Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Enriches Costa Rica & Panama Program

New Standup Paddleboarding; Complimentary Panama City Extension OR Free Roundtrip Air from Miami; New Land-Only Expedition

NEW YORK, NY, October 2015 --- In 2016 the completion of the mammoth Panama Canal expansion project will usher in a new chapter for Panama and cap off the celebration of Panama Canal’s 100th birthday.  Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s expedition season is perfectly timed to see the impressive construction site – before the locks are flooded – with special offers, a land only itinerary, and new amenities for extraordinary experiences to transit the Canal, and rare opportunities to explore deep in the jungle.  

Lindblad offers a selection of Costa Rica & Panama Itineraries, ranging from 8 to 15 days, set aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion.  All explore the coasts and Canal; snorkel, swim, kayak along the shores of wild islands; venture up rain forest-canopied rivers in expedition landing craft - led by the largest, most knowledgeable expedition team in the region.

  • Complimentary two-day extension in Panama City:  Visit the new Canal Expansion Observation Center for the construction site, visit the much-lauded, new Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum, and enjoy the scale and the ambience of Panama City as it is today.  The special opportunity includes a private dinner at the Atlantic and Pacific Co. restaurant where you can observe the daily operations of the Canal while dining.
  • Free Air: Or, if you prefer, choose complimentary round-trip airfare from Miami instead of the 2-day extension. Book by November 30, 2015 and choose from free round-trip airfare OR the Panama City extension on select January and February 2016 dates. Book the Nov. 28 or Dec. 12, 2015 departures and receive a $500 air credit. Subject to availability; new bookings only. 
  • Introducing Standup Paddleboarding:  Adding to the ship’s cool tools for exploration, this season Lindblad will inaugurate a fleet of paddleboards onboard to enable a more fun and dynamic way to explore.  Guests can circumnavigate a tiny uninhabited island, explore mangroves, or paddle along an idyllic beach.
  • New, 9-day Land Based Journey:Discover the wild, rugged beauty of Costa Rica on an inland adventure. Explore the country’s Pacific and Caribbean sides, rain forests, mountains, and see wonderful wildlife; walk suspension bridges in the dense forest surrounding Arenal Volcano and relax in nearby hot springs; hike through the mist-shrouded cloud forest reserve in Monteverde with great bird watching; visit the remote, car-less town of Tortuguero, and venture into the rain forest via green-canopied canals. Accommodations include a stay in a rustic lodge at the water's edge, and private bungalows for a gracious dimension to your Costa Rican experience.

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or contact your travel advisor.