Cross The Panama Canal Like An Explorer On A Tropical Central American Cruise

Cruises come in various formats — luxury, adventure, family, and even music cruises where concerts take to the sea. However, only a few voyages let you experience some of the world's most impressive natural gems and modern engineering marvels in a single journey. Going on a Central America cruise along the coast of Costa Rica and across the one-of-a-kind Panama Canal is a spectacular way to experience the region's varied attractions. 

Over a roughly week-long trip, you'll witness rainforests, national parks, indigenous culture, remnants of ancient and colonial civilizations, and, of course, pristine beaches. Depending on how you plan your trip, either one of the first or last things you'll do is cross the Panama Canal. This massive feat of human engineering opened in 1914 and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, thus making sea trade between the two coasts significantly easier. 

Both Panama and Costa Rica have rich biodiversity, and some cruises give you the option to either hike through the rainforests or kayak the rivers and backwaters. National Geographic and luxury adventure cruise company Lindblad offer an excursion that lets you choose whether you start from Panama and make your way Westwards up Costa Rica's coast or in the opposite direction. As your trip starts or ends in Panama's capital, it's worth carving out time to check out some of the gorgeous beaches near Panama City. Several other companies offer similar cruises, with over 200 cruise ships crossing the canal annually.

Panama Canal cruises are getting increasingly popular. Apart from the practical benefits of being able to cut across from one ocean to another, crossing the canal is an iconic experience. A special canal pilot boards the ship at the gate to expertly steer it through the waterway. It's an undertaking that is simultaneously intricate and grand in scale, with huge vessels navigating at close quarters through one of the world's busiest waterways. 

Depending on your cruise, you will either cross the canal during the day or after sunset. Both scenarios offer something special. A daytime crossing allows you to appreciate the surrounding areas and look at all the impressive mechanical details that make the canal function. After sunset, things look even more dramatic because both the canal and the ships crossing it are lit. It's worth noting that the entire process of crossing the canal can take 8 to 10 hours (or more), and there is a stop on the vast Gatún Lake.

Cruise itineraries can differ, with some making the entire crossing while others will turn around on the lake and go back through the canal gate they came in from. Some cruises may anchor on the lake for the night and allow passengers to deboard and explore the lush tropical surroundings. There are also two separate waterways in the Panama Canal — the narrower original one that offers a more dramatic crossing with intricate maneuvers and a wider, newer canal introduced in 2017 that's easier to navigate and may not feel as adventurous.

What sets a Central America cruise apart from many others that may only include the Panama Canal crossing is that the former also lets you marvel at Costa Rica's singular natural beauty. Lush rainforests teeming with colorful tropical birds and exotic wildlife dot the country's coast, and many cruises offer itineraries that let you explore this part of Central America as well. From whale watching and diving with hammerhead sharks to jungle hikes and kayaking trips, Costa Rica offers a lot for an unforgettable vacation.

The Guanacaste Conservation Area, one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is possibly one of Costa Rica's most iconic hotbeds for experiencing biodiversity. Expect to see a variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans, and a lot more within the dense foliage. You can also kayak through the backwaters for a different perspective or do a bit of glamping in the jungle. In case it's not included in your itinerary, consider arriving a few days early in Costa Rica so you can explore the country's stunning tropical coastline before setting off on your voyage across the iconic Panama Canal.