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Panama Small Ship Cruises

5 CRUISES 8 DEALS

Actively explore the Panama Canal and the country's lush coastlines with our naturalist-guided small ship cruises. Experts ensure you won't miss spotting a species, or transiting the locks in the best way.

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Black Zodiac boat with Panama small ship cruise travelers floats on muddy river under swaying palm trees. Get aboard this cruise
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Small modern expedition ship with blue hull & white upper decks sits offshore from white-sand beach with palm trees in Panama. Dual route maps of Secrets of Central America luxury cruise from Panama to Costa Rica via the Panama Canal.

Secrets of Central America

Panama Canal crossing via refined expedition ship with upscale amenities

FROM $5,700 USD
8-11 DAYS JAN FEB MAR APR NOV DEC 184 GUESTS
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Panama Cruises with AdventureSmith

Panama small ship cruises highlight colonial cities, indigenous cultures, lush rainforest, white-sand beaches and emerald waters. Transit or visit the Panama Canal by small ship, alongside explorations of neighboring Colombia or Costa Rica. Why book your Panama cruise with AdventureSmith? 

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Actively Explore

Experience Panama's coast, waterways & wildlife up close via kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling & hiking.

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Sustainable Choices

Our Panama cruises benefit the communities & environments they reach 

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Experience You Can Trust

Our own travels in Panama ensure you book the optimal Panama small ship cruise.

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Added Value

Secure Panama cruise deals with our insight & partnerships. We're here to help you save & plan without stress. 

Man in blue mirrored sunglasses rides in boat driven by man in red shirt & swim trunks on a sunny day in Panama.

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Panama Canal Cruises Aboard Small Ships

We offer the largest selection of Panama small ship cruises to a wide variety of destinations including the Panama Canal, the San Blas Islands, the Pearl Islands, Darien National Park, Coiba Island National Park, Colon and Panama City. Our Panama small ship cruises take you off the beaten path, beyond the reach of land-based tours or large cruise ships.

Many small ship cruises through the Panama Canal also visit Costa Rica or Colombia. Further customize your Panama cruise experience by combining it with a land adventure to see the best of Panama. Our award-winning Adventure Specialists assist travelers in discovering their perfect Panama small ship cruise.

two travelers on the bow of the national geographic quest small ship about to go into the panama canal on a partly sunny day

Panama Canal Cruises on Small Ships

The Panama Canal acts as a vital link between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, shepherding some 14,000 ships each year through its more than 50 miles of locks. Panama small ships combine small ship cruises through the Panama Canal with unique access to dazzling national parks, pristine coastline and over 1,500 islands with daily opportunities for shore landings in this melting pot of world cultures.

Consider options for a full transit at night or day, or a day tour off of your Panama small ship. Our award-winning Adventure Specialists can help you experience the Panama Canal in the best way and we remain a resource while you’re packing and abroad.

Colombia, Costa Rica & Panama Cruises

Many of our Panama small ship cruises include days spent along the Costa Rica coastline, or Colombia's Caribbean shores. Choose from options starting in Colombia, Panama or Costa Rica, with stops at popular travel points like Colombia's colonial city of Cartagena or Costa Rica's Corcovado, Golfo Dulce and Manuel Antonio National Park.

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View from trampoline net bow of a white catamaran cruising turquoise waters among tropical islands on a Panama cruise.

What Travelers Say About Their Panama Small Ship Cruises

  • “Andrew... Answered All Our Questions Immediately ”

    We wanted a relatively easy trip for my husband who uses a cane, but also a fun destination.

    Claire G.

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 4.5/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

  • “An Exceptional Experience”

    It was an exceptional experience to meet these dignified friendly people and observe their traditional way of life. Our favorites were the canal of course, Gatun lake launch ride around the Tiger islands, the Chagres river, the history in San lorenzo and Portobello and the kayak excursions. Parrots, Toucans, Sloths…

    Peter A. Toronto, ON

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Be Prepared for a Wonderful Time!”

    Guides and staff were outstanding. Snorkeling, hiking, Panama Canal-----everyday was great!

    Penelope C. Mishawaka, IN

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 4.0/5

  • “Just What I Was Looking For”

    This trip was just what I was looking for. Great food and lots of snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Good-sized cabin windows and recently remodeled bathrooms were high points.

    Margaret S. Custer, SD

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 4.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “We Felt Very Well Cared For”

    Participate in everything that you can! The more you do the more fun you will have.

    Kathryn T. Fort Thomas, KY

    OVERALL 4.5/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

  • “Wonderful Small Ship”

    The small group experience while learning everything we wanted to know about the Canal was perfect. This is definitely the way to enjoy the Canal if you don't like the big ship feel.

    Steven K. Beloit, WI

    OVERALL 5.0/5
    LODGING 5.0/5
    MEALS 5.0/5

Panama Small Ships

Panama’s extensive Pacific and Atlantic Coasts, as well as the Panama Canal, are perfectly suited for small ship cruising. Specially outfitted expedition ships carrying no more than 100 guests are designed for active, up-close explorations beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. We offer only the best Panama small ships and we are experts at matching travelers to the right ship for their interests, ability and budget.

Expect to get off the ship away from port with daily, guided, off-vessel activities including rainforest hikes, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling and small craft excursions. After an exciting day of exploration return to the ship for a sunset beer on deck, a delicious meal and a restful night’s sleep before the next day’s adventure.

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Travel Guides for Panama Small Ship Cruises

As small ship cruise and wilderness travel experts, AdventureSmith Explorations is your go-to resource for researching active, sustainable and educational cruises to Panama. Our guides aim to answer common questions we receive from travelers, and our Costa Rica and Panama small ship cruise expert reviews take you aboard ships and trips with us to see what it's really like.

Our experts have cruised and traveled extensively in Panama and share these tips so you can find the best Panama cruise. We are here to provide you with a seamless experience, and these travel guides written by our Adventure Specialists along with our page on Panama's climate for travelers are a great place to start your trip planning and preparation.

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  • View from bow of the national geographic quest small ship about to go into the panama canal on a partly sunny day.

    7 Ways to Experience the Panama Canal

    The Panama Canal is a living monument that stretches over historical lands and has connected the seas for over 100 years. We've curated 7 ways to experience this engineering marvel by small ship cruise and land tour.

    Mary Montalbano
    Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017
  • juxtaposition of an old panama fort with travelers walking around it and new skyscrapers directly behind it

    Expert Review: Panama Cruise

    Travel with AdventureSmith's Jennifer to Panama's Pearl Islands, Darien Jungle, Gamboa Rainforest and through the Panama Canal aboard the 24-guest Discovery catamaran.

    Jennifer Morse
    Jennifer Morse Expert Since 2016

Deals on Panama Small Ship Cruises

How do you get the best deal on a Panama small ship cruise? Book early to secure your top choice at the best rate, or work with an expert who knows the latest discounts. View our Panama special offers, which are constantly being updated, then contact our specialists to help you select the best deal for you.
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Our Experts Are Your Fastest Way to a Central America Cruise

Need help narrowing down all the options for small ship cruises in Panama? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Panama cruises for your travel style, budget and timing needs. Still want to browse on your own? Filter through all our Central America cruises.
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