Panama City
See the sultry skyline of shimmering glass and steel towers, similar to Miami! Or perhaps visit the peninsula of Casco Viejo a thriving colonial neighborhood where cobblestones link boutique hotels with underground bars and crumbled ruins with pirate lore.

Panama Canal
One of the world’s greatest human-made marvels, with around 14,000 vessels passing through each year.

Parque Nacional Coiba
Visit a beautiful national marine reserve with more than two dozen species of dolphin and whale, including humpback, killer and sperm whales. Crocodiles, turtles and snakes also roam the island.

Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro
A group of islands in the northwest of the Caribbean Sea in Panama. These are some of the prettiest beaches you will ever see, complete with emerald waters and palm trees!

Panama has two seasons, the dry season ( December to mid March) and the wet, or “green” season (mid March to mid December).

The dry season means little or no rainfall, while the green season can mean rain almost every day. Despite this, the green season is a good time to visit! Panama sparkles and comes to life after tropical rain! Another bonus is prices and availability are better. Don’t worry too much about the rain, it normally doesn’t last more than an hour and evaporates so quickly you’ll forget it was there. With the exception of the month of November, it typically rains just in the late afternoon.

If you’re travelling to the Caribbean side of Panama to places like Colon, Bocas del Toro and San Blas, get in touch for more information as the dry season/wet season pattern does not neatly apply.

Transiting through the Panama Canal during its 100th year of operation was a journey filled with historical significance and awe-inspiring engineering marvels. As our cruise ship approached the locks, my anticipation surged, eager to witness this feat of human ingenuity. The Panama Canal, a vital artery of global trade, offered a glimpse into its storied past and modern operation.

Standing on deck, I marvelled at the precision with which our vessel navigated the intricate locks, guided by skilled canal pilots. The sheer scale of the engineering, designed over a century ago, was humbling. Passing through each lock, I could not help but reflect on the visionaries who executed this monumental project.

Beyond the engineering marvels, the canal’s surroundings were captivating. Lush tropical forests enveloped the waterway and glimpses of wildlife including flashes of colourful birds painted the landscape, adding a natural charm to the journey. I even had the opportunity to witness playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch. At Gatun Lake, a serene expanse created by the canal’s construction, I admired the tranquil waters that mirrored the clear blue sky above, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted with the bustling passage of massive cargo and elegant cruise liners.

This journey through the Panama Canal, especially during its centennial year, left an indelible mark on me—a testament to human achievement and the enduring allure of exploration.

Blair Létal, Product and Database Manager

Currency Balboa

Language Though Spanish is spoken by nearly everyone including minority groups, there are many native languages still spoken in Panama.

Why we love it Panama boasts rainforests, Spanish ruins, pristine tropical islands and man made wonders! We love the wildlife in the preserved forests and in the waters of Isla de Coiba.

Weather Panama is a year-round destination. However the dry season is generally considered the best time to visit.

Social customs & quirks Panama’s dominant culture has Spanish origins. The family is all-important and Catholicism is prominent. The U.S. has also had a large influence in Panama, due to its long presence in the country. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing American clothes or listening to music from the U.S., especially within Panama City. Importance is placed on personal appearance and hygiene. Panamanians try to maintain a neat, conservative appearance when in public. Generally, men pair long pants with a collared shirt; shorts and sandals are usually considered too casual. For women, a dress or jeans paired with a nice top is appropriate. It should also be noted that it is illegal for men or women to walk around a city or town without a t-shirt.

Festivals & events Don’t miss Panama Jazz festival! With such a diverse cultural blend and rich history, it’s little wonder that music is such an essential part of Panama’s culture. This is particularly evident during the annual Panama Jazz Festival. One of the most important jazz festivals in the world, this event attracts musical talent from across the globe.

Health* There are currently no health requirements to enter Panama.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.