msc shore excursions colon panama

Colon – Panama

Last updated on January 30th, 2024 at 09:46 am

Welcome to Colon, a bustling city located at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Discover the rich history of the region at the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center, explore the colorful architecture of Colon's historic district, or take a boat tour through the Gatun Lake. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, sample delicious local cuisine, and witness the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal.

Check out these excursions in Colon .

The temperature in Colon has little variation during the year. It ranges from a low of 77 degrees F to a high of 86 degrees F. Seldom does the range dip below 75 degrees F or rise above 89 degrees F. It tends to be hot and oppressive year-round.

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa. The currency is named after Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513. One Balboa is divided into 100 cents. One Balbo equals one U.S. dollar, and the dollar is legally circulated in Panama. The day-to-day currency used in Panama is the U.S. Dollar, and there are no paper Balboas, although there are Panamanian coins. Traveler’s checks are not accepted, but major credit and debit cards are.

Wireless Internet:

There is an internet cafe in the Colon 2000 Cruise Terminal that offers WiFi.

Spanish is the official language of Panama. There is a small smattering of English spoken and an even smaller amount of French.

Where You Dock in Colon – Panama

Colon has two cruise terminals. The Cristobal Pier is located in Colon, Panama, on the eastern side of the canal. That facility is seldom used anymore.

Cruise ships arrive at Colon 2000 or Pier 6 of Cristobal Port on the south side of Limon Bay.

Cruise passengers will board for shore excursions right outside the terminal. If you take an organized tour, your bus will be in the parking area just a few yards from the gangway.

Getting Around Colon – Panama

Walking: It is not advised to walk around Colon, as it is not safe.

Taxi: There are taxi services in Colon, and the fares are relatively inexpensive. Taxi prices are fixed by the central desk in the Colon 2000 center.

Car: There are several rental car services in Colon. The majority of the rental cars are manual transmission, and you will have to pay an additional charge if you want a car with  automatic transmission.

To rent a car, you will need an I.D., a valid driver’s license approved for driving in Panama and hold third-party auto insurance. Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Mexrentacar, Dollar, and Sunnycars have locations in Colon. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Panama.

Shopping In Colon – Panama

The Colon Free Zone is primarily a commercial park where companies import and export products free of duty. It is not set up to sell individual items to tourists. If you are able to make a purchase, your item will be sent to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City to be retrieved when you depart. If you are part of a cruise, this procedure will probably not work well for you.

There is a shopping center, strip mall type, across from the pier. It contains a grocery store, a sandwich shop, and souvenir stores.

Dining In Colon – Panama

The cafe at Cristobal Pier has bar-type snacks. The Colon 2000 port complex also houses restaurants Arrecifes and Rotana Cafe.

Arrecifes serves Caribbean, Latin cuisine and seafood.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Restaurante Arrecifes (@restaurante_arrecifes)

You will find pizza, lemon chicken and vegetarian options at Rotana Cafe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rotana Café (@rotanacafepanama)

In Colon, the Grand Cafe has Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine and the Restaurante Nuevo 2 Mares offers authentic Panamanian cuisine.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grand Café (@grandcafepty)

Things To Do in Colon – Panama

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Port Colon 2000 (@portcolon2000)

As was mentioned, Colon is primarily a base for day trips with little in the way of attractions for tourists. Again, it is not a city you will want to traverse on your own due to safety concerns.

Here are the few attractions in Colon:

Gatun Locks: These are the largest locks in the Panama Canal and are open to visitors from 9 am until 4 pm seven days a week. Use a taxi service to negotiate round trip service to this area.

Colon City Tour: There are coach and taxi-based city tours. Most of the tours will show you the New Washington Hotel that overlooks the entrance to the canal. A stone-built Episcopal Christ Church Cathedral and a monument to Christopher Columbus are the main sights on the tour.

Portobelo: In old Spanish, this name meant “beautiful port.” Located in the northern part of the Isthmus of Panama, Portobelo is about 20 miles northeast of Colon. There are the ruins of five Spanish forts and incredible sea views.

