panama boat tour

THE 10 BEST Panama Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in panama.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• San Blas Islands
• Tao Travel 365 - Panama
• Panama San Blas Tours
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands

2. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour

3. All Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City

4. Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village

5. Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

6. Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour from Panama City

7. Panama Canal Partial Tour - Southbound Direction

8. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

9. Gamboa Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Pickup

10. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

11. Day Trip To Pelicano Island (Money Heist) In San Blas Panama

12. All-inclusive 8-hour catamaran tour to Isla Taboga from Panama City

13. Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Caribbean Beaches with Snorkelling and Lunch

14. Full-Day SAN BLAS ISLAND Tour + Transport from Panama City

15. Panama Canal Tour and Gatun Lake Ecotour

16. Panama Canal Partial Tour - Northbound direction

17. Panama Canal Partial Transit

18. Panamá Boat Tour and wildlife in the Panama Canal

19. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal Miraflores, Agua Clara & Pedro Miguel

20. Top Monkey Island Tour Privado

21. Full-Day Gatun Lake and Indian Village Tour from Panama City

22. 4 Days Comfort Adventure Island Hopping in San Blas Islands

23. San Blas Day Tour on SAILBOAT Island Hopping ALL INCLUSIVE

24. Embera Village Day Tour, Chagres River & Waterfalls + Lunch, Fruits & Water

25. River Rafting on the Chiriqui Viejo River, (2 person Minimum )

26. 3-Day Boat Tour in San Blas with Pickup from Panama City

27. 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour

28. BLISS in San Blas Islands Panama Includes Tour & Transport from Panama City

29. Visit San Blas Paradise - Day Tour to 4 spots + Meal + Drink

30. Catamaran Sailing Caribbean Beaches with Snorkelling and Lunch - Day Tour

What travelers are saying.

15 Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City

Looking for the best panama canal day tours from panama city you’ve come to the right place.

An engineering marvel built as a shortcut across two oceans , the Panama Canal is a bucket list activity in Panama.

Visiting the Panama Canal and seeing the ships sail along was a highlight of my trip .

From exploring historic sites to riding the canal to tropical landscapes, each tour offers a unique way to experience this iconic waterway.

Let’s get right into the 15 best Panama Canal day tours for your trip to Panama City Panama!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on qualifying purchases so we can continue to create helpful content. Thank you, and we appreciate it. See our disclosure policy for more information.

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Panama Canal Tours

Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal & Jungle Tour

✅ 90 min Canal Ride

✅ Plus more stops

Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

✅ 12+ hours

✅ Ride all 3 Locks

✅ Meals & hotel pickup

Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound

✅ Travel towards Pacific Ocean

✅ Pass 2 sets of Locks

The Panama Canal is one of the most fun activities in Panama City . Several different Panama Canal day tours from Panama City Panama include:

• Train Tours
• Helicopter tours

Each of these top Panama Canal tours from Panama City offers a unique perspective and experience.

And while getting around in Panama can be easy when you know what you are doing, all these tours organize roundtrip transportation, entrance, and other details for you. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy.

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Boat

1. ocean to ocean panama canal and jungle tour.

⭐ 5/5 ( 1000+ Reviews )

The Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is an 8-hour adventure from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on and alongside the Panama Canal.

The first stop is the Panama Canal, where you will ride along on a boat next to ships passing through the canal for 90 minutes.

From there, you will stop at Lake Gatun (the second-largest artificial lake on the continent), Agua Clara Locks Visit Center , and enjoy lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo .

While you don’t get to ride a boat through the locks, this is one of the most popular tours of Panama Canal and offers a great balance of history and nature.

You can see monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles, and lots of other wildlife.

It is an early start, so get a good night’s sleep the night before.

“ We only had 48 hours in Panama and this was a perfect way to spend one of our days. Pick up was communicated perfectly and we were picked up promptly at the time John told us. John was very knowledgeable and full of information. The tour included a little bit of everything, including things you didn’t know you needed to see. ” – Kathleen A. ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability

2. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 180+ Reviews )

This Full Transit Panama Canal Tour is one of the best Panama Canal one day tours. It’s got a packed itinerary, so prepare for at least 12 hours .

You will pass through and learn about all three sets of locks and view Lake Gatun and Chagres River while learning about the history and construction of the Panama Canal.

While a full-day tour may be exhausting for some, it’s well worth it if you’re interested in the history behind the Canal . You get to ride the Panama Canal all the way, and how cool is that!

The tour provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Panama City. All you have to do is wake up early and enjoy a day of hearing about a fascinating piece of history from a knowledgeable guide.

“ This is a long day, but, for me, I thought a brilliant and unique trip. The staff were all extremely helpful and polite and the guide gives a great deal of interesting information. I am happy to recommend this trip to anyone who has a voyage through the Panama Canal on their bucket list. ” – Russel W. ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability  

3. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 200+ Reviews )

If you don’t want to commit to a full day on the Panama Canal, consider a partial transit tour . This Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction toward the Pacific Ocean is a great starting point.

This 6-hour, small group tour takes you southbound along the Panama Canal , where you will see the Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks up close.

The tour provides transportation and lunch on board. While you won’t see the entire canal, you will catch the most essential parts .

“ It was a delightful experience going through the locks and participating with another boat journeying through the Canal locks. Our guide, Jose, was extraordinary! He was fun, engaging and shared lots of history. It was also impressive that the tour was conducted in Spanish and English, and he did not miss a beat. ” – Crystal B. ( see more reviews )

4. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 85+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction is a similar 6-hour tour , but this time heading north along the canal toward the Atlantic Ocean.

You will still stop at all the major points of interest along the Panama Canal, including Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Your guide will explain the engineering marvels, the canal’s construction, and constant maintenance .

The tour also provides continental breakfast and lunch, roundtrip transfers from selected hotels, and soft beverages. If you’re looking for fun six-hour tours of the Panama Canal with everything provided , this is a great, affordable option.

“ I’m glad we did this tour and actually travelled through the locks as opposed to just watching from the visitor’s center. If you’re going to see the canal, this is the way to go. ” – Ouillma D. ( see more reviews )

5. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

⭐ 5/5 ( 445+ Reviews )

This 5-hour Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk tour is one of the most popular tours through Panama Canal. It includes a partial tour of the Panama Canal, with a heavy emphasis on the wildlife and jungle in the region.

First, the tour drives you halfway up the Panama Canal to Gamboa. From here, you hop on a covered boat to begin the eco-cruise to Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Soberania National Park with a Panamanian breakfast, and Centennial Bridge.

At Soberania National Park, go on a nature walk , where you will learn more about the animals and plants in the region.

Although this tour isn’t as focused on the Panama Canal as the engineering behind it, it’s a unique experience filled with memorable moments .

“ The transportation was on time and very comfortable. The tour guide was superb, with extensive knowledge, and spoke fluent English and Spanish. The boat driver was good at placement for the best experience, and the monkeys actually came on board. Being in the Canal with the ships was a great experience. ” – Paul C. ( see more reviews )

6. Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 105+ Reviews )

This Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal is a 3-hour tour along the Panama Canal and to Lake Gatun.

You will enter the Panama Canal at Chagres River and ride along the canal to Gatun Lake . You’ll spend about 45 minutes on the channel, passing by ships and learning a little about the history from your guide.

Because this is a short tour, it’s great for those that don’t have much time . You can pair this with a visit to the Panama Canal Visitor Center to learn more about the region.

