Compare Costa Rica and the Panama Canal by Lindblad Expeditions vs Costa Rica & Panama in 12 days - Arenal, Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colón/Embark Ship

Meals: Dinner

Depart U.S. late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City. On arrival, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún Lake for the night.

Day 2: Barro Colorado Nature Monument/ Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Board an expedition landing craft this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.

Day 3: Gulf Of Panama Islets

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies.

Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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, snorkeling amid tropical fish and stand up paddle boarding. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.

Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we make our 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, stand up paddle boarding, expedition landing craft cruises and swimming.

Day 6: Osa Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The National Geographic Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!

Day 7: Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset.

Day 8: Herradura/Disembark/San José/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The U.S. bound flight departs in late morning, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 1: US - San José

Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, get out and explore the vibrant neighbourhoods and colonial architecture of this charming, historic city. Overnight stay in San José. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: San José - Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica's interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.

Day 3: Arenal

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a day at your leisure to relax or explore. We recommend an optional excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall or, alternatively, explore the hanging-bridges of Arenal's cloud forest.* Whatever you choose to do, the beauty of the natural surroundings is sure to make for a memorable day! Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion: Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest. *Optional Excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall: Explore the delights of the exotic rainforest as you take a guided hike to the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall. The well-kept walkways make this an accessible nature walk for most people, who will be rewarded with excellent views of the waterfall and the chance to take a dip in its crystalline waters.

Day 4: Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend an optional horseback ride excursion to explore the region in the traditional way.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of nature and the sounds, color and energy of the rainforest. Ascend to a viewpoint where you will have an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Lunch included.

Day 5: Arenal - Puerto Viejo

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a laid-back morning at your leisure to relax or explore the local area. In the afternoon, set off towards the Atlantic Coast and to Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. Know for its laid-back atmosphere, nightlife and great food and drinks scene, a stay in sunny Puerto Viejo is the perfect antidote to our busy lives. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.

Day 6: Puerto Viejo - Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to the Cahuita National Park for an unforgettable nature hike where you can observe the local wildlife ranging from snakes to monkeys, racoons, butterflies and anteaters. Explore the 3.5 kilometres of natural trails between Punta Cahuita and Cahuita town with an expert guide, learning lots about the local animal and plant life along the way. Enjoy a traditional tropical fruit-based snack before returning to Puerto Viejo. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.

Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Bocas del Toro

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning to catch a shared transfer to the Sixaolo border between Panama and Costa Rica and across to the idyllic paradise of Bocas del Toro, taking the boat from Almirante to Isla Colon and continuing by road to your hotel. This gorgeous island chain, which stretches out into the Caribbean Sea, is a tropical wonderland of turquoise waters, lush rainforests and sandy atolls. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your own pace. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.

Day 8: Bocas del Toro - Cayo Coral - Cayo Zapatilla - Bocas del Toro

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day by walking to the pier where the adventure begins as you set off on a boat tour to observe the dolphin pods that inhabit the waters around Bahia Honda. Continue to Cayo Coral where you'll have the chance the snorkel in the warm waters to explore the colorful underwater world and 'coral gardens'. Discover the gorgeous beaches of Cayo Zapatilla and stop at Sloth Island, where you can observe these notoriously lazy animals in their natural habitat. As the day draws to a close, return to Bocas del Toro and your hotel. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro. Please note: The order of the tour may differ depending on the weather. Snorkelling equipment included. The total duration of the tour will be between approximately 6 and 7 hours.

Day 9: Bocas del Toro

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Bocas del Toro. This is the perfect opportunity to kick-back on the beach and enjoy the tropical climate at your own pace. Tuck into the Caribbean cuisine that this region is famed for and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.

Day 10: Bocas del Toro - Puerto Viejo

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to return to Costa Rica this morning as you take a shared boat transfer back to Almirante and a shared road transfer to Puerto Viejo, crossing the border at Sixaola. Get settled at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure, taking in the beautiful sea views. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.

Day 11: Puerto Viejo - San José

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a shared transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy an optional VIP City Bus Tour for a good overview of the city sights and a memorable end to your Costa Rican adventure.* Overnight stay in San José. * Optional San José VIP City Tour Bus: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included.

Day 12: San José

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 13 days.