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Ship in the Panama Canal

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

6 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2023-2024

Panama Cruises
Playa Manuel Antonio
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama
Puerto Caldera - Colon
8 Days from $2,950
Board the Panorama for this 8-day Pacific Ocean cruise along the coasts 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.
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Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour
Barbados to Panama
Bridgetown to Balboa
15 Days from $4,370
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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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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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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Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
Panama to Antigua
15 Days from $4,370
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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Colorful canoes await passengers on the river
Grand Americas, Amazon & Antarctica
Miami to Miami
80 Days from $43,399
During this 80-day Grand Voyage, the Seabourn Quest cruises to Central America, circles the coast of South America, and explores Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands before returning to Miami via the Amazon and the Caribbean.
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All Panama Tours

Top 4 Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3391Apr 15, 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$270½Mar 25, 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$263½Mar 22, 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$3701Mar 22, 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 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3391Apr 15, 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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Discover Panama$25588Mar 26, 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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Caribbean Adventure$30599Mar 22, 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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Encounter Panama$17517Mar 24, 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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Panama Canal Partial Transit$270½Mar 25, 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$263½Mar 22, 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$3701Mar 22, 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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Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama$29508Dec 30, 2023Board the Panorama for this 8-day Pacific Ocean cruise along the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Discover rarely visited ports of call, hidden …
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Barbados to Panama$437015Nov 4, 2023Starting 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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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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All Panama Canal Articles

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

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