10 Best Panama Tours

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

Discover Panama

8 Days from $2,395

This 8-day 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.

Caribbean Adventure

Tranquilo Bay
9 Days from $2,525

Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa Rica's Pacuare River combine with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama for a perfectly paced 9-day vacation. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and snorkel & dive among the Caribbean reefs!

Panama Pathways

15 Days from $3,625

The Panama Canal, Panama City, national parks teeming with wildlife, secluded white-sandy beaches... at just over 2 weeks, this trip combines some our most-celebrated Panama tours. For an in depth tour through Panama, this tour is the one for you!

Tranquilo Bay Escape

8 Days from $2,250

Spend 8 days overlooking the Caribbean Sea from your private bungalow at a secluded casual resort. The days are yours to spend as you please. Choose from a menu of activity options each day or simply relax in the Caribbean sun.

Our little ambassador- I called him the Pied Piper

Spirit of Panama

7 Days from $1,523

Begin your Panama travel with a visit to an indigenous community in Chagres National Park. Then venture into the tropical rainforest for a canopy adventure and relax on the white sand beaches of the idyllic San Blas Islands. Finally, enjoy classic Panamanian dishes at a traditional dinner show. Enjoy this bountiful taste of Panama!

Discover Panama - Bocas Town

8 Days from $1,950

Discover the wildlife in the vibrant jungles of western Panama as well as charming Caribbean towns. In between travel Panama with naturalist hikes and snorkeling outings, and enjoy a truly fresh cup of locally grown coffee!

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

Caribbean Adventure - Bocas Town

8 Days from $1,858

This 8-day 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!

10 Best Panama Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Level	Summary
The Journey Between the Seas	$3950	7	Relaxed	Embark on this 7-day small ship Panama voyage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans via the Panama Canal. Board the 24-passenger ship, Discovery, for a unique and intimate cruise.
Rainforest Cultures & Natural Ecosystems	$4350	9	Relaxed	Traverse the legendary Panama Canal and roam the Darien Jungle, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Scan your surroundings for wildlife—such as spider monkeys and jaguars—as you explore Utria National Park.
Pure Panama: Cultures, Coasts & Canal	$4395	9	Relaxed	Prepare yourself for one of the most memorable travel experiences in Panama City. Enjoy the wildlife viewing and marine life search in the Gulf of Panama. Explore the historic Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1500s by the Spanish crown, aboard the Safari Voyager on this 9-day cruise.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal	$5990	8	Relaxed	Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day sailing expedition aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, explore idyllic islands, snorkel over a vibrant coral reef, and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves.
Unveiled Wonders: Panama and Costa Rica	$4395	9	Relaxed	Join the Safari Voyager on this fantastic 9-day cruise and admire the tropical wonders this famous region has to offer. Start in the well-recognized business center of Panama City and voyage all the way to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Canal to Cuba with Panama, Costa Rica & Colombia	$13980	16	Relaxed	This 16-day voyage aboard the Hebridean Sky takes you from Panama to Colombia & Costa Rica before ending the tour in sun-kissed Cuba. Along the way, you'll hike to traditional villages in San Blas, snorkel over colorful reefs, and end explore the nature, history, and culture of recently-opened Cuba.
Costa Rica & Panama Canal: Puerto Caldera to Puerto Limon	$9165	12	Relaxed	Tour some of Central America's most emblematic spots on this fantastic 12-day adventure cruise to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Sail to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, Playas del Coco, and Golfito in Costa Rica, then southward to Panama's Coiba National Park, through the Panama Canal to Bocas del Toro then returning to Costa Rica's Puerto Limon.
Ultimate Costa Rica & Panama	$8345	16	Relaxed	Join the crew of the Safari Voyager on this unique 16-day adventure through Costa Rica and Panama. Sail along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and discover the crystalline waters and marine life of this unique region. Transit the 48-mile-long Panama Canal and enjoy superb bird watching on an exciting skiff exploration.
Panama & Pre-Columbian Treasures	$5270	10	Relaxed	Through this exceptional 10-day cruise, admire the wonders of the rich culture and landscapes of Panama, Ecuador, and Peru. Le Soleal invites you to discover an unspoiled America that is extreme by nature and where the past seems to have left a still intact, indelible mark.
National Parks and Panama Canal	$4360	8	Relaxed	Discover Costa Rica and Panama with an 8-day expedition cruise. Experience a truly beautiful journey aboard Le Champlain, between nature reserves, encounters with local communities, and sailing through the Panama Canal. Start in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and disembark in Colón, Panama.

Get Inspired to Travel to Panama

Classic Journeys

Small Ship Cruises

Favorite Panama Canal Tours

Trip Name	From	Days	Level	Summary
Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway	$315	1	Relaxed	Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local guide. Tour the fort, invaded by pirate Captain Morgan, and learn about this historic structure.
Panama Canal Full Transit	$287	1	Relaxed	Journey between oceans through a man-made wonder, the Panama Canal. Sail through two sets of locks from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Panama Canal Partial Transit	$250	½	Relaxed	Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean.
Explore Panama City	$215	½	Relaxed	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.
Encounter Panama	$1624	7	Relaxed	Begin your Panama journey at the celebrated marvel, the Panama Canal, and continue your travels into the region's tropical forests. Visit an indigenous community in Chagres National Park and explore the ecology of Barro Colorado Island. This is a great introductory tour of Panama!
National Parks and Panama Canal	$4360	8	Relaxed	Discover Costa Rica and Panama with an 8-day expedition cruise. Experience a truly beautiful journey aboard Le Champlain, between nature reserves, encounters with local communities, and sailing through the Panama Canal. Start in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and disembark in Colón, Panama.

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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 paradisiacal 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 it's 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.