Panama – Archive Page
Panama is home to some of the greatest marvels of both the human and natural world, making it a top cruise destination. This country in Central America sits on a thin strip of land between Costa Rica and Colombia. Yet it hosts not only one of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Panama Canal, but also some of the most diverse and densely packed wildlife on the planet. It is often said that you must visit the Panama Canal to truly appreciate just how incredible a feat it is, and what better way to do that than by cruise. And not only that, but you’ll be able to see beautiful wildlife in their natural habitats, and visit the village of indigenous Embera Indians and learn about their culture.
Plus they also offer multiple shore excursions to suit all tastes and activity levels.
Click here for a full list of current Caribbean Cruises and shore excursions available. And read on to find out what the top things to see and do are.
Top things to see and do in Panama
The Panama Canal – a Wonder of the World
The Panama Canal is of of the seven wonders of the modern world, and a triumph of engineering that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean turning an arduous two week journey into one that takes just under 12 hours. The 80km long waterway has approximately 14,000 ships pass through it each year and has a fascinating and complex history.
Marella Cruises offers multiple shore excursions that will let you explore and find out more about this engineering wonder. Panama Canal Tour sees you board a ferry that will take you along the canal, perfect for watching the ships go by all with comfortable seating.
Gatun Lake – untouched rain-forests and scientific discoveries
In addition to the canal itself are the impressive lakes that feed into it. What was at the time the largest artificial lake in the world, Gatun Lake is essential for the operation of the Panama Canal locks. However, lesser known is the abundant and largely untouched rain-forest that surrounds the lake. As well as its immense importance in numerous scientific discoveries.
Shore excursion Eco Cruise on Gatun Lake & New Locks. This excursion lets you visit the locks essential to the canals operation. This is followed by a boat tour through Gatun Lake where you can catch sight of wildlife, including capuchin monkeys monkeys, living in the rainforest surrounding the lake. Click here to find out more.
Wildlife – sloths, toucans, crocodiles and howler monkeys
Panama is abundant in incredible nature, with lush, largely untouched rain-forests home to incredible wildlife. If you have ever fancied seeing sloths, howler and caprucian monkeys, or toucans, in their natural habitat than Panama is the perfect destination.
Marella Cruises offers a number of excursions that lets you experience the rain-forests for yourself. Aerial Tram & Ecological Encounter takes you on an aerial tram above Gamboa rainforest resort on the edge of Soberania National Park. There are around 400 species of bird in the rain-forest, as well as howler monkeys. And this excursion gives you not only a chance to see these but also incredible aerial view of Gatun Lake and the canal. Click here to find out more.
And if you fancy a more active excursion then why not try the Kayak & Eco Adventure. This excursion see you paddle across part of the canal in a kayak. It is a perfect opportunity to see the wildlife in it natural habitat.
Embera Indian Village – learn about indigenous culture and craft
Marella Cruises offers a shore excursion to meet the indigenous Embera Indians, where you’ll take a short boat ride to their village. Then you’ll be guided around the village and learn their way of life. This is followed by a display of traditional dance and handicrafts – which you have an opportunity to buy.
Marella Cruises offers even more shore excursions for Panama including the Panama Canal Railway, and tours on Panama City.
For the full list of current Marella Caribbean Cruises click here.