Best Panama Canal Cruises

Almost 100 years after it was created in 1916, the Panama Canal not only serves as a connection between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but also provides views of jungles, endangered species, pristine beaches, and more. Travelers have the chance to see exotic wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and toucans while traversing the entire canal from Florida to the West coast, with stops in ports along the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Central and South America.

The Panama Canal and its neighboring destinations have a variety of adventures for travelers. Surrounded by vast jungle, cruisers can trek through green, cloudy mountains while marveling at orchid gardens and distant volcanoes. The white sandy shores of several ports will entice cruisers to spend afternoons on the beach, after snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking through teal waters.

Passengers can explore the shipwreck of Antilla in Aruba; shop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; snorkel with the stingrays at the Stingray Sandbar in the Caymen Islands; enjoy the Aerial Tram ride through Costa Rica's rain forests; admire cliff divers in Acapulco; and more.

Travelers will want to pack a good pair of binoculars to use on the cruise deck when traveling through the tropical setting and fascinating sights of the Panama Canal. Cruises crossing the canal and stopping at nearby destinations provide the ultimate vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and the opportunity to watch astounding views while lounging on deck or one's private balcony.