It’s important to note that you won’t learn much about the Panama Canal here , aside from the brief boat ride through.

“ Fernando was a great guide. We saw a few different types of monkeys, various birds, gators, lizards. Some monkeys got close and personal, and to actually have them eat out of your palm was surreal. The Panama Canal is something to marvel at – a historic engineering of progressive transportation! ” – Ivanna K. ( see more reviews )

7. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

⭐ 4/5 ( 380+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour is a 7-hour tour that takes you halfway across the Panama Canal . It’s much shorter than the Panama Canal full transit day tour, but still informative.

The tour includes the Miraflores Visitor’s Center and the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will cross a total of three levels of locks . You’ll also see the beginning of Gatun Lake.

“Going through the locks was a fascinating experience. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. The crew were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the catering, but the biggest impact was the scale of the engineering and the achievement that is the canal. We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.” – David G. ( see more reviews )

8. The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 6+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour is perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those who want something different .

Get a partial-day rundown of the Panama Canal and its history, followed by an 8-hour fishing experience right on the Panama Canal . 

On the way to your designated spots, you will pass massive ships going through the Canal and learn more about the canal.

You will be catching Oscar Bass, Snook, Tilapia, Peacock Bass, and Tarpon, all while observing wildlife. You can choose to catch-and-release or take your catch home for dinner.

This may not be for everyone, but for those who love fishing or want to say, “I’ve caught a fish in the Panama Canal,” this tour is for you.

“ John was an amazing guide. Best snacks and took us around so many places for fishing. He has a ton of wildlife knowledge!! Would recommend!!! ” – Tara S. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Train

9. Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride

⭐ 5/5 ( 10+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Railway stretches 76.6 km (47.6 mi) between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from Colón to Balboa.

This Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride is a 10-hour tour that takes you to some of the most important sites along the canal and a few museums.

The tour includes a drive through Portobelo National Park , a visit to the Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo , a one-hour ride on the Panama Canal Railway, and the Aguas Clara Locks Visitor Center , and a few other brief stops.

If you want an all-out train experience , this is one of the best Panama Canal tours that includes a train ride.

“ Great tour. A large amount of Historical information shared by our tour guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Did not rush. Explained things thoroughly. Tour was lengthy, so come prepared for a long day but was well worth the effort. ” – Lawrence O. ( see more reviews )

10. Panama Canal Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort

⭐ 4/5 ( 7+ Reviews )

This Panama Cana Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort is another exciting way to visit and learn from one of the best Panama City canal tours.

The 8-hour tour begins with a trip on the Panama Canal Railway, where you can admire the beautiful fauna and wildlife from the comforts of a high-end train with air-conditioning .

After the hour-long train ride, you’ll visit Agua Clara Locks, Fort San Lorenzo, and Port Colon 2000 for lunch.

The tour guides are incredible and take care to make sure things go smoothly, and you leave with much more information than you arrived with.

“ Aqua Clara Canal system is absolutely amazing. We observed 2 ships pass through the locks. Truly breathtaking. ” – Prakash P. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Car

11. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 910+ Reviews )

This Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour blends the best nearby activities in Panama City .

The 5-hour tour begins with a stop at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is a great place to learn about the history and construction of the Panama Channel.

You can head up to the observation deck to watch boats come through . I loved watching the ships pass by.

After the Panama Canal portion, you will make brief stops at Amador Causeway , Casco Viejo, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, Arco Chato, and Plaza Carlos V. You will also pass by several other points of interest. I really enjoyed seeing all these places in Panama City.

The tour only lasts about one hour in Casco Viejo , so you can also look into another Casco Viejo tour to learn more about this historic neighbourhood.

This is one of the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City for those who want a more general experience .

“ This was a small group of 4, and our tour guide was Juan Carlos who was extremely knowledgeable of all the topics about the city, and the Panama Canal. We had a great time learning and having fun on the way. He also speaks perfect English and had the answers for all our questions. I would recommend for everybody visiting Panama City to take this tour. ” – Dusha P. ( see more reviews )

12. Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit

⭐ 5/5 ( 38+ Reviews )

The Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit is a great tour for anyone with a 6+ hour layover in Panama City looking for some day trips.

Dedicated tours to Panama Canal are a must-do for all travellers and adventurers, but if you only have a few hours in the city, make the most of it with a layover tour.

The tour is 4.5 hours, so you need at least a six-hour layover . But if you have the time, it’s a great Panama Canal day trip from the airport.

You’ll be picked up from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and taken to the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Amador Causeway, Panama Canal Administration Building, and Panama City sign.

“ I had a six hour layover in Panama City and decided to book this tour, especially since the reviews were great. I arrived in Panama at about 6:00 a.m., and Miguel picked me up at the airport. To keep it short. This tour is well worth its price, and Miguel is an excellent tour guide. The tour significantly added to my journey and allowed me to explore some of what Panama offers. It makes me want to come back. ” – Awab H. ( see more reviews )

13. Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

⭐ 5/5 ( 50+ Reviews )

This Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is a Panama Canal half-day tour around the city that includes all the important highlights. It’s one of the best tours Panama has to offer.

The 4.5-hour Panama Canal tours from Panama City take you to the Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and Plaza de la Catedral.

One of the best things about this tour is the incredible guides , who go out of their way to accommodate all guests and Panama Canal tourism. Transportation is organized, and you will get a complete history run-down on Panama while exploring.

“ Roberto gave us a very interesting and informative tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and Visitors Center. ” – Clifford D. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Helicopter Tours

14. Private 30 Minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 43+ Reviews )

If you want the most unique and thrilling experience of the Panama Canal, consider this Private 30-minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour .

Before the ride, you will get a brief history of the Panama Canal from the captain and everything you can expect to see. The captain is excellent at maneuvering the helicopter and knowledgeable about the Panama Canal.

You can upgrade to a 60-minute helicopter ride with a 30-minute tour of the Panama Canal and a 30-minute “jungle” cruise that takes you on a flight above the rainforest.

Keep your eyes open for Cerro Ancon which is the highest point in Panama City and is a great spot to go hiking.

“ I’ve done quite a few helicopter tours all over the USA, and this was by far the greatest tour of them all. Fernando starts with a history lesson of Panama and the Canal; you can tell he is genuinely passionate about his country. Great facts and background. The ride itself is smooth, and he is very knowledgeable of the various kinds of ships that go through the canal… ” – Marco M. ( see more reviews )

15. Canal of Panama by Helicopter

This Canal of Panama by Helicopter is another excellent choice for thrill-seekers who want a birds-eye view of the Panama Canal.

The tour includes 30 minutes of air time , where you will get some of the most beautiful views of the canal and Lake Gatun . The pilots and guides are all professional and go out of their way to ensure you leave happy and satisfied with the trip.

“ Great trip and overall experience seeing the canal and Lake Gatun! The pilot was experienced, and I had a relaxed and competent feel about him. His English was very good. ” – George R. ( see more reviews )

FAQs about Panama Canal Tours

Can you do a day trip through the panama canal.

Yes, you can do a day trip through the Panama Canal . Several tour operators offer the chance to transit through the canal’s locks, either in partial or full transit, providing a unique perspective on this engineering marvel. A day tour is a great way to experience the Panama Canal if you have limited time in Panama.

What is the Best Way to Tour the Panama Canal?

