A Little-Known Tourist Secret: Panama Canal Cruises
The rest of the world may be focused on more widely advertised destinations for their vacations, but savvy travelers know Panama Canal cruises offer a diverse selection of sights, sounds and adventures not found elsewhere. Aside from the fact that the Panama Canal is a modern-day engineering marvel, the area in and around Panama also offers elegant beaches dotted with swaying palms. In addition, a world-class assortment of wildlife and playful festivals make Panama a jewel in the crown of North America.
The Darien Gap
The Pan-American Highway System connects North America and South America with the exception of one 62-mile stretch of swampland: The Darien Gap that falls between Panama and Colombia. Two major national parks fall within The Darien Gap: Darien National Park and Los Katios National Park. One of the most exceptional excursions many attempt while on Panama Canal cruises is a crossing of The Darien Gap. Many have traversed this area via Range Rover or Jeep, and several have crossed by foot. It certainly is possible, but if you plan to attempt a crossing, then you'll want to plan your Panama Canal cruise during the dry season.
Carnaval
Every year during the four days prior to Ash Wednesday, the towns of Las Tablas, Pennomene and Los Santos transform into a partygoer's dream. Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnaval marks the last four days before Lent, the season of sacrifice. Carnaval brings droves of tourists and locals to the area in and around the Panama Canal. Cruises put you in the middle of all the fun, as ships line the Canal filled with passengers ready to participate in all the fun. During the day, giant trucks spray the crowds with water, keeping them cool in the exhausting heat. At night, street dances, firework displays and parades take place. This colorful festival is fun for the entire family.
Wildlife
The Cornell University website does a wonderful job of depicting Panama by describing, “…misty mountains, brilliantly colored orchids, exotic wildlife, staggering ecodiversity, amazing snorkeling, and warm, welcoming people. From its teeming coral reefs and rushing rivers to its volcanic peak, Panama is a lush, inviting playground for active families.”
Length: 4-5 hours / from 9:00am to 3:00 pm
Our tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina at 10 a.m. Passeengers board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board our Ferry to starts the water portion of the tour. We enter the canal at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Ferry will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.
Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Ferry will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.
Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline.
Price:
Adults: USD120 p/p (Jan.-Mar) / USD115 (Apr.-Dec.)
Children (under 12 years): USD65 p/p
Asking for group price
The price includes: