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Panama Canal 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!
Panama Cruises

8 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2024-2025

Panama Cruises
Trekking through Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica & the Panama Canal

8 Days from $6,820
Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise 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.
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Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour

Barbados to Panama

Bridgetown to Balboa
15 Days from $4,440
Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, this 15-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper sails through the turquoise Caribbean waters en route to the Panama Canal, visiting Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and Colombia along the way. Explore the tropical jungles, snorkel in vibrant reefs, immerse yourself in tribal culture, and marvel at the Panama Canal.
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San Blas

Secrets of Central America

Colon to Puntarenas
11 Days from $7,090
Embark on an 11-day expedition cruise from Colon to Puntarenas aboard the Le Bellot. Journey around the isthmus of Panama, a biodiversity hotspot connecting two continents. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, discover stunning islands, nature reserves, and fascinating local communities.
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Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal

Panama to Antigua

15 Days from $4,440
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.
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Explore colorful Bridgetown, Barbados

Southern Caribbean Delights & Panama Canal

Bridgetown - Panama City
11 Days from $12,190
Experience the ultimate cruise through the Southern Caribbean, exploring charming islands, historic cities, and the iconic Panama Canal on this 11-day cruise. From the vibrant streets of Aruba and Willemstad to the hidden paradises of Mayreau Island and San Blas, immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of this captivating region.
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Zapatilla Cay, Panama

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Panama City to Cartagena
8 Days from $6,290
Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Sail from Panama City to Cartagena, with stops in Portobelo, Guna Yala, San Bernardo Archipelago, and more.
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Get stunning views of historic Cartagena

Costa Rica & Panama Canal

Costa Rica - Colombia
15 Days from $13,395
Embark on a 15-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests, and Panama's coral reefs, connect with the Emberá tribe, and delve into Panama Canal's history. The trip concludes in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to discover its Afro-Caribbean culture and UNESCO-listed historic center.
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Explore the California coast

San Francisco, California to New York - Door to Door

San Francisco to New York City
24 Days from $10,400
Explore 7 countries on this 24-day Silver Shadow cruise from San Francisco to New York and witness stunning scenery, from the West Coast to the Caribbean. Relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, hike, and sightseeing. Visit the West Coast of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Caribbean before disembarking in New York.
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All Panama Tours

Top 4 Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3391Dec 16, 2023This 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 …
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Panama Canal Partial Transit$270½Dec 9, 2023Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean.
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Explore Panama City$271½Dec 6, 2023Tour 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 …
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Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway$3701Dec 6, 2023Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local guide. Tour the fort, invaded by pirate Captain Morgan, and learn about this historic structure.
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All Panama Tours

10 Best Active Adventure Cruises of Panama and the Canal for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Discover Panama$28098Dec 10, 2023This 8-day hotel-based tour of Panama takes you from metropolitan Panama City, through the lowland tropical forest of Soberania National Park, …
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Panama Canal Full Transit$3391Dec 16, 2023This 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 …
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Encounter Panama$17517Dec 8, 2023Begin your Panama journey at the manmade marvel, the Panama Canal, and continue your travels into the region's tropical forests, visiting an …
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Caribbean Adventure$34749Dec 9, 2023Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa …
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Panama Canal Partial Transit$270½Dec 9, 2023Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean.
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Costa Rica & the Panama Canal$68208Dec 7, 2023Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike …
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Explore Panama City$271½Dec 6, 2023Tour 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 …
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Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway$3701Dec 6, 2023Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with your local guide. Tour the fort, invaded by pirate Captain Morgan, and learn about this historic structure.
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Barbados to Panama$444015Nov 2, 2024Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, this 15-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper sails through the turquoise Caribbean waters en route to …
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Secrets of Central America$709011Feb 3, 2025Embark on an 11-day expedition cruise from Colon to Puntarenas aboard the Le Bellot. Journey around the isthmus of Panama, a biodiversity hotspot …
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Panama Canal Travel Guide

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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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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!
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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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Starfish on the beach

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.
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Top Panama Canal Travel Destinations

Panama Canal Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Panama Canal

Panama Canal Trips by Duration

Panama Canal Trips by Activity

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