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Whether you choose a tour or a cruise of Panama, you will find this destination offers the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Discover the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, ideal for snorkeling and diving, or explore lush rainforests, vibrant indigenous communities, and idyllic islands. A trip to Panama wouldn't be complete without a visit to the manmade "eighth wonder of the world," the Panama Canal. But Panama has much more to offer, like Panama City with its beautifully preserved Panama Viejo and impressive Amador Causeway. Experience Bocas del Toro, a Caribbean paradise where Isla Bastimentos reveals an ecosystem rich with wildlife. Glimpse into the lives of a vibrant Caribbean Kuna indigenous community in the San Blas Islands. Adventure Life offers many all-inclusive Panama trips, combining Panama's rich biodiversity with the life-affirming Panameño people. Adventure Life carefully selects from a variety of top-rated Panama tours and cruises, providing personalized service and unparalleled expertise for your Panama vacation. Contact us to start planning your trip.

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Our 8 Favorite Panama Tours for 2024-2025

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Our 10 Favorite Cruises to Panama for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$64208Feb 19, 2026Join this 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Panama and Costa Rica, including the white sands …
0
Panama to Costa Rica$16408Dec 28, 2024Embark on an 8-day cruise exploring Panama and Costa Rica's natural beauty and rich history. Before landing at Puntarenas, enjoy a few days of …
0
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$60548Jan 6, 2025This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are …
0
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 …
0
Secrets of Central America$782011Jan 19, 2026Join this 11-day Secrets of Central America cruise and explore Panama and Costa Rica, starting at San Lorenzoā€™s Fort and traveling from the …
0
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal$66018Nov 23, 2024Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike …
0
Costa Rica & Panama Canal$1129512Apr 19, 2025Embark on a 12-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests, and Panama's coral …
0
Costa Rica to Panama$16408Feb 8, 2025Embark on this 8-day cruise to explore Costa Rica and Panama's natural beauty and rich history. Sail from Puerto Caldera to Balboa. Explore deserted …
0
Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast$67418Oct 19, 2025Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise …
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Costa Rica: A Wild Paradise$27809Apr 13, 2025Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard the SH Vega, exploring Costa Rica and Panama. Discover Fuerte Amador's history and sail to Quepos, Curu Wildlife …
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Our 10 Best Panama Canal Cruises forĀ 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$64208Feb 19, 2026Join this 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Panama and Costa Rica, including the white sands …
0
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$60548Jan 6, 2025This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are …
0
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 …
0
Secrets of Central America$782011Jan 19, 2026Join this 11-day Secrets of Central America cruise and explore Panama and Costa Rica, starting at San Lorenzoā€™s Fort and traveling from the …
0
Barbados to Panama$383015Nov 1, 2025Starting at the Caribbean port of Bridgetown, this 15-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper sails through the turquoise Caribbean waters en route to …
0
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal$66018Nov 23, 2024Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike …
0
Once through the Panama Canal$1167511Feb 18, 2025Embark on an 11-day cruise through the Panama Canal, exploring its historic locks, rainforests, and tranquil beaches. Enjoy the amazing wildlife at …
0
Costa Rica & Panama Canal$1129512Apr 19, 2025Embark on a 12-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests, and Panama's coral …
0
Panama to Antigua$364015Nov 16, 2024Starting 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 …
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Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast$67418Oct 19, 2025Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise …
0
Panama Cruises

