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The Panama Canal

Panama Canal Small Ship Cruises & Tours

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Cruise through the Panama Canal with Adventure Life. It's one of the most important waterways in the world and one of mankind's most impressive feats of engineering, cutting across the isthmus of Panama and connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans - a vital pathway for international trade. Originally, it was built in the early 20th century and officially opened in 1914 for commercial trade, but more than a century later, this intricate canal of locks and levies is open to cruise vessels as well, allowing adventurous travelers to witness this man-made marvel and experience the best that Panama has to offer. We offer a number of half-day and day-long add-on itineraries and also feature several cruises aboard luxurious Panama Canal small ships. Contact us when you're ready to start planning your trip to Panama!

10 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2020-2021

Wildlife of Costa Rica - bright tree frog
Natural and Cultural History in Central America
8 Days from $5,150
Discover Costa Rica and Panama with an 8-day expedition cruise. Experience a truly beautiful journey aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, between nature reserves, encounters with local communities, and sailing through the Panama Canal. Start in Colón, Panama and disembark in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.
Guayaquil Street View
Treasures of Central America
Guayaquil to Colon
14 Days from $7,800
Discover some of Central America’s top destinations and most stunning natural treasures through this 14-day exceptional cruise. Starting from the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador sailing to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and crossing the Panama Canal ending in Colon, Panama.
Panama adventure. Snorkeling!
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama
Puerto Caldera - Colon
8 Days from $2,590
Cruise along the Pacific Ocean and coast of Costa Rica and Panama. Discover rarely visited ports of call, hidden coves, crystal-blue waters, ancient history, and rich flora and fauna as you travel from Puerto Caldera. Visit Manuel Antonio and Golfito, Costa Rica en route to the Panama Canal and Panama City.
Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
Panama Canal: Panama to Antigua
15 Days from $3,290
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 days visit Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and Colombia before arriving in Panama.
The jungle terrain of Darien
Pure Panama & Costa Rica
13 Days from $7,645
Experience all the wildness and beauty of Costa Rica and Panama on a sweeping 13-day cruise through the crystalline waters of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans via the Panama Canal. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Darien Jungle, Coiba National Park, and Fort San Lorenzo as you kayak, hike, and snorkel through pristine natural ecosystems.
Panama's turquoise waters
Panama Canal
Panama to St. Maarten
15 Days from $3,990
Celebrate rich oral history, artistic heritage, azure seas, and endless beaches on this extended 15-day cruise aboard the Star Flyer. Embark in Panama and, after transiting the Panama Canal and sailing through the tranquil Caribbean, disembark in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Crossing a stream on Osa Peninsula
Monteverde + Costa Rica and Panama
11 Days from $8,060
Discover the wild coastal rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama on this incredible 11-day adventure. Sail through the fascinating Panama Canal, and walk along suspended tree canopy bridges as you explore from the fully equipped National Geographic Quest.
Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
Panama Canal: Barbados to Panama
Barbados to Balboa
15 Days from $3,290
Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, sail through warm Caribbean waters as you make your way to the Panama Canal aboard the Royal Clipper. Over the course of 15 days visit Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and Colombia before arriving in Panama.
Darien Jungle of Panama
Colombia & Panama—Coral, Jungles, Canal
Cartagena to Panama City
8 Days from $4,895
During this 8-day cruise from Cartagena to Panama City aboard Safari Voyager the ocean, sky, and palms are painted with the brightest blues and greens. Howler monkeys and hummingbirds lure you along with jungle hikes. Fragrant orchids creep out from mangroves. Villagers display their woven baskets and strolling through ancient walled cities and sleepy coastal towns feels like a step back in time.
Blue water and lush rain forest in Panama
Colombia & Panama—Coral, Jungles, Canal
Panama City to Cartagena
8 Days from $4,895
During this 8-day cruise from Panama City to Cartagena aboard Safari Voyager the ocean, sky, and palms are painted with the brightest blues and greens. Howler monkeys and hummingbirds lure you along with jungle hikes. Fragrant orchids creep out from mangroves. Villagers display their woven baskets and strolling through ancient walled cities and sleepy coastal towns feels like a step back in time.

Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3041Nov 16, 2019Journey 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 Travel Guide

All Panama Canal Articles
Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
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 Travel Guide 
The Panama Canal, one of humanity's greatest feats of engineering and tenacity, connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, creating one of the most important international maritime trade routes in the world. In addition to being an important commercial waterway, it provides an excellent way for vacationers to experience the best of all of the tropics.

Activities: 
  • Snorkeling & diving
  • Sea kayaking
  • Hiking through jungles
  • Meeting indigenous communities
  • Learing about the human history that has impacted this small Central American country
  • Exploring national parks
  • Crossing through the intricate locks of the Panama Canal!
Other destinations from the Panama Canal:
In addition to the jungles and beaches of Panama, most cruises also feature several days in Costa Rica, the Caribbean, or both!
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.
Some beach time
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!
Mola - world famous Kuna handicraft
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.
Sloth sanctuary
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.

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