The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle

Arrive in Panama City in the afternoon and transfer to Colón to board the National Geographic Quest in the evening. Meet the expedition team and experience a traditional Congo music and dance performance. You can also choose a pre-voyage extension to explore Panama City and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Lorenzo.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m. 

Explore Portobelo using kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises, or go snorkeling. Visit the Spanish colonial forts and the historic Customs House, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the town’s pirate history. Later, sail toward the Panama Canal, likely beginning the nighttime transit when the canal is illuminated. Anchor overnight in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument by special arrangement.

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 Embera and Wounaan tribes. You’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Embera 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, explore the historically important town of Portobelo, located on the northern coast of the isthmus of Panama. 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. During your visit, enjoy a Congo dance presentation, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Afro-Panamanian community, holding great historical significance.

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.

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.