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Costa Rica & Panama

From the pristine rainforests and volcanic peaks of Costa Rica to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, discover why this breathtaking region is one of cruising’s most extraordinary experiences.

Set Sail for Costa Rica & Panama

Costa Rica and Panama offer a cruise experience unlike any other—where dense tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, and the world-famous Panama Canal come together in one unforgettable voyage. Whether you’re watching howler monkeys swing through the canopy, zip-lining above cloud forests, or transiting one of the greatest engineering feats in history, this region will leave you in awe. With warm temperatures year-round and a remarkable diversity of landscapes, Costa Rica and Panama deliver adventure and natural beauty at every turn.

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Incredible Biodiversity

Costa Rica is home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity—encounter exotic wildlife from sloths and toucans to sea turtles and monkeys.

The Panama Canal

Transit one of the greatest engineering marvels in human history—a bucket-list experience that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Adventure & Exploration

From zip-lining through cloud forests to white-water rafting and volcanic hot springs, this region is a paradise for adventurous travelers.

Explore Costa Rica & Panama Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Costa Rica and Panama come in several exciting varieties, from partial Panama Canal transits to full ocean-to-ocean crossings. Our expert cruise advisors will help you choose the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation.

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Full Panama Canal Transit

Key Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Cartagena, Panama Canal (full transit), Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica), San Francisco or Los Angeles

Known For: Complete ocean-to-ocean transit through all locks, Gatun Lake, and the Culebra Cut

Ideal For: Bucket-list travelers seeking the ultimate Panama Canal experience

Duration: 14-18 nights

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Partial Panama Canal Transit

Key Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Colón, Gatun Lake, Cartagena, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

Known For: Experiencing the canal locks and Gatun Lake while combining with Caribbean ports

Ideal For: Travelers who want the canal experience with a shorter time commitment

Duration: 8-12 nights

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Costa Rica & Central America

Key Ports: Puerto Limón, Puerto Caldera, Bocas del Toro (Panama), Roatán (Honduras), Belize City

Known For: Rainforest excursions, wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches

Ideal For: Nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for an immersive experience

Duration: 7-14 nights

Compare Costa Rica & Panama Cruise Itineraries

Feature Full Panama Canal Transit Partial Panama Canal Transit Costa Rica & Central America
Typical Duration 14–18 nights 8–12 nights 7–14 nights
Main Departure Ports Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Los Angeles Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa Fort Lauderdale, Miami, San Juan
Best For Bucket-list travelers, retirees, extended vacation seekers Canal enthusiasts with limited time, Caribbean combo lovers Nature lovers, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts
Highlights Complete ocean-to-ocean transit, Gatun Lake, Culebra Cut, multiple countries Canal locks experience, Gatun Lake, combined Caribbean ports Rainforest adventures, volcanic hot springs, wildlife tours, snorkeling
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Our cruise advisors have been there—let us guide your Costa Rica & Panama adventure.

When it comes to Costa Rica and Panama cruises, the options are as diverse as the rainforests themselves. You can choose a full Panama Canal transit that takes you from the Atlantic to the Pacific—sailing through the Gatun Locks, across Gatun Lake, through the dramatic Culebra Cut, and out through the Miraflores Locks. Or opt for a partial transit that gives you a taste of the canal while combining with stunning Caribbean ports. Costa Rica’s ports of Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast and Puerto Caldera on the Pacific side serve as gateways to volcanic national parks, coffee plantations, and wildlife-rich rainforests. Panama’s Bocas del Toro offers pristine island hopping, while Colón provides access to the canal and the historic old town of Casco Viejo in Panama City. If all of these choices feel overwhelming, that’s where we come in—our team of 23+ expert cruise advisors will match you with the perfect itinerary, secure you the best group rates, and handle every detail. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Nearby Destinations to Combine

Many Costa Rica and Panama itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby regions for an even richer voyage.

  • Western Caribbean – Combine with Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica
  • Colombia – Visit the colonial gem of Cartagena on many Panama Canal itineraries
  • South America – Extended voyages continue to Ecuador, Peru, and Chile
  • Mexican Riviera – Full transit cruises often include Pacific Coast ports of call
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise Costa Rica & Panama

Costa Rica and Panama enjoy a tropical climate year-round, but the cruising season has distinct advantages depending on when you sail.

Dry Season (December – April): This is the most popular time to cruise this region. Expect sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for rainforest excursions and wildlife spotting. Panama Canal transits are especially popular during this period, so we recommend booking early.

