Panama Canal Cruises

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans together. Since the canals opening in 1914, this channel has become one of the most important waterways in the world, earning itself the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Over 815,000 ships have traveled this canal in the last 100 years. Not only does the Panama Canal allow for passage between two of most immense oceans but it also provides great access to some of the most culture rich and vibrant destinations in Panama.

• First opened in 1914, It's one of the worlds greatest engineering feats
• Provides access to someof the most beautiful destinations in the Central Americas
• Allows ships to pass between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean in under eight hours

Colón is located in Limon Bay, at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal and is traditionally referred to as “Panama’s second city”. On the decline since the 1960’s due to politically instigated riots and Panama’s subsequent military dictatorships, Colón has undergone an impressive restoration and renovation project since 2014. Now is an exciting time to visit the city as its brand new facelift has brought positivity and hope back to locals. Historic buildings and monuments, along with public parks and other infrastructure are the focus of #RenovationColon.

• Enjoy Gatun Locks, if you either pass through them onboard, or just sit and watch the activity here
• Fort San Lorenzo is a 1595 fortress built during the reign of King Phillip II
• Enjoy a train ride through the jungle along the Panama Canal Railway

Fuerte Amador is a small Pacific island which is known as the gateway to Panama City. A one-mile man made causeway connects four small islands. The island is dotted with restaurants and shops, so there's plenty to discover. With many reliable taxis at the port there's a quick way to get around to other destinations too. Panama is 20 miles away from Fuerte Amador so a stop in the port is a great opportunity to book an excursion to see the city.

• Cheap taxis to many destinations in Panama
• Great panoramic views of the city of Panama
• Numerous excursions to suit every taste

Cristobal is located on the Atlantic coast of Panama. The seaport dates back to 1850. Cristobal is the starting point for many trips around the Panama Canal. Initially just a few streets as a base for Panama Railroad Company in the 1850's, the French inter-Oceanic Canal Company later developed the area using waste dirt from the building of the Panama Canal to go on to make the city of Cristobal. The city has many shopping centers and you will also find a historic church.

• Enjoy fantastic old architecture and history around the area known as Steamboat Row
• Be sure to see the old churches Christ Church by the Sea and the St. Mary's Academy's Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
• Explore Central America with the world's first transcontinental railway

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.

• Scenic views of Ancon Hill from which a set of locks of the Canal can be seen
• A host of historical buildings and monuments such as the Goethals Memorial
• A rich embrace and display of culture with lots of guided and unguided tours to help explore this

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.

• Numerous affordable fishing tour groups
• National Marine Park
• Beautiful white sandy beaches and clear waters

The San Blas Islands are an archipelago of 365 islands in the Caribbean Sea inhabited by indigenous people who's traditions and culture still hold true and unspoiled to this day, making for a vibrant and colorful visit. Crystal-clear sea waters, white sandy beaches, the blue sky and palm trees create a truly beautiful scenery for you to enjoy. Take a dip in the waters to uncover some beautiful corals and other exciting marine life! The residents of San Blas Islands are known for their warmth and will certainly give you a warm reception!

• Vibrant, unspoiled culture and way of life of the Kuna people
• Warm, clear, shallow waters to go snorkling
• Sample the local cuisines of freshly caught fish, lobster and crab generally included in any hotel stays

The Bocas the Toro Archipelago comprises seven islands in the Caribbean Sea off the northwest coast of Panama. Bocas Town is the capital of the province and the "big city" with the main shopping and nightlife possibilities. The area is a beloved destination for eco-tourism tours and adventure lovers. Besides the beautiful beaches, the islands offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking.

• Great diversity in marine-life make for great scuba diving
• Wide range of surfing spots which cater for different all different levels
• Take a boat ride with local captains to go fishing for small Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Pelagics

Panama is the capital of the State of Panama in Central America. Panama doesn't just have cultural significance, it is also the economic and political center of the Panama region. The famous Panama Canal is one of the main attractions along with the presidential palace and the old town quarter of Casco Viejo.

• A great mix of styles in Architecture throughout the city
• A host of World Heritage sites including Panamá Viejo, Casco Viejo and The Cinta Costera 3
• The cathedral at Plaza de la Catedral

Gatún Lake is an artificial lake in Panama and makes up part of the Panama Canal. It formerly held the title of being the largest artificial lake in the world.

• Forestation around Gakún Lake provides an undisturbed, natural habitat for native Central American animal and plant life.
• Fishing for Peacock Bass in Lake Gatún is a favoured pastime of locals
• Barro Colorado Island is the largest Island on the lake, run as a scientific research centre fro tropical animals and wildlife.

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.

• Home to many subspecies of wildlife indigenous to only Isla de Coiba
• Coiba National Park is kown a Unesco World Heritage Site
• One of the last known places in Central America for the Scarlet Macaw to inhabit

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.

• Clean, quiet beaches for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling
• Excursions to other small, uninhabited islands
• Clean and clear waters to marvel at the local marine life

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.

• Fort San Lorenzo is a 1595 fortress built during the reign of King Phillip II
• Enjoy a train ride through the jungle along the Panama Canal Railway to Panama City
• Take a trip to the tranquil island of Isla Grande

Playa Muerto is a small village located in the south east of Panama, it is part of the beautiful Darien National Park. The village is home to the people of the Embera Indian tribe, who are believed to have moved to the area during the 16th century. The population has been rapidly declining though, the remoteness of the place means the locals have very few possibilities to earn money and survive in the village. This same remoteness also allowed the area to preserve its uniqueness, making it into an almost untouched paradise.

• Relax on one of the world's most remote natural beaches
• Enjoy a traditional local dance performance
• Stock up on souvenirs made by the tribe people

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.

• 16th Century UNESCO protected Fort
• Tours of the Fort and surrounding area
• Exotic wildlife