Top Tours & Excursions In Colon – Panama

Embera indians and miaflores locks.

Visit an authentic Embera Indian village where the indigenous people are committed to preserving their traditions. You will tour the village  and interact with the Embera people.  The Embera's are skilled artisans and have items available for purchase. After, you will spend time at the Miraflores Visitor Centre to learn more about the construction and operation of the Panama Canal....

• Duration: 6.5 Hours
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Wheelchair Accessibility: No
• Food: Sandwich, Fruit and Water included

Aerial Tram and Miraflores Locks

Take a one-hour gondola ride and ascend 280 feet from the forest floor to the canopy of the Gamboa rainforest. The Observation Tower will give you spectacular views of Gatun Lake, and the Panama Canal. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn more about the construction and operation of the canal. You will be able to watch vessels cruise the waters and see the lock gates open and close....

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Colon, Panama

ShoreExcursions.com offers an excellent variety of independent shore excursions in Colon.

Unforgettable Shore Excursions in Colon, Panama

Explore the vibrant beauty of Colon, Panama with our exceptional shore excursions that promise a truly unforgettable experience. From lush rainforests to historical landmarks, our tours are carefully designed to immerse you in the rich culture and natural wonders of this remarkable destination. Discover the essence of Panama through three distinct excursions that cater to different interests and preferences.

Discover the Pristine Rainforests

Immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.

Get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure as you embark on a journey through the pristine rainforests of Colon. Our experienced guides will lead you deep into the heart of the jungle, where you’ll encounter exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and lush flora. Feel the thrill of walking among the treetops on our exhilarating canopy tour, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, this excursion will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Unveil the Secrets of Panama’s Rich History

Step back in time.

Delve into the captivating history of Panama with our immersive historical excursion. Explore the iconic ruins of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its fascinating past as a major trade hub. Walk through the cobblestone streets, marvel at the well-preserved forts, and listen to intriguing stories of pirates and conquistadors. Your journey will also take you to the Gatun Locks, where you’ll witness the marvels of engineering that make the Panama Canal possible. This excursion is a perfect blend of education, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring sights.

Relax and Unwind on Panama’s Pristine Beaches

Paradise awaits.

Escape to paradise with our beach getaway excursion. Immerse yourself in the sun-kissed beauty of Panama’s pristine beaches. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet, take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, and let the gentle ocean breeze soothe your soul. Indulge in the laid-back atmosphere and savor a delicious beachside lunch, complete with local flavors and tropical delights. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a break from everyday life, this excursion offers the perfect blend of tranquility and tropical bliss.

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Best Panama Canal cruise excursions from Colon and Panama City

While the actual crossing is the true highlight of any Panama Canal cruise, cruisers should not forget about the fascinating things to see and do in Colon and Panama City. These Panamanian ports might be stops on your itinerary or embarkation/debarkation ports, depending on the length of your sailing and which direction your ship travels through the canal. No matter which you visit, either will give you access to active, cultural and outdoor pursuits.

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Don't miss out on all Central America has to offer cruisers. Here are some of the best Panama Canal excursions to book during your journey.

Things to know about Panama Canal excursions

Keep in mind that prices vary among tour operators and cruise lines. For this story, here is a price key to give you a general idea of the expected cost for these itineraries:

• $ = less than $75
• $$ = $75-$150
• $$$ = $150-$200
• $$$$ = over $200

Also, here are a few tips to follow while preparing for your Panama outing:

• Wear comfortable shoes, clothing and a hat, and carry a small backpack with necessities for the day, including a refillable water bottle and snacks if food isn't included in the tour.
• If you're doing an excursion in the jungle or around any foliage, be sure to wear insect repellent.
• Wear sunscreen for any tours that are outside; even if you're not going to be in the water, Panama's close proximity to the equator makes the sun intense. If you're snorkeling or swimming, use reef-safe sunscreen, which won't harm coral or marine life.
• Take cash for tips for your guide and to purchase souvenirs and handmade items from indigenous peoples. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.
• Before taking pictures of any indigenous people, ask them or your guide if it's permitted.

