An expedition
on the wild side costa rica & panama
ACS ExpeditionsOutstanding trips for ACS members & friends
by Betchart Expeditions Inc.Phone: (800) 252-4910 • Email: [email protected]
MArch 3-10, 2007ABoArd SEA VoyAgEr
Central America
Dear ACS Members,
Come join us in 2007 as we explore Costa Rica and Panama. This journey will provide
us with the chance to experience more environmental and ecological diversity in the
span of a week than virtually any other similarly-sized “real-estate” on the planet! Costa
Rica’s wildlife is rich and ripe, offering howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, coatimundis,
sloths, bulldog “fishing” bats, colorful tree frogs, gorgeous butterflies and more. Birders will
be in avian heaven!
During our exploration of Costa Rica and Panama during the week of march 3-10, 2007
(with an optional post-voyage extension to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Sarapiquí and
Arenal Volcano), we will encounter the country’s inviting wildness in many ways: under the
sea, on horseback, along a rain forest trail, under a waterfall, from the quiet of a kayak or
under the stars of its tropical skies.
Our itinerary gives us the extraordinary opportunity to experience the Pacific coast of
Costa Rica and then to transit the Panama Canal.
Throughout our journey, Lindblad’s veteran guides will make the landscape come alive
as they provide lectures and informal discussions about Central American natural and cul-
tural history. They will enhance our enjoyment of this adaptive environment as they impart
their knowledge about the things we see.
To make your reservation, please call toll free at 1-800-252-4910 or return the reserva-
tion form on page 11. I hope you will join us for a very special voyage to this beautiful part of
the world, where they say daily “Pura Vida!” (Everything’s great!).
Sincerely,
Margaret M. Betchart
President, Betchart Expeditions, Inc.
For ACS Expeditions
Ship’s Registry: Honduras
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“Theexcitementlevelmounted
witheverymilethatbroughtus
closertoourmainobjective:the
PanamaCanal.Clankingelectric
mulesfiredupatourapproach,
andtherowboatandline-han-
dlerspreparedtheirthrows,
whilegrackleslinedtheswing
bridgeandservedasarowdy
audiencetoouradmissionto
thismostfamousofcanals.”— cindy MAnning, expedition leAder
�
Slice across the land bridging two conti-
nents with aplomb — as you join us in a
transit of the legendary Panama Canal.
Marvel at the genius of the American engineers
who, 100 years ago, were able to foresee the size
and scale of the ocean-going vessels of today.
Explore the tropical rain forest that frames the
Canal, and made building it so very challenging.
Our transit of the Panama Canal is a far
more holistic experience than the usual. Join us
on deck to monitor our progress through each
of the 1,000-foot lock chambers that will lift us,
and any other vessel going through, 27 feet at a
time, without the assistance of any pumps. This
is strictly a gravity-fueled procedure, simple yet
highly sophisticated. So inspired and ingenious
that we still use the same lock gates that were
installed during the Roosevelt years — the Teddy
Roosevelt years!
Beyond the canal & Behind the scenes
Since the historic Canal and lock operation cuts
through rain forest that so challenged its build-
ers, we’ll incorporate this environment into our
expedition in a most unique way.
By special arrangement with the Smithson-
ian Tropical Research Institute, we are the only
passenger ship permitted to overnight in the
middle of our Canal transit to explore Barro
Colorado Nature Monument — the most studied
piece of tropical forest on Earth! Accessible only
by ship, Barro Colorado Island has been managed
since 1924 by the Smithsonian and is one of the
premier sites for research on tropical forests and
its plants and animals. We’ll hike the trails with
Smithsonian guides, who share the details of the
continuous probing and unraveling of Nature’s
secrets. There will also be an opportunity to
learn about the Automated Radio Telemetry
work scientists funded by National Geographic
are doing on Barro Colorado. They’re tracking
capuchin and howler monkeys, ocelots, sloths,
agoutis, coatis, toucans, hawks, antbirds and
palm seeds.
thepanamacanaltravel from ocean to ocean and traverse one of the wonders of the modern world.
in 1907 president theodore roosevelt appointed Goethals chief engineer of the panama canal, with full responsi-
bility for constructing the canal and administering the canal Zone. His capable handling of personnel problems and
sound engineering skills contributed greatly to the success of the project.