The best way to tour the Panama Canal depends on your interests and time availability . If you’re seeking a unique and exciting perspective, a helicopter tour gives an impressive bird’s-eye view of the canal or for those who prefer to experience the canal more directly, day tours that transit through the canal’s locks are highly recommended.

Can Tourists Take a Boat Ride Through the Panama Canal?

Yes, tourists can take a boat ride through the Panama Canal. Boat tours are among the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City, offering a first-hand experience of the canal’s impressive lock system and a chance to sail along the same route that has been frequented by countless commercial and passenger vessels over the years.

Can You Tour the Panama Canal On Your Own?

Yes, you can tour the Panama Canal on your own. However, a self-tour involves visiting the canal’s visitor centers: Miraflores Visitor Center and Agua Clara Visitor Center. They offer observation decks from where you can watch ships transit through the canal’s locks. While this is more economical, you won’t get the same hands-on experience as you would with a boat ride. 

A tour also makes sure you end up in the right place. On my second trip to Panama, I met some people at my hotel who tried to take an Uber to the Locks and ended up going to the shipyard (which was far away) and not seeing the canal. 

How Long is a Boat Ride Through Panama Canal?

A boat ride through the Panama Canal lasts between 4 to 8 hours for a partial transit and up to 12 hours for a full transit. It depends on the type of tour you opt for. The partial transit takes you through some of the locks, whereas a full transit, often considered among the best Panama Canal one day tours, navigates the entire length of the canal.

What is the Best Month to Go Through the Panama Canal?

The best time to go through the Panama Canal is the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April . During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall, making your boat tour more pleasant. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book your tour ahead of time to secure a spot on one of the best Panama Canal tours.

Enjoy the Panama Canal, a Boat Safari, and a Jungle Walk on this tour !

Final Thoughts: Best Panama Canal One Day Tours

Touring the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience .

The Ocean To Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is one of the best boat tours of the Panama Canal.

The Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour is great for those who are short on time and who want to see the canal but not ride a boat.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled helicopter ride , an in-depth historical overview, or a serene cruise through the lush rainforest, there’s a tour for you.

Seeing the Panama Canal is just one of many must-do activities when planning your Panama itinerary !

Travelling to Panama? Read more:

• 7 Day Panama Itinerary
• Adventurous Things to Do in Panama
• Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama
• Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City
• Getting Around Panama
• Best Places to Visit in Panama
• Best Casco Viejo Walking Tours
• Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City
• Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana
• Volcan Baru Jeep Tour
• Boquete Coffee Tour Review
• Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
• Casa Acuario Hotel Review
• La Selva Nomad Treehouse Review
• Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
• Fun Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
• How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
• How to Visit Nivida Bat Cave, Bocas del Toro
• Costa Rica vs Panama

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

Similar Posts

7 Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water

Looking for the best Bocas del Toro hotels over water for your next tropical holiday? You’ve come to the right place! This region features a string of islands off the coast of Panama and is a perfect destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, or any other water activity that comes to mind. Bocas del Toro has…

How to Get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City + Tours

Looking for how to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City? You’ve come to the right place. Almost one-and-a-half times taller than Niagara Falls and only a short drive from historic Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is sure to impress. The perfect addition to any Quebec City itinerary, Chute-Montmorency is the second most visited attraction after…

Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City, Panama

When exploring Panama City, don’t miss the opportunity to hike up Ancon Hill.  Found in a lush jungle within city limits, this easy-moderate hike offers tranquility, wildlife encounters, and rich history.  You can search for monkeys and sloths while soaking in breathtaking views of Casco Viejo, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Panama Canal. Seeing…

Surfing in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is well-known for its surfing, available year-round, with beaches for both beginner and experienced surfers. From San Juan del Sur to Popoyo, there are many great places to surf in Nicaragua, all along the Pacific coast. With its beginner beaches, affordable surf lessons and a variety of accommodation options, San Juan del Sur was…

Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana: El Valle, Panama

In the small town of El Valle de Anton, just a few hours west of Panama City, you will find some of the best hiking in Panama. Located inside a volcanic crater in Panama’s Cocle province, El Valle is home to many picturesque hiking trails. This guide will help you plan your Cerro Cara Iguana…

15 Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama

Are you looking for fun things to do in Panama City Panama? You’ve come to the right place. If you are coming to Panama, you are going to end up spending some time in Panama City. This lively city often gets overlooked as people venture away to explore its beautiful islands and lush jungles, but…

PANAMA BOAT TOURS

whatsapp +507 6617-0928 

Are you briefly in Panama?

Awesome Experience

We will enjoy the wildlife and rainforest in this tropical destination!   There will be excellent opportunities to observe and photograph birds, mammals and reptiles, and even some of the large Panamax cargo container ships that are transiting through the Panama Canal! 

Make the most of your stay and come with us to a nature tour through the Panama Canal!

Incredible wildlife

• Transfers to/from your hotel can be arranged
• Photo and wildlife observation
• Water, fruits and snacks included
• Back to your hotel by 13h (earlier if needed)
• English and Spanish spoken

Photo Gallery

Send us a text or an email ahead of time to reserve your spot! Leaving from Gamboa, by the Panama Canal

Panama Boat Tours

Gamboa, Panamá, Panamá, Panama

+507 6617-0928

Copyright © 2018 Panama Boat Tours - All Rights Reserved. [email protected] +507 6617-0928

Panama Canal Eco-Tours | Panama City, Panama

Experience the panama canal, rainforest, wildlife & local food.

• Great for families!

5-Hour Combo: Panama Canal Trip, Monkey Island Tour, Rainforest Walk & Local Breakfast

Cruise down the Panama Canal and visit islands created during the canal construction. See the abundant wildlife on the shores of Gatun Lake. We will get to taste Panamenian food with some amazing views of the Panama Canal, followed by a Rainforest Walk in the Soberanía National Park.

• Users 3 years & up only
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Experience in 5 hrs The Panama Canal, the Rainforest and Wildlife from Up-close!  

Breakfast and Waters are included.

Other Popular Panama Boat Tours

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 9 hours

Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Panama Jungle Tour

See the Panama Canal up close and personal as we ride along its waters and see its wonders, like a complex lock system, traveling vessels, and wildlife.

• Hour Glass 8 hours

Panama Canal Eco-Cruise and Embera Village Combo Tour

Travel the Panama Canal by boat and see the diverse wildlife on its shores, followed by a ride in a dugout canoe up the Chagres River in Chagres National Park.

Looking for Things to Do in Panama?

Enjoy a tropical adventure when you go on one of our popular Panama Canal trips! Travel from the Pacific to the Caribbean as we follow the Panama Canal and visit hidden gems along the way. Stops on our tours include Gamboa, Fort San Lorenzo, and the Gatun Locks.

Explore a unique culture deep inside the Chagres National Park as we visit the Embera village of Parara Puru. Cool down as we head up into the mountains to zip line over a waterfall in El Valle and discover the beauty that is Altos de Campana National Park.

All shared tours are in English exclusively;  contact us for Spanish or French.

Panama Travel Tips

Compare Our Panama Excursions

Explore these five-star reviews from tripadvisor.

It is an unparalleled experience, first to be in the Panama Canal, then enjoy nature and contact with the diversity of flora and fauna. I recommend they do it, they will not regret it.

Jerin did a great job transporting us in his passenger van and in his tour boat. His narration was excellent. In addition, Jaren prepared a tasty picnic lunch for all of us on the tour. We highly recommend Panama Day Trips.

