National Geographic Quest
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
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7 Night Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle Cruise from Colon

Ship: National Geographic Quest
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 from Colon, Panama
Ended: Sunday, Dec 14, 2025
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 departure of the National Geographic Quest. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Itinerary Map
7 Night Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle Cruise from Colon
Day 1 - Sunday - Dec 7, 2025
Colon, Panama
Colon, Panama
Arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama, this afternoon and transfer to Colon to embark the National Geographic Quest this evening. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. You may opt for a culturally-immersive pre-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2 - Monday - Dec 8, 2025
Portobelo, Panama
Portobelo, Panama
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
This morning, explore the area on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Zodiac cruises upriver, or go for a snorkel. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit several of the fortifications as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo's rich pirate history. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, you'll most likely begin your crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.
Day 3 - Tuesday - Dec 9, 2025
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island, or take a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Gulf of Panama.
Day 4 - Wednesday - Dec 10, 2025
Punta Patino, Panama
Punta Patino, Panama
This morning, arrive along the coast of the Darien Province. Punta Patino Nature Reserve is Panama's largest private nature reserve and boasts a rich tapestry of habitats that foster biodiversity. Today you will reach the local beaches by Zodiac. Overhead, search for a variety of birds including mangrove hawks, laughing falcons, and roseate spoonbills, or, by land, look for crab-eating raccoons and crocodiles. Additional opportunities may be available to walk the beach, kayak in the shallow bay, or continue to explore by Zodiac.
Day 5 - Thursday - Dec 11, 2025
Playa Muerto, Panama, Panama
Playa Muerto, Panama, Panama
Playa Muerto village is located in Darien National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains an exceptional array of habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. It is also home to the indigenous Embera and Wounaan tribes. You'll be greeted by village leaders from the Embera who will share their customs, traditions, and stories about their deep respect for their natural surroundings. Later on, enjoy short nature walks, go birding or choose to join a longer hike into the rainforest in search of the elusive harpy eagle, one of the world's most powerful eagles.
Day 6 - Friday - Dec 12, 2025
Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches, and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities, and snorkeling.
Day 7 - Saturday - Dec 13, 2025
Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
Day 8 - Sunday - Dec 14, 2025
Balboa, Panama
Balboa, Panama
Disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about enjoying a culturally-immersive post-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Sail Dates and Itineraries on National Geographic Quest

Sail Date Itinerary Name Inside
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Outside
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Balcony
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Suite
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Details
Dec 14, 2025(Sunday) 7 Night Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle
Departing from Panama City, Panama
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    Dec 21, 2025(Sunday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
    Departing from Colon, Panama
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    $8,174per personCall
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    $11,377per personView
    Dec 28, 2025(Sunday) 5 Night Exploring Costa Rica Guanacaste Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja
    Departing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
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    Jan 2, 2026(Friday) 7 Night Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
    Departing from San Jose, Costa Rica
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    $5,971per personCall
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    $9,036per personView
    Jan 9, 2026(Friday) 7 Night Panama Canal Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle
    Departing from Panama City, Panama
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  • Suite Exclusives Package
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    $7,689per personCall
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    $11,445per personView
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