Private Shores: Panama City, Panama Canal & Pearl Islands

Duration: 11 days

Countries: Panama

Cities: Central America Cruise, Darien Jungle, Portobelo, Pearl Islands, Balboa, Playa Muerto, Panama City, Colon, Panama Canal

Valid Travel Dates: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

From

$13,183

Request This Experience View Full Itinerary

Trip Summary

Overview

Combining a carefully selected voyage with privately guided time ashore, this journey traces the coastlines between Panama City and Balboa. The journey opens in Panama City, where private access and expert insight set a considered pace. Specialist guiding provides a closer look at Panama City with a local guide, from Casco Viejo’s colonial gems to ceviche tastings. From the water, the route takes in south on a small National Geographic expedition ship to Darién jungles and Pearl Islands. Travel onward through Colon, Central America Cruise and Portobelo toward Balboa, where the character of the journey begins to shift. The journey may also draw on an additional privately arranged experience: A Panama Canal transit can be paired with Smithsonian-led rainforest hikes on Barro Colorado Island. The journey can include joining expert guides for Zodiac excursions, jungle walks, kayaking, and paddleboarding adventures. The voyage, suite selection and privately arranged time ashore can all be refined around how the traveler wishes to experience Balboa.

Accommodations

National Geographic Quest
Central America Cruise
Category 3, full-board, 7 nights
Bristol Panama
Panama City
Deluxe , b&b, 3 nights

Inclusions

✓A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable).
✓A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
✓One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers.
✓Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour.
✓A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you.
✓24/7 in-destination support from our local office.
✓All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary.
✓Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary.

Exclusions

✗The package also excludes gratuities for services and experiences.
✗International airfare is not included, although our Air Team can provide pricing on request.
✗Travel insurance (available after booking) and visas are not included unless otherwise noted.
✗Lunches, dinners and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks not specified in the itinerary.
✗Excess baggage charges and, where applicable, baggage not included in the fare.
✗Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards and room service.
✗Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise specified.
✗Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside the itinerary.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Panama City

For your convenience, an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you outside of Customs, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in. Please note that all arriving passengers meeting our local representatives should proceed to the arrivals area in Terminal 2, regardless of the arrival terminal. Passengers arriving through Terminal 1 who are not checking luggage should also continue to Terminal 2 after immigration to meet their guide. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected internally and by a complimentary shuttle service.. Welcome to Panama! A package with any necessary vouchers or information you may find useful will be awaiting your arrival.. Panama’s vibrant culinary scene encompasses its local produce and freshly caught seafood with Latin, Caribbean and international flavors, making it one of Central America’s top destinations for any foodie. Tonight, consider dining at Casa Casco, home to three fabulous restaurants, a club/disco and a rooftop terrace bar with some of the best views of the city. Be sure to arrive at any rooftop bar in the Casco early to ensure the best view of the sunset. We also suggest visiting Tantalo, which fuses international flavors to some of Panamas most beloved local dishes or Fonda La Sexta, a contemporary casual restaurant that supports socially vulnerable women. Additional recommendations include American Trade Hotel, Caliope, Donde Jose, Fonda Lo Que Hay, Kaandela, Tomillo, Barrio Pizza, Tarraco, Tacos La Neta and Laboratorio.

Accommodation: Bristol Panama (B) (Deluxe ), Panama City

Panama City

Trace back the colonial roots of Panama City on a privately guided tour of the postcard perfect Casco Viejo. Begin with a visit to the ruins of Old Panama and climb up the Cathedral Tower to take in the views of the city. Head to the Old Panama City Museum to get a deeper understanding of this Central American nation’s history. Continue to the old city compound, the famous Casco Viejo, and expose your senses to the characterful colonial architecture as you make your way down the picturesque narrow lanes. Visit the French Plaza and learn about the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through the isthmus. All the while listen to your guide describe the events that led to the establishment of the capital in its current location. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Bristol Panama (B) (Deluxe ), Panama City

Panama City

Explore Panama’s culinary diversity and fascinating history on a private full-day gastronomy tour through the colonial neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Join your private guide and visit a local coffee shop to learn about different types of coffee produced in Panama. Treat your senses to a sample of delicious local chocolate. Stop by a microbrewery to try local artisanal beers and gain insight into their production. Next, walk along Cinta Costera to experience the city's seafood market, home to must-try ceviche. With numerous stands offering a variety of seafood, this picturesque marketplace is a popular place with locals who visit for both the savory delights and beautiful scenery. Top off your experience with a cocktail tasting of locally-produced rum, an indulgent way to end this incredible day tour.

Accommodation: Bristol Panama (B) (Deluxe ), Panama City

Panama City, Colonia, Central America Cruise

Meet your private guide and driver for a transfer to the port of Colon. Approximate transfer time is 1.5 hours.. Meet your expedition staff and enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. You may opt for a culturally-immersive pre-voyage extension in Panama City and San Lorenzo, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.. Step aboard National Geographic Quest, a purpose-built expedition ship crafted for exploring remote coastal regions in refined comfort. Designed with wide-open decks and intimate gathering spaces, the ship invites guests to connect deeply with nature and fellow travelers. Light-filled cabins feature large windows for constant views of the surrounding wilderness, while the casual dining room offers fresh, regionally inspired cuisine in an inviting, social setting. The welcoming Expedition Lounge, with a full-service bar and wraparound windows, serves as the heart of the ship, ideal for evening recaps and daily briefings led by expert naturalists. Enjoy time on the open-air observation deck or unwind in the hot tub after an active day ashore. A well-equipped fitness center and curated library round out the onboard experience, blending thoughtful amenities with a spirit of exploration.. Your voyage aboard National Geographic Quest includes a curated selection of enriching experiences and thoughtful comforts. All meals are provided, featuring fresh, regionally inspired cuisine prepared with a focus on sustainability. Each day brings guided excursions by Zodiac, kayak, or paddleboard, along with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Complimentary gear, including boots and waterproof outerwear is available for expedition landings. Engage with National Geographic experts and naturalists through onboard lectures, evening recaps, and immersive field experiences. Wifi onboard allows for messaging and essential browsing, while access to the ship’s curated library and Expedition Lounge supports learning and connection. Every element is designed to deepen your discovery of the wild places you explore.