Highly recommend you take this tour. Monkey Island is one of the coolest experiences I've had anywhere in the world and it was equally enjoyable for both adults and children.

Enrique our tour guide was absolutely amazing. We had monkeys actually eat grapes out of our hands. It was also great to go back in history when visiting the fort and the Panama Canal. I definitely recommend this trip!

The day was outstanding. The trip was well paced and not strenuous. One member of our group went zip lining and enjoyed the experience. The company is attentive to every detail to enhance the guest's enjoyment.

This was my single best experience in Panama! I highly recommend this tour. We saw and touched a sloth (wow !!). This was phenomenal experience was made by our very patient and nature-centric tour guide.

Catamaran Cabin Charters

Read More »

Sail & Visit package

❤ all included honeymoon packages, sailing courses, sailing yacht charters in panama’s san blas since 1999, reception services, don’t risk your holiday budget in unknown hands with merchant web sites without legal status nor offices in panama that could disappear overnight or that often offer sailboats without any insurance., zenith 48' - catamaran.

ZENITH 48' -

Ti kay 40' - catamaran.

TI KAY 40' -

Valpar 44' - catamaran.

VALPAR 44' -

Gemini 50' - monohull.

GEMINI 50' -

Nikita 46' - catamaran, nikita 46' -, faro 57' - catamaran.

FARO 57' -

Panamanian tourism board registered company, english-speaking sales staff, no hidden costs: all-inclusive formula, on-site assistance 24/7, visa & master cards / cryptocurrencies.

Private Crewed Charters – Starting from 3 days & 3 nights

Enjoy the exquisite anchorages of Cayos Holandeses or Coco Banderos.

The shared San Blas catamaran cruise with the best privacy (double cabin with en-suite bathroom) and a Native Guna crew.

Captain Morgan’s cruise for 12 days

Discover San Blas, the Caribbean coast of Panama with its historical sites and the Panama Canal.

PREMIUM San Blas Cruise & City Tour Package for 7 days

Embark on a comfortable all-inclusive adventure on the VIP ONE Catamaran - Lagoon 500.

Our star package. All included: pick up, transfer, hotel, sailing cruise, Panama canal & city tour !

The perfect all-inclusive honeymoon getaway. Eat, sail and love!

Show All Packages

We also encourage SUSTAINABLE TOURISM by training and employing NATIVE GUNA captains, first mates and hostesses in conformity with the wish of the local Guna authorities.

The Lost Archipelago of the Guna people

Sailboat rentals with crew in San Blas (Guna Yala), Panama since 1997. Our packages offer more activities than any beach resort. Whether you are on your honeymoon , traveling with friends or on your family vacation, our all-inclusive packages will transform your plans into a relaxing, yet exciting trip through one of the most beautiful archipelagos on the planet.

© 2024 San Blas Sailing. All Rights Reserved. Telephone (507) 314-1800 Telephone (507) 314-1288 Edificio 795B, La Boca, Calle Principal, Balboa, Panama City, Panama.

Home » Travel Guides » Panama » 15 Best Panama Canal Tours

15 Best Panama Canal Tours

The Panama Canal is a wonder of the engineering world and is a conduit between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest engineering projects on earth, and took 33 years to complete. The Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, located at either end of the canal, lift ships a staggering 26 metres above sea level before lowering them again on the other side.

With the fascinating locks, the man-made Gatun Lake, Gamboa rainforest, and Monkey Island, this canal and the surrounding areas are indeed worth a visit at least once in your life.

Below are the 15 best Panama Canal tours to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort Tour

On this 7-hour guided tour, you can discover a plethora of sites in addition to the Panama Canal. You will be picked up from your hotel in Panama City and taken to the Colon Rainforest in an air-conditioned vehicle. Here, tourists get on board a ferry and enjoy the nature from a minibus. Tourists love to take pictures here, and this place is an amazing spot to discover wildlife.

After exploring Colon, tourists get to visit the historical San Lorenzo Fort and learn about its history. This guided tour then takes you to the last destination, the Panama Canal’s expansion at Agua Clara.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service, transportation to the sites, fresh local fruit, and a selection of drinks. It is a really good option if you enjoy the mystic scenery of nature and wildlife, and also love to visit or learn about significant historical sites.

2. Monkey Island and the Indian Village Tour

Discover Monkey Island and a real Indian village on this fascinating eco tour, whilst traveling through the waters of the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the River Chagres for a 2-hour cruise in the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Here, tourists love to look out for wildlife and capture pictures of themselves amongst the natural beauty and the nearby bays. Next, get an opportunity to visit the famous Monkey Island, which is home to white-faced monkeys. Here, you may encounter other species of animals as well.

You will also visit a real Indian village where you can learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the inhabitants there.

This tour is a great option for you if you wish to interact and learn about new cultures while getting to experience unique things on the way.

This tour is a 7-hour guided tour. The price includes taxes and the boat tour price and offers a pickup service as well.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Private Miraflores Visitor Center Panama Canal Tour

Get to see the Panama Canal busy at work, from the Miraflores Locks at the Miraflores Visitor Center on this private guided tour.

Enjoy the view of the Panama Canal and watch the ships traveling to and fro between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean.

This tour is a 3-hour guided tour and includes a pick-up and drop-off service, along with other transportation and water.

4. 6-Hour Panama Canal Cruising Tour

Get the most of the Panama Canal by cruising on a ship through the waters for 6 hours. This tour is guided and will let you experience the Panama Canal in a very realistic way.

This tour will take you through a section of the Panama Canal, to the world-famous Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Here, you get to see the engineering wonder close up, and marvel at the sight of the huge ships.

The tour further takes you to the Pacific Ocean marina at Flamenco and also lets you see the Centennial Bridge.

This tour includes drinks and lunch as well.

5. Jungle and Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal Tour

Discover the Panama Canal from a very different aspect and take a look at a plethora of sites whilst cruising in a huge ocean vessel.

Depart from Lake Gatun and get a motorboat for traveling around. Tourists here get to see fauna and flora, the expansion of the canal, and will even learn about the history of this place.

This tour then leads you past the jungle to the Monkey Island. Lastly, there is a floating house on the lake where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and then sit back to unravel the marvels of this place at your own pace.

This is a one-day guided tour.

6. Panama Canal Tour including a variety of sites

Discover the beauty of the rainforest on an old-fashioned train and see the San Lorenzo Fort and the National Park’s focal points.

Here, you can also sightsee and learn about the wildlife in the area. Tourists love to capture pictures here and look out for different kinds of animals.

This is a 7-hour guided tour and includes transportation. A pick-up and drop-off service is also offered.

7. 5-hour Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

Brace yourselves to set out on an exciting full-day tour at the Panama Canal. Avail yourself of the pickup service and depart from your hotel, to the Panama Canal Visitors Center. Here, tourists can learn about the Canal and how it works. You can also visit the museum here.

The tour then leads you through the Miraflores and Pedro Locks to Lake Gatun. After spending some time there, tourists are taken to Monkey Island and then back to their respective hotels.

This is a 5-hour fully guided tour.

8. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

This tour takes tourists on a boat through the waters along the Panama Canal to the Pacific entrance, where you are then moved to pleasure boats. From there, the boats take you to the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. You also get a chance to discover the Gaillard Cut, which is the narrowest section of the canal. Tourists are disembarked at Gamboa.