Panama City

Aerial tram tour at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Price: $

About 45 minutes from Panama City lies the lush tropical paradise of the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, where visitors can book various eco-focused experiences. The reserve is part of Soberania National Park, which encompasses 55,000 acres on the shores of the Panama Canal.

On a 90-minute aerial tram tour, visitors can get a peek at the local wildlife from a unique perspective. Board a gondola for the 2,000-foot-long, 400-foot-high ride above the rainforest canopy, during which you'll feel like you can almost touch the trees. Spot sloths, nesting birds and various species of monkeys.

Once you arrive at the top station, you'll disembark for a five- to 10-minute walk to a 100-foot-tall observation tower that offers a scenic 360-degree-view of Gamboa, Soberania National Park, the Chagres River and the Panama Canal.

Native peoples tour at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Price: $$

During this two- to three-hour cultural tour, you'll learn about the Wounaan, one of the country's seven Indigenous groups. For centuries, the Wounaan people have lived in the Darien, a geographic region with a watershed, forest and mountains close to Colombia. Over time, however, some members of the Wounaan have migrated to other regions close to the Chagres River, giving visitors to the region a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture.

Related: Top Panama Canal cruise tips and tricks to get the most out of this unique crossing

The Wounaan community is known for its artistic and warrior skills. As you walk through their settlements, you'll get to experience some of their traditions and purchase authentic tribal souvenirs.

Driving/walking tour of Old Panama City Price: $$

Old Panama City, or Panama Viejo, is what remains of the original city, which dates back to 1519 and was destroyed in 1671 by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan. Sitauted in the suburbs of Panama, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Getting here requires an hour-long drive from Colon or a half-hour drive from the Panama City cruise port. When you arrive, you can explore the Old Panama Cathedral and other ruins on foot, climb up the bell tower for a view of the skyline and shop at the artisan market.

The tour continues to the old colonial city of Casco Antiguo (also called Casco Viejo), a hip neighborhood with lots of architectural variety that gives it an eclectic vibe. Wander the city's cobblestone streets, and take in the colonial mansions, the Metropolitan Cathedral, art galleries and the Interoceanic Canal Museum. The final stop is Las Bóvedas in Casco Viejo, the sea wall on the Spanish fort, where you'll stroll along the top for a view of Panama City across the bay.

Free time is built into the tour, so branch off to try some local cuisine or shop for souvenirs.

Taboga Island catamaran tour Price : $$

This island in the Gulf of Panama was discovered in the 16th century by Balboa, who called it Isla de San Pedro; its current name derives from an indigenous word "aboga," meaning "many fish." Taboga Island's beaches, hiking trails, and fishing and snorkeling opportunities (not to mention its proximity to Panama City) make it a popular destination for tourists.

A six-hour catamaran tour lets you experience some of what Taboga Island has to offer. The tour departs from the Panama City cruise terminal, where you'll board a large catamaran equipped with everything you'll need for the day.

Related: 12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

The first stop is a bay on the back side of the island, where you can swim or lounge on the boat's nets. Next, you'll sail to the beach side, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the village of San Pedro, home to the town church of the same name (said to be the second-oldest church in Latin America). You can also grab some snorkeling equipment on board and take to the water. The tour concludes with lunch and drinks on the ride back to Panama City.

Miraflores Visitor Center Price: $

If you fully transit the canal to the Pacific side, you'll pass through the Miraflores Locks, where you'll no doubt see visitors waving and cheering from a platform at the visitor center. It's worth a trip to come back here, where you can learn more about the process of ships passing during a self-guided tour. The center is about a 30-minute drive from the Panama City cruise port.

Currently, the four exhibition halls that portray the canal's history, construction, biodiversity and importance are temporarily closed for renovations. A trip is still worth it for the excellent 3D IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman, which does a great job explaining the trials, tribulations and perils of building this awe-inspiring feat.

