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 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
| Dates | Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, December 7, 2025 | $7,389 | $8,033 | $8,669 | $9,758 | $10,776 |
| Sunday, December 14, 2025 | $7,389 | $8,033 | $8,669 | $9,758 | $10,776 |
| Friday, January 9, 2026 | $7,689 | $8,525 | $9,203 | $10,360 | $11,445 |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | $7,689 | $8,525 | $9,203 | $10,360 | $11,445 |
| Sunday, December 6, 2026 | $7,532 | $8,189 | $8,839 | $9,946 | $10,988 |
| Sunday, December 13, 2026 | $7,532 | $8,189 | $8,839 | $9,946 | $10,988 |
| Friday, January 29, 2027 | $7,761 | $8,610 | $9,296 | $10,460 | $11,559 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices subject to change.
Included
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
- Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
- Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, Delfin II, and The Jahan (connectivity permitting).
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
- Complimentary National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
- Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor (all ships)
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet)
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Not Included
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Delfina, and Delfin II
National Geographic Quest
The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest is the perfect ship to explore the same remote locations Lindblad Expeditions has sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.
