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Watching gorgeous birds at Río Claro

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Paddling among extensive and secluded coastal mangroves

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Walking along a beach-side forest at Manuel Antonio

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Snorkelling among colourful reef fish while in Coiba National Park

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Transiting the 77-km long Panama Canal

Costa Rica & the Panama Canal Expedition Cruise

Apr 09-20, 2027

12 days | Costa Rica | Quest Nature Tours

The narrow link of land that connects North and South America is a treasured and unique part of the world from both the wildlife and geographic perspectives. This likewise unique expedition will allow you to discover some of the most interesting natural features that this region has to offer! After meeting in San José, Costa Rica, our voyage starts in earnest on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula along the Pacific Coast where we embark on the beautiful new M/V Sylvia Earle! We’ll then work our way south, visiting four different national parks or protected areas. Our small ship gives us fantastic access to the colourful bays and hidden coves of this lush tropical coastline. We can enjoy a variety of guided small-group excursions by Zodiac and on foot, hiking the trail networks of the parks, or strolling along the white sandy beaches. After several days of enjoying the Pacific and a stop in Panama City, we’ll transit through the Panama Canal; this is an unforgettable experience, especially aboard a wonderful smaller ship like the Sylvia Earle…it is an ideal vessel due to its large outdoor deck areas and panoramic viewing platforms!

Watch White-faced Capuchin monkeys cavorting high in the canopy and colourful toucans, trogons and motmots posing in the foliage. Stroll on long shorelines dotted with tiny coves and beautiful white sand beaches, nesting grounds for Leatherback, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley Turtles. See raucous Scarlet Macaws streaming overhead. Snorkel over expansive coral reefs, teeming with strikingly beautiful fish, and paddle through brilliant Pacific waters in sea kayaks. Join us to enjoy a true insider’s experience of Costa Rica and Panama!

Tour Cost (per person):

US$15,795 - 19,995 depending on cabin, incl. tax, gratuity

Group Size:

10 - 16 participants

What’s included: Airport transfers on tour start and end dates; double occupancy accommodation on board the M/V Sylvia Earle as indicated, including daily cabin service; one pre-expedition night in San José; meals as specified as well as snacks, tea, and coffee during the voyage; beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; aquatic activities (see below for descriptions; where conditions allow); educational lectures and guiding services from the vessel expedition team; services of vessel guides and your Quest leader (with a minimum of 10 participants); complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); all entrance fees to monuments, park fees, and local taxes; port surcharges, permits, and landing fees

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Arrive San José, Costa Rica
2	Embark the M/V Sylvia Earle
3	Nicoya Peninsula & Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica
4	Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
5	Río Claro Wildlife Refuge on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
6	Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
7-8	Coiba Island cluster, Panama
9	Islas las Perlas (Pearl Islands) & Isla del Rey, Panama
10	Panama City Region
11	Daylight Crossing of the Panama Canal
12	Disembark and depart Panama

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, the Sylvia Earle is able to cross oceans comfortably and efficiently. Paying tribute to marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, it accommodates a maximum of 130 expeditioners per voyage within 71 cozy, comfortable cabins, all of which have a view of the ocean; 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym, sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

Specifications:
Maximum guest capacity: 130 Passengers
Cabins: 71
Decks: 8
Zodiacs: 15
Year Built: 2022
Length: 104 metres
Cruising speed: 10 – 12 knots 

Your Tour Leader

Dylan White grew up in the city but fell in love with wild places and the creatures that inhabit them long before he could walk. It is this lifelong passion for experiencing, conserving and learning about nature has motivated his work. He is a professional ecologist with 10 years of experience on more than 175 diverse projects, and moonlights as a wilderness and wildlife guide.

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