�
“AtCorcovadoNationalPark
thescarletmacawscircledthe
skyinanalmostarrogantdis-
playofcolorandbeauty.They
werehostsintroducingusto
thegreentempleofwildlife.
Mantledhowlermonkeys
appearedattheendofour
walk,asiftheyhadbeen
waitingforus.”— gAston trujillo, nAturAlist
�
Hike through a rain forest in the morn-
ing, snorkel over a coral reef in the
afternoon — and in just one day you’ll
experience more biodiversity than most people
see in a lifetime.
During a guided nature walk through the
protected areas of Costa Rica and Panama, you
can smell the fragrance of dozens of tropical
blooms, orchids in profusion, heliconias, brome-
liads, and so much more. The roar of the howler
monkeys, the whine of ever-present hordes of ci-
cadas and the hoarse cries of parrots will be your
accompaniment.
You’ll see leaf-cutter ants carrying their char-
treuse burdens back to their subterranean nest.
Feel the soft spray of a waterfall while taking a
refreshing dip in a waterfall pool and feel tension
slip away. The solitude of the forest will embrace
you as you paddle soundlessly by in a kayak. For
beginners and seasoned kayakers, there’s noth-
ing like exploring wildness in this quiet and
personal way. You’ll visit the jewels in the crown
of the national park systems of both Panama and
Costa Rica, such as Panama’s least visited — Isla
Coiba which Lindblad Expeditions pioneered as a
natural history destination in the early ‘90s.
You’ll nose into out-of-the-way bays where we
have direct access to beaches, take our Zodiacs
up new rivers, snorkel over pristine reefs and
see tropical nature at its purest. The undersea
gardens of this part of the world are as rich in
marine life as the rain forest is in terrestrial life
— in fact, the coral reefs have been called the
“rain forest of the oceans.”
rainforests&seagardensexperience the tropics by Zodiac or kayak, on horseback and underwater.
Left: taking our kayaks down shady riverways or a ride on horseback at the edge of the forest along the shore are
options in lush coastal regions. right: taking photos from a Zodiac, snorkeling in pristine waters or a naturalist
guided walk all earn spectacular rewards.
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the panama canal & the Wonders of costa rica> itinErarY – 8 DaYs/7 niGHts
an exploration by sea from the panama canal to the
beaches and rain forests of costa rica.
saturday, Day 1: miami/panama city,
panama/colon/Embark Sea Voyager
Depart Miami late morning via
American Airlines on a non-stop
flight to Panama City, with a fly-
ing time of about three hours. On
arrival, drive to Colon to board
the Sea Voyager and set sail for
the first part of our Panama Canal
transit anchoring in Gatun Lake.
This unique interruption makes us
one of the few ships that make the
crossing in two days, as well as the only ship per-
mitted the exclusive opportunity to explore impres-
sive Barro Colorado, which we visit tomorrow. (D)
sunday, Day 2: Barro colorado island & Gatun Lake/
panama canal transit
Today we’ll combine two of the main reasons many
of us come south of the border: the Panama Canal
and the tropical rain forest.
By special invitation, board a Zodiac this
morning to explore Barro Colorado Nature
Monument, set in Gatun Lake and home to
the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Inaccessible to most travelers, the island itself is
quite unique. Before the building of the Canal it
was actually the top of a mountain, and when the
river valley was flooded to form man-made Gatun
Lake, it became the island we see today. You’ll hike
through the lush forest with
Smithsonian guides, who
share their insights into the
research and the wonders of
nature. As always, the forest
is full of surprises: mon-
keys, anteaters, slow-moving
sloths, brilliantly colored birds and more.
We reboard Sea Voyager to continue our cross-
ing, possibly at night when the Canal is dramati-
cally lit. (A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed
since cargo ships have priority over passenger
ships.) (B,L,D)
monday, Day 3: Gulf of panama islets
Flexibility and adventure go hand in hand. Since
we’re not tied to a minute-by-minute timetable,
we take the day to leisurely explore a cluster of
islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac or kayak.