Amidst of all this, a commentator is available that tells you every detail about the places you visit.

The tour lasts for about 5 hours and is guided.

9. Panama Canal and City Day tour

Discover not only the Panama Canal but Panama City as well. This tour enables you to visit the Panama Canal and see the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.

It then leads you to the top of Ancon Hill to admire the scenery. Furthermore, tourists also get to see the Punta Culebra museum and the Casco Viejo site.

This tour lasts about for 8 hours and is guided.

10. Panama Canal Tour from the Airport

Make the best of your layover by heading to the Panama Canal right from Tocumen International Airport.

This is a private guided tour lasting for about 3 hours. You will get a chance to marvel at the wonder of engineering and explore the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.

On your way back to the airport, you can enjoy the sights of Panama City from the comfort of a private car.

11. Panama Canal and the Jungle Experience Tour

Take the opportunity to escape Panama City and discover the amazing sights beyond. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, and also see the National Park along with Monkey Island.

This tour is perfect for people who wish to visit the Panama Canal, the National Park, Gamboa Rainforest, Lake Gatun, and Monkey Island, all in one go. The tour also takes you to an Indian village where you can learn about the customs and culture of the people there.

This guided tour lasts for about 7.5 hours.

12. Panama Canal and the City Walking Tour With Your Local Guide

Visit the Panama Visitors Center at the Miraflores Lock and unravel some of the mystery of this engineering wonder. Your local guide can teach you a lot about the history and the modern day, and even help you envision the future of the Panama Canal.

After this, your local guide will take you to sites awaiting your presence in the city. From the Ancon Hill, Casca Viejo, and Punta Culebra to the Bridge of Americas, tourists will be able to enjoy everything like locals and at their own pace.

This guided tour takes about 7 hours to complete.

13. Panama City and Panama Canal Half-day tour

Experience a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal, and Panama City for a lifelong memory.

This tour first takes you towards the Panama Canal, and then to the area called Casco Antiguo. It then gives the tourists the amazing opportunity to view the canal and the city from the Amador Causeway.

This guided tour lasts for about 4 hours.

14. 5-hour Eco-Cruise in the Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal

This five-star tour enables you to visit the world-famous Panama Canal and go on a boat adventure, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the rainforest and discovering the history and present of the canal at Miraflores Locks.

This tour then heads towards Gatun Lake which is also manmade, and this tour will help you learn about the ecological and scenic aspects of it. You might want to click pictures here.

This guided tour lasts about for 5 hours.

15. Panama City and Panama Canal Railway Half-day Tour

Travel from Panama City to the world famous Panama Canal on an old-fashioned train that will lead you from the Panama City to Colon along the Canal. During this half-day tour, you can enjoy the view of the mystic canal and click pictures for a keepsake.

This tour takes you through the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Amidst this, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush green rainforest around you. Tourists will also get a chance to unravel the mystery of the Gatun Locks and learn about the history of the place.

This tour is guided and lasts about for 5 hours.

15 Best Panama Canal Tours:

• Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort Tour
• Monkey Island and the Indian Village Tour
• Private Miraflores Visitor Center Panama Canal Tour
• 6-Hour Panama Canal Cruising Tour
• Jungle and Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal Tour
• Panama Canal Tour including a variety of sites
• 5-hour Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
• Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour
• Panama Canal and City Day tour
• Panama Canal Tour from the Airport
• Panama Canal and the Jungle Experience Tour
• Panama Canal and the City Walking Tour With Your Local Guide
• Panama City and Panama Canal Half-day tour
• 5-hour Eco-Cruise in the Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal
• Panama City and Panama Canal Railway Half-day Tour

• Panama Tours Home
• Bocas Del Toro
• Boquete, Chiriqui Highlands
• Panama City
• San Blas Islands
• Overnight Tours & Week Packages

Transportation

• Panama City Tours
• Top 5 Panama City Tours

Land Tours and Activities

Panama city bike tours.

• ** All Panama City Bike Tours
• Amador Causeway Bike Tour
• Casco Viejo City Bike Tour

Panama Mountain Biking Tours

• ** All Panama Mountain Biking Tours
• Cocoa Plantation Mountain Bike Tour

Panama Canal Tours

• ** All Panama Canal Tours
• Monkey Island + Sloth Sanctuary Panama
• Panama City & Canal Tour
• Jungle Land Floating Lodge Panama Canal Tour
• Miraflores Locks Express Tour
• Fort Sherman, San Lorenzo, and Canal Historical Tour
• Panama Canal Partial Transit
• Panama Canal Full Transit

Nature & Eco Tours

• ** All Nature & Eco Tours
• Monkey Island Tour
• Monkey Island & Indian Village Combo Tour
• Metro Park & Punta Culebra Discovery Eco-Tour
• Hiking Metropolitan Natural Park Nature Trails
• Bird Watching Metropolitan Natural Park
• El Valle de Anton Explorer
• Kayaking Lake Gatun, Panama Canal & Monkey Island

Shore Excursions

Public panama shore excursions departing panama city.

• ** All Public Panama Shore Excursions Departing Panama City
• Hop On Hop Off Panama City Sightseeing Tour
• Taboga Island One Day Tour

Express Panama Shore Excursions For Limited Times in Port

• ** All Express Panama Shore Excursions For Limited Times in Port
• Casco Viejo Panama Express Tour
• Panama City Past to Present Combo Tour
• Indian Village Tour
• Private Guided Shore Excursions - Panama City
• Private Guided Shore Excursions - Colon

Private Boat Charters in Panama City

• ** All Private Boat Charters in Panama City
• Panama City Boat Rentals - 27' Proline

Sightseeing Tours

• ** All Sightseeing Tours
• San Blas Islands One Day Explorer
• Panama La Vieja Express Tour
• Customized Private Sightseeing Tours

Water Tours and Activities

Taboga island & pearl island boat tours.

• ** All Taboga Island & Pearl Island Boat Tours
• Panama Catamaran Tour to Taboga Island
• Sonny Island Resort Day Pass in the Pearl Islands
• Pearl Islands Sunday Funday Catamaran Cruise & Beach Break

Panama Canal & Lake Gatun Boat Tours

• ** All Panama Canal & Lake Gatun Boat Tours
• Lake Gatun Kayaking & Horseback Riding Combo

Boat Trips to the San Blas Islands

• ** All Boat Trips to the San Blas Islands
• San Blas Islands Overnight Tour

Private Boat Rentals in Panama

• ** All Private Boat Rentals in Panama
• Pagot 56´ Private Catamaran Charter

Pearl Islands

Taboga & pearl islands beach hopping tours.

• ** All Taboga & Pearl Islands Beach Hopping Tours

Pearl Islands Whale Watching Tours

• ** All Pearl Islands Whale Watching Tours
• Whale Watching Pearl Islands & Isla Bolaños Beach Break
• Pearl Islands Whale Watching & Chapera Island Beach Break

Private Taboga & Pearl Island Excursions

• ** All Private Taboga & Pearl Island Excursions

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Tours

• ** All Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Tours
• Snorkel and Zip-line Caribbean Adventure
• Caribbean Snorkel & Private Island
• Caribbean Scuba & Private Island
• Caribbean 2 Tank Scuba
• Discover Scuba Resort Course

Whale Watching Tours

• ** All Whale Watching Tours
• Pearl Islands Whale Watching & Contadora Beach Break
• Whale Watching Tour from Contadora Island
• Panama Whale Watching Private Charters

Airport Transportion

• COMING SOON

Ground Transportation

Domestic flights.

