When travel advisor Missy Sharp of Martin Travel set sail on Lindblad Expeditions’ 8-day Costa Rica and Panama Canal voyage aboard the National Geographic Quest, she was ready for an adventure. We caught up with Sharp to hear all about the experience that left her ready to book a return trip before she’d even unpacked.
A friend and I flew into San José, Costa Rica, and were transported to Puerto Caldera, where we embarked on our cruise. We spent New Year’s week sailing south along the Pacific coast, exploring some of the most remote and biodiverse areas of Costa Rica—including the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce—before crossing into Panama, transiting the Panama Canal, disembarking in Colon, and being transferred to the airport in Panama City. We barely saw civilization for five or six days straight, and when we finally did, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to—it was really nice to just be out in the middle of nowhere.
Lindblad has been running expeditions since the 1970s—they were pioneers of this style of travel—starting with destinations like Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands. National Geographic brings scientific and educational expertise, while Lindblad provides the expedition know-how. The two together make an exceptional product. Our ship, the National Geographic Quest, can hold up to 100 guests, though we had about 81 on our sailing, which made for a very intimate experience.
Everything was well organized, and the expedition team was exceptional. Every day, they offered at least three activity options, from an aerobic-paced hike with a naturalist to a slower interpretive walk to a more leisurely coastal exploration with a photographer. So, whether you’re fit and adventurous or prefer a gentler pace, there was something for you. The evenings were equally enriching. Naturalists and guest experts gave talks on subjects such as rainforest ecology, Panamanian history and smartphone photography. The food was also wonderful, with regional specialties served alongside classic staples.
Without a doubt, overnighting on Gatún Lake inside the Panama Canal was extraordinary. Lindblad holds a special permit that no other cruise company has, allowing them to anchor their ship on the lake overnight rather than simply passing through. The next morning, small panga boats took us out to explore the tiny islands scattered across the lake. We spotted six species of monkeys as well as sloths, crocodiles and an astonishing array of birds. The naturalists were so attuned to the wildlife. They’d hear a bird call, identify it immediately, and predict exactly where it would appear. It was like something out of a nature documentary. Another highlight was a day in the Golfo Dulce region of Costa Rica, where we visited a sugar mill and tried our hand at gold panning with local families. We spent the evening at a botanical garden, cacao farm and coffee plantation. The owner, Alex, walked us through his property, speaking about it with genuine pride and passion. It was one of those moments where you feel like you’ve truly been welcomed into someone’s world.
Don’t let the word “expedition” intimidate you. I’m not particularly athletic, and I was honestly nervous going in. Reading words like “rainforest hike” and “Zodiac landings” had me second-guessing myself. But I did everything, and it felt amazing. One practical thing to know: because the ship anchors off remote coastlines rather than docking at traditional piers, you’ll be getting in and out of Zodiac boats to reach shore every day. Most of those are wet landings, meaning you'll step off the Zodiac into shallow water rather than onto a dock. The crew sets out chairs and towels on the beach so you can dry off. Some people changed into boots when we hiked, while others wore water shoes with a good grip. I wore Keen sandals that worked perfectly for both the landing and the trail. It’s part of the adventure, and the crew makes it easy, but it’s good to know going in.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Lindblad does. You’ll leave places exactly as you found them and give back to the communities you visit. Conservation organizations were highlighted at every stop. This is travel with a genuine conscience, and that makes the whole experience feel more meaningful.
This is a wonderful trip for travelers who are ready to go deeper. It’s for those who want to immerse themselves in a destination rather than just visit it. It’s for curious, adventurous people who don’t mind getting a little muddy, who love connecting with local communities, and who find the sight of a humpback whale breaching just outside the ship’s dining room window exciting. I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Virtuoso membership signifies a vetted, high-quality agency, so you know you’re in good hands from the start. And booking through me or one of our other agents means we can unlock perks you simply can’t get on your own. In addition, Lindblad Expeditions is a Virtuoso partner, so you can be assured that they offer only the highest quality product.