No matter where you are in the narrow Isthmus of Panama, you’ll never be far from the sea. This country has both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Boat tours will bring you the Panama’s most popular spots for marine life observation, and to Panamanian islands with pristine, quiet beaches. Some tours combine a boat tour with a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. And don’t forget – a boat tour is the only way to truly experience the Panama Canal, as well as its many locks and lovely lakes.
17 Things to Do
Do you want to try scuba diving but are unsure about plunging into a full certification course? If so, this is the course for you. Discover Scuba, operated by the Panama Dive Center in Santa Catalina, lets you scuba dive without a certification. It’s a great way to learn to use scuba equipment, try diving, and get a quick introduction to the ocean.
7 hrs
From $194This all-day tour takes you to the island of Cayo Zapatilla, which protects some of the wildest parts of Panama’s ecosystem. It is located inside the boundary of the Bastimentos National Marine Park.
7 hrs
From $57These Pacific Queen tours of the Panama Canal offer travelers an up-close look at the Panama Canal—its locks, cruise ships, islands, and wildlife. Both partial and full transits are available.
6 hrs
From $128This tour introduces you to the Guna, one of Panama’s indigenous groups. They have full control of the white-sand islands and blue waters of San Blas and govern themselves independent of the rest of Panama. On this tour, you’ll visit two of the 365 islands that comprise the archipelago.
13 hrs
From $205On this tour you'll head out into the Pacific Ocean and go either rock or deep-sea fishing. You'll enjoy lovely views and will haul in some seriously impressive fish.
7 hrs
From $260This half-day tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal provides travelers with an excellent look at some of the area’s best attractions.
5 hrs
From $106This ferry is a scenic way to get from Panama City to the islands of Contadora and Saboga, which are also known as “Las Perlas.” Las Perlas in English means “The Pearls,” a nickname the islands earned because of their pristine beauty. This is a regular ferry and not a tour boat – it’s simply a lovely way to see the Panama Bay on your way to the islands.
2 hrs
From $103This tour provides travelers with the opportunity to dive off the Atlantic coast of Panama near the town of Portobelo. You'll take two dives, one of which is near the wreck of an airplane.
9 hrs
From $202Get ready to dive near two islands off the Pacific coast of Panama during this tour. You'll leave from Panama City and dive near Taboga Island and Taboguilla Island.
9 hrs
From $260Get ready to dive near two islands off the Pacific coast of Panama during this tour. You'll leave from Panama City and dive near Taboga Island and Taboguilla Island.
9 hrs
From $258Get ready to experience the Panama Canal as few travelers do. On this tour, you’ll travel through the entire Panama Canal, including its locks and lakes.
8 hrs
From $265This full-day tour brings visitors to some of the most interesting places around Panama City. You’ll visit Casco Viejo, the Miraflores Locks, the Causeway, and the Biodiversity Museum.
7 hrs
From $142This tour covers some of the most interesting parts of the Panama Canal. Lake Gatún makes up a 21-mile section of the canal. This area used to be a lush valley – it was flooded to make a manmade lake between 1906 and 1914.
7 hrs
From $103During this tour of the Panama Canal, tour participants will experience three of the of the canal’s most famous features – the Gaillard Cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Miraflores Locks.
5 hrs
From $157This tour of Lake Gatún allows travelers to experience the natural wonders of the lake and also get a partial look at the Panama Canal.
3 hrs
From $39This tour combines snorkeling with a speedy twist. Instead of swimming around the corals, your boat will tow you along as you hang on to a specially designed board. On a deep board tour you’ll see huge schools of fish gathered around coral reefs. The underwater landscape off the coast of Bocas del Toro is varied, and the water is a bright, emerald green.
1 hr
From $36This tour will take you to some of the most interesting scenery and culture of coastal Panama. At the outset of the tour you will explore the city of Portobelo. Then the tour continues with a road trip to the coast, and a boat ride to Grande Island.
10 hrs
From $164- Elliot H.
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