• Bocas del Toro to San Jose Costa Rica Shuttle
• Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica Shuttle

Panama City Tours, Panama Canal Tours & Panama Shore Excursions and Panama Cruise Ports

The activities specialists..

Know before you go! Check out the latest news & travel tips on our Blog

The Panama Tour Site

TOLL FREE +1-866 217-8950

WITHIN PANAMA 836-6036

WORLD WIDE +1-210-858-6353

Email: [email protected]

The Real Deal Offers Great Discounts on All Panama Tours. Featured deals are hand-picked by our Activities Specialists as the Best Value in Panama City, Panama & the Panama Canal.

Choose your favorite activity... Your adventure is just a click away!

From the concrete jungle to the actual jungle, one of the eco-friendliest ways to discover all that Panama City has to offer is with our incredible Panama Bike Tours!

Wildlife safaris by boat, island hopping the San Blas archipelago, kayaking on Lake Gatun; whatever floats your boat, we have a boat tour in Panama perfect for you and the best deals in town too!

Explore Panama's wildlife on one of our top-notch Nature Tours and discover the country's natural beauty and biodiversity by signing up for one of our exciting eco-adventures.

Discover the fascinating history behind the construction of the Panama Canal and witness its impressive operation first-hand by booking one of our many Panama Canal shore excursions!

Whether sailing the archipelago, taking a fast ferry to Taboga, whale watching around Contadora Island or snorkeling the rocky outcrops, visiting the Pearl Islands & Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama are not to be missed.

Take the plunge and explore Panama's Pacific coast and extensive coral reefs on a snorkeling tour in Central Panama and Panama City.

Book your shore excursions in Panama Central and Panama Canal with us! Worry-free booking and top-notch excursions at discount prices guarantee BIG savings and LOTS of fun!

Explore Panama City and the Panama Canal. Experience this country's amazing culture first-hand on one of our Cultural Tours and understand what makes Panama so unique.

Panama whale watching tours to Isla Bolaños and Contadora Island departing right from Panama City! Discover the beautiful Humpback Whales in the Pearl Islands!

Shared Shuttles, Private Transfers, Car Rentals and more!! Select the transportation option in Panama that best suits your travel style.

Panama City Tours, Panama

(panama city sightseeing, panama canal tours & panama shore excursions).

Looking for amazing activities & fun things to do in Panama on vacation? You have come to the right place! The Real Deal Tours offers the best tours in Panama! There are several things to explore in and around Panama City. Better yet, they are all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city center and the cruise ship ports in Panama City and Colon. There are tons of one day excursions departing daily and we have compiled a list of the best excursions in Panama for you to choose from. So get out your Panama bucket list and start checking off all the cool experiences you can have on your Panama vacation!

Panama Canal Tours Obviously the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks might be the most popular attraction in this region. Hey, rightfully so. The Panama Canal is only one of the world's most astonishing engineering marvels after all. And now with the Panama Canal Expansion & Agua Clara Visitor Center, there is even more points of interest on the Panama Canal to explore. Our variety of Panama Canal Tours will ensure you do not leave Panama without really truly appreciating the history behind the Panama Canal from past to present. Panama City Sightseeing & Cultural Tours Aside from the Panama Canal, the variety of sightseeing tours in Panama City are incredible. If it is your fist time visiting Panama, the Panama City & Panama Canal tour is your best bet. You can explore some of Panama's most famous attractions all in one day! Aside from the skyscraper lined city center, Panama is also chock full of historical sites. You can visit for forts occupied by both the Spanish and the United States. True history buffs will want to check out the original ruins site of Panama La Vieja, then make their way to Panama's current historical district of Casco Viejo. And museums! Panama is full of great museums! For those who prefer active tours, our Panama City bike tours are a great way to explore Panama City & the Amador Causeway. Nature & Eco Tours in Panama Perhaps courtesy of the importance of the Panama Canal watershed, Panama City is surrounded by an abundance of nature. Both inside and just of the city you can discover the beauty and nature of the Metropolitano, Soberania, and Chagres national parks which are home to some of the 900 species of birds and 300 mammals that rest in its protected 1st and 2nd generation tropical rainforests. In fact, our top selling Panama nature tours are a visit to Monkey Island , and Jungle Land Panama which both are located in along the Panama Canal. Birders will love the fact that their is ample bird watching opportunities right on the edge of the city at Metropolitan National Park . And if you want to get out of town, a visit to the Valle de Anton is a lush garden green oasis that is the top weekend destination for locals. Panama Boat Tours Ready to head out on the water? We have both public and private boat tours that can take you places such as the Pearl Islands , Taboga Island and even through the Panama Canal ! When is the best time for a boat tour in Panama? Whale watching season! Whale watching in Panama is phenomenal!! You will also need a boat to visit 2 of Panama's unique indigenous cultures of the Embera Wounaan & Guna Yala in San Blas . Panama Shore Excursions Coming in on a cruise ship? Most all of our Panama City tours can be customized to fit your cruise schedule. Our Panama shore excursions depart from both Colon & Panama City. Even better, we offer customized private shore excursions in Panama . Do what you want, when you want with an expert local guide just for you!

Needless to say, there are a wealth of activities and things to do in Panama. Can't decide which Panama tours to add to your bucket list? Get in the most Panama tours possible in just 10 days. Our cross country trip lets you experience all best highlights of Panama both in Panama City and throughout the country. So what are you still reading this for? Choose your favorite category and start exploring all the amazing activities in Panama departing from Panama City & Panama cruise ship ports. Your adventure in Panama is just a click away!!

The Panama Tours Site

We are here to assist you!!! Our team visits these countries often to be sure that we bring you the most current and updated information on accommodations, activities, restaurants and more.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS

www.ThePanamaTourSite.com

The Real Deal Tours

All Rights Reserved, 2011-2024 | Website by Creative Concepts

12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife spotting. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego, visits ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island-hopping in the Caribbean.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 16-day Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Who should go: Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,106 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the BBC Earth in Concert multimedia performance. The larger Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles to Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuts in November 2023 and its first two Panama Canal itineraries in early 2024 are already waitlisted. For those planning ahead, the 16-night Miami to Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles to Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Who should go: This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,399 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025. All sailings are aboard the new 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go: Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart Boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht, check out Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary aboard the 148-guest Wind Star. Bookable on more than two dozen dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the itinerary takes guests from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa). The ship will transit the canal and visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go: Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambiance, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows, but no balconies. Wind Star is a cozy and social four-deck ship featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 31-day New York to Lima cruise

Silversea Cruises ' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip. The one-way itinerary departs New York City in November and visits Bermuda and multiple sunny Caribbean islands — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth's, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bequia, Grenada, Curacao and Aruba — and Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the canal to call on ports in Ecuador (Manta) and Peru (Salaverry and Lima).

Who should go: Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. A month-long itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's 8-day Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride with port calls in Limon, Costa Rica and George Town, Grand Cayman—beginning at under $900 per person.

With four pools (including an adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, Camp Ocean kids club and seven restaurants, the ship offers enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go: Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambiance and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage . The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December.

Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale-watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go: Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this three-week Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries — including two in 2023 that transit via the historic locks — its popular 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on more than a dozen dates in 2023 and 2024.