You can also stand on the ground-level terrace or grab a seat in the bleachers on the first level to watch ships pass through; often, a staff member is on hand to provide commentary as the cargo and cruise vessels navigate the final set of locks in the Canal before reaching the Pacific. Before leaving, pick up all kinds of souvenirs, from hats to shirts and books, at the on-site gift shop.

Embera tribe village Price: $$

The Embera people, also called the Choco or Katio Indians, are indigenous to Panama and Colombia; today, about 33,000 people living in Panama identify as Embera. A tour of an Embera tribe village is immersive but also long (generally six to seven hours).

The tour starts with a 45-minute drive to Chagres National Park, followed by a ride in a traditional Embera dugout canoe on the Chagres River in an area full of flora and fauna; you might even spot a toucan. Once at the village, the chief welcomes your group, and the Embera people perform a series of traditional dances. Guests will have time to explore the village independently and listen to locals talk about their lives, including how they use the medicinal plants they source from the jungle.

Lunch is usually included and often consists of a traditional meal of fried fish or chicken, yuca and fried plantains. Visitors can shop for handwoven baskets, plates and masks made from palm leaf fibers, cocobolo wood and tagua seeds, before heading back to the ship.

Related: What to pack for a Panama Canal cruise

Kayaking in the Agua Clara Locks Price: $$

This tour is perfect for active travelers who will get to see Gatun Lake from a kayak. The roughly five-hour tour starts with a 75-minute drive to Gamboa Resort, where you'll get your kayak and get on the lake. While you paddle, keep an eye out for wildlife; the area is home to more than 300 species of birds, along with capuchin monkeys.

The tour continues to the Agua Clara Visitor Center to see ships passing through the canal and learn more about the canal's construction, expansion and operations through interactive displays and a rainforest trail.

Portobelo Price: $-$$

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portobelo boasts sea views and ruins from its former life as a Spanish colonial town. After a 1 1/2-hour ride from Colon, you'll embark on a guided walk around town, dotted with houses in brightly painted colors, workshops and galleries housing Congo art installations. Congo dancers performing in the streets and restaurants serving Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

The tour stops at Iglesia de San Felipe, a Roman Catholic church that's also known as the Black Christ Church. Here, Christo Negro is on display, a life-size wooden statue of Black Christ that was found on the shores of the harbor and is celebrated with a festival every October. You'll also see the ruins of Fort San Jeronimo and Santiago Battery, two of the five Spanish ports in the area. You'll also notice the Royal Customs House of Portobelo, which was used in the 16th century to stash Peruvian gold and other loot that was seized in Latin America.

Depending on the tour, there may be time to take a short speedboat ride to Playa Huertas or Isla Mamey to snorkel or relax on the beach.

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Colón Panama Cruise Port: Tips, Attractions and Weather

The Colón cruise port is the gateway to the Panama Canal on the Caribbean side and one of the more popular stops on “exotic” western Caribbean cruises.

The most popular western Caribbean cruises usually visit some combination of Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The word “exotic” in exotic western cruises promoted by cruise lines usually means the ship will go to one or more ports of call on on the Central American coast. Roatan, Belize City, Costa Rica and Panama’s Colón lead the list.

Cruise visitors usually arrive at Colón 2000 or Pier 6 of Cristóbal port on the south side of Limon Bay. The location on the bay is important to know for the sake of seeing as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Colón is the provincial capital, and the province has Central America’s largest port system.

Like other Central American countries with a Caribbean coast, Panama offers more in the way of ecotourism, history, culture and education than just plain beaches. In fact, Colón is not the place to go for beaches. So plan excursions accordingly.

Quick Travel Tips

Where is colón panama.

Colón Panama is a little more than 200 miles east to southeast of Puerto Limon in Costa Rica. Because of their closeness, they often are included on the same cruise itinerary. But like Limon, Colón is one of the southernmost ports of any western Caribbean cruise at 900 miles south of Cozumel. For that reason, Colón is usually on exotic western Caribbean itineraries of at least seven days.

Attractions and Shore Excursions

A cruise to Panama might lead someone to think that the main attraction is the Panama Canal and the famous locks that raise and lower ships as they cross between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

They would be right, but Colón has more to offer.

