Expedition highlights Discover the beautiful coasts of Panama and Costa Rica with expert and enthusiastic Naturalists. By exclusive arrangement, overnight in Gatun Lake during your transit of the legendary Panama Canal. Walk rain forest trails, home to howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws and toucans. Explore idyllic, offshore islands by Zodiac or Kayak. Snorkel at Isla Coiba, a World Heritage Site, and go horseback riding on the remote Osa Peninsula. Printed on 20% recycled content paper with soy-based inks. We recommend that you pass this along for others to enjoy or recycle. Betchart Expeditions, Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014 GRP-BET-WILD10 SAVE 10%. Book Now! Call for details.
Save 10%. BOOK NOW! Call for details. An Expedition on the Wild Side: Costa Rica and Panama March 6-13, 2010 Aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
Dear AAAS and Sigma Xi Members and Friends, The Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica are surely among the world s most beautiful and diverse. Here, you ll find mountains, tropical rain forest and dozens of idyllic, offshore islands. And the wildlife is as varied and lush as the landscape. Join us March 6-13, 2010, aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion and experience more environmental and ecological diversity in the span of a week than virtually any other similarly-sized real-estate on the planet! Our itinerary offers the opportunity to explore the coasts of Panama and Costa Rica as well as transit the Panama Canal, one of mankind s greatest feats of engineering. By exclusive arrangement, National Geographic Sea Lion is the only passenger ship permitted to overnight during its transit of the Panama Canal to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument. You also visit Isla Coiba, the most untouched of Panama s national parks and a snorkeler s paradise. In Costa Rica, encounter howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, coatimundis, sloths, bulldog fishing bats, colorful tree frogs, gorgeous butterflies and more. Birders will be in avian heaven. Experience wildness in many ways: under the sea, on horseback, along a rain forest trail, beneath a waterfall, from the quiet of a kayak or under the stars of a tropical sky. Scaled to cater to small groups, National Geographic Sea Lion is the ideal vessel for exploring this remarkable region, providing fine accommodations, outside cabins, and delicious, varied menus. The ship is also equipped with tools for exploration such as hydrophones and underwater cameras which bring to life the sights and sounds beneath the sea, and kayaks that allow us to explore under our own power. Throughout your journey, Lindblad s veteran Naturalists and guides will make the landscape come alive as they provide insight into Central American natural and cultural history. To make your reservation, please call toll-free at 800-252-4910. I hope you will join our special voyage to this beautiful part of the world. Sincerely, Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions, Inc. For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions Blue morpho butterfly. P.S. Book now to receive 10% off your reservation. Cover Photos: Gaudy toucans are one of the many species of birds that may be spotted (top); Naturalists are always on hand to point out the rain forest s diverse wildlife (bottom). Back Cover Photos: Lethargic three-toed sloth; the waters off Isla Coiba are ideal for snorkeling; red-eyed tree frog. Ship s Registry: United States
National Geographic Sea Lion is the only passenger ship permitted to overnight during our Panama Canal transit to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument. The Bridge Between Two Continents Take your pick of tropical pleasures teeming rain forests or sugar-sand beaches and add a uniquely crafted transit of the legendary Panama Canal. Now you re beginning to get the picture of our Costa Rica and Panama expedition. Voyage along the inaccessible Osa Peninsula in the expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Lion. See the wildlife of the region: spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis and some of the more than 300 species of birds, including brilliant toucans and scarlet macaws. Central America offers visual splendors, but Costa Rica adds an additional element nearly 30% of its land has been turned into national parks and wildlife refuges. Costa Rica and Panama are remarkably diverse in landscape, wildlife and culture whetting our appetites and providing virtually unlimited opportunities to explore some of the best-preserved natural treasures in the world. Kayak, hike, snorkel, and cruise through some of the world s most marvelous landscapes.
An Expedition on the Wild Side: Costa Rica and Panama > ITINERARY: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS Herradura Costa Rica San Jose Caribbean Sea Manuel Antonio N.P. Osa Peninsula Golfo Dulce Panama Colon Panama City Panama Canal Pacific Ocean Isla Coiba Gulf of Panama Join us on this exploration by sea, combining the protected, thriving rain forests and beaches of Costa Rica and Panama. Plus transit through the Panama Canal, one of man s most impressive engineering feats. SATURDAY, DAY 1: U.S./SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA/HERRADURA/ EMBARK Depart Miami this morning on your flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, drive to Herradura to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail. (D) SUNDAY, DAY 2: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Today we explore Manuel Antonio early, when the abundant wildlife is most active. Our Naturalists point out monkeys and vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest, and lethargic three-toed sloths in the trees. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica s beautiful coast where we ll find a great spot to hike or swim. (B,L,D) MONDAY, DAY 3: OSA PENINSULA & CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride on the beach or join a Zodiac cruise. Trek through the rain forest, where you may be lucky to spot three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D) White-faced capuchin monkeys.
