Embark on a Panama Canal cruise from California while stopping in stunning destinations throughout Central America and the Caribbean along the way.
Take an authentic Mexican cooking class in Puerto Vallarta and zipline through the Costa Rican jungle near Puntarenas. Explore Mayan ruins in Guatemala’s Puerto Quetzal and walk down the romantic streets of Cartagena.
Come fall, set sail on one of these unforgettable Panama Canal cruises from Los Angeles and discover all the treasures these exotic destinations have to offer.
When can I cruise from California to the Panama Canal?
Eastbound Panama Canal cruises departing from Los Angeles sail in September.
At this time of year, you’ll avoid the high temperatures of midsummer when it can get quite hot and humid in Central and South America. Instead, you’ll enjoy more comfortable weather during the fall, although it will still be warm.
How long are cruises from Los Angeles through the Panama Canal?
Panama Canal cruises from Los Angeles last 16 nights. On these one-way itineraries, you’ll sail from the West Coast of the United States to Florida.
On our Panama Canal cruises, not only will you travel through the Panama Canal locks that connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but you’ll also stop in tropical destinations such as the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, the walled city of Cartagena, and the jungles of Costa Rica.
What should I pack for a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles?
For your Panama Canal cruise, you can pack all the warm weather essentials you would bring along to any beach vacation, which include:
- Swimsuits
- Swim coverups
- Sunglasses and sun hats
- Casual attire for lunch and port visits
- Dinner or smart casual attire
- Flip flops and sandals
- At least one pair of comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Camera
A pair of binoculars is useful for spotting whales as you cruise the coast of California, toucans and macaws in Costa Rica, and for getting a closer look at the complex workings of the Panama Canal.
What ports will I visit on a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles?
Panama Canal cruises are one of the most versatile cruises you can take. Sailing along this region, you’ll experience some of the best places to visit in Central America and Mexico. Explore sandy beaches, cosmopolitan cities, tropical rainforests, and colonial towns all in the same trip.
Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.
The Panama Canal
Spend a day cruising through the Panama Canal. During this journey, be sure to be on deck to best enjoy the experience.
Feel the excitement as you cross through the channel, built in 1914, and witness how the massive locks lower and raise water, moving ships through the channel from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Once you’ve made it through, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for this groundbreaking engineering feat.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Beautiful, mountainous Jamaica is a vacation paradise, with a rich musical heritage, a distinctive cuisine, history, and adventure all rolled up into one Caribbean island.
Drift down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, or cool off in the tumbling waters of Dunn’s River Falls as you clamber over a series of rock shelves to the top of the waterfall.
Explore former plantation houses and bask on white sand beaches. While you’re here, sample spicy jerked meats, perfect fresh off the barbecue.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
In the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, there’s plenty to do aside from lounging by the ocean. Take a horseback journey around the countryside and cap off your trek with a typical lunch and tequila.
Explore the hills of the Sierra Madre on a 4-wheel ATV motorcycle, or take an eco-tour that includes snorkeling and kayaking around the nearby Marietas Islands. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience some of the best whale watching in Mexico while you’re here.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
You might feel like you just stepped back in time after docking in Puerto Quetzal, where shore excursions allow you to explore Mayan ruins in Tikal.
Journey through the colonial streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua, where you’ll discover the wonders of Guatemalan architecture, textiles, and coffee.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
In Puntarenas, you’ll enjoy the best that Costa Rica has to offer. Surf in Playa Jaco, where international surfers often compete, or zipline over treetops nestled in the rainforest.
Experience the best of Costa Rica’s nature by exploring the inner jungle on a safari jeep excursion, discovering hundreds of marine species while snorkeling around coral reef systems, and riding horses through secluded beaches. There’s an activity for every kind of adventurer here.
Cartagena, Colombia
The colonial city of Cartagena will captivate you at first sight. Step into the Old Town and fall in love with its cobblestoned streets, colorful balconies, and lush bougainvillea draping from balconies all around.
Enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail on top of the city’s all-encompassing wall or cap off your night with a romantic horse-drawn carriage around town.
Panama
Experience the adventure that awaits on a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles. Browse itineraries and start planning your vacation today.
