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Panama Canal Cruises

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Panama Canal Cruises

The largest engineering project of it's time - discover it's many fascinating features cruising along the Panama Canal.

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Panama Canal Cruises

Stretching for more than 70 kilometers, the Panama Canal is one of the most impressive man-made phenomenon on Earth. The Panama Canal provides a route through Central America and also an opportunity to marvel at the amazing scenery and structures that surround it. Boasting a scenic passage through tropical and exciting Panama you can expect a journey that is sure to be a memorable one.


The importance of the Panama Canal comes from its linking of two of the world's immense oceans - the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. As a result of this the Canal has become such a major route in the world today, so much so that ships worldwide have been designed specifically to fit it dimensions of this Canal. A chance to cruise throughout the Panama Canal is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will find an abundance of history and beauty as you cruise through stunning Central America.


As well as the remarkable engineering there are also a number of stunning destinations to marvel at and explore during a cruise through the Panama Canal.

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Expert tips for cruising the Panama Canal

Harvey1300 887 590

The Panama Canal is a spectacular man-made construction located on a busy maritime route. Offering impressive views and the chance to explore Panama itself cruises to this region are becoming ever more popular. Voyages usually include stop offs in the US as well as other destinations. Celebrity and Holland America Line are two of the top picks with travellers and are sure not to disappoint.

Harbours for Panama Canal

Limon Bay, Panama
Limon Bay, Panama
Limon Bay is at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, and its breakwaters protect the shores of the cities of Cristóbal and Colón. Colón has undergone an impressive restoration and renovation project since 2014, and the city’s facelift has brought positivity and hope back to locals, while Cristóbal, now a part of the larger city of Colón has some beautiful architecture of historical significance.
from$2,537
Limon Bay Cruises
Balboa, Panama
Balboa, Panama
Balboa is a port city in Panama and is located on the Pacific coast, at the entrance of the Panama Canal. Founded by the United States during the construction of the Panama Canal, Balboa is named after the Spanish conquistador, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, credited with discovering the Pacific Ocean. As one of the busiest ports in Latin America, there's sure to be something for everyone here from sights like the Administration Building, Mi Pueblito Afroantillano and the monument Homenaje a la Democracia.
-23%
from$6,860
Balboa Cruises
Pearl Islands, Panama
Pearl Islands, Panama
The Pearl Islands are a group of 100 or more islands, many of which are tiny and uninhabited, lying about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. Some of these islands are privately owned featuring hotels and offering small, quiet, clear beaches where you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel.
On Request
Pearl Islands Cruises
Fort San Lorenzo, Panama
Fort San Lorenzo, Panama
Fort San Lorenzo is located on a cliff at the entrance to the Changres river. The fort has a rich cultural history, as one of the oldest Spanish forts in America. It dates back to the 16th Century and in 1980 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruisers are recommended to book a tour to get the most out of visiting the fort. For anyone more interested in nature than history, there are also plenty of places to hike and see wildlife in the area.
On Request
Colón Cruises
Puerto Pina, Panama
Puerto Pina, Panama
Located near the Colombian border Puerto Pina offers breathtaking landscapes and tropical environment. A beautiful sand beach located to the south of the town is a classical example of a scenic Panamanian location filled with palm trees and spectacular valleys and great for cruisers wanting to soak up the sun. The area is also home to dolphins and humpback whales so make sure not to forget your camera.
On Request
Puerto Pina Cruises
Isla de Coiba, Panama
Isla de Coiba, Panama
The island of Isla de Coiba is located off the Pacific coast of Panama and is surrounded by fine white sand beaches and mangroves. It is the largest island in Panama, and offers a lot of natural beauty. The relative isolation means that several species can only be found on this island.
On Request
Isla de Cioba Cruises
Punta Alegre, Panama
Punta Alegre, Panama
Punta Alegre is a rural town in the Darien Province of Panama. It is located on the eastern end of the country and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Colombia. The town itself and the area around it are both populated mainly with the indigenous Afro-Descendants, whose culture and traditions differ from that of the rest of Panama and the nearby Colombia. The region with its dense rainforest, rare bird species and secluded beaches is a find for nature lovers and adventurers.
On Request
Punta Alegre Cruises
Isla del Rey, Panama
Isla del Rey, Panama
The Isla del Rey is an island in the Pacific and is part of the Pearl Islands Archipelago. The name comes from the Pearl Islands Indians who once lived there and fished for pearls. The islands are of volcanic origin and only a few are still inhabited. The Isla del Rey is the second largest of the Pearl Islands and the rain forest there is home to many exotic plants and animal species.
On Request
Isla del Rey Cruises
Gulf of San Miguel, Panama
Gulf of San Miguel, Panama
The Gulf of San Miguel, also known as The Bay of San Miguel is located on the coast of Darién on the Pacific Ocean.
On Request
Gulf of San Miguel Cruises
Isla Gamez, Panama
Isla Gamez, Panama
Isla Gamez is one of many uninhabited islands located in Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park, Panama. It is situated on the Caribbean coast of Panama close to the border with Costa Rica. With more than 14,000 hectares (36,000 acres) of extensive coral reef, mangrove swamps and marine meadows, this protected area serves as a refuge for leatherback and hawksbill turtles, tiger-herons, large pelagic fish like white-tipped sharks, howler monkeys and scores of colorful exotic fish.
On Request
Isla Gamez Cruises
Isla Parida, Panama
Isla Parida, Panama
Isla Parida is part of Paridas archipelago which consists of 50 uninhabited tropical islands off Panama's Pacific coast. Known for it's natural beauty, the group of islands has been under UNESCO protection since 1994. Most cruisers choose to spend their time on or in the water when in Isla Parida and the most popular activities tend to be diving and fishing. Nature lovers can also go to the National Marine Park which offers over 36,000 acres of land and sea to discover.
On Request
Isla Parida, Cruises
El Porvenir, Panama
El Porvenir, Panama
El Porvenir is located in the Caribbean Sea and enchants people with its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and the calm way of life.
On Request
El Porvenir Cruises
Granito de Oro, Panama
Granito de Oro, Panama
Granito de Oro a small islet off the northeastern coast of Isla Coiba, Panama. The surrounding reef shelters a large variety of beautiful marine life.
On Request
Granito de Oro, Cruises

Travel Tips for Panama Canal

The Panama Canal in Central America is the link between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, making it one of the most important shipping routes in the world.

One of the best ways to explore the canal is on one of the many cruise ships that sail along it every year. The advantage of such a cruise is that you will get to make a number of discoveries on the way, such as:

  • The pristine beaches of the Caribbean
  • The colourful cultures of Central and South Americas
  • Other cruise ships as they sail by along the narrow and busy canal
  • The mysterious and mostly undiscovered Panama
  • The technical details that make sailing through the canal possible - there are plenty and they are fascinating

Most Popular Routes

There is a big range of different routes that include the Panama Canal, you choose to depart from:
  • Miami
  • New York
  • Buenos Aires
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco

The itineraries will take you to various countries and continents around Panama and the Canal:

  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • The Bahamas
  • Ecuador
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • The USA
  • Peru
  • Uruguay

Cruise Lines

Choosing the right cruise line for you could make or break your perfect cruise holiday. Here are some points you could take into consideration, when browsing the fantastic range of cruise lines offering Panama Canal itineraries.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has a big selection of sailings to the Panama Canal and the neighbouring region. The Norwegian Jewel is the ship that frequents the area the most. Norwegian is famous for:
    • Onboard entertainment
    • Its all-inclusive 'Free at Sea' programme
    • Freedom of choice when it comes to dining times
    • Good value for money
  • Princess Cruises is one of the world's most acclaimed cruise lines, if you are an experienced cruiser, you have, most probably, already sailed with one of the beautiful Princess ships. They offer itineraries that focus on:
    • Panama
    • Colombia
    • The USA
    • The Cayman Islands
  • Celebrity Cruises will cruise you along the Panama Canal and around the Caribbean Islands in modern luxury.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time for you to cruise along the Panama Canal will depend a lot on how much time you plan to spend outside. Panama's rainy season lasts from around March to December, however there are months with less rainfall than others.

Consider booking around September through early April if you want to explore and stay outside a lot - that's when the rainfall subsides.