DAY 1

Panama City, Panama / Balboa / Embark Ship

Arrive in Panama City and transfer to the Port of Balboa where we board the National Geographic Orion. This evening, we begin our transit of the Panama Canal to the Caribbean Sea.  

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:00 p.m. local time. 
Arrival City: Panama City, Panama 

Meals Included: Dinner

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DAY 2

Gatun Lake / Barro Colorado / Panama Canal Transit

After anchoring overnight in Panama Canal’s vast Gatún Lake, we disembark at Barro Colorado in the morning (if permitting allows). This island was formed by the damming of the Chagres River to build the legendary canal. A visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute unveils initiatives to protect and study the extraordinary biodiversity of one of our planet’s most studied tropical forests and site of National Geographic studies.    

Later, choose between a hike into the jungle, a Zodiac cruise across the lake, or a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. In the evening, we begin our transit through the dramatically lit lock system of the legendary Panama Canal, 50 miles long and passage for some 14,000 ships annually.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 3

Guna Yala Archipelago

Wake up amidst the Guna Yala archipelago—known also as the San Blas Islands—a scattering of 368 white-sand isles off the northeast coast of Panama. Spend the day exploring this paradise where the Guna people still live as their ancestors did: in thatched huts making ancient handicrafts such as molas, colorful panels of stitched fabric. Deeply committed to their culture, the Guna are admired as a politically autonomous community, where women make the rules and gender fluidity is celebrated.  

In the afternoon, head offshore to explore the vibrant marine world of this breathtaking utopia by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard.   

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 4

Cispatá Bay / Sanguare Natural Reserve, Colombia

Today we venture to Cispatá Bay, where we’ll spend the morning among the most extensive area of mangroves on Colombia’s Caribbean coast learning from local community guides who’ll share their knowledge of the prolific wildlife. Participate in the release of rehabilitated, young caimans with Asocaiman, a local conservation group.   

After lunch on board, we’ll voyage to the Sanguare Natural Reserve. This former cattle ranch, now part of the national system of protected areas, offers great opportunities to explore on foot or by water. Learn about the conservation work being done as we explore the tropical dry forests, coastal lagoons, and sea grass beds. Set out on kayaks or paddleboards, or relax on the sand and sip a chilled refreshment. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAYS 5-6

Santa Marta / Tayrona National Park / At Sea

The oldest city in Colombia, Santa Marta is a historical gem. Considerably more laid back and intimate than Cartagena, the city’s heritage is a blend of indigenous ethnic groups, Spanish colonial architecture, and modern history. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site since 1979, it is also the gateway to Tayrona National Park, which spans from the secluded beaches to one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world – the Sierra Nevada Santa Marta. Spend the day exploring the many options this magical region has to offer. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAYS 7-8

Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands / At Sea

Today, we visit Slagbaai National Park, the first nature reserve established in the Dutch Caribbean in 1969. Encompassing the northern part of the island, this desert oasis is a sanctuary for many endemic species, including parrots, flamingos, and iguanas. The beaches within the park are important nesting grounds for all four species of sea turtles. We will also explore the National Marine Park surrounding the island, which was created to protect the narrow fringing reef and mangroves that are teeming with life. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAYS 9-10

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Drive through the lush Arima Valley to the Asa Wright Nature Center, a mecca for nature lovers. We’ll have a choice of trails to walk as we look for toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots, and butterflies. Or stay on the “birding veranda” and let the avifauna come to you. Later on, drive to the Caroni Swamp, where scarlet ibis return by the hundreds at dusk to roost—one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 11

Bequia, the Grenadines

Anchor at tiny Bequia and explore the charming waterfront. Go snorkeling at a nearby reef, swim along palm-backed beaches, or visit a traditional model boat museum. In Port Elizabeth, browse the local market or find a café along the Belmont Walkway. This evening, set sail across St. Vincent Channel toward St. Lucia. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 12

Soufrière, St. Lucia

Arrive at St. Lucia and anchor under the island’s iconic twin peaks, the Pitons, which rise dramatically above the sea. After exploring the fishing port of Soufrière, drive into St. Lucia’s active volcanic crater and discover the otherworldly landscape of mud pools and sulfur springs. Located on the grounds of a former plantation, the Mamiku botanical gardens are alive with the sounds of birds and rush of Diamond Falls. Delve into the history of the grounds which spans the reign of Louis XIV, the War of the Brigands, and the freedom of the slaves over the British. Spend the afternoon at sea on the lookout for marine life. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 13

Dominica

Spend the day exploring Dominica, known as “the nature island” for its spectacular beauty and many protected reserves. Hike through an enchanting rainforest with a panoply of wildlife. Join our historian in exploring the ruins of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison, and learn about Dominica’s turbulent colonial history. Swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters or hop on a paddleboard to explore the island's volcanic reefs and nutrient-rich waters. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 14

Montserrat / Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Nicknamed the “emerald isle,” this tiny volcanic island has lush green forests, high peaks, and black sand beaches. Montserrat is also known for the 1995 eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano that destroyed much of the island's southern portion and buried Plymouth, the capital. We’ll visit the Volcano Observatory to learn what scientists continue to discover about the island. Then, hike the spectacular trails of the northern region, keeping an eye out for the beautiful Montserrat oriole. 

This evening, be on deck to enjoy the kaleidoscopic sunset and mountainous backdrop of Montserrat as we set sail for Antigua, our final stop.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 15

Antigua / Disembark Ship

This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Booking and Payments

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

• Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation by Client:

• More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

• 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

• Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

• Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

• Changes to Itinerary

• Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

• Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

• Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

Health and Safety

• Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

• Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

Liability

• Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

• Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

Visas and Documentation

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

• Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

Conduct

• Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

• Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

Complaints

• Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

• Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.