Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
Transit the Panama Canal, and witness a remarkable achievement of human engineering. The Canal is also home to 48 miles of incredible wildness. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park and Barro Colorado Nature Monument. Hike to waterfalls, take a rain forest walk, explore mangroves by Zodiac or make landfall on pristine beaches. Search for monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, butterflies and hummingbirds. Active options for kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkeling are available.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in San José, transfer by land to Herradura and embark National Geographic Quest. (D)
Spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where thick forests fringe white-sand beaches. Watch for three-toed sloths lazing among the branches, and spot monkeys and vividly colored birds. This afternoon follow the Pacific coastline south and stop for a refreshing swim or a hike. (B,L,D)
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, enjoy optional horseback riding on the coast, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel. (B,L,D)
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids, closed to the general public and reached by boat only. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac rides, and swimming. (B,L,D)
The first stop in Panama this morning is at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the Canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (B,L,D)
Board Zodiacs to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute here since 1923, studying its 120 mammals and diverse tree species. It is also the site of a National Geographic–supported project that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home or join an optional post-tour extension. (B)
Explore Costa Rica’s spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest. 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. Learn about life in the early Monteverde community from one of the original Quaker homesteaders. One night in San Jose, Costa Rica, followed by two nights at in a charming, family-owned lodge prior to embarking the ship.
A one night/two day extension offers a chance to explore two new sites. Venture to the Agua Clara Visitor Center at the Panama Canal's new, larger Pacific lock to see the intricacies of its workings up close. Plus, visit the Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo (Museum of Biodiversity), the architect's only work in Latin America, and through eight galleries discover how this land bridge dividing oceans has changed over three million years. Stay at Panama City Marriott Hotel.
Cost and Details
Cabin Categories
1 - $5,990 Main Deck. Two lower single beds, that convert to a queen, two portholes, writing desk.
2 - $6,590 Main Deck. Two lower single beds, that convert to a queen, two portholes, writing desk.
3 - $6,990 Upper Deck. Two lower single beds, that convert to a queen, two large view windows, writing desk.
4 - $7,790 Upper Deck. Two lower single beds, that convert to a queen, writing desk, sliding glass door, and small private balcony.
5 SUITE- $8,690 Observation Deck. Two lower single beds, that convert to a queen, two large windows, expanded bathroom, writing desk, convertible sofa bed.
Single occupancy cabins are available in category 1 at $8,990 and in category 2 at $9,890.
Included
All accommodations aboard ship; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; shore excursions,sightseeing, and entrance fees; use of kayaks and paddleboards; special access permit; transfers to and from group flights; tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes, and service charges, and services of a ship physician and the expedition staff.
Not Included
Air transportation (unless otherwise indicated); extensions (unless otherwise indicated); horseback riding; passport, visa, immigration fees; meals not indicated; travel protection plan; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, voyage DVD, laundry.
Terms and Conditions
Reservations
To confirm your place, an advance payment of $750 per person is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check.
Final Payment
Due no later than 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
Number of Days Pre-trip Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days $350
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
We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Responsibility
The Commonwealth Club of California and our tour operators and suppliers act only as agents for the travelers with respect to transportation and arrangements, and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The Commonwealth Club of California accepts no liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Company’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospective guests upon request. Prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and are subject to change.