It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied
birdlife. Observe large numbers
of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent
frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed
boobies of Galápagos fame. (B,L,D)
tuesday, Day 4: isla coiba national park
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote na-
tional parks, where you may hike tropical, moist
forest trails, swim and snorkel amid tropical
fish. 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)
Wednesday, Day 5: Golfo Dulce, costa rica
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At
Casa Orquideas, a privately-owned garden acces-
sible only by boat and special invitation, see a
profusion of orchids, look for tanagers, parrots
Costa RiCa
Herradura
Panama Canal
Panama
manuel antonio n.P.
osa Peninsula
isla Coiba
Colon
Panama City
Caribbean Sea
Pacific OceanGulf of Panama
san Jose
Golfo Dulce
and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the bay of Golfo
Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L D)
thursday, Day 6: osa peninsula & corcovado n.p.
The Sea Voyager anchors off the remote Osa
Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National
Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will de-
pend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall
pools, horseback ride on the beach or kayak. Trek
through the rain forest for a chance to see three
species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and
squirrel! (B,L,D)
Friday, Day 7: manuel antonio national park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the
early morning, so we are sure to get an early
start. Monkeys or vividly colored birds can be
easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a
naturalist to point out lethargic three-toed sloths.
In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful
coast where we’ll find a great spot for a final hike
or swim. (B,L,D)
saturday, Day 8: Herradura/Disembark/san Jose/
miami
This morning we disembark Sea Voyager in
Herradura and drive to the airport for flights
home, or on to other adventures. The Miami-
bound flight departs late morning, arriving in
the late afternoon. (B)
complement your 8-day voyage with seven days in
the monteverde cloud Forest, sarapiquí and arenal
Volcano. the cost for your stay is $1,800 per person,
double occupancy or $2,020 sole occupancy.
please call for more details.
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all costs are per person double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
SUN DECK LOUNGE
GALLEY
220 218 216 212 210 208
219 217 215 211 209 207 205
316 312 310
315 311 309 307
308
BRIDGE DECK
UPPER DECK
MAIN DECK
DINING ROOM
BRID
GE
LEXs
pa
OBSERVATION DECK
105 103
106 104
206 Library
Fitness Center
202 204
201 203
108
Sea Voyager Deck plan
1 Main 307,308,309,310,311,312,315,316 $3,970
Upper SoleOccupancy:207,208 $3,970
Cabinsfeaturealargeoutsidewindow,twolowersinglebeds(someconverttoadouble),smallwritingdeskwithmakeuptable,closet,drawersandprivatebath.Note:Soleoccupancycabinshaveonelowersinglebed.
2 Upper 205,206,209,210,211,212,215,216,217,218,219,220;
Bridge 104,106,108 $4,480
SoleOccupancy:Alloftheabove $6,720
Cabinswithlargeoutsidewindow,twolowersinglebeds(someconverttoadouble),smallwritingdeskwithmakeuptable,largecloset,drawersandprivatebath.Bridgedeckcabinshaveoutsideaccess.
3 Upper 201,202,203,204;
Bridge 103,105 $5,380
Thesedeluxecabinsarelargerandincludeprivatebath,twosinglebeds(thatconverttoaqueen-sizebed),sofaandadditionalpulloutbedforathirdperson,coffeetable,easychair,writingdesk,ampleclosetandstoragespace.UpperDeckcabinshavelargeexteriorwindowswhiletheBridgeDeckcabinshaveoutsideaccessandalargewindow.Callfortriplerate.
sample airfare: FlightfromMiamitoPanamaCityandreturnfromSanJose,CostaRicatoMiami. EconomyUS$500-$600;BusinessfromUS$1,700
Sea Voyager ship information: Capacity: 60 guests in 31 spacious, outside cabins. Registry: Honduras. Over-all length: 175 feet. The Sea Voyager was completely refurbished in 2002.
public Areas: A glass-enclosed Lounge with full-service bar; a Sun Deck with canvas canopy; an Observation Deck; a Fitness Center equipped with stationary bicycles, elliptical trainer and treadmills; Library with books about the region; Dining Room.
Meals: Full range of meals in an informal setting. Breakfast and lunch are buffets, and dinner is a full-service menu with at least three selections (one for vegetarians). Healthy snacks for children are always available.
cabins: All cabins are above the waterline with picture windows. Each includes lower berths, private bathrooms and air conditioning.
special Features: Guest internet kiosk, Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkeling gear, underwater video cam-era, Splash-Cam, video microscope, LEXspa.
catEGorY DEcK caBin nUmBErs
since expedition doesn’t mean deprivation, count on enjoying fresh & delicious
regional cuisine in an ambience glowing with warm tropical woods, wicker, &
brass. dress is totally casual — no need to dress up ever (unless you feel festive,
then feel free!) And uneven-numbered seating in the dining room favors easy
joining & mingling. roomy category 3 cabins offer lounging space & big windows.
