Panama Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Panama Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

94 Panama trips. Tours from 73 tour companies. 74 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

15 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Cruising through Costa Rica and Panama
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Corcovado National Park, Panama City, Tortuguero National Park

Themes

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

Trip dates & details
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The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Eastbound 2025
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound 2025
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Eastbound 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Eastbound 2024
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

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The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound 2021
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard one of Ponant's new Explorer Class yachts – Le Dumont d'Urville – features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Eastbound 2021
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Marvel in awe of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century... cruise along the canal that revolutionized shipping patterns... gaze in awe as you pass the tropical forests
  • secluded beaches
  • diverse wildlife and clear waters that make up Costa Rica and Panama
  • and whose many treasures remain undisturbed by development.A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's Explorer Class yacht –Le Dumont d'Urville – features a complete transit of the Panama Canal
  • and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
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15 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Panama Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
74  Reviews
See all Panama tour reviews
Excellent
271
Great
80
Average
6
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
L

Lisa

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a great time on the

I had a great time on the trip. I got to see alot of Panama and our guide was fantastic! However, I was one of 4 people not travelling as a couple. I also didn't rea...

j

jocelyn

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent organisation of all activities with a

Excellent organisation of all activities with a good balance of travel and free time.

S

Sophie

Sep 2015

Written on

I would have given a higher score

I would have given a higher score but the guide was not an asset to the trip.

A

Ajay

Sep 2015

Written on

I have travelled using Intrepid for a

I have travelled using Intrepid for a while now and whils...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2016

Written on

What an amazing way to spend a weekend!

The hike was gorgeous, the rafting was incredible fun with hilarious raft guides, and staying in the village was so cool. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone...

Write a Review

Panama Tour Selection Trips

  • Temperature isn’t a major factor when planning a trip to Panama. Highs hover around 85 degrees F throughout the year at most of that tropical paradise, falling as much as 15 degrees only at high altitudes.     
  • Rain is more of a consideration. More rain usually falls on the Caribbean side of the country, most often as short afternoon downpours. The summer dry season, about mid-December to mid-April, offers the best weather – and highest prices. Those willing to put up with some rain during the rest of the year find that their travel budget is likely to stretch further.

Additional details

Where is Panama?

The Republic of Panama borders Colombia and Costa Rica. Its geographical location is interesting because it remains at a crossroads between North America and South America. As a result, it also harbours both the Carribean and the Pacific waters. 

Despite it being the southernmost country in South America and having very similar traditions with other countries in the continent, Panama is ultimately considered to be a part of North America.

When is the Best Time to Visit Panama?

Deciding when to visit Panama is simple. The country only has two main weathers all year round: wet and dry. The wet season is normally May to December, leaving the rest of the year as the most optimal time to visit if you’re trying to avoid any rain showers. The dry season is sunny and humid throughout, maintaining about 30 C (86F), perfect for beach days and strolls exploring the city.  

If you’re looking for a cheaper time to visit Panama, however, the wet season is for you. Although it rains everyday during this period, rain showers normally only span to about an hour and the country becomes more vibrant, green and lush! You can see hotels and tour prices drop while enjoying the more tropical side of the country.

Is Panama Safe?

Panama is a super safe place to visit if you are a cautious traveler and stick to the recommendations of your tour guide. Like any country, there are certain areas to avoid that have higher crime rates, and in Panama these are cities like Colon, Yaviza and anything along the edge of the Columbian border. Those areas at the end of the Pan American highway contain high levels of violent crime and drug trafficking.

Otherwise, sticking to Panama City and the islands, where there is a bigger population of tourists, is a safe environment for any explorer. Do still be wary of petty thefts in and around the city, such as pick pocketing, especially in bus and market areas. It is advisable to not flaunt any flashy jewelry or hang your camera around you, especially when walking at night. 

For transportation, it is safest to use registered yellow taxis. In Panama they don’t use meters, but rather, you agree to a fare beforehand. Buses are extremely safe to use in the city but their routes can be confusing, so make sure you have a map or feel free to ask the very helpful and friendly locals!

Packing List for Panama Tours 

Tours in Panama can vary from exploring the Panama Canal, to the city, to national parks, to Lake Gatun all the way to the islands and even includes indigenous village tours. There is so much to explore in Panama, and thus, what you pack is important on how convenient and enjoyable the trip is for you! 

Since it’s expected that you will be walking a lot, bring durable sandals and sneakers. Trust us, you’re going to be thankful for this one. Panama also has some gorgeous waterfalls and hidden trails that criss cross around its green vallies, so hiking boots would be extremely useful if you are a traveler that is truly looking to see raw, natural beauty.

Panama, if you’re going during the dry season, is usually tropical, hot and humid. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a quick dry towel, a light sweater, swimsuit, waterproof phone cover, insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes.

If you are going to a national park, make sure you pack a DSLR if you have one or binoculars to catch the gorgeous and rare species of birds found nestled between branches, camouflaged across leaves or soaring high above canopies.

Although many Panama tours have bilingual tour guides, it would be quite helpful to bring a spanish english dictionary to learn the local language. Taking in the culture is probably the best thing you can do in Panama, and language comes with it! Lastly, a pro tip before venturing around the city is to download the offline map of Panama just in case you need directions without WiFi. 

Getting to Panama

There are three main ways you can reach Panama, and that is by plane, land, or sea. By plane is perhaps the most popular way to touch down into Panama’s main airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, as flying is the fastest and most convenient way of travel. There are also many direct flights to the city from over 10 different states in the US and many in South America. Traveling through air from Europe and Canada often stop at the US first, including flights from Asia although a layover in Mexico City is common. 

If not by air, land is also used to get into Panama by many. Panama borders Costa Rica and you can cross over through 3 main crossing, the most popular being the Pan American Highway. Although Panama also borders Colombia, there is no land crossing between the two and you must fly instead. 

Sea is another favorable form on transportation into Panama. The Panama Canal sees thousands of tourists coming off of cruise ships and yachts each year.

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