What's more, you can choose from among three ships: 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or 3,080-guest Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go: Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (vs waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise in January 2024 does a full canal transit (and spends a day in Panama City) as it sails from Miami to Santiago, Chile. The 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun sails to historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Trujillo, Lima and Pisco in Peru; and Arica and Coquimbo in Chile, before disembarkation in Santiago.

Who should go: Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific Coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Sun is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2018 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a sports bar and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus eight specialty dining venues (including Mexican, Italian, French, Japanese and a steakhouse) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-day Miami to Los Angeles cruise

Following its May debut, Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-guest Vista — the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back 16-day Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami itineraries in October and November. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go: Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant stateroom decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options (including two new venues, Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner). A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal cruise

Talk about packing for all kinds of weather! Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal sailing aboard 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth begins in Vancouver on Aug. 7 and explores Alaska for more than a week (visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka). Then the ship heads back south along the U.S. Pacific Coast (stopping in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles) before heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only then will it transit the Panama Canal. The ship makes one Atlantic stop in Aruba before passengers disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

Who should go: British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. The particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit a variety of cruise regions in one singular itinerary.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024–June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

Who should go: With cruise fares that start at $79,995 per person, this six-month adventure at sea requires a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambiance (there's no casino and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

How to get from Colombia to Panama by boat: 15 Things I Wish I Knew

There are a few ways to get from Colombia to Panama (or vice versa).

Overland is not one of them!

So, you’re left with these two options:

• An international flights (cheap and fast, yet boring)
• An ocean crossing by boat from Colombia to Panama (expensive and slower, yet adventurous)

I chose the latter!

Was it worth the money? And was the boat ride as rough as people say it is? I answer these questions and a whole lot more in this epic guide to 15 things I wish I knew about going from Colombia to Panama by boat.

Quick Navigation

December to April is the windy season

The windy season starts in December and continues until April.

This is considered a good time to travel by boat from Panama to Colombia as there is no rain. But you’ll have to make a compromise and deal with the wind instead.

Taking the sailboat vs speedboat from Panama to Colombia

There are two ways to make the crossing. The first is by speedboat, the other is by sailboat.

The sailboat takes a different route from the speedboat and is more exposed to the elements.

During the open ocean crossing, you won’t leave the sailboat for 32 to 46 hours. The constant rocking due to rough sea conditions often leads to severe cases of seasickness.

Because of this, many people choose the speedboat instead.

With the speedboat, you spend less time on the water and more time on land. Your starting point is closer to the San Blas Islands, and you sleep on these islands (and not the boat).

But it’s still a hell of a bumpy ride

I hate to break it to you, if you’re crossing from Panama to Colombia by boat, there’s no escaping the rough oceans. This is only during the windy season, of course!

“But what about the speedboat option?” you might ask.

It’s still bumpy AF!

I was not prepared for what was in store for me. Looking back, I can only laugh at how naive I was in thinking an ocean crossing would be a smooth ride.

When our guides gave us snorkeling masks, I thought they were joking. I can now confirm that they were not! These masks saved the day.

You will get soaking wet. Our speedboat was taking hard knocks and yes, some people still got seasick!

This was my experience in February so rather expect the worst but hope for the best.

You’re only on the boat for 2 to 3 hours per day

The speedboat crossing starts (or ends, depending on your route) in Capurgana in Colombia (not Cartagena).

This means you’re a lot closer to the San Blas Islands and have less distance to cover over the ocean.

You’ll stay on the islands and won’t be on the boat for more than 3 hours per day.

So yes, the conditions can be rough, but it won’t be for more than a few hours.

Instagram vs reality: The truth about going from Colombia to Panama by boat

The San Blas Islands are incredible. But as with all things in travel, there are two sides… The one you see on Instagram and the reality!

We explored the most pristine and picturesque islands during our trip. Palm trees, sandy shores, turquoise waters.

But it won’t be perfect all day, every day.

Here’s my reality! On day two of our crossing, we stopped off at a small sandbank in the middle of the San Blas. On a bright sunny day, this would have been the most spectacular location.

But on a windy, overcast day, it was a different story.

With no shelter, there was no escaping the harsh conditions. The entire group lay hopelessly on the floor waiting for the go-ahead to leave the island. It wasn’t exactly the island paradise I had expected.

It’s travel in the best way

Taking the boat from Panama to Colombia is certainly not for everyone. It’s not luxurious nor is it comfortable.

But it’s the best way to travel if you’re looking for adventure.

You’ve just got to be realistic and be open to all experiences you might have. Embrace it!

Which company to book with

If you take the sailboat option, you’ll be spoiled with choices when it comes to boat operators. There are numerous vessels available that offer different levels of comfort.

However, when it comes to the speedboat, you’re not left with many options.

San Blas Adventures is the most popular operator that manages speedboat trips from Panama to Colombia. They offer regular trips, are a safe and reputable company, and work with the local communities.

I booked my San Blas tour with them and have based this post on my experience. I personally paid for it myself and they didn’t know that I was a travel blogger – so you’re going to get the real and raw version!

Your San Blas Adventure officially starts in Sapzurro

When traveling from Colombia to Panama, the sailboats depart from Cartagena in Colombia.

The speedboats do not!

Instead, the speedboat tours depart from a small town called Sapzurro close to the Panama/Colombia border.

It’s not really a 3 night / 4 day tour

San Blas Adventures advertise their crossing from Panama to Colombia as a 3 night / 4 day adventure.

And technically, it is. But if you book your trip with them, you’ll need 5 nights / 6 days.

Because it takes two days to get from Cartagena to Sapzurro, the starting point of your speedboat crossing.

So, remember to keep 2 additional nights free in your itinerary. I didn’t! This meant my time in Cartagena came to an end sooner than I had planned.

The speedboat is not the cheaper option

A reason why many people choose the San Blas Adventures boat from Panama to Colombia is that it’s supposedly the cheaper option (compared to the sailboat).

Yes – the upfront costs that you pay directly to San Blas Adventures is cheaper than the sailboat.

But these costs only include your travel and food from Sapzurro, Colombia to Carti, Panama. Nothing else.

There are other mandatory costs, like the additional 2 days of travel expenses and local taxes. These all add up and eventually make the speedboat trip more or less the same price as the sailboat.

Actual costs for San Blas Adventures boat from Colombia to Panama

The San Blas Adventures boat from Panama to Colombia is advertised as $495 for the 3 day / 4 night tour.

You’ll pay a small deposit, and the balance needs to be paid in cash (USD only) when you meet the team in Capurgana.

Here are the additional expenses that you will incur. There’s no avoiding these costs!

• Kuna Yala Entrance taxes: $20
• 4×4 Taxi from Carti to Panama City: $30
• Bus from Cartagena to Necocli: 100 000 COP
• Accommodation in Necocli: 50 000 COP
• Boat from Necocli to Capurgana: 85 000 COP
• Boat from Capurgana to Sapzurro: 20 000 COP
• Accommodation in Sapzurro: 50 000 COP
• Water, black bags to cover your items, snacks, beer: 120 000 COP

In total, you’re looking at about $620 for the boat from Panama to Colombia with San Blas Adventures.

Necocli is the gateway to the Darien Gap

Wondering why tourists don’t travel from Colombia to Panama by land? The Darien Gap is the reason!

It’s one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.

