Top 10 Panama Tours for 2023-2024

Name: Panama Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (487 reviews)

A local fisherman pulls his boat ashore at sunset in Costa Rica

This 8-day land-based tour highlights the best of Costa Rica and Panama! Whitewater excitement and rainforest exploration in Costa Rica couple with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama for a perfectly paced vacation. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and fall into the rhythm of the Caribbean!

Discover Panama

8 Days from $2,557

This 8-day hotel-based tour of Panama takes you from metropolitan Panama City, through the lowland tropical forest of Soberania National Park, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, surfing, birding, and exploring Bocas del Toro & Tranquilo Bay, and finally to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal.

Encounter Panama

7 Days from $1,751

Begin your Panama journey at the manmade marvel, the Panama Canal, and continue your travels into the region's tropical forests, visiting an indigenous community in Chagres National Park and exploring the ecology of Barro Colorado Island. This is a great introductory tour of Panama!

Panama Canal Full Transit

1 Day from $339

This Panama City one-day tour takes you on the incredible journey from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific Ocean, traversing two impressive locks via the manmade wonder that is the Panama Canal.

Caribbean Adventure

Tranquilo Bay
9 Days from $3,059

Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa Rica's Pacuare River combine with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and snorkel & dive among the Caribbean reefs!

Panama Canal Partial Transit

½ Day from $270

Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean.

Barro Colorado Island Tour

1 Day from $231

Explore Panama City

½ Day from $263

Tour Panama City with a local guide, well versed in the history of the area. See a transit of the Panama canal and tour Casco Antiguo where the pirate Henry Morgan waged his attack in 1671.

El Valle de Anton

1 Day from $394

Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway

1 Day from $370

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local guide. Tour the fort, invaded by pirate Captain Morgan, and learn about this historic structure.

All Panama Cruises

10 Best Cruises to Panama for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama	$2950	8	Dec 30, 2023	Board the Panorama for this 8-day Pacific Ocean cruise along the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Discover rarely visited ports of call, hidden … 0
Unveiled Wonders: Panama and Costa Rica	$6500	8	Sep 30, 2023	Join the Safari Voyager on this fantastic 8-day cruise of Panama & Costa Rica to admire the tropical wonders this famous region has to offer. Start … 0
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal	$6820	8	Dec 7, 2023	Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike … 0
Crossing the Panama Canal: Panama to Costa Rica	$2950	8	Dec 23, 2023	Cruise along the Pacific Ocean coast of Costa Rica and Panama. Each day you'll discover a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters to … 0
Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast	$6290	8	Oct 28, 2023	Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise … 0
Barbados to Panama	$4370	15	Nov 4, 2023	Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, this 15-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper sails through the turquoise Caribbean waters en route to … 0
Costa Rica & Panama	$1600	8	Dec 30, 2023	Embark on an 8-day cruise exploring Costa Rica and Panama's natural beauty and rich history. Land at Puntarenas, discover the tropical paradise of … 0
Panama to Antigua	$4370	15	Nov 18, 2023	Starting in Balboa, Panama, sail through warm Caribbean waters as you make your way to the Antigua aboard the Royal Clipper. Over the course of 15 … 0
Latin America Sojourn; Costa Rica, Panama, Cartagena	$9500	11	May 20, 2024	Join Safari Voyager on this 11-day Latin America Sojourn in Costa Rica, Panama, and Cartagena. Experience the diverse places of Panama, Costa Rica, … 0
Grand Americas, Amazon & Antarctica	$43399	80	Jan 4, 2024	During this 80-day Grand Voyage, the Seabourn Quest cruises to Central America, circles the coast of South America, and explores Antarctica, South … 0

All Panama Canal Cruises

10 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Panama Canal Full Transit	$339	1	Apr 15, 2023	This Panama City one-day tour takes you on the incredible journey from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific Ocean, traversing two impressive … 0
Discover Panama	$2558	8	Mar 26, 2023	This 8-day hotel-based tour of Panama takes you from metropolitan Panama City, through the lowland tropical forest of Soberania National Park, … 0
Caribbean Adventure	$3059	9	Mar 23, 2023	Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa … 0
Encounter Panama	$1751	7	Mar 24, 2023	Begin your Panama journey at the manmade marvel, the Panama Canal, and continue your travels into the region's tropical forests, visiting an … 0
Panama Canal Partial Transit	$270	½	Mar 25, 2023	Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean. 0
Explore Panama City	$263	½	Mar 23, 2023	Tour Panama City with a local guide, well versed in the history of the area. See a transit of the Panama canal and tour Casco Antiguo where the … 0
Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway	$370	1	Mar 23, 2023	Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local guide. Tour the fort, invaded by pirate Captain Morgan, and learn about this historic structure. 0
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama	$2950	8	Dec 30, 2023	Board the Panorama for this 8-day Pacific Ocean cruise along the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Discover rarely visited ports of call, hidden … 0
Barbados to Panama	$4370	15	Nov 4, 2023	Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, this 15-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper sails through the turquoise Caribbean waters en route to … 0
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal	$6820	8	Dec 7, 2023	Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike … 0

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My new friend Pedro - Paradise Gardens Boquete

Panama Overview

While most famous for its canal, Panama also has 15 national parks, abundant wildlife, ancient history, and a uniquely vibrant culture. You will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of attractions and activities which makes a Panama trip perfect for so many styles of traveler! Here are some useful and interesting facts for people considering a trip to Panama.

