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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures

From AUD $10,556

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Description

Embark on our only Central American expedition that travels solely through Panama, connecting you more deeply with the region’s wildlife, culture, and famed modern engineering marvel. Aboard the National Geographic Quest, transit the historic Panama Canal by day and by night. Learn about the country’s indigenous and colonial history while visiting local communities and two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Encounter monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and more as you venture into lush rainforests, a wildlife refuge, and an important national park. In the surrounding turquoise waters, snorkel pristine coral reefs which shelter an array of colorful marine life. 

Trip Name
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands, and Darién Jungle: Tropical Wonders and Vibrant Cultures
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark Ship
Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer by land to Colón and embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Marvel at the coastline ahead as we sail to the historic port of Portobelo.Arrival Time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m. Arrival City: Panama City, Panama Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Portobelo / Panama Canal Transit
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, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAY 3 Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit
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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 4 Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge / Pedasí
This morning, we arrive at Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Once a US Army bombing range, this protected area is home to black and green iguanas, sea turtles, and several species of birds and tropical fish. There is time to enjoy the beach and snorkel. In the afternoon, visit the mainland for a Spanish heritage cultural experience in the town of Pedasí on the scenic Azuero Peninsula.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 5 Playa Muerto, Darién National Park
Playa Muerto village is located in Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site which 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 Emberá and Wounaan tribes. We’ll be greeted by village leaders from the Emberá 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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAYS 6-7 Pearl Islands
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.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - DAY 8 Balboa / Disembark Ship / Panama City, Panama
After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home.Departure Time: Depart anytime after 2:30 p.m. Departure City: Panama City, Panama Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $10,556Category 1
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $11,476Category 2
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $12,384Category 3
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $13,940Category 4
07-12-202514-12-2025AUD $15,394Category 5
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $10,556Category 1
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $11,476Category 2
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $12,384Category 3
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $13,940Category 4
14-12-202521-12-2025AUD $15,394Category 5
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $10,770Category 1
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $11,940Category 2
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $12,890Category 3
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $14,510Category 4
09-01-202616-01-2026AUD $16,030Category 5
16-01-202623-01-2026AUD $10,770Category 1
16-01-202623-01-2026AUD $11,940Category 2
16-01-202623-01-2026AUD $12,890Category 3
16-01-202623-01-2026AUD $14,510Category 4
16-01-202623-01-2026AUD $16,030Category 5

Inclusions

    • Transit the legendary Panama Canal—plus enjoy an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island
    • Discover the storied Spanish architecture and fascinating pirate history of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Explore Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge and spot sea turtles and black and green iguanas on the beach or while snorkeling offshore
    • Meet the indigenous Emberá people of Darién in Playa Muerto Village and learn about their customs, traditions, and deep reverence for their natural surroundings
    • Sea kayak, hike, Zodiac cruise, and snorkel in the tranquil Pearl Islands, a network of 200 islands known for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and an enduring connection to the pearl trade

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