At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Panama City, Panama Roundtrip
- From:
- $7,389
- Time of Year:
- January, December
On this 8-day The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle cruise itinerary, embark on our only 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 National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal by 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 Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle Highlights
- 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.
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darién Jungle Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark Ship
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.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Portobelo / Panama Canal Transit
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge / Pedasí
This morning, arrive at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Once a US Army bombing range, this protected area is home to black and green iguanas, sea turtles and several species of birds and tropical fish. There is time to enjoy the beach and snorkel. In the afternoon, visit the mainland for a Spanish heritage cultural experience in the town of Pedasí on the scenic Azuero Peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Playa Muerto, Darién National Park
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7: Pearl Islands
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Balboa / Disembark Ship / Panama City, Panama
Disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