Despite the presence of drug cartels, extortion by criminal groups, and risks of sexual assault, thousands of people, young and old, try crossing the Darien Gap to get further north into the USA.

You will witness the extent of this when you get on your boat from Necocli to Capurgana. Most migrants depart from this very same dock, carrying all their most valuable belongings in one small bag.

It broke my heart to see this firsthand and I’ve since become so much more aware of the struggle’s migrants face.

So be kind to people you meet, always. You don’t know what journey they’ve been on to get there and what hardships they may face in the coming days.

You’ll get to interact with the local communities

By choosing the speedboat option, you’ll spend each night on the San Blas Islands. You’ll visit the local communities that call the islands home and learn more about their way of life.

This was an incredible experience. We danced with the kids and played games with them. We also got to learn more about how the Kuna Yala live, their struggles and triumphs as well as how they fit into Panamanian culture.

It was fascinating!

You’ll need to wrap all your bags in plastic

If there is one thing I didn’t like about crossing from Panama to Colombia by boat, it was that you have to wrap all your luggage in black plastic bags. And with numerous layers!

This is to prevent your things from getting wet.

You can buy these black bags and tape from the local vendors at the port in Necocli or Carti (depending on where you’re starting from).

The accommodation on the San Blas Islands is basic

Some nights you’ll sleep in hammocks, others you’ll have dorm-style rooms available.

The facilities are rustic and basic, but that’s what you’re signing up for.

Thoughts on how to get from Colombia to Panama by boat

My boat trip from Colombia to Panama was one of the highlights of my 6-month backpacking trip.

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s rough. But the memories I have and the friendships I made will stay with me forever!

Are you planning of traveling from Colombia to Panama by boat? Drop me a message in the comments section below if you have any questions.

Like it? Pin it!

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

The Best Cozumel Dive Sites: Epic Swim throughs, fast drift dives & vibrant marine life

Guide to scuba diving isla mujeres: best dive sites and more, leave a comment cancel reply.

New deep-water channel allows first ship to pass Key bridge wreckage in Baltimore

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

The first cargo ship passed through a newly opened deep-water channel in Baltimore on Thursday after being stuck in the harbor since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed four weeks ago, halting most maritime traffic through the city’s port.

The Balsa 94, a bulk carrier sailing under a Panama flag, passed through the new 35-foot channel headed for St. John, Canada. Two more commercial ships followed later Thursday, including a vehicle carrier headed to Panama.

Their long-awaited voyages marked an important step in the ongoing cleanup and recovery effort as crews have been working around the clock to clear thousands of tons of mangled steel and concrete from the entrance to Baltimore’s harbor.

Five vessels that have been stranded for weeks are expected to finally leave Baltimore through the new, temporary channel. Other ships are scheduled to enter the port, which normally processes more cars and farm equipment than any other in the country.

World & Nation

First vessel uses alternate channel to bypass wreckage at the Baltimore bridge collapse site

A fuel barge has become the first vessel to use an alternate channel to bypass the wreckage of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.

April 2, 2024

Thousands of longshoremen, truckers and small business owners have seen their jobs affected by the collapse, prompting local and state officials to prioritize reopening the port and restoring its traffic to normal capacity in hopes of easing the economic ripple effects of the collapse. Officials have also established various assistance programs for unemployed workers and others affected by the closure.

On Thursday morning, the Balsa 94 moved through the channel guided by two tug boats, one in front and one behind. It glided slowly past the fallen bridge and grounded Dali, the massive container ship that caused the collapse when it slammed into one of the bridge’s support columns.

Pieces of the steel span are still blocking other parts of the port’s main channel, which has a controlling depth of 50 feet, enough to accommodate some of the largest cargo and cruise ships on the water.

Salvage crews have begun removing containers from the ship that collapsed Baltimore’s Key bridge

Salvage crews have begun removing containers from the cargo ship that crashed into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

April 8, 2024

The Balsa 94 is expected to arrive in Canada on Monday.

The Dali lost power and veered off course shortly after leaving the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka last month.

Six members of a roadwork crew — all Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras — plunged to their deaths in the collapse. Four bodies have been recovered from the underwater wreckage; two remain missing.

A memorial for the victims near the south end of the bridge has grown in recent weeks. It now includes six large wooden crosses decorated with flags from the victims’ home countries and other personal items, including the hardhats and work boots that allowed them to provide for their families and chase the American dream. A painted canvas backdrop displays abstract scenes from the bridge collapse and salvage efforts as well as handwritten notes from the men’s loved ones.

Efforts underway to remove Baltimore bridge ruins; search suspended for 4 workers presumed dead

Cleanup the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore begins and authorities announce suspension of the search for four workers.

March 28, 2024

“We want to send a message to the world that we’re here and we care,” said the artist, Roberto Marquez, who was visiting the memorial late Thursday morning. “We will be here working until they are all recovered.”

The new channel will remain open until Monday or Tuesday and then close again until roughly May 10. During the closure, crews will work to remove steel spans from the deck of the Dali and refloat the ship, which will then be guided back into the port, officials said earlier this week.

The port’s main channel is set to reopen next month after the Dali has been removed from the collapse site. That will allow for a normal flow of traffic to resume through the port.

But for now, the 35-foot depth is a substantial increase over the three other temporary channels established in recent weeks. It puts the cleanup effort slightly ahead of schedule, as officials previously said they hoped to open a channel of that depth by the end of April.

A hulking vehicle carrier named Carmen that is nearly as long as the Dali became the third commercial ship to traverse the channel Thursday afternoon. Viewed from the deck of a nearby passenger boat, it appeared to sail steadily between the marker buoys, dwarfing the cranes, barges and other wreckage removal equipment that was stationed nearby.

The Baltimore bridge collapse reminds us immigrants often do unheralded and dangerous work

Immigrants built America, but some politicians and pundits would like us to believe that the great contributions of immigrants stopped somewhere in the late 1800s.

March 29, 2024

Even with commercial ships chugging past, crews continued the arduous process of clearing debris from the collapse site. On Thursday, they were using a crane apparatus to smash the fallen roadway into more manageable pieces that could be lifted from underwater with a giant claw.

In a court filing Monday, Baltimore’s mayor and city council called for the Dali’s owner and manager to be held fully liable for the bridge collapse, which they said could be devastating for the regional economy. They said the port, which was established before the nation’s founding, has long been an economic driver for Baltimore and the surrounding area. Losing the bridge itself has also disrupted a major East Coast trucking route.

The filing came in response to an earlier petition on behalf of the two companies asking a court to cap their liability under a pre-Civil War provision of an 1851 maritime law — a routine procedure for such cases. A federal court in Maryland will ultimately decide who’s responsible and how much they owe.

In the meantime, the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting probes to determine what caused the ship to lose power and strike the bridge.

Skene writes for the Associated Press.

More to Read

Ship that caused bridge collapse had electrical issues while still docked, AP source says

April 15, 2024

Biden tours collapsed Baltimore bridge and declares, ‘Your nation has your back’

April 6, 2024

Channel opens for vessels clearing wreckage at Baltimore bridge collapse site

April 1, 2024

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Wild horses to remain in North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, lawmaker says

April 25, 2024

Litman: Will Trump be tried for Jan. 6? After Supreme Court arguments, it’s more uncertain than ever

Climate & Environment

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible

Ukraine putting pressure on fighting-age men outside the country as it tries to replenish forces