Colón lies near the Panama Canal’s Atlantic entrance. During the California gold rush, prospectors from the eastern United States sailed here, trekked across the narrow isthmus of Panama, then sailed up the Pacific coast, believing the journey easier than traversing the entire United States. Indigenous tribes maintain a strong presence in this northern corner of Panama. In the city’s rural reaches, the Emberá people—descended from ancient tribes—live in thatched-roof huts, travel by dugout canoe and weave traditional baskets.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Panoramic Colón & Panama City by Foot
Discover Panama City and the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo during a guided walking excursion through the capital.
Fort San Lorenzo
Journey through Panama’s past while touring a once-mighty fortress and witness a feat of modern engineering.
Gatun Lake Kayak & Canal Locks
Admire a protected expanse of rainforest jungle during an invigorating kayak excursion through the Panama Canal.
Colonial Heritage & Panama Canal Locks
Journey through Panama’s past and present while touring a once-mighty fortress and a feat of modern engineering.
Bird-Watchers’ Paradise
Enjoy observing rare, exotic birds in one of the best birding spots in the Americas.
Flora & Fauna of the Panama Canal
Discover expansive rain forest jungle during an invigorating boat ride through the Panama Canal.
Panama Canal by Ferry
Experience one of history’s greatest feats of engineering during a ferry ride through the Panama Canal.
Rainforest & Aerial Tram
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the lush Gamboa rainforest on board an open-air aerial tram.
Miraflores Locks & Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center
Witness the engineering ingenuity of the Panama Canal and the precision of the Miraflores locks in action.
Emberá Indian Village Visit
Meet the keepers of the Panamanian rain forest, the Emberá tribe, who share their vivid culture warmly and openly.
Gatun Lake & Locks
Explore the waters of Gatun Lake on an eco-cruise, then revel in human ingenuity at the Panama Canal locks.
BEC Experience Center & Colonial Panama
Discover Panama from a different perspective at the BEC Experience Center and explore Casco Antiguo on your own.