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cost include: Allaccommodationsaboardshiporinhotelsperitiner-ary;allmeals;nonalcoholicbeveragesaboardship;entrancefees;excursionsandsightseeing;taxes,servicecharges,andtips(excepttoship’screw).There’sneverachargeforkayaks,Zodiacs,snorkel-ingequipment,ortheservicesoftheshipphysicianandLindblad’sexpeditionstaff.
not included:AirfaretransportationfromhometowntoMiami/CentralAmerica/Miami;alcoholicbeverages;personalitemssuchasphone/fax/emailcharges,travelinsurance;anddiscretionarygratuitiestoship’screw.
note:Acompletepacketofpre-journeyinformation,includingrecom-mendedreadingandsuggestionsonwhattobring,willbesentafteryourreservationisconfirmed.
terMs And conditionsreservations:Toconfirmyourplace,acompletedreservationformandanadvancepaymentof$1,000isrequiredatthetimeofreserva-tionandispayablebycheck.
Final payment:Due60dayspriortodeparture.
travel protection plan:Travelandmedicalinsuranceareavailableatextracost.Askaboutourcomprehensiveguesttravelprotectionplanforworry-freeexpedition.
smoking policy:Allowedindesignatedoutdoorareas.
responsibility:Certainotherprovisionsconcerning,amongotherthings,limitationsoftheCompany’sliabilityforlossofproperty,injury,illnessordeathduringthevoyagewillbeprovidedtoallguestspriortofinalpayment,andtoprospectiveguestsuponrequest.
BrinG tHE KiDs:Webelievesharinganexpeditionwithyourkidsorgrandkidsisalife-enhancingexperience.So,take$500offtheDoubleOccupancypriceforeachyoungsterunder18.
spEciaL BooKinG oFFEr
cancELLation poLicY
number of days prior to expedition start per person cancellation Fee
90ormoredays $250
89-60days Advancepayment
59-30days 50%oftripcost
29-0days Norefund
Thispolicyappliestoexpeditionsandextensions.Westronglyrecom-mendthatyoupurchaseatravelprotectionplan.
rEsErVation Form EXpLorinG panama anD costa rica
aboard the Sea Voyager
march 3-10, 2007
Please reserve ________________ place(s) on Exploring panama & costa rica — march 3-10, 2007
Please reserve ________________ place(s) on monteverde, sarapiquí, arenal post-tour — march 3-17, 2007
Name: ___________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________________
Street Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________________State: _________________ Zip: __________________________
Home 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 are Smokers Non-smokers
I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for this program and agree to them.
Signature(s)_______________________________________________________________Date: ______________________
Enclosed is my deposit check of $1,000 per person payable to Betchart Expeditions, inc. trust account
Membership: ACS Other ____________________________________________________________________________
(asitappearsonpassport)
(asitappearsonpassport)
The Company reserves the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the Company’s actual cost of fuel.
For Reservations or Information:Carol LarsenBetchart Expeditions, Inc.17050 Montebello RoadCupertino, CA 95014Phone: 800-252-4910 or 408-252-4910Email: [email protected]
ACS ExpeditionsOutstanding trips for ACS members & friends
by Betchart Expeditions Inc.Phone: (800) 252-4910 • Email: [email protected]
12
Travel + Leisure 2006 small-ship
cruise Lines award Lindblad
Expeditionsisrankedamongthe
best.Travel + Leisure 2006 World’s
Best tour operators award ranked
LindbladExpeditionsinthetopten
byreaders. Condé Nast Traveler
Gold List 2006 ranked Lindblad
Expeditions among the best:
“...a93.9scoreforDestinations/
Itineraries,96.2Serviceand89.3
forActivities.”
LUsH GrEEn ForEsts, JEWEL-BriGHt BirDs, minD BoGGLinG BEaUtY... aH, WE mUst BE in tHE tropics!
PrsrTsTDU.s.PosTAge
PaidLiNDbLAD
exPeDiTioNs
170�0 Montebello roadcupertino, cA ��01�
ACS ExpeditionsOutstanding trips for ACS members & friends
by Betchart Expeditions Inc.Phone: (800) 252-4910 • Email: [email protected]