Explore Central America
Take a peek at the possibilities waiting for you in Central America.
Sail into the wild heart of this captivating region
How it works: Review the cruise options, open any sailing and continue through the pricing steps to see the current fare, then come back and contact Allison to book.
A curated collection of videos connected to this journey.
Take a peek at the possibilities waiting for you in Central America.
Venture to Central America, a land carved with rivers, spiked with peaks and draped in a thousand shades of green. In this gorgeous region where tropical wilderness reigns, discover staggering biodiversity amid rainforests, rivers and oceans guided by your veteran expedition team. Hike through Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park, snorkel among vibrant sea life in Colombia’s crystalline waters or Zodiac cruise to the remote communities of Panama’s Guna Yala archipelago. You’ll travel between each fascinating place aboard the nimble National Geographic Quest or Greg Mortimer, ships designed to take you deep into the wild heart of the Americas.
I love how National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions consistently delivers immersive, expert-led experiences aboard their small ships—voyages that are ideal for all types of explorers, from families and couples to independent travelers. Take a look at these itineraries and let me know if you'd like to explore more possibilities!
“The Panama Canal, which effectively connects more than 144 shipping routes, 1,700 ports and 160 countries, is much more than its transit locks. It is miles of wild landscape, rich with intrigue and an astonishing diversity of wildlife.”
-Sven Lindblad
• Explore by Zodiac, kayak and snorkel, accessing secluded beaches, mangrove forests and remote coastlines inaccessible to larger ships.
• Encounter extraordinary wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans and tropical marine life.
• Travel with expert naturalists, gaining deeper insight into the region's ecosystems, wildlife and conservation efforts.
• Visit remote islands and beaches, with opportunities to swim, snorkel and explore inland.
• Transit the Panama Canal, one of the world's greatest engineering marvels.
• Discover Costa Rica and Panama's lush rainforests, home to exceptional biodiversity and protected national parks.
Purpose-built for the hidden coves and jungle rivers of Central America
Modern and clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables you to experience the best of her geographies.
Twin boarding platforms enable the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team to load two Zodiacs at once, so guests can get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and other opportunities in nature.
An innovative expedition vessel
This cutting-edge expedition vessel is purpose-built to explore Alaska’s glacial waters. The ship's signature inverted X-Bow™ delivers exceptional stability in dynamic seas, while its intimate 154-guest capacity fosters a personal onboard experience.
From hydraulic viewing platforms that extend over the water for extraordinary wildlife encounters, to rapid-deploy Zodiac platforms that offer swift access to nature—every detail is designed to deepen your connection to Central America's untamed landscapes.
Embark on the only National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with its wildlife, culture and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the National Geographic Quest
Sailing the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience that places you at the heart of one of history’s greatest engineering triumphs. Aboard the National Geographic Quest
Experience a wide breadth of Central American wonders on this dynamic voyage that pairs an inland exploration of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano with a maritime adventure through the Panama Canal to Portobelo and the Pearl Islands. Zipline through tropical rainforests, search for a panoply of wildlife on hikes and Zodiac cruises, and snorkel crystalline waters fringed by golden beaches.
Trace the sweeping Pacific arc of Panama and Costa Rica on one of the most comprehensive expeditions in the region, where rainforest-clad shores, coral reefs and storied coastal communities reveal a richly layered corner of the globe. From Coiba’s shimmering coral kingdoms to the Emberá villages of Darién and the wild rainforests of Corcovado and Guanacaste, experience the interplay of culture and nature at peak dry season, when wildlife gathers and conditions are ideal for exploration. From aboard the next-generation expedition ship Greg Mortimer
From picture-perfect beaches to hidden jungle waterfalls, enjoy the diversity of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, one of the oldest and largest UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over millennia, eruptions from the Arenal Volcano have created hyper-rich soil that nurtures a unique tropical dry forest. More than 30 rivers wind their way through this swath of green, pumping nutrients into the surrounding waters, which in turn nourish healthy, vibrant coral reefs. You'll explore this remarkable ecosystem from every angle: by snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, zip line, Zodiac and more.
Open a sailing and continue through the pricing steps to see the current fare. When you find the right option, come back and contact Allison to book it.
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