Linblad Expeditions

Monteverde + Costa Rica and Panama

This expedition offers an amazing variety of experiences, including an in-depth transit of the Panama Canal, an exploration of the tropical rain forests and wildlife of coastal Corsta Rica, and time on land in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Explore the area by small ship cruising aboard the versatile Sea Voyager, go kayaking, or use Zodiac landing craft, and snorkeling gear. Join rainforest hikes amid monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Naturalists accompany every activity and our Undersea Specialist uses state-of-the-art equipment to open up the vibrant undersea world.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 & 3 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
A scenic drive , approximately five hours over some bumpy roads for the last half, up the mountain takes us to monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies, insects and birds and watch for the rare resplendent quetzal. We ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird's-eye view of the rain forest canopy.

Later, we'll learn about life in the early Monteverde community, which was established by the Quakers in the 1970s. Eleven gfamilies left Alabama and came to Costa Rica in search of peaceful living. Among the original homesteaders is marvin Rockwell who documented th emigration. he will give us a talk ont he trials and triumphs of rural life in the tropics. We spend the night at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Day 4 - Monteverde/Herradura/Embark Sea Voyager
Continue our exploration of Monteverde and travel to Herradura to embark the ship.

Day 5 - Manuel Antonio National Park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so we are 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, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where we’ll find a great spot for a final hike or swim.

Day 6 - Osa Peninsula
The Sea Voyager 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 on the beach or kayak. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!

Day 7 - Gulfo Dulce
Today we visit Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids, look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming.

Day 8 - Isla Coiba, Panama
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. 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 9 - Gulf of Panama islets/Gatun Lake
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied birdlife. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame.

Day 10 - Panama Canal Transit
After breakfast, board Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake Gatun. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special arrangement, guides from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute accompany us through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard the Sea Voyager to continue our crossing. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships. The Canal, however, is dramatically lit at night.

Day 11 - Colon/Disembark/Panama City/Home

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$467 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$604 per person per night