Green Season (May – November): Lush landscapes come alive with vibrant greenery, and you’ll find exceptional value on cruise fares. Afternoon rain showers are common but typically brief, and many travelers love the quieter ports and fewer crowds.

Panama Canal Season (October – April): Most cruise lines concentrate their full Panama Canal transit itineraries during these months, with repositioning cruises common in the fall and spring as ships move between summer and winter homeports.

Whether you want to catch the dry season’s perfect weather or take advantage of green season savings, our advisors will help you find the ideal sailing date.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Costa Rica & Panama Cruise FAQs

A full Panama Canal transit takes your cruise ship from one ocean to the other—typically from the Atlantic (Caribbean side) to the Pacific or vice versa. You’ll pass through all three sets of locks (Gatun, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores), cross Gatun Lake, and navigate the Culebra Cut. These voyages usually last 14-18 nights. A partial transit enters the canal from the Caribbean side, passes through the Gatun Locks, cruises across Gatun Lake, and then turns around and exits the way it came. Partial transits are typically 8-12 nights and are a great option if you want the canal experience with a shorter time commitment.

Costa Rica has two main cruise ports: Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast and Puerto Caldera on the Pacific coast. Puerto Limón is a gateway to Tortuguero National Park (famous for sea turtle nesting), rainforest canopy tours, and banana plantation visits. Puerto Caldera provides access to the Arenal Volcano area, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Carara National Park. Both ports offer incredible wildlife encounters, zip-lining, white-water rafting, and coffee plantation tours. Our advisors can recommend the best excursions based on your interests.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all Costa Rica and Panama cruise itineraries. Since these are international voyages visiting foreign countries, every traveler—including children—must have a valid passport. For full Panama Canal transits that start and end in different countries (such as departing Fort Lauderdale and arriving in San Francisco), a passport is mandatory. We recommend your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Many major cruise lines sail to Costa Rica and through the Panama Canal. Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises are particularly well-known for their Panama Canal transit voyages. Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival also offer itineraries in this region. For a more intimate experience, Windstar, Oceania, and Silversea provide smaller-ship sailings with unique port access. Our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line based on your preferences and budget—with no fees, ever.

Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for the tropical climate, plus a light rain jacket or poncho (essential for rainforest excursions). Comfortable hiking shoes or water shoes are important for shore excursions, and don’t forget insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, and binoculars for wildlife watching. A waterproof phone case or camera bag is highly recommended. For onboard evenings, bring the same attire you would for any cruise—casual resort wear and something dressier for formal nights. Your cruise advisor can provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary.

Costa Rica and Panama cruises can be wonderful for families, especially those with children who love nature and adventure. Shore excursions like rainforest canopy walks, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Panama Canal Visitor Center are engaging for all ages. However, keep in mind that some excursions involve moderate hiking and tropical conditions. Full Panama Canal transit voyages (14-18 nights) may be lengthy for younger children, so partial transits or shorter Central America itineraries are often better for families. Our advisors specialize in multi-generational trip planning and can help you find the perfect fit.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. On shore excursions, you may encounter howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, sea turtles, and countless species of butterflies and hummingbirds. The waters around Costa Rica and Panama are also home to dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), and vibrant coral reef ecosystems perfect for snorkeling. Many of our advisors have explored these rainforests personally and can recommend the best wildlife excursions.

The dry season from December through April offers the best weather with sunny skies and lower humidity. This is also peak Panama Canal transit season. The green season (May-November) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better cruise rates, though you should expect brief afternoon rain showers. October through April is when most cruise lines schedule their Panama Canal transits. For the best combination of weather, availability, and value, our advisors often recommend booking early dry season (December-January) or the shoulder months of November and May.

A full Panama Canal transit takes approximately 8-10 hours from the Caribbean entrance to the Pacific exit (or vice versa). Your cruise ship will pass through three sets of locks—Gatun, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores—and cross Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. It’s a full day of fascinating viewing from the deck. A partial transit, which includes the Gatun Locks and a portion of Gatun Lake, takes roughly 4-5 hours. Either way, it’s a truly memorable experience that our advisors highly recommend.

Absolutely! Many Costa Rica and Panama itineraries include stops in the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica), Colombia (Cartagena), or Central America (Belize, Honduras). Full Panama Canal transits often include Pacific Coast ports in Mexico, or continue south along the coast of South America. Some cruise lines also offer back-to-back sailings that let you combine a Panama Canal cruise with a Caribbean or South American voyage. Talk to one of our cruise experts about building the perfect multi-destination itinerary—we’ll find you the best group rates and handle every detail with no fees.