Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast
7 nights
National Geographic Quest
7 Nov '26Cruise overview
Explore the vibrant Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia aboard the aptly designed National Geographic Quest, where every day offers a new natural or cultural encounter. Hike through lush rainforests alive with wildlife, kayak and Zodiac into hidden inlets, and engage with Indigenous communities from the island-dwelling Guna Yala to the famed artisans of Tuchín. In Fall 2025-Spring 2027 only, enjoy a special opportunity to transit the legendary Panama Canal—an iconic passage linking two great oceans.
Itinerary
Cartagena
Cartagena’s magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena’s walls protected the city’s riches as well as the New World’s most important African slave market.
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Cispatá Bay
Santa Cruz Island, California
Capurgana
San Blas Islands
San Blas Islands
Portobelo
Panama City
Category 1
#301-306 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, a full-length mirror, and reading lights.
Amenities
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Ship features
Purpose-built for exploration in coastal waters, National Geographic Quest combines expedition technology with modern comfort.
- 100-passenger capacity for small-group exploration
- Fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards
- Shallow draft for access to hidden coves and fjords
- Onboard expedition team and National Geographic photographers
- Open Bridge policy for guest interaction with the crew
- Comfortable lounge with panoramic views
- Spa, fitness area, and library
- Environmentally conscious design and operations
- Locally inspired dining and regional cuisine
- Interactive briefings and lectures daily
