Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
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Overview
Highlights
- Drive to Colon to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of your Panama Canal transit
- Explore the turquoise waters via zodiac or kayak, where dolphins and whales have been spotted.
- Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical forest trails.
- The national park includes thousands upon thousands of acres, 80% of it ocean, making the area perfect for swimming and snorkeling amid tropical fish
- The bird watching is wonderful, so look for birds with names as colorful as their feathers: black-crowned tityra, fiery-billed aracari, chestnut-mandibled toucans and scarlet macaws.
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Trip includes
- Accommodations aboard Sea Lion
- Meals as indicated
- Non alcoholic beverages aboard ship
- Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees
- Services of expedition leaders, naturalist and expert guides
- Transfer from airport/ship if traveling on group flights
- Use of kayaks and snorkelling gear
- All port taxes and service charges during the voyage.
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Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: National Geographic Sea Lion
Depart U.S. late morning via American Airlines on a nonstop flight to Panama City, with a flying time of about three hours. On arrival, drive to Colon to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of your Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatun Lake for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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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 zodiac or kayak...
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Dates & Availability
Room Configuration
Sole occupancy cabins are available in categories 1 and 2. Shares can be arranged for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2 only. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with AdventureSmith Explorations.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
AdventureSmith Explorations Reviews & Ratings
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Air transportation
- Airport departure tax
- Extensions
- Horseback riding
- Passport/visa fees
- Insurance of any kind
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, emails, voyage DVD, etc;
- Gratuity to ship's crew and naturalist staff at your discretion.
Accommodation
Choose the National Geographic Sea Lion if you are an active and inquisitive traveler seeking immerse yourself in nature and wildlife. The experts and equipment on board provides the finest intellectual and educational experience of any small ship cruise. Don't expect five-star accommodations and amenities; there are other luxury ships if this is your priority. But if your priority is the best expedition experience possible, with the best guides in the industry, and you are willing to pay the premium of such an experience, the National Geographic Sea Lion and her sister ship Sea Bird are the right small ships for you. The Adventure Smith Explorations crew has personally sailed aboard National Geographic Sea Lion. After you review the ship description below and our National Geographic ship review above, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our travel experts.
62 guests Year Built: 1982 Renovated: 2014 Length: 164 feet Beam: 33 feet Draft: 6 feet Cruising Speed: 10 knots Flag: United States
Bridge Deck Upper Deck Category 1 Main Deck #300, 301, 302, 303. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature twin lower beds, and a large view window. Category 2 Upper Deck #200-212, 215; Bridge Deck #100-104, 108. These well-located cabins include twin lower beds and a large view window that open to the outside. Category 3 Upper Deck #214, 216-219; Bridge Deck #105, 106. These large cabins feature a seating arrangement with a table and two view windows. Certain cabins include twin lower beds. Cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 can be configured to accommodate three travelers.
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $550 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Departures are subject to the following per-person cancellation fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days - $350, in form of a Lindblad Travel Certificate
119-90 days - Advance payment cost
89-60 days - 25% of trip cost
59-45 days - 50% of trip cost
44-0 days - No refund
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
Travellers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.
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