Join this 8-day voyage through the Panama Canal, a marvel of historical engineering, and gain special access to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in the Canal Zone. Discover pure wildness as you snorkel in an undersea paradise and spot monkeys and sloths in the rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama on this coastal expedition aboard the Sea Lion.
Highlights
Hike into remote wilderness: see monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds
Transit the Panama Canal—a historical marvel of engineering
Kayak cool azure waters where the rain forest meets the sea
Explore idyllic islands and snorkel over a vibrant coral reef
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to Colon to embark your home for the next week. Set sail for the first part of your Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night.
In the morning, board an expedition landing craft for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake. This island has been the primary Smithsonian Center for tropical rainforest study since 1923, and for this trip you have special permission to visit the facilities at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Meet some of the scientists and learn about their work before reboarding to continue your crossing. Often travelers have the opportunity to cross part of the Canal during the day, and another when it is dramatically lit at night.
This archipelago of islands due south of Panama City has a storied past — pearls, conquistadors, buccaneers, and so much more. Explore the turquoise waters via expedition landing craft or kayak, where you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans or brown boobies. Observe roosting and nesting magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies on an otherwise empty stretch of white sand.
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish. The ship's staff assists both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, naturalists take underwater footage, which animates your evening gathering in the lounge.
Today make your first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids, and look for tanagers, parrots, and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, expedition landing craft cruises, or swimming.
The Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Your exact landing spot for the day depends on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride, or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rainforest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider, and squirrel!
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so be sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where you can find a great spot for a final hike or swim.
Day 8: Disembark in Herradura | Transfer to San Jose
1 Breakfast
Disembark your ship this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Select a Date
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Select a Date
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds.
Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person.
All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended. Click here for information about rubber boots rental.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 147 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 147 reviews on
1 day ago
A wonderful 9 day tour of beautiful Costa Rica taking in breath taking scenery including the active Arenal Volcano to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Adventure Life made a fantastic itinerary for us(we were a group of 4) Would highly reccomend them for getting it right!
Lovely hotels with breakfast included, bespoke trips in mostly private transfers, zip-lining and white water rafting adventures! This really was an amazing trip & one we will cherish forever!
Dawn Howes
1 day ago
Mary Curry is very responsive to my emails and sends me the information I request very quickly.
Donna Benson
1 day ago
We book a tour to Peru with them in May. Viewing from their website we didn’t realize that they are private tour company but after quoting the price, it seems reasonable for a private tour, let’s see how’s their service after our tour. The process of booking went smoothly except the payment part which need a bit of work. Need to improve better payment method and options.
LP
2 days ago
We have used Adventure Life Travel before and we where impressed with the outcome of their handling of our travel arrangements. So we are using them again on this vacation. Tilly has been very helpful and we put our complete confidence in her! We feel very comfortable using Adventure Life.
Jerry Hatley
2 days ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!