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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

10 Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2025-2026

Panama Cruises
Explore beautiful Costa Rica

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Colón - Puntarenas
8 Days from $6,420
Join this 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Panama and Costa Rica, including the white sands of Holandes Cayes, the iconic Panama Canal, and Panama City's historic Old Quarter.
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Keel-billed Toucan

Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

Colon to Puerto Caldera
8 Days from $6,054
This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are crossing the Panama Canal, exploring the beautiful Darién National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, and meeting the native Kuna and Emberá people.
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San Blas

Secrets of Central America

Colon - Puntarenas
11 Days from $7,090
Embark on an 11-day expedition cruise from Colon to Puntarenas aboard the Le Bellot. Journey around the isthmus of Panama, a biodiversity hotspot connecting two continents. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, discover stunning islands, nature reserves, and fascinating local communities.
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Secrets of Central America

Colón - Puntarenas
11 Days from $7,820
Join this 11-day Secrets of Central America cruise and explore Panama and Costa Rica, starting at San Lorenzo’s Fort and traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Visit the San Blas Islands, the Pearl Islands, Darien National Park, and cross the Panama Canal. Meet local communities, and discover the biodiversity of Rio Esquinas and Curú Nature Reserve.
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Boats Moored to the Quay at Bridgetown Harbour

Barbados to Panama

Bridgetown to Balboa
15 Days from $3,830
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 and the Panama Canal

San Jose - Panama
8 Days from $7,238
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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Panama City's Bridge of the Americas

Once through the Panama Canal

Panama to Costa RIca
11 Days from $11,675
Embark on an 11-day cruise through the Panama Canal, exploring its historic locks, rainforests, and tranquil beaches. Enjoy the amazing wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll spot sloths, howler monkeys, and hummingbirds by the sea.
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Crossing a stream on Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica & Panama Canal

Costa Rica - Colombia
12 Days from $11,295
Embark on a 12-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests, and Panama's coral reefs, connect with the Emberá tribe, and delve into Panama Canal's history.
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Gatun Lock of the Panama Canal

Panama to Antigua

15 Days from $3,830
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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Zapatilla Cay, Panama

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast

Panama City to Cartagena
8 Days from $6,741
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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All Panama Tours

Top 4 Day Tours & Short Panama Canal Trips for 2025-2026

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Panama Canal Full Transit$3241Jan 18, 2025This 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$277½Jan 1, 2025Climb 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$302½Dec 24, 2024Tour 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$3971 Visit 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 Canal Articles

Panama Canal Travel Guide

Ship in the Panama Canal

Top Highlights of the Panama Canal

Explore the top highlights of the Panama Canal and discover its fascinating history and engineering marvels.
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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!
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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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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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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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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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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Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
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Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
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Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
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2 weeks ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
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