Our 10 Curated Luxury Tours & Cruises of Panama for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama's Parks and Beaches$21619 Choose a 9-day Panama National Parks and Beaches tour, and discover Old Panama ruins, iconic Canal views, lush waterfalls, and thrilling zip line …
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Panama Adventure$24298Nov 14, 2024Discover unique wildlife in the vibrant jungles of western Panama as well as charming Caribbean towns through this comprehensive Panama tour. Explore …
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Discover Panama$31068Nov 17, 2024This 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 - Bocas Town$24038Nov 14, 2024This 8-day land-based tour highlights the best of Costa Rica and Panama! Whitewater excitement and rainforest exploration in Costa Rica couple with …
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Encounter Panama$18487Nov 14, 2024Begin 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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Luxury Panama Escape$61399 Discover Panama with our 9-day itinerary! Immerse yourself in the allure of Boquete's charming town, indulge in the unique experiences at Nayara …
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Caribbean Adventure$35239Nov 14, 2024Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa …
0
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$64208Feb 19, 2026Join this 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Panama and Costa Rica, including the white sands …
0
Panama to Costa Rica$16408Dec 28, 2024Embark on an 8-day cruise exploring Panama and Costa Rica's natural beauty and rich history. Before landing at Puntarenas, enjoy a few days of …
0
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America ā€“ with Smithsonian Journeys$60548Jan 6, 2025This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are …
0

Adventure Life's Top Picks: Best Panama Cruise Lines

  • Ponant the only cruise company sailing under the French flag, can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. Panama is world-famous for its canal, but it has much more to offer. While transiting the Panama Canal highlights every Central American cruise, interactions with animals and indigenous people are likely to create lasting memories.
  • Lindblad Expeditions - Over 50+ years of exploration, its veteran staff, and the quality companionship they provide have established its reputation. Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coast of Panama aboard the National Geographic Quest. Hike through deep rainforests rich in biodiversity, explore remote inlets by Zodiac or kayak, and meet the indigenous people of a remote Panamanian archipelago where age-old customs still exist.
  • Variety Cruises - the Greek cruise line crosses the legendary Panama Canal, venturing deep into the countries' national parks searching for macaws, sloths, howler monkeys, and dolphins with an onboard naturalist on the Panorama
  • UnCruise - Almost 25 years later, innovation continues to be at the core of its motto. The newly refurbished, upscale 62-guest Safari Voyager explores Panama's coasts, jungles, and islands.
  • Star Clippers Americas - have a complimentary water sports program that lets passengers borrow snorkeling equipment for the duration of the cruise. The 166-passenger Star Clipper, a true sailing ship, will be calling on ports in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and its famed canal starting November 2022. 
  • Aurora Expeditions - is all about exploration. Led by specialists, enjoy a daily program of activities and shore excursions. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you can look forward to Zodiac trips twice daily and the opportunity to land ashore in places few are ever fortunate enough to visit. Join its inaugural Panama Canal voyage and traverse the iconic Panama Canal on guaranteed daylight crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea aboard Greg Mortimer.


 
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Panama TravelĀ & Cruise Guide

Top Places to Visit on Panama's Caribbean

White beaches with nesting tortoises, Caribbean islands with indigenous peoples and mile after mile of paradise await you on the Caribbean side of Panama. Here are some of our favorite spots to plan a Panama trip around:
  • San Blas Islands are made of over 360 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama, only 60 of which are inhabited. The islands are virtually self-governed by the local Kuna indigenous people who host and educate travelers about their traditional lifestyle in harmony on these pristine islands.
  • Bocas del Toro Islands, an isolated chain of islands off the northeast coast of Panama let you dive into a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Explore Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and its endless coral reefs for world class snorkeling and sea kayaking.
  • Portobelo was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597, and naturally, this quaint town is full of stories of conquests and plunder. Explore Portobelo and the coastline of the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal on a cruise of Panama's Caribbean coast to the Pacific Ocean.
Panama Fun Facts 
  • The famous "Panama Hats" are not actually from Panama, but rather Ecuador, where they were originally made and are known as toquilla straw hats. Their popular use during the construction of the Panama Canal gave them their misnomer.
  • One of the most well known palindromes in the world: A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL, PANAMA. 
  • The only capital city in the world that has a rainforest within its city limits is Panama City.
  • Panama was the first country in Latin America to adopt US currency as its own.
  • Panama is the only country in the world where you can swim in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in one day without flying from one coast to another.

