National Geographic Expedition:Costa Rica & Panama

Lindblad National Geographic Expedition: Costa Rica to Panama

Alex recently had the incredible opportunity to experience a Lindblad National Geographic expedition sailing from Costa Rica to Panama - and it was nothing short of incredible.

"What stood out immediately was the size of the ship. With around 100 guests onboard, the atmosphere felt intimate, relaxed and genuinely personal. This wasn’t a cruise in the traditional sense - it felt like a shared adventure with like-minded travellers.

Our journey began in San José and Puerto Caldera, tracing Costa Rica’s breathtaking Pacific coastline to the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. We then crossed into Panama to explore the wild beauty of Coiba National Park, before transiting the iconic Panama Canal and continuing into the lush ecosystems of Gatun Lake and Barro Colorado Island.

Every destination felt remote, immersive and wonderfully unspoilt.

Life Onboard

One of my favourite parts of each day was stepping out onto the sundeck or forward viewing deck in the morning to see where we had arrived overnight. Waking up somewhere new - often surrounded by rainforest or dramatic coastline - never got old.

In the evenings, guests gathered in the Observation Lounge during cocktail hour, where the expedition team would run through the plans for the following day. They showed short videos of the excursion options, making it easy to choose how active or relaxed you wanted your day to be. It created a real sense of anticipation.

The Expedition Team

The staff were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and genuinely warm. What I loved most was how often they joined guests at dinner. Conversations ranged from wildlife sightings to local history, and it made the whole experience feel more like travelling with experts rather than simply being looked after by crew.

Their passion for the region was contagious.

Daily Adventures

Each day included two excursions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - reached by Zodiac boats that allowed us to access areas larger ships simply can’t.

Some of my favourite moments were hiking in Costa Rica and on Barro Colorado Island. The rainforest felt completely alive. Even when you couldn’t see wildlife, you could hear it all around you - birds calling, monkeys rustling in the canopy. It was immersive in the best possible way.

Another highlight was meeting local families and learning about what they produce and how they live. It added a meaningful cultural layer to the expedition and made the experience feel even more authentic.

Transiting the Panama Canal in the evening was also incredibly special. Seeing the locks illuminated at night and watching the ship slowly rise and fall through the system is something I won’t forget.

Wildlife Encounters

Throughout the voyage we were lucky to spot howler monkeys, spider monkeys, macaws, parrots and the beautiful blue morpho butterfly, along with countless other birds and wildlife.

For anyone with an interest in nature, this style of travel offers front-row access to environments that feel untouched and truly wild.

A Moment I’ll Always Remember

One of my most memorable moments was kayaking alone at Isla Coiba.

Coiba is known for its remote rainforest and rich marine life, and it genuinely feels off the map. I headed out once most guests had returned to the beach, so the water was calm and the surroundings completely peaceful. It was just me, the sound of the paddle and the rainforest.

Such a simple moment - but one I’ll remember for a long time.

Final Thoughts

This expedition was a fantastic way to explore Costa Rica and Panama in depth. The small ship experience, expert-led excursions and access to remote areas made it feel incredibly special - particularly for those who love wildlife, nature and meaningful travel.

If you’re looking for something beyond a traditional cruise, and want to truly immerse yourself in a destination, this style of expedition is well worth considering."