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 2019-2020

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.

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.

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.

Central American Adventure: Costa Rica & The Panama Canal

10 Days from $4,195

Nowhere else in the world can you find a concentration of wildlife like that of Central America – in particular Costa Rica and Panama. Costa Rica alone has over 840 identified species of birds and with over a quarter of the country identified as national parks. Famous for its manmade canal, Panama is also home to 940 avian species, as well as 125 mammal species endemic to this country.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Fort San Lorenzo and Canal Railway	$376	1	Oct 15, 2019	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	$302	1	Oct 19, 2019	Journey between oceans through a man-made wonder, the Panama Canal. Sail through two sets of locks from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore Panama City	$247	½	Oct 15, 2019	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 …
Panama Canal Partial Transit	$243	½	Oct 18, 2019	Climb aboard and experience the "Eighth Wonder of the World" first hand as you transit through the Miraflores Locks to the Pacific Ocean.

Panama Canal Travel Guide

All Panama Canal Articles

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!