What to Know About Panama Canal Cruises

Why take a Panama Canal cruise?
Since the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific, not only do you experience all the best that Panama has to offer, but you can also explore destinations in Costa Rica and the Caribbean

How long are they?
We offer Panama Canal cruises that are between 7-days and two weeks, however if you find another land-based excursion that you like, we also feature several day-long or half-day extension tours that you can add on after your other itinerary ends.

What are the activities on a Panama Canal cruise? 
These cruises are great for travelers of all ages and especially families, since there are a lot of engaging activities along the way. A few examples of things you might do include:
  • Journey to the Darien Jungle and meet Embera Indians.
  • Kayak along beautiful & unspoiled beaches.
  • Experience the history & operation of the Panama Canal.
  • Explore Barro Colorado Island & its abundant wildlife.
  • Visit historic sites of the Spanish conquistadors.
  • Transit along the Panamá Canal, a marvel of engineering and human tenacity.
  • Enjoy bird watching on an exciting skiff exploration in the Gulf of Panama.
  • Visit Granito de Oro islet, named one of the world’s top 10 diving sites.
  • Hike through the jungle in incredible Corcovado National Park.
  • Snorkel in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean and tropical Pacific Islands.
     
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Panama Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the accommodations like?

In Panama, we have selected a variety of charming accommodations ranging from tropical garden villas to comfortable city hotels with all of the modern conveniences. In general, we use small, family-run accommodations that are locally owned and characteristic of each area instead of luxury chain resorts. For more information, check out our Panama Lodging page to view pictures of our standard hotels/ lodges.

Do I need a converter/ adapter for the electricity?

Panama typically uses 110 volt electricity, same as the US. However, there are unpredictable variations with some sockets that are 220 volts. Ask the hotel before plugging in your devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a plug adapter (unless your device requires 3 prongs).

Are meals included?

Yes and no. We have tried to balance flexibility and convenience regarding meal options. For this reason, we include meals on any of our tour days when you are traveling off the beaten path where restaurant choices are limited. In the major towns, where there are a wide variety of restaurants, we generally do not include meals, to allow our travelers the flexibility of choosing their own food preferences. Your tour leader or hotel staff can recommend some great restaurant options. Your hotel will also provide a light continental breakfast on these days. Included meals are listed in parenthesis next to the tour itinerary on each tour page. An estimated meal budget can also be found under Personal Budgeting toward the bottom of the itinerary on the tour pages.

What type of transportation is used?

Our Panama tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, minibuses, jeep, boat, train, flights, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Each tour itinerary page has a description of the transportation included on that tour. If you have additional questions, just ask!

What type of planes are used on internal flights?

In general, small commuter planes are used on internal flights. These are typically propeller planes with a capacity of 20-40 passengers.

What type of food is typical of Panama?

Panama's cuisine is indicative of both its northern and southern neighbors. Travelers can find the rice, beans, tamales, and tortillas common to Central America as well as the ceviche (cold seafood soup) and empanadas (fried corn tortillas filled with meat) of South America. The national dish is sancocho, a spicy stew with chicken and vegetables. Seafood is also plentiful and delicious.

Do tour rates include international flights?

Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You are welcome to book these on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in Central America flights.

How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?

We can arrange an airport transfer for you or you can take a local taxi. Taxis are usually less expensive, though some travelers prefer the convenience of having someone waiting for them at the airport when they arrive, especially after an exhausting flight. Please let us know your preference!

How much should I budget for tips?

Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Latin America to offer a small tip for exceptional service. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10/ day for your guide and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Other travelers opt to bring small gifts from their home to give to service providers along the way.

Are tour dates flexible?

YES. Please contact us if you are not able to travel on the set departure dates listed on-line. Most tours can be arranged on alternative departure dates for a minimum of two travelers as long as lodges/ hotels are available.

Can I extend or change my stay?

Absolutely! Check out our Panama Extensions for ideas. Extra days can also be arranged in most areas if desired. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What should I pack?

You will receive a detailed packing list after you book your tour. Bring long sleeves and a fleece/ sweater for cool evenings and plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for hot days. Good walking shoes and sun protection are also a must. Many trips include whitewater rafting so be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet!

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