At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Panama City, Panama Roundtrip
- From:
- $6,150
- Time of Year:
- January, March, November - December
Join this 8-day Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle voyage, Lindblad’s only Central American expedition devoted entirely to Panama, designed to immerse you in the country’s extraordinary wildlife, vibrant culture, and one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements.
Aboard the National Geographic Quest, experience the Panama Canal like few others—transiting its historic locks both by day and under the stars. Along the way, delve into Panama’s rich indigenous and colonial heritage, visiting local communities and exploring two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Venture deep into lush rainforests and protected parks alive with monkeys, iguanas, and a kaleidoscope of tropical birds. Glide through turquoise waters to snorkel over pristine coral reefs, where brilliant marine life flourishes in a world untouched by time.
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.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m.
Arrival City: Panama City, Panama
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: Punta Patiño Nature Reserve
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.
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. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a culturally-immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Departure Time: Depart anytime after 2:30 p.m.
Departure City: Panama City, Panama
Meals Included: Breakfast