Top Places to Visit on Panama's Caribbean

White beaches with nesting tortoises, Caribbean islands with indigenous peoples and mile after mile of paradise await you on the Caribbean side of Panama. Here are some of our favorite spots to plan a Panama trip around:

San Blas Islands are made of over 360 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama, only 60 of which are inhabited. The islands are virtually self-governed by the local Kuna indigenous people who host and educate travelers about their traditional lifestyle in harmony on these pristine islands.

Bocas del Toro Islands, an isolated chain of islands off the northeast coast of Panama let you dive into a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Explore Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and its endless coral reefs for world class snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Portobelo was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597, and naturally, this quaint town is full of stories of conquests and plunder. Explore Portobelo and the coastline of the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal on a cruise of Panama's Caribbean coast to the Pacific Ocean.

Panama Travel Info

Panama is probably best know around the world for its canal - one of the greatest engineering marvels ever built. While this is definitely something to see while visiting the country, there is so much more to experience. Panama boasts white sand beaches along the Caribbean, beautiful mountainous landscapes, modern urban areas, and wildlife galore!

The Kuna People of the San Blas Islands

The Kuna Indians are a fascinating tribal society residing in the San Blas Archipelago. In spite of historical pressure to become part of Panama and westernize their culture, they manage to remain living much the same way their ancestors did. Learn more about this unique people group.

Panama FAQs

Have your trip to Panama booked? Now what? From the best time to visit to what the food will be like, this FAQ gives travelers more of an idea of what to expect on a trip to Panama. We have answered some of the most common traveler questions in hopes of helping you feel better prepared for the adventure.

Panama Fun Facts

The famous "Panama Hats" are not actually from Panama, but rather Ecuador, where they were originally made and are known as toquilla straw hats. Their popular use during the construction of the Panama Canal gave them their misnomer.

One of the most well known palindromes in the world: A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL, PANAMA.

The only capital city in the world that has a rainforest within its city limits is Panama City.

Panama was the first country in Latin America to adopt US currency as its own.

Panama is the only country in the world where you can swim in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in one day without flying from one coast to another.

The Panama Canal

When one thinks of Panama, the famous canal is probably the first thing that comes to mind. For travelers, visiting the Panama Canal is a highlight that should be included on any trip to this country. If your interest is peaked, here is a brief history and some interesting facts about the this engineering wonder of the world.

Panama Canal Cruises
Why take a Panama Canal cruise?
Since the Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific, not only do you experience all the best that Panama has to offer, but you can also explore destinations in Costa Rica and the Caribbean.

How long are they?
We offer Panama Canal cruises that are between 7-days and two weeks, however if you find another land-based excursion that you like, we also feature several day-long or half-day extension tours that you can add on after your other itinerary ends.

What are the activities on a Panama Canal cruise?
These cruises are great for travelers of all ages and especially families, since there are a lot of engaging activities along the way. A few examples of things you might do include:

Journey to the Darien Jungle and meet Embera Indians.
Kayak along beautiful & unspoiled beaches.
Experience the history & operation of the Panama Canal.
Explore Barro Colorado Island & its abundant wildlife.
Visit historic sites of the Spanish conquistadors.
Transit along the Panamá Canal, a marvel of engineering and human tenacity.
Enjoy bird watching on an exciting skiff exploration in the Gulf of Panama.
Visit Granito de Oro islet, named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites.
Hike through the jungle in incredible Corcovado National Park.
Snorkel in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean and tropical Pacific Islands.

Top Places to Visit on a Panama Cruise

The Pearl Islands, the San Blas Islands, and Coiba National Park are some of the many incredible places that a Panama cruise has to offer. These places will show you both the exotic tropical scenery and wildlife of the country.

Watching ships pass through the Panama Canal

Panama Canal Cruise: Large vs. Small Cruise Ships

The size of your ship matters more than you would think. With a small ship you have the advantage of accessing smaller ports, beaches, locks, and canals. Additionally, generally, small ship cruises are less expensive than large ship cruises. But larger cruises have some advantages as well. Read this article to figure out what they are!

Blue water and lush rain forest in Panama

Best Time to Travel to Panama

Bottom Line: The best time to visit Panama is between February and April, when there is the least amount of rain and the hottest, sunniest temperatures. Value seekers might be willing to travel during the wetter months for a better deal.

Best Panama Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

Ponant - the only cruise company sailing under the French flag, can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. Panama is world-famous for its canal, but it has much more to offer. While transiting the Panama Canal highlights every Central American cruise, interactions with animals and indigenous people are likely to create lasting memories.
Lindblad Expeditions - Over 50+ years of exploration, its veteran staff, and the quality companionship they provide have established its reputation. Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coast of Panama aboard the National Geographic Quest. Hike through deep rainforests rich in biodiversity, explore remote inlets by Zodiac or kayak, and meet the indigenous people of a remote Panamanian archipelago where age-old customs still exist.
Variety Cruises - the Greek cruise line crosses the legendary Panama Canal, venturing deep into the countries' national parks searching for macaws, sloths, howler monkeys, and dolphins with an onboard naturalist on the Panorama.
UnCruise - Almost 25 years later, innovation continues to be at the core of its motto. The newly refurbished, upscale 62-guest Safari Voyager explores Panama's coasts, jungles, and islands.
Star Clippers Americas - have a complimentary water sports program that lets passengers borrow snorkeling equipment for the duration of the cruise. The 166-passenger Star Clipper, a true sailing ship, will be calling on ports in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and its famed canal starting November 2022.
Aurora Expeditions - is all about exploration. Led by specialists, enjoy a daily program of activities and shore excursions. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you can look forward to Zodiac trips twice daily and the opportunity to land ashore in places few are ever fortunate enough to visit. Join its inaugural Panama Canal voyage and traverse the iconic Panama Canal on guaranteed daylight crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea aboard Greg Mortimer.