The Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica
The Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica are surely among the world's most beautiful and diverse. Here, you find high mountains, tropical rain forest and dozens of idyllic, offshore islands. And, the wildlife is as diverse as the landscape. Join us to explore the coastal regions of neighboring countries for an intriguing blend of nature - plus a transit of the legendary Panama Canal - aboard an intimate vessel. Walk rain forest trails, home to capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, iguanas and hummingbirds. Snorkel at Panama's famed Isla Coiba. Kayak along wildlife-rich coastlines.
The Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica Itinerary:
- Day 1 Miami/Panama City, Panama/Colon/ Embark Ship
- Day 2 Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit
- Day 3 Gulf of Panama Islets
- Day 4 Isla Coiba National Park
- Day 5 Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
- Day 6 Osa Peninsula
- Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 8 Herradura/Disembark/San Jose/Miami
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
All accommodations and meals; entrance fees; excursions and sightseeing; taxes, service charges, and tips (except to ship's crew). There's never a charge for kayaks, Zodiacs, or the services of Lindblad's expedition staff.
Airfare; alcoholic beverages; extensions; personal items; baggage/ accident/ cancellation insurance; and gratuities to ship's crew.
This trip is rated as an Easy Active [2] adventure cruise; excursions include kayaking and jungle walks, which average about 2 - 4 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome. A kayaking orientation is held aboard ship the first full day of the cruise.
Costa Rica and Panama enjoy the advantage of the perfect tropical climate. The average temperature in the lowlands varies from the high 70s to the high 80s. Conditions are pleasantly moderate all year long and are often compared to a never-ending spring.
An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.
For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
| Cancellation Policy: | |
| For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less | |
| Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start | Per Person Cancellation Fee |
| 90 or more days | $150* |
| 89-60 days | Advance payment cost |
| 59-30 days | 50% of trip cost |
| 29-0 days | No refund |
| For Expeditions 9 Nights or More | |
| Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start | Per Person Cancellation Fee |
| 120 or more days | $150* |
| 119-90 days | Advance payment cost |
| 89-60 days | 25% of trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 50% of trip cost |
| 29-0 days | No refund |
*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
The Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica
Weather
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks and paddling gear
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (wheels and retractable handle are fine) sturdy and large enough to hold clothing and gear
- Passport security pouch or belt
- Daypack
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (or poncho) and pants
- Lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes, broken in
- Sandals or water shoes for kayaking
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when traveling
- Windbreaker
- Lightweight fleece or synthetic top
- Long-sleeve shirt
- T-shirts
- Hiking shorts, quick-dry
- Hiking pants, quick-dry
- Hiking socks
- Underwear
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Small dry bag for kayaking
- Water bottles, 1-quart size or hydration pack
- Baby wipes
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Good pair of binoculars (recommended)
- Field guides
- Laundry soap
- Ziploc bags for easy storage
- Paddling gloves
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Comfortable, “closed” walking shoes with rubber soles and good support (for on-board the ship and shore excursions). Most people find tennis shoes or sneakers suitable. You may want to bring two pairs so that you will have a dry pair if one should get wet or muddy. Some of the hikes on shore may involve walking through muddy terrain, especially if it has rained recently.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
