aboard an environmentally friendly ship, plus enjoy unique added features like better views from the bridge and windows made of premium glass with a straight tint to offer the clearest, most natural view possible. Plus, the experts and equipment on board provide the finest intellectual and educational experience of any small ship cruise. Find this ship among our vetted selection of luxury Alaska cruises, and trust her level of service extends to all her sailings worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the National Geographic Quest firsthand and can help you compare this expedition vessel to others offering Alaska small ship cruises, Costa Rica cruises, Panama small ship cruises, Pacific Northwest cruises, U.S. cruises, Canada small ship cruises and more. Read our dedicated National Geographic Quest Reviews written by two of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Nat Geo Quest, including the deck plan and a photo gallery of every cabin. Let us be your resource for finding small cruise ships worldwide.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard National Geographic Quest
The Nat Geo Quest features a specially designed open bow and an observation deck for gathering to watch for wildlife or enjoying an evening cocktail. The open bridge on this ship is unique because it features comfortable spaces for guests to sit and enjoy a better vantage point than most bridges offer. Join the captain and officers while scanning the horizon with onboard binoculars or simply chat about sailing while sipping morning coffee.
The lounge has wraparound windows for an optimal view and features multiple high-definition screens for presentations. There is a small reference library with boardgames and cards. The sundeck has tables, chairs and lounge chairs. To ease the organization of embarkation and disembarkation for daily activities, there is a mud room with lockers to conveniently store boots and other gear. An elevator accesses all decks, and public restrooms are available on every deck. There is also a global market stocked with local artisan products. Special features aboard the National Geographic Quest include internet access and laundry service. A ship's doctor and video chronicler are also on board.
Nat Geo Quest offers internet access (one device at a time) via three tiers: time-limited complimentary "basic" internet, for app messaging, email and simple social media; time-limited "enhanced" internet, adding general web browsing and video conferencing capabilities; and "premium" internet, for unlimited access to all features under the "enhanced" plan. WiFi is satellite based and may not always be accessible in poor weather or extremely remote areas.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Quest
Meals are served in single seatings in the dining room with an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served outside on the observation deck. During meals the expedition leader, naturalists and any guest speakers aboard will dine alongside guests. Food served aboard is fresh, local and sustainably sourced whenever possible. A variety of beverages are available for purchase including specialty wine by the bottle, cocktails and spirits. Next to the full-service bar is a 24-hour self-service beverage station with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water, ice and snacks.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Quest
The National Geographic Quest carries expedition equipment including 8 landing crafts, 24 kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a remotely operated vehicle, snorkeling gear and wetsuits, underwater video camera, video microscope and electronic charts. The 8 landing crafts were custom built by Zodiac Milpro and are the first and only Mark V Zodiacs constructed entirely in the USA. These boats are superior, military-grade construction, but customized with features like extra holds for passenger stability and topside treads to improve footing for stepping on and off. Guests will embark and disembark via custom-designed ladders to improve safety and ease of movement.
Also aboard the Nat Geo Quest is a wellness specialist, offering treatments in the LEXspa and leading morning stretches on the deck. There is also a unique floating massage platform for use in calm waters. The gym features an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycle, handweights, machine weights and resistance bands.
Sustainability Aboard National Geographic Quest
The internal systems aboard the National Geographic Quest were built with the best available in the market. Advanced waste management and treatment systems exceed international standards. To lessen the need for fuel, she features a streamlined hull design and bulbous bow. Everything from the propellers to the engines have been specifically chosen to minimize vibration and improve fuel efficiency. Working in concert, these systems enable the vessel to use less fuel than many ships far smaller.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Quest
National Geographic Quest comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 outside-facing cabins. 22 of the cabins feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. 12 cabins connect via internal doorway access allowing families to combine their rooms. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, WiFi access and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Every cabin has standard outlets and USB outlets for charging your camera gear or electronics, space for luggage storage and an Expedition Essentials Kit.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the National Geographic Quest is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing.
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