Take a small ship cruise to the beautiful port city of Colon located North of Panama City on the Caribbean Sea. Admire the Gatun and Agua Clara Locks that will lead you through the Panama Canal and on to Panama City. Tour the historically significant Protobelo National Park, home to five different ruins of Spanish forts and fantastic diving and coral reef viewing opportunities. If you prefer to spend your day surrounded by nature rather than history, visit the Area Protegida San Lorenzo Nature Reserve which includes 12 ecosystems, 436 species of birds, Fort Sherman: a former U.S. military base, and a Spanish colonial fortress called Fuerte San Lorenzo. Or relax , snorkel, and swim on Colon's best beach, Playa Blanca. Consider cruising Panama on a small ship cruise to access smaller canals, ports, and beaches. Contact our travel specialists to start planing your ideal trip today!

All Panama Tours

1 Best Colon, Panama Canal Tours for 2026-2027

Panama Canal Full Transit

1 Day from $332

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.

Panama Deals

6 Best Colon, Panama Deals for 2026-2027

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal	$5,772	8	Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness and 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. 0
Costa Rica and The Panama Canal	$14,495	12	Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle to explore Central America's rich ecosystems, from Costa Rica's diverse wildlife to Panama's vibrant coral reefs. Experience a memorable daylight transit through the historic Panama Canal, witnessing this engineering marvel firsthand. 0
Natural Wonders, Engineering Marvels	$12,965	13	Experience the essence of “Pura Vida” on a 13-day Panama cruise from Puntarenas to Colon. Visit Punta Leona, Marina Flamingo, Playa Panama, Quepos, Puerto Jimenez, the Pearl Islands, and the San Blas Archipelago, exploring rainforests, beaches, & marinas while encountering diverse wildlife and witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. 0
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle	$6,150	8	Embark on an 8-day Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle cruise aboard National Geographic. Quest in Colon and explore Panama’s Pacific coast. Cruise Gatun Lake, hike Barro Colorado Island trails, and visit the Pearl Islands. Discover Darien National Park’s rainforest and culture, explore Punta Patiño Reserve, and return to Panama City. 0
Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal	$6,801	9	Arrive in San Jose, transfer to La Fortuna and start the 9-day land and sea adventure. Explore Arenal Volcano and rainforest trails. Fly to Panama City and embark National Geographic Quest. Kayak, hike, and cruise the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, and Pearl Islands while snorkeling, exploring fortresses, and discovering tropical wildlife. 0
The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle	$6,150	8	Explore Panama on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Quest. Transit the Panama Canal, anchor in Gatun Lake, and discover Darien National Park and the Pearl Islands. Kayak, hike rainforests, snorkel reefs, and meet Embera communities in remote villages and protected reserves. 0

Colon, Panama Travel Guide

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.

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.

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Ruins at the Fortress of Santiago — Panama

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