Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

Panama, the Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica Cruise

Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion - February 19-26, 2011
This departure features a savings incentive of $500/person!

VENT has operated land-based tours to Panama and Costa Rica for over three decades, but this coming winter we are offering a different way to experience these remarkable countries: a birding and natural history cruise from the Panama Canal to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. This will be a multifaceted trip focusing on birds, wildlife, marine life, and tropical ecosystems.

Highlights of our time in Panama include a transit of the Panama Canal; part of a day on the Smithsonian Institute's Barro Colorado Island; cruising in the Gulf of Panama; and birding and snorkeling on Coiba Island, a Panamanian national park. Cruising along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, we will visit a slice of Corcovado National Park, the wildest remaining region of the country; Casa Orchideas, an enchanting private garden amid native forest along the shore of the Golfo Dulce; and Manuel Antonio National Park, a remarkably diverse park where two species of sloths, three types of monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and a variety of birds occur. Many specialty species of the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica are found here. A representation of enticing possibilities includes Scarlet Macaw, Baird's Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Charming and Mangrove hummingbirds, and Panama Flycatcher.

We have reserved space for 28 participants aboard the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion, a perfect-sized expedition vessel for plying these tropical waters. Once aboard, we'll cruise in total comfort, enjoying immaculate accommodations and high quality cuisine. Sea Lion features comfortable, outside-facing cabins with lower beds, private bathroom facilities, and individual temperature controls.

Scarlet Macaw— Photo: David Ascanio

This trip will be led by Brad Schram and another VENT leader as registrations warrant. In addition to traveling with VENT leaders, you will have access to a top-notch staff of experts provided by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

An optional pre-trip to Panama's Gamboa Rainforest Resort and an optional post-trip to Costa Rica's Cerro de la Muerte provide opportunities to experience many more tropical birds and greater biological diversity of both of these marvelous countries.

I hope you will consider joining us on what is certain to be a wonderful Panama-Costa Rica cruise. Cabins originally started at $4,980 in double occupancy from Panama City (ends in San José), but are now available for $4,480—a savings of 500!