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: ACSinfo@betchartexpeditions.com

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.

11

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: carol@betchartexpeditions.com

ACS ExpeditionsOutstanding trips for ACS members & friends

by Betchart Expeditions Inc.Phone: (800) 252-4910 • Email: ACSinfo@betchartexpeditions.com

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: ACSinfo@betchartexpeditions.com