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Panama Small Ship Cruises & Tours

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Experience the wonders of Panama with Adventure Life's diverse selection of 27 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through the iconic Panama Canal, where you can enjoy a full transit in just one day and marvel at the engineering feat while soaking in the history of this vital trade route. Explore the Gaillard Cut, Gatun Lake, and Gatun Locks to witness the canal's majesty firsthand. Then, embark on an 8-day expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, where you'll observe wildlife in their natural habitat, kayak through magical mangroves, and relax on the Gulf of Panama beaches. For an unforgettable voyage, opt for the "Unveiled Wonders: Panama and Costa Rica" tour aboard the Safari Voyager. Cruise among the Gulf of Panama, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, and hike in a birder's paradise to discover the rich biodiversity of these regions. Don't miss the chance to set sail on a remarkable 15-day adventure from Barbados to Panama, exploring Bridgetown, Grenada, Curacao, and more. Whether you choose a partial transit or a gastronomic cruise with Top Chef Bryan Voltaggio, Adventure Life offers a range of options for an unforgettable journey through Panama. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Panama adventure
from $2,010
NO SS
EXPLORE

Panama to Costa Rica

Balboa - Puerto Caldera - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Explore Balboa’s buildings
  • Discover San Jose Island
  • Snorkel Iguana Island’s clear water
  • Encounter Coiba’s rare marine
Starts / Ends
Balboa / Puerto Caldera
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise from Balboa to Puerto Caldera aboard the Star Clipper, exploring highlights like San Jose Island and Coiba National Park. Enjoy diverse activities like snorkeling, surfing, and visiting Manuel Antonio National Park before disembarking in Puerto Caldera.
Cruise Details
0
Guests explore by zodiac cruise in Portobelo, Panama
from $6,150
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle

Southbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Transit the Panama Canal
  • Explore Darien Jungle
  • Visit Portobelo Forts
  • Snorkel Pearl Islands
Starts / Ends
Panama City / Panama City
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle cruise aboard National Geographic. Quest in Colon and explore Panama’s Pacific coast. Cruise Gatun Lake, hike Barro Colorado Island trails, and visit the Pearl Islands. Discover Darien National Park’s rainforest and culture, explore Punta Patiño Reserve, and return to Panama City.
Cruise Details
0
Blue water and lush rain forest in Panama
from $6,150
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands and Darien Jungle

Northbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Panama Canal transit
  • Chagres River cruise
  • Kayak and snorkel at Isla del Rey
  • Explore Playa Muerto
Starts / Ends
Panama City / Panama City
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Panama on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Quest. Transit the Panama Canal, anchor in Gatun Lake, and discover Darien National Park and the Pearl Islands. Kayak, hike rainforests, snorkel reefs, and meet Embera communities in remote villages and protected reserves.
Cruise Details
0
Ocean view of the edge of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
from $6,450
EXPLORE

The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Colon to Puntarenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bougainville
  • Visit San Blas Islands
  • Cross Panama Canal locks
  • Discover Balboa waterfront district
  • Reach Puntarenas Pacific coast
Starts / Ends
Colon / Puntarenas
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Panama and Costa Rica on an 8-day voyage aboard Le Bougainville. Visit Colon, Portobelo, the San Blas Islands, Balboa, Quepos, and Puntarenas. Cross the Panama Canal, discover Afro-Caribbean heritage, meet Indigenous communities, relax at sea, and experience rainforest-lined Pacific shores.
Cruise Details
0
Keel-billed Toucan
from $6,230
EXPLORE

Central America Jewels & Panama Canal

Colon to Puntarenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore San Blas Islands
  • Discover Historic Portobelo
  • Transit Panama Canal
  • Encounter Costa Rica Wildlife
Starts / Ends
Colon / Puntarenas
Activities
Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Panama and Costa Rica on this 8-day voyage from Colón to Puntarenas aboard Le Laperouse. Travel through the Panama Canal, visit the San Blas Islands, Portobelo and Darién National Park, and discover local communities, coastal landscapes and wildlife. The journey also includes time at sea and excursions in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula region.
Cruise Details
0
Panama Canal
from $5,772
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

Eastbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Observe animals in their habitat
  • Kayak through magical mangroves
  • Transit the historical Panama Canal
  • Explore Gulf of Panama beaches
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness and 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.
Cruise Details
0
San Blas
from $7,790
EXPLORE

Secrets of Central America

Colon - Puntarenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Learn Fort San Lorenzo's history
  • See San Blas Islands' marine life
  • Experience Coiba Island adventure
  • Witness Drake Bay rainforest
Starts / Ends
Colon / Puntarenas
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Panama and Costa Rica aboard Le Bellot on an 11-day cruise. Sail through the Panama Canal, visit Fort San Lorenzo, the San Blas Islands, Pearl Islands, Darién National Park, Coiba Island, Rio Esquinas, Drake Bay, and Curú Wildlife Refuge. Experience wildlife viewing, Zodiac landings, and cultural encounters with indigenous communities.
Cruise Details
0
Clear waters of the Caribbean sea
from $7,170
EXPLORE

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys

Puntarenas to Colon - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Darien National Park
  • Embera village visit
  • See Miraflores Locks view
  • Experience Guna community encounter
Starts / Ends
Puntarenas / Colon
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise from Puntarenas to Colon aboard Le Laperouse. Explore Quepos, Darien National Park, Flamenco Island, the San Blas Islands, and complete the full Panama Canal crossing with cultural encounters and wildlife viewing.
Cruise Details
0
Ruins in Colon, Panama
from $13,300
EXPLORE

Costa Rica & Panama Coastal Expedition Cruise

Liberia Airport to Panama City - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Safari Voyager
  • Explore Santa Rosa Wilderness
  • Visit Embera Cultural Village
  • Cross Panama Canal
  • Discover Guna Yala Islands
Starts / Ends
Liberia / Panama City
Activities
Snorkeling, Archaeological Site Visits, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Village Visits, Rainforest Exploration, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 15-day expedition cruise from Liberia, Costa Rica, to Panama City, Panama, aboard Safari Voyager. Explore remote national parks, tropical islands, vibrant reefs, and Indigenous communities while kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and crossing the iconic Panama Canal on an unforgettable small-ship adventure.
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Costa Rica
from $6,801
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

San Jose to Panama - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Arenal Volcano exploration
  • Relax in Ecotermales hot springs
  • Pearl Islands snorkeling
  • Navigate the Panama Canal
Starts / Ends
San Jose / Panama City
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Arrive in San Jose, transfer to La Fortuna and start the 9-day land and sea adventure. Explore Arenal Volcano and rainforest trails. Fly to Panama City and embark National Geographic Quest. Kayak, hike, and cruise the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, and Pearl Islands while snorkeling, exploring fortresses, and discovering tropical wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset over Cartagena, Colombia
from $6,450
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Panama to Cartagena - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Quest
  • Transit the Panama Canal
  • Meet Indigenous people of Guna Yala
  • Look for unique tropical wildlife
  • See colonial architecture
Starts / Ends
Panama City / Cartagena
Activity Level
Variable
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, Archipelago, and more.
Cruise Details
0
Costa Rica Toucan Bird
from $2,010
EXPLORE

Costa Rica to Panama

Puerto Caldera - Balboa - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Star Clipper
  • Explore Puerto Caldera’s coast
  • Relax on Isla Tortuga’s beaches
  • Experience Golfito’s rich history
  • Snorkel in Golfo de Chiriqui’s
Starts / Ends
Puerto Caldera / Balboa
Activities
Small Ship Sailing, Ziplining
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Star Clipper, starting in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. Explore stunning beaches, vibrant marine parks, and rich history before concluding your adventure in Balboa, Panama.
Cruise Details
0
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