Walking Around Attractions

Colón cruise port map.

The area around the Colón 2000 terminal is known for its restaurants and shopping. The area around the nearby Cristóbal port is known for its craft markets.

The two locations are about three miles apart and take 10 minutes to reach by regulated taxis.

It is worth noting that Colón has a reputation for street crime, but government authorities have made a strong effort to make tourists feel secure within the duty-free zone. Make sure to use a registered taxi when traveling outside of the zone and don’t display wallets or jewelry. When possible, walk with or among other tourists.

Colon 2000 is a growing tourism district with restaurants, shops, casinos and duty free shopping mall. The mall calls itself, “The only tourism and tax-free mall in the Caribbean”, although some other ports with malls beg to differ. The mall has dozens of shops representing some major international brands.

The Panama government has invested $900 million in a major city renovation. It includes refurbished streets, improved sewage systems and upgrades of public spaces and buildings.

Otherwise, the city doesn’t have much to see or do outside of Colón 2000. It is one of the few Caribbean ports without any guided city shore excursions at this time. Most cruise visitors opt for the shore excursions that take them outside of the city.

Shore Excursions

The most popular shore excursions take cruise travelers to the Panama Canal locks.

For first-time visitors, it is useful to know that the Panama Canal was made possible because of the narrow width of Panama between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and a huge investment of money and labor (as well as lives). It also was made possible by the presence of the sprawling Lake Gatún near Colón.

Limon Bay connects with Lake Gatún at the Gatún Locks, the first of the famous locks on the Atlantic side that raise and lower ships going through Panama and that need to adjust to different terrains and sea levels.

The lake and the locks are only about a 25 minute drive from Colón via taxi or excursion bus.

A tour of the locks is not the most exciting experience for a cruise traveler in the Caribbean , but it is one of the most impressive and educational excursions. The tour is highly recommended for families in particular.

Anyone on a tight schedule can visit the locks and return to Colón within a few hours. Other visitors usually combine the locks with other activities including a kayak or canoe tour around Lake Gatún to view the numerous species of wildlife that live there. Less active people can take boat tours.

Other Attractions

Two of the next best attractions in the area are in opposite directions of each other along the Atlantic coast.

Fort San Lorenzo, one of the oldest Spanish forts in America, lies about 45 minutes west of Colón. Built in 1597, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed to protect the mouth of Chagres River. A four- to five-hour tour that includes both the fort and the Gatún locks will cost about $100 per person with discounts for children.

The Chagres was an entry point for boats that traveled upstream to reach Venta de Cruces. From that point, they walked to Panama City on a trail Camino de Cruces.

Cruise visitors to Colon also can go to Panama City on a much quicker shore excursion than early settlers. They can take a train or excursion bus from the Colon docks on a one-hour ride across the country. It includes a tour of the historical Panama City as well as a visit to the Miraflores Locks. Prices usually range from about $75 to $150 depending on the length, mode of transportation and other factors.

Portobelo National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site located about an hour east of Colón. Christopher Columbus discovered and named the landing site Portobelo, which is Italian for “beautiful port,” in 1502.

Francisco Valverde y Mercado founded the city of San Felipe de Portobelo in 1597. The Spaniards shipped gold and silver from Peru, unloaded it at Panama City and carried it on mules across the isthmus to Portobelo. Visitors can see the remains of the original fortifications that protected the plunder from pirates.

Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Colón is known for the above shore excursions, but it’s not known as a beach destination.

Although Panama has its share of good beaches, most of them are located elsewhere, like Bocas del Toro.

Cruise visitors to Colon with a passion for beaches can go to Playa La Angosta, which is about a 40 minute drive from Colon, or to Isla Grande, an island about an hour away.

Shopping / Restaurants

Visitors can start their shopping at the modest Colón 2000 mall right by the cruise docks. It is known for a handful of shops, restaurants, a casino and a safe environment. For safety reasons, tourists should not venture outside of the mall unless by taxi or excursion bus.

