NEW ADVENTURE!
Navigate the world's most famous canal

Step aboard a small, 24-passenger deluxe motor yacht for an intimate exploration through the famed waterways of Panama. This week long journey begins in Panama City on the Pacific Ocean, weaves through the mangroves of the lush Darien Jungle and explores the pristine beaches of the Pearl Islands by kayak, before entering the historic Panama Canal. Take advantage of world-class wildlife viewing including exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles at tropical Gatun Lake. Then, onto the Charges River en route to the Caribbean. Cap your trip off with a scenic train ride through rainforest and overlooking canal locks from Portobelo back to Panama City.  

Activities

7 days of cruising with optional kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and zodiac boat rides

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Navigate through the historic Panama Canal and Gaillard Cut–the narrow section that bisects the Continental Divide
• World-class wildlife including exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles
• Kayak and snorkel the pristine beaches of the Pearl Islands
• Meet the Embera Indians, indigenous to the Darien Jungle

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Panama City End Location: Panama City

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Panama City - Flamenco Marina

  We'll embark the Discovery and cruise toward Contadora, where we will stay the first night before navigating to the Darien Jungle. Welcome orientation and dinner.

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  Day 2 : Darien Jungle

  Cruising into the Darien Jungle, we will visit the village of the Embera Indians, who are master craftsmen of cocobolo wood carvings and basketry. Keep your eyes open along the way as this area is abundant with wildlife along the river's edge.

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  Day 3 : Pearl Islands – San Telmo

  Today, we'll snorkel and swim in the picturesque Pearl Islands, known for an abundance of pearl oysters. We'll kayak along beautiful beaches and visit the islands of San Telmo and Mogo Mogo.

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  Day 4 : Panama Canal Transit – Gatun Lake

  We'll wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s ship convoy for our northbound canal passage. We'll then navigate the famed Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal, and bisect the Continental Divide. Spend the night in Gatun Lake along the Panama Canal.

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  Day 5 : Panama Canal – Barro Colorado

  We'll explore Gatun Lake famous for its abundance of wildlife and visit Barro Colorado Island. Aboard small crafts, we'll reach lush rainforests and secluded areas of the jungle to see exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoon on its way to the mouth of the Chagres River.

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  Day 6 : Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo

  Experience the magnificent Chagres River, the centerpiece of the colonial inter-oceanic route and the lifeline of the Panama Canal -- full of wildlife and tropical jungle. Explore Fort San Lorenzo on the Atlantic side. Later that evening, the Discovery will cruise to Colon.

• Day 7 : Portobelo – Caribbean

  Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark the Discovery. Travel by motor coach to explore Portobelo, a town founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. Later in the afternoon, board the Panama Canal Railway train for a scenic journey back to Panama City.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Panama Marine Adventures