Liked By Over 400,000 Cruisers
|
Unbeatable Deals
|
Unedited Reviews
|
Dedicated Consultant
|
Impartial Advice
|
Real Feedback
|
ABTA & ATOL Bonded

Colón Cruises

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s greatest works of engineering, and Colon sits at the gateway to this modern marvel with the Miraflores Locks close at hand. There’s far more to this city than the canal alone, however! Take a ride on the world’s first transcontinental railway, allowing you to move from the Atlantic to the Pacific in a matter of hours. Shop for duty-free souvenirs, or get out into the tropical rainforest to see over 900 species of birds and a handful of sloths. Lively and intriguing, Colon’s a great jumping-off point for exploring the Caribbean, Panama and beyond.

What You Need To Know About Colon

What are the can’t-miss sights in Colon?

Clearly, the Panama Canal with its various locks takes centre stage during any trip to Colon. The Gatun Locks are the canal’s largest, and you can tour the site to see just how the Canal operates. Within the city of Colon, you can tour the old town to view its crumbling colonial architecture and sights like the Episcopal Christ Church cathedral with its monument to Christopher Columbus. Get out for a day trip to pretty Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charming sea views and colonial homes. It was once the holding place for Peruvian golden treasures on their way back to Spain!

How can you reach Colon from the cruise terminal?

The Colon 2000 cruise terminal is an attraction in itself, with its shiny interior and duty-free shops to explore. To get around town, taxis are plentiful on the ground. Simply step out to the designated tour desks and organisers will arrange transportation for you for sightseeing around the city. Expect to have your name, ship, and time of return taken down to ensure you’re back onboard in a timely manner! Just look for the central taxi desk in the terminal for arrangements. You’ll have your option of a full city tour as well as pre-arranged stops at the destination of your choice.

Parking facilities around the cruise terminal

Before you sort out parking, it’s helpful to determine which terminal you’ll be sailing from, so check with your cruise operator first. Parking is on hand at the main port for approximately $30 per week, with 24-hour security to keep your car safe from the elements. It’s also worth asking at your hotel if you’ll be arriving in Colon before your cruise embarks, as some local hotels will allow you to leave your car there for the duration of the cruise. Look for specially advertised ‘Park ‘n Stay’ rates to take advantage of this type of offer.

COLON - DID YOU KNOW?

The sun is shining, so why not get out to a beach during your day in port? There are two beaches to visit within an easy distance from the Colon port. The first is Langosta beach, or you can take a slightly longer taxi ride to Isla Grande. It’s a good hour’s drive away as well as a five-minute boat ride from La Guayra village, but you’ll be rewarded with soft sands, beach bars and water sports to enjoy.

Learn more about the indigenous people of Panama in a traditional Embera village. Look for Embera tours to take you to these outposts, where you can experience song, dance, and canoe rides through the lush tropical environment.

Do you fancy a taste of the local cuisine? Panamanian food is delicious and fresh, so don’t miss the ceviche with its hints of citrus and spice, or relax in a seafood restaurant by Langosta Beach to taste the catch of the day.

The Galeta Island Marine Education Centre offers an interesting day out near Colon. Although it was originally founded as a monitoring centre for the local marine environment, it’s now open to the public. Learn about the local ecosystems or take part in a beach clean-up.