Panama and Costa Rica: Crossing the Canal
9 nights
Douglas Mawson
20 Oct '27Cruise overview
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Crossing the Canal
Stretching 65 kilometres (40 miles) from shoreline to shoreline, the Panama Canal slices through one of the world’s most captivating isthmuses. Join us for a remarkable crossing as we navigate the locks and lakes of this engineering marvel. Beyond the canal, we journey into the heartland of Central America’s wildlife-rich rainforests and waterways and meet its warm and welcoming people. This voyage blends the marvels of human ingenuity with the wonders of the natural world in a region where wildlife, culture, and biodiversity combine to create the ultimate travel experience.
Itinerary
Panama City
Welcome to Panama City. On arrival at Panama City airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Panama City. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.
This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our journey.
Accommodation: Panama City Hotel
Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.
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Panama City
Miraflores
Panama Canal Transit
Balboa (Panama City)
At sea
Golfito
Quepos (Puerto Quepos)
Punta Arenas
San José
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Spacious mid-deck rooms with large picture windows offering natural light and ocean views.
Amenities
- King or Twin Configuration
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- TV
- Safe
- Desk
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- Lounge Area
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Air Conditioning
Ship features
Douglas Mawson brings expedition capability and boutique comfort together, offering travellers an authentic yet luxurious way to experience the Earth’s wild frontiers.
- 154-guest expedition vessel
- Ulstein X-Bow for stability and efficiency
- 15 Zodiacs with four embarkation points
- Observation lounge and glass atrium
- Spacious lecture theatre and science centre
- Outdoor hot tubs and wellness area
- Sauna and gym with panoramic views
- Dedicated mudroom and gear storage
- Modern restaurant and casual lounge bar
- Expert-led enrichment and daily briefings
