Life Beyond the Ship: Expedition Adventures in Panama and Colombia

Beyond the comfort of the ship, the expedition came alive through carefully curated experiences ashore. Each excursion offered meaningful access to Panama and Colombia’s cultures, ecosystems, and communities, creating moments that were immersive, educational, and deeply memorable.

Sailing aboard the National Geographic Quest with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, every day off the ship felt intentional. These were not quick port stops or surface-level tours. Each landing invited us to slow down, engage with our surroundings, and experience destinations in a way that felt personal and profound.

Immersed in Local Life

One of the most meaningful aspects of this expedition was time spent in small villages and communities that rarely see visitors. Walking through local towns allowed us to observe daily life up close.

We experienced:

• How homes are built and shared
• What foods are prepared and enjoyed
• How traditions, music, and craftsmanship are passed down
• The slower, more intentional pace of everyday life

These moments offered perspective that stayed with us long after returning to the ship and reminded us how powerful travel can be when it centers on connection.

Seamless Transitions, More Time Exploring

The expedition-focused design of the Quest played a key role in how smoothly each day unfolded. Boarding Zodiacs was quick and efficient, allowing us to move from ship to shore without delays or crowds.

Because of this thoughtful design:

• Time was spent exploring rather than waiting
• Groups moved comfortably and efficiently
• Each excursion felt unrushed and well paced

The logistics faded into the background, letting the destinations take center stage.

A Typical Day Off the Ship

Each evening, the expedition team reviewed the following day’s plans, often offering two or three activity options based on interest and activity level. Choosing was always the hardest part.

A typical day included:

• Breakfast onboard
• Heading to the mudroom to gear up and board Zodiacs
• Exploring with at least one naturalist and local guides
• Returning to the ship for lunch and a short break
• Heading back out for a completely different afternoon adventure

No two days were the same. We explored mangroves by boat, hiked through forests, snorkeled in clear waters, visited towns, enjoyed cultural performances, and shared meals or snacks with local communities.

Discovering the Guna Yala Archipelago

Our visit to the Guna Yala archipelago was one of the most serene moments of the expedition. Home to hundreds of islands, only a small number are inhabited by the indigenous Guna people, who continue to live much as their ancestors did centuries ago.

We landed by Zodiac on Cayos Holandeses, one of the most remote islands in the region. Community members shared their traditional mola handicrafts, and guests had the opportunity to snorkel over vibrant coral reefs just offshore.

Walking the island afterward, we took in the sound of waves, birds, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. Families relaxed in hammocks outside simple wooden homes, living unrushed lives that felt humbling, peaceful, and deeply grounding.

Wildlife Encounters That Surprised Us

Wildlife experiences throughout the expedition were diverse and often unexpected. In Colombia’s Bay of Cispata, we explored by local boats and learned about conservation efforts led by local fishermen to protect the American crocodile. Witnessing baby crocodiles being released into the wild was a powerful and unforgettable moment.

On Barro Colorado Island, guided by an expert from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, we hiked through rainforest while learning about ongoing scientific research. Bird sightings were plentiful, but the highlight came when we spotted multiple species of monkeys high above us in the trees.

The rainforest itself felt alive. Deep, echoing calls filled the air, sounding almost prehistoric. Learning that these dramatic sounds came from howler monkeys was both surprising and fascinating.

Colombia’s Cultural Heartbeat

Music and dance were woven throughout our time in Colombia. Nearly every community welcomed us with performances that reflected pride, tradition, and emotion. Each song and dance told a story, and the joy on the performers’ faces made these moments incredibly moving.

In the riverside town of Lorica, we explored a local marketplace and watched a cooking demonstration featuring regional ingredients. Sampling a freshly prepared fish dish with sweet plantains became one of the most memorable meals of the entire journey.

Our visit to the indigenous village of Tuchín was equally unforgettable. This community is the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a national symbol of Colombia. Watching each step of the production process offered meaningful insight into their craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Snorkeling, Hiking, and Active Exploration

The expedition offered a wide range of activities to suit different comfort and experience levels.

Highlights included:

• Deep-water snorkeling in Sapzurro, Colombia, with flotation support available
• Beach snorkeling over colorful reefs
• Easy nature walks through dry forest reserves
• More challenging rainforest hikes with inclines, roots, and slippery terrain
• A unique border-crossing hike between Panama and Colombia

Throughout these experiences, National Geographic photographers shared tips, helping guests see landscapes and details from fresh perspectives.

Small Moments That Meant Everything

Some of the most powerful memories came from quiet, unexpected moments. In Lorica’s marketplace, a simple interaction over candy turned into shared laughter and kindness despite a language barrier. When the vendor insisted on gifting the candy rather than taking payment, it was a reminder that generosity transcends words.

These moments are what elevate this itinerary beyond exploration. They linger long after the journey ends.

Transiting the Panama Canal

Our expedition included a full transit of the Panama Canal, crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Watching the process unfold from the deck while a naturalist shared the canal’s history was fascinating.

What made this experience especially rare was anchoring overnight on Gatun Lake. Most ships pass through without stopping, so spending the night there offered a deeper appreciation for the canal’s scale, history, and significance.

Who This Expedition Is For

Three words stayed with us throughout this journey: adventure, unique, and exclusive. We rarely encountered other tourists and often felt as though we were exploring untouched corners of the world.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who:

• Want more than a traditional cruise
• Enjoy culture, wildlife, and hands-on exploration
• Value learning, connection, and meaningful experiences

Ready to Explore the World This Way?

Experiencing Panama and Colombia beyond the ship reminded us just how powerful expedition travel can be. Sailing aboard the National Geographic Quest with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is about more than visiting destinations. It is about meaningful access, thoughtful exploration, and unforgettable moments both big and small.

If this style of immersive travel speaks to you, the Be Our Guest Vacations team would love to help you explore upcoming National Geographic Lindblad expeditions and find the itinerary that matches your sense of adventure.

Connect with a Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional to begin planning an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary.