7 Ways to Experience the Panama Canal

1) Cruise with Solely in Panama

The Nat Geo Quest offers an 8-day Panama-focused itinerary: The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle. Conveniently operating round-trip from Panama City, this small ship expedition cruise highlights Panama’s indigenous and colonial history, local communities and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy daily opportunities to get off the ship kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and Zodiac cruising. National Geographic guides provide expert enriching insights into every experience, and special permits allow for uncommon visits such as an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island.

2) Cruise on a Luxury Ship

The Secrets of Central America cruise makes a complete transit in style. Aboard a luxury French ship, travel between Colón, Panama and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, enjoying white-glove service along the way. When not out exploring dream islands, spotting for wildlife in nature reserves and meeting local indigenous communities, relax on board in a variety of upscale lounges, or take in performances, tastings and lectures provided by expedition staff and the ship’s crew. Select departures feature onboard, world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys.

3) Cruise to Costa Rica & Panama

In addition to the luxury option above that includes Costa Rica, two other itineraries spend time in both countries.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions‘ 8-day Costa Rica & the Panama Canal cruise aboard a 100-guest ship offers a 2-day canal transit with a visit to Barro Colorado and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Alongside Nat Geo experts, explore colorful and diverse nature in national parks, wildlife reserves and a privately owned tropical garden. Swim and snorkel Panama’s famed Isla Coiba, kayak remote coastlines and horseback ride on the beach.

Costa Rica & Panama Coastal Expedition Cruise is more immersive over 15 days along both coastlines. Aboard the 64-guest Safari Voyager, complete a full Panama Canal transit, hike through rainforest alive with monkeys and toucans, snorkel vibrant reefs, and explore secluded coves by skiff, all while soaking up the laid-back pura vida spirit of the region.

4) Cruise with Nat Geo to Colombia & Panama

Another 8-day cruise aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest, Panama & Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast either begins or ends with a transit of the Panama Canal, uniquely spending a special overnight at anchor in Gatún Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. By focusing only on Panama and Colombia, this itinerary offers more time to explore the Caribbean side of Panama, as well as a well-rounded 4 days in Colombia. Cultural and active opportunities abound, with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, skiff tours and onboard wellness routines.

5) Rainforest & Culture Focus 

The 8-day, land-based Panama Discovery Tour highlights Panama’s rainforests, wildlife and rich cultural heritage. This tour includes a visit to the Panama Canal via the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Beyond the canal, excursions include meeting indigenous cultures on the Gatun and Chagres Rivers, riding the Panama Railway, observing wildlife, ziplining through the highlands, tasting local coffee, hiking in the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands, searching for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and exploring more of the over- and underwater world of the Caribbean Sea in Bocas del Toro.

6) Volcanoes & Coastline

The 9-day Best of Panama trip explores the Panama Canal, volcanic highlands and the Caribbean Coast, en route meeting some of Panama’s indigenous people. From coast to coast and past to present, glean the history and workings of the canal and the original Panama railway while on a private guided tour and jungle boat adventure in the canal. Thriving indigenous villages and Spanish colonial forts are just some stops made during moderate daily hikes. Others include the tropical cloud forest, rich in flora and fauna. There are opportunities for zip lining, paddling a dugout canoe and touring a coffee plantation as well. 

7) Take the Family

The 9-day Panama Family Adventure embraces nature, culture and wildlife. It’s an enriching family trip that covers the most iconic things to do in Panama, including kayaking, zip lining in the Chiriqui highlands, historic and cultural explorations, and a visit to the Panama Canal lock system. Travelers of all ages experience Panama’s finest from coastal snorkeling to venturing to the western highlands of the Caribbean coast and white water rafting the Chagres River. This is a perfect dose of family travel with plenty of optional activities to keep everyone entertained.