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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 2021-2022

Panama Cruises
Panama Cruises
Colorful tree frog of Costa Rica
Costa Rica and Panama Canal
15 Days from $6,395
Board the luxurious Greg Mortimer on this 15-day cruise from the Pacific to the Caribbean through the Panama Canal exploring the best of Costa Rica and Panama. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Coiba National Park, in addition to the cities of San Jose, Panama City and ending in Cartagena, Colombia.
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Crossing a stream on Osa Peninsula
Monteverde + Costa Rica and Panama
11 Days from $8,610
Discover the wild coastal rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama on this incredible 11-day adventure aboard the fully equipped National Geographic Quest. Sail through the fascinating Panama Canal, and walk along suspended tree canopy bridges as you explore. Enjoy abundant opportunities to see creatures in their natural environment in the Moneverde Cloud Forest.
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Trekking through Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
8 Days from $6,620
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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Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal
Panama Canal: Barbados to Panama
Barbados to Balboa
15 Days from $3,430
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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Darien Jungle of Panama
Colombia & Panama—Coral, Jungles, Canal
Cartagena to Panama City
8 Days from $4,995
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.
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Blue water and lush rain forest in Panama
Colombia & Panama—Coral, Jungles, Canal
Panama City to Cartagena
8 Days from $4,995
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.
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Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America
Colón - Puerto Caldera
8 Days from $4,410
Discover Panama and Costa Rica on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, which explores the region's abundant natural splendors, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.
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Playa Manuel Antonio
Crossing the Panama Canal: Costa Rica to Panama
Puerto Caldera to Colon
8 Days from $2,190
Board the Panorama II 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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Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips

All Panama Tours
Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3321May 15, 2021This 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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Active Adventure Cruises of Panama and the Canal

All Panama Tours
All Panama Tours
Panama
Discover Panama
8 Days from $2,565
This 8-day hotel-based tour of Panama takes you from metropolitan Panama City, through the lowland tropical forest of Soberania National Park, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, surfing, birding, and exploring Bocas del Toro & Tranquilo Bay, and finally to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal.
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Snorkel the reef
Caribbean Adventure
Tranquilo Bay
9 Days from $2,633
Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa Rica's Pacuare River combine with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and snorkel & dive among the Caribbean reefs!
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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.
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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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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.
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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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The Dolphin Lodge on San Blas Island
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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Panama Travel Guide

Favorite Panama Tours & Cruises

Top Panama Canal Travel Destinations

Panama Canal Trips by Departure Date

Panama Canal Trips by Duration

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