Seacology Expedition: A conservation cruise through Central America
February 27 - March 9, 2028
Join Seacology and the California Academy of Sciences for an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica and Panama’s most breathtaking ecotourism destinations.
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal aboard the National Geographic Quest
March 2–9, 2028 (yes, 2028)
Cruise price per person
$6,451–$10,360
Includes 5% group discount
Optional pre-trip extension in Costa Rica
February 27–March 2, 2028
$1,600 double occupancy, $2,100 single occupancy
Partnering with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, we will board the National Geographic Quest and set sail down the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, with stops in several of the region’s most spectacular coastal and rainforest reserves. We will then cross into Panama to explore biodiversity hotspots on the country’s Pacific islands. The trip culminates with a journey through the Panama Canal and Gatún Lake, disembarking at the Atlantic port city of Colón.
Exclusive to Seacology and Academy guests, we will also offer a four-day pre-cruise extension to explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking nature and learn more about the vital conservation work that both organizations are making possible.
Our ship only has 50 cabins available and there is strong demand for Lindblad cruises, so we recommend that you make your reservations now if you have a strong preference for accommodations. Otherwise, save the date and we hope to see you in this tropical paradise!
Join our Expedition
National Geographic-Lindblad cruise
Download the Lindblad brochure for full details and booking instructions for the cruise portion of the trip.
Pre-trip extension
If you would like to participate in the four-day extension in Costa Rica, please register first for the cruise through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, then fill out the form below. Seacology staff will then reach out to finalize your reservation.
Featured destinations
Arenal Volcano
(pre-cruise extension guests only)
Towering over the Costa Rican landscape, this recently dormant volcano is surrounded by lush jungle, pristine streams, and waterfalls. At the Hanging Bridges Forest Reserve, suspended walkways will bring us up to the rainforest canopy, eye-to-eye with monkeys and myriad species of birds, as colorful frogs, peccaries, and other creatures scurry along the forest floor below. A day at the Arenal Observatory provides panoramic views of the near-symmetrical volcano and offers several trailheads for exploring the jungle surrounding the foot of the mountain.
Guanacaste
(pre-cruise extension guests only)
The site of Seacology’s latest project in Costa Rica, the Guanacaste Conservation Area encapsulates more than 100,000 acres of fragile marine habitat including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass. We will meet with our local partners to see up-close how Seacology’s support is helping them fight illegal fishing and other threats, supporting ecotourism, and more. While in Guanacaste, we will also visit Hermosa Beach, giving guests the opportunity to relax on one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
Osa Peninsula
The first few stops on our cruise will explore this region on Costa Rica’s southern coast, described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Over two days we will explore the thriving rainforests of Corcovado National Park, swim in serene waterfall pools, and look for colorful birds in the calm inlet of Golfo Dulce (we won’t have to look hard). We will also meet with local communities who live in harmony with these ancient forests, and conservationists from Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST), who are helping protect the endangered sea turtles inhabiting Osa’s coastline and rehabilitate injured turtles.
Coiba National Park
Our first stop in Panama will take us farther from the mainland to Isla Coiba. Central America’s largest island and a former penal colony, Coiba has been transformed into a closely guarded sanctuary for endemic species including the Coiba Island agouti. Accessible only with a special permit included in our tour, this is a rare opportunity to see one of the region’s great conservation success stories.
Panama Canal
The final stretch of our journey takes us to one of the most ambitious and economically significant infrastructure projects in modern history. Entering the locks at Panama City, we will make our way through the canal into Gatún Lake, the enormous reservoir that now spans half the width of Panama. The dense rainforests surrounding the lake offer one more day of fantastic hiking and kayaking options. We will also have the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute campus on Barro Colorado Island, where dedicated researchers and conservationists are working diligently to protect threatened ecosystems in Central America and beyond.
Photo © David Vargas/Lindblad Expeditions
Itinerary and accommodations
Optional pre-trip extension
- Sunday, February 27: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport; private transfer to hotel at Arenal volcano; introductory presentation; overnight at Lomas del Volcan or similar property
- Monday, February 28: Guided tour of Hanging Bridges Forest Reserve; free afternoon with optional adventure activities; overnight at Lomas del Volcan or similar property (B)
- Tuesday, February 29: Guided tour of Arenal Observatory Lodge and trails; private transfer to Hermosa Beach; free afternoon and evening; overnight at Hotel Villa Sol or similar property (B)
- Wednesday March 1: Seacology project site visit in Guanacaste Conservation Area; overnight at Hotel Villa Sol or similar property (B)
- Thursday, March 2: Transfer to Puerto Caldera (B)
Lindblad National Geographic cruise
- Thursday, March 2: Transfer from San Jose to Puerto Caldera (guests not participating in pre-trip extension); board National Geographic Quest; evening departure (D)
- Friday, March 3: Anchor at Osa Peninsula; explore Corcovado National Park (BLD)
- Saturday, March 4-Sunday March 5: Explore Golfo Dulce and Play Blanca; meet with local communities; birding in old-growth rainforest on Osa Peninsula; set sail in evening (BLD)
- Monday, March 6: Enter Panama; visit Coiba Island and explore Coiba National Park; optional snorkeling (BLD)
- Tuesday, March 7: Sail through Gulf of Panama islets; enter Panama Canal in evening (BLD)
- Wednesday, March 8: Explore Gatún Lake; optional visit to Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island or Chagres River and Panama Rainforest Discovery Center; overnight in Gatún Lake (BLD)
- Thursday, March 9: Disembark in Colón; transfer back to Panama City; departure (B)
B: breakfast included
L: lunch included
D: dinner included