Experience wildness from a unique vantage point horseback riding on the Osa Peninsula. TUESDAY, DAY 4: GOLFO DULCE At Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, DAY 5: ISLA COIBA NATIONAL PARK, PANAMA Isla Coiba is one of Panama s most remote national parks, where you may enjoy the pristine beach. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, Naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge. (B,L,D) Scarlet macaw. THURSDAY, DAY 6: GULF OF PANAMA ISLETS/GATUN LAKE Flexibility and adventure go hand in hand. Since we re not tied to a minuteby-minute timetable, we take the day to leisurely explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting magnificent frigate birds and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame. Later, we begin the first part of our Panama Canal transit anchoring in Gatun Lake. This pause makes us one of the few ships that completes the crossing in two days.(b,l,d) FRIDAY, DAY 7: BARRO COLORADO ISLAND/PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT Board Zodiacs this morning to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument set in Gatun Lake and home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The island is inaccessible to most travelers, and by special invitation, guides from the Institute accompany us through the tropical forest, explaining their research and the wildlife you encounter: monkeys, slow-moving sloths, brilliantly colored birds and more. Reboard the ship to continue our crossing.
Our kayaks are virtually untippable, perfect for novices and experts alike. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships; however, the Canal is dramatically lit at night. (B,L,D) SATURDAY, DAY 8: DISEMBARK/COLON/PANAMA CITY/HOME After breakfast, disembark in Panama City and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. (B) Optional Extension: Complement your 8-day Panama and Costa Rica voyage with three days in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Please call for details and prices. Daily Expedition Report February 20, 2009 From Sea Voyager in Manuel Antonio National Park Howler monkeys started jumping over the trees above our heads on the trail, followed by a large troop of white-faced monkeys. Again, two species in one spot and what a contrast of monkeys. White-faced monkeys are half the size of the howler monkeys but they move twice as fast I m pretty sure the lethargic howlers had been there all along, but their presence did not become obvious to us until they started moving, flushed out, it seemed to me... by the presence of the incoming hyperactive white-faced monkeys. Jose Calvo, Naturalist
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA LION DECK PLAN Capacity: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. SUN DECK LEXspa 106 105 103 104 101 CPTN. 102 100 BRIDGE GYM EQUIPMENT BRIDGE DECK 219 217 216 214 215 211 209 207 205 203 201 212 210 208 206 204 202 200 OBSERVATION DECK UPPER DECK 305 303 301 BAR DINING ROOM LOUNGE 304 302 300 MAIN DECK Costs are Per Person Double Occupancy unless otherwise noted. Category 1: Main Deck (#300-305) $4,660 Sole Occupancy $6,990 Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk and a large view window. Category 2: Upper Deck (#200-212, 215) Bridge Deck (#100-104) $5,250 Sole Occupancy: All of the above $7,880 These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window. Category 3: Upper Deck (#214, 216, 217, 219) Bridge Deck (#105, 106) $6,300 These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person. Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only. Note: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in Categories 3 and 2 only. Third person rates are available in select Category 3 cabins at one half the double-occupancy rate. Shares: If you wish to share accommodations, we will be glad to make arrangements at the double-occupancy rate in Categories 3 and 2 only. National Geographic Sea Lion, built in 1982 and refurbished in 2005, is of U.S. registry and complies fully with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Gross Tonnage: 99; Overall Length: 152 feet; Draft: 8 feet; Cruising Speed: 12 knots.
SPECIAL BOOKING OFFER Bring the Kids: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the double-occupancy price for each person under 18. SAVINGS: 10% off cabin fare. (Excludes extensions and airfare. Valid for new bookings only. Certain restrictions apply. Terms and Conditions Costs Include: Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated, non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship; shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; transfers to/from airport when using group flights; and tips (except to ship s crew), taxes and service charges. There s never a charge for Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or the services of the ship physician and Lindblad s expedition staff. Not Included: Airfare between hometown and Central America; passport and visa fees; baggage/accident/travel protection plan; extension; horseback riding; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry, etc.; and discretionary gratuities to ship s crew. Airfare: International airfare is not included in the cost of this tour. Lindblad Expeditions can book your flights; a $50 per person service fee would apply. Total estimated fare for Miami/San Jose and Panama City/Miami: from $500 (economy); from $1,500 (business class). Rates subject to change. Note: A complete packet of pre-departure information, including recommended reading list and packing suggestions, will be sent to you approximately four months prior to your departure. Reservations: To confirm your place, an advance payment of US$1,000 per person is payable by check. Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. Travel Protection Plan: A travel protection plan is available at extra cost. Upon receiving your reservation, we will send you information on this policy. This comprehensive guest protection plan covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost baggage, and medical evacuation. Smoking Policy: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas. Responsibility: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Companies liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospective guests upon request. CANCELLATION POLICY Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee 90 or more days $250 89 60 days Deposit 59 30 days 50% of trip cost 29 0 days No refund This policy applies to expeditions and extensions. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan. Prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and are subject to change. The Company reserves the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the Company s actual cost of fuel.
Please return to: Betchart Expeditions, Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014 Phone: (800) 252-4910 or (408) 252-4910 E-mail: info@betchartexpeditions.com Reservation Form: An Expedition on the Wild Side: Costa Rica and Panama Aboard National Geographic Sea Lion March 6-13, 2010 Please reserve place(s). Name 1 (As it appears on passport): Name 1 (Preferred name for name badge): Date of Birth: Name 2 (As it appears on passport): Name 2 (Preferred name for name badge): Date of Birth: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Day/Eve Phone: Business Phone: Fax: E-Mail: Accommodations: Double Single Twin share w/friend _ Twin share (Roommate assigned by tour operator) Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference: 1st choice: 2nd choice: I/We would like to join the optional extension to Monteverde. Enclosed is my advance payment of $ (US$1,000 per person). Check made payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account. I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them: Signature(s): Date: Signature(s): Date: Membership: AAAS Sigma Xi ACS #1121