Colón claims the second largest duty-free shopping zone in the world.  The much bigger opportunity lies at the Colón Free Zone southeast of the cruise docks. It has more than 3,000 companies represented on more than 1,000 acres of land.

Cristobal Pier on the eastern side of the Panama Canal has an active crafts market.

Another interesting option is for passengers to hop on a train and go to Panama City. The distance is 46 miles, and the ride lasts about an hour. Passengers can board the train at the Atlantic Passenger Station in Mount Hope near the Port of Cristobal. It is a mile and a half southwest of the cruise terminal. Multiple cruise lines offer this trip as an excursion.

Getting Around / Transportation

Colón is better known as a port where cruise passengers take excursions into the countryside or over to Panama City rather than staying in the city. Although taxi service is available in Colón, there are few options for traveling short distances.

“Rather than spending the day in Colon, many cruise passengers choose instead to participate in shore excursions arranged by their ships or tours organized independently,” as one cruise line said.

Panama weather on the Caribbean coast enjoys drier weather from late winter to early summer and wetter weather from early summer to late fall.

The wet weather in the second half of the year is the result of the Caribbean hurricane season. It brings heavier rains to the Caribbean and parts of Central America. Panama rarely gets hit by a hurricane, but instead has spikes in rain.

Temperatures are warm throughout the year with average highs nearing 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius.

Panama City Cruise Port Guide

Colón Panama Cruise Port

Best Times to Visit Panama

7 Best Panama Tourist Attractions

Top beaches in panama, 5 great tourist attractions in western panama, panama canal cruise guide, panama cruise and hotel vacation tips, caribbean ports of call list, what to pack for a cruise trip, western caribbean cruise weather, how to save on shore excursions, 5 caribbean cruise tips.

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Colón, Panama Shore Excursions

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Colón Shore Excursions: Enhance Your Panama Canal Cruise

As the gateway city on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, Colón is uniquely situated for you as a cruise passenger to schedule Colón shore excursions that expand and enhance your cruise to Colón .

The array of available Colón cruise excursions also ensures that you’re able to explore Panama’s beautiful, unspoiled flora and fauna with insightful naturalists and native guides, as well as enjoy learning about Panama’s colonial past, modern history, and tech-forward future.

Schedule Colón shore excursions to learn about the engineering feat that’s often called “the eighth wonder of the world,” the Panama Canal. On a full day cruise excursion , you’ll see a film that details the history of the Canal and experience the workings of the Miraflores Locks up close. At the Agua Clara Locks Expansion Center and Observatory Platform, you’ll see the construction process that enabled the canal to be built.

Discover Panama’s colorful history on Colón shore excursions to the old town of Portobelo, where the infamous pirate Captain Henry Morgan walked over 300 years ago. Stroll the ruins of the fort at San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a guided eco-cruise on Gatun Lake to see the island habitats that were created as a result of the construction of the Panama Canal. Glide along the shoreline and see the area’s wildlife in their natural habitat, like howler monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds.

On a monkey watch tour to a rainforest resort, you’ll see white-faced capuchins and three-toed sloths, as well as other native wildlife. Or take an aerial tram tour of the Gamboa Rainforest for panoramic views and the chance to see exotic birds, monkeys, and hawks as you glide above the treetops.

Discover the ancient traditions of the Emberá tribe on a canoe trip to the Emberá Village in Chagres National Park. Interact with the tribe members and learn about how they have maintained their pre-Columbian way of life.  

Spend time in the capital city of Panama City. Enjoy the colonial architecture as you walk the Casco Viejo (old quarter). See the pre-Columbian treasures at Reprosa Museum and Factory, where you can shop for traditional jewelry and crafts and enjoy the city’s vibrant shopping and restaurant scene .  

A trip to the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Panama from its origin to the changes that resulted from the building of the Panama Canal.

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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Shore Excursion Details

Colón, panama.

