Panama Canal Adventure Cruise: Eco-Explorations, Culture, and Wildlife
For some travelers, a cruise evokes images of crowded buffets and party games. But it doesn't have to be that way. Select cruises offer immersive cultural and natural experiences, providing a comprehensive view of a destination.
Panama, with its lush rainforests, wildlife-rich waters, and iconic canal, is ideal for such adventures.
Currents of History
The Panama Canal Expedition Cruise and Adventure by EcoCircuitos, a leader in eco-tourism and education, exemplifies this. This seven-day journey explores Panamanian culture on land and aboard the 110-foot Panama Discovery catamaran, accommodating 24 guests with 11 crew, kayaks, and snorkeling gear.
The first two days include visits to the BioMuseo, the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, and Casco Viejo. From the Cathedral Tower in Panama City to local cuisine in Colón, you'll witness the blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences.
Passageway to Adventure
The cruise features a southbound transit through the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. Witness the locks up close from the bow—far more immersive than viewing from the Miraflores Visitor Center. As massive gates open to the Pacific, the scale is awe-inspiring.
Visiting the Emberá
After an hour up the Río Sambú, the Emberá—known as 'The River People'—welcome you in their Darién village. They've partnered with tour operators for centuries to share their culture.
Under a thatched Nahuala palm roof, the chief demonstrates tagua nut carvings, woven baskets, and masks. Women perform the traditional ñeque healing dance, followed by rumba and cumbia—prepare to join in.
The village of 300 features a school, store, phone booth, and stilted homes with gardens. Respect their customs: ask before photographing, avoid handing devices to children, and support locals by buying crafts (US dollars accepted). For a jagua tattoo, skip the face—the dye darkens initially.
Panama's Natural Playground
Next, explore the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama, once famed for pearls and a filming site for Survivor. Enjoy beaches, rock formations, kayaking, and snorkeling with parrotfish, king angelfish, and Cortez rainbow wrasses.
Expert guides like Fabio Trujillo and Ian Sanchez share insights on history and wildlife. Evenings feature slideshows after gourmet dinners.
Post-cruise, hike Soberanía National Park via Gamboa Road to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Ascend the 131-foot (40m) tower for canopy views, learn about sustainability, and spot hummingbirds, iguanas, sloths, and howler monkeys.
While mainstream cruises have their place, Panama's waterways offer authentic adventure for experiential travelers.
Alicia Johnson traveled to Panama with support from EcoCircuitos. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
