Top 5 Panama Tours for 2022-2023

Name: Panama Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (386 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 $2,248

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 $1,718

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 $349

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 $2,756

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!

All Panama Cruises

10 Best Cruises to Panama for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama	$2290	8	Dec 31, 2022	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	$5845	8	Oct 1, 2022	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
Crossing the Panama Canal: Panama to Costa Rica	$2290	8	Dec 24, 2022	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 to Costa Rica	$1560	8	Dec 3, 2022	Embark on an 8-day cruise exploring Panama and Costa Rica's natural beauty and rich history. Before landing at Puntarenas, enjoy a few days of … 0
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys	$5530	8	Feb 11, 2023	This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are … 0
Barbados to Panama	$4300	15	Nov 5, 2022	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
Panama to Antigua	$4300	15	Nov 19, 2022	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
Island Flair and Colorful Colonial Towns	$11755	18	Dec 5, 2022	Relax and unwind as the Sea Cloud Spirit takes you to the best of the Caribbean, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica during this 16-day cruise from … 0
Between the Caribbean and the Maya	$4530	10	Jan 5, 2023	Board Le Bellot and discover tropical paradise! On this 10-day cruise, explore highlights of the Caribbean and Maya sites between Cozumel, Mexico and … 0
Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands	$5830	13	Mar 17, 2023	Explore the complexity and richness of Afro-Caribbean traditions, as well as a brilliant blue sky and white-sand beaches on this 13-day exceptional … 0

All Panama Canal Cruises

10 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Panama Canal Full Transit	$349	1	Jul 2, 2022	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	$2249	8	Jun 30, 2022	This 8-day hotel-based tour of Panama takes you from metropolitan Panama City, through the lowland tropical forest of Soberania National Park, … 0
Encounter Panama	$1718	7	Jun 30, 2022	Begin your Panama journey at the manmade marvel, the Panama Canal, and continue your travels into the region's tropical forests, visiting an … 0
Caribbean Adventure	$2757	9	Jun 30, 2022	Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa … 0
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama	$2290	8	Dec 31, 2022	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	$4300	15	Nov 5, 2022	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
Panama to Antigua	$4300	15	Nov 19, 2022	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
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys	$5530	8	Feb 11, 2023	This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are … 0
142-Day Extraordinary Discoveries	$192598	142	Jan 6, 2023	From Miami to Barcelona, embark on Seabourn Sojourn for a 142-day world cruise to discover 61 destinations and 32 countries. The voyage includes … 0
Grand Americas, Amazon & Antarctica	$40499	80	Jan 6, 2023	During this 80-day Grand Voyage, the Seabourn Quest cruises to Central America, circles the coast of South America, and explores Antarctica, South … 0

Panama Cruises

2 Best Luxury Tours & Cruises of Panama for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys	$5530	8	Feb 11, 2023	This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are … 0
142-Day Extraordinary Discoveries	$192598	142	Jan 6, 2023	From Miami to Barcelona, embark on Seabourn Sojourn for a 142-day world cruise to discover 61 destinations and 32 countries. The voyage includes … 0

Get Inspired to Travel to Panama

Classic Journeys

Small Ship Cruises

All Panama Videos

Panama Travel Videos

All Panama Articles

Panama Travel Tips & Cruise Guide

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 2022-2023

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.