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• 6 hrs Estimate Duration

Discover beautiful Gatun Lake and keep your eye out for the plentiful wildlife here. Meet the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up-close view. You’ll take a 45-minute drive through the rainforest on your way to the Jungle Eco Marina l on Gatun Lake. Upon arrival, board your 24-foot motor launch for your one-hour ride, during which your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and exotic birds. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Witness their traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs. Continue to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks), on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal for approximately one hour to observe them and learn how they work. Your guide will explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. After viewing the locks, board your transportation for the return your ship.

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Scenic & City Tours

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• 3 Challenging

• Panama Canal

MSC Divina in Panama

By Dckamme , August 28, 2018 in Panama Canal

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We are looking into Panama Canal cruises in December of 2019 and I came across the MSC Divina that has an 11 night itinerary that includes a stop in panama, it does not however say anything about transit so my question is does this ship just port at colon panama and not actually go through the locks? It says it’s in colon panama from 9am-6pm. Has anyone done this sailing on here? I am also curious to see if excursions will be available, if the ship doesn’t actually go through the locks maybe we can take an excursion that will allow us to see them. I would love to hear your experiences!

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CruiserBruce

I would be asking this on the MSC board, here:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80

In looking at the schedule, I see no indication this is even a partial transit. It just says "Docked" in Colon. So you will need to take a tour to see the Canal.

When cruise ships call at Colon, tours to transit a portion of the Canal are normally offered. This tour goes by several different names, what is involved is a bus trip towards the Pacific side where you board vessel often times referred to as a "ferry", even though only one of the vessels used looks like a ferry. While on your tour boat you travel the Pacific approach to the Canal, pass below the Bridge of Americas, lock through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, sail through Gaillard (Culebra) Cut to Gamboa. Then you are bused back to Colon, this tour can run in either direction, no difference. There are also usually tours to just visit the new and the old locks, tours to Panama City, Embera Indians and other historical sites.

Check with other cruise lines to see what they offer.

11 days from Miami is not a cruise through the canal. It is a partial visit.

You can see the map of the voyage on the MSC web site.

They will certainly offer an excursion to give you a taste of going through the canal. IF you want a complete transit through the canal you need to be on board the ship for longer, about 15 days minimum.

Princess cruise line offers many of these.

Thanks guys! I’m good with a tour/excursion to the locks, would like to see Panama City as well. We are pushing it by taking 12 days off as it is so I couldn’t do any longer. The princess cruise is tempting too but it’s about $1000 more for us so I’m leaning towards the MSC Cruise

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• 2 weeks later...

Just watched an episode last night on the TV series " Mighty Cruise Ships" of the MSC Divina doing the eastern / western Caribbean. Having done it as a passenger & then see the behind the scenes how it's done was interesting & brings back fond memories..

savoirfaire

We are doing this cruise in Feb 2019; they just posted their excursions. The ship does not go through. There is a 8-hr excursion, however.

• 1 month later...

ready2cruzagain

We are doing this cruise in December.  The ship docks but does not go through the Canal.  They do offer an 8 hour tour for $155pp.

• 9 months later...

We are on the Davina in January doing the same itinerary.  The excursions offered include visiting the locks and partial canal tours, eco tours, visiting villages and train and bus trips to Panama City.  I would go to MSC's site to see the excursions.  I understand Colon is NOT safe, so you will want to do a ship excursion.  

2 hours ago, Nashna said: We are on the Davina in January doing the same itinerary.  The excursions offered include visiting the locks and partial canal tours, eco tours, visiting villages and train and bus trips to Panama City.  I would go to MSC's site to see the excursions.  I understand Colon is NOT safe, so you will want to do a ship excursion.  

Colon is certainly not the place for you to leave the pier area and wonder around by yourself.  However, there is no problem if you want to engage a private tour operator... you really don't have to restrict yourself to the ship's excursion.  Of course there are always some advantages with the ship's excursion, particularly returning to the ship in a timely manner.  Many of the available excursions at the Colon stop are a considerable distance from Colon and in rather remote areas.  The Embera Indian excursion would be an example.

There would be nothing inherently unsafe about hiring a cab to take to and from Agua Clara Locks if you did want to take an all day tour, they are available at the port.  You just would want to hire the cab for the trip to the Locks, wait for you and return to the ship.

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