Colon Cruise Port in Panama, The Ultimate Guide

Are you going on a cruise to the Panama Canal and stopping in Colon, Panama? We have the scoop on the top cruise excursions for your port day in Colon. The Colon Cruise Port is where many who cruise through the Panama Canal or cruise to Panama in the Caribbean will visit. Colón is a city in the Central America country of Panama and is the gateway to the Panama Canal from the Atlantic. For many who do not cruise all the way through the Panama Canal, the Colon Cruise Port is a highlight for seeing and learning about the Panama Canal. Colon is a popular stop for cruise ships before crossing through the canal from the Caribbean and sometimes after crossing through the canal from the Pacific. A cruise stop in Colon, Panama, allows people to explore Panama’s history, culture, and nature, and especially the construction of the incredible Panama Canal.

Keep reading to learn about the Colon Cruise Port and how you can experience Panama’s beauty and Panamanian culture at your cruise stop at the Port of Colon.

Visiting the Colon Cruise Port

The Colon Cruise Port is a short drive from many popular tourist areas in Panama. In fact, the drive between Colon and Panama City on the Pacific Coast side is about an hour, depending on traffic. Many cruisers doing a full transit cruise through the Panama Canal will visit Panama City. The port’s location allows people to easily tour the Panama Canal’s Locks. Some will also learn about the indigenous culture of Panama, go on an adventure in Gatun Lake, or visit the lush rainforest.

Picture of a colorful painting of the word Colon on a wall at the Duty-Free Mall by the Colon cruise port — Colon sign at the Duty-Free Mall

Navigating Panama Colon Cruise Port

The Colon Cruise Terminal is a simple, more traditional cruise terminal. So, unlike cruise ports such as Taino Bay or Amber Cove in Puerto Plata, the port is not built by the cruise lines. When you exit the terminal for excursions, you will find local vendors selling handmade items and souvenirs outside the doors. Additionally, the buses will be outside the cruise terminal if you have purchased a cruise excursion through the cruise line.

Although the terminal is not like some of the specialty cruise stops, a duty-free area is steps away from the terminal.

Spend Time at the Duty-Free Mall at the Colon Cruise Port

Directly next to the Colon cruise terminal is the Colon 2000 Duty Free Mall. Cruise passengers who decide to get off the ship but not go on an excursion can spend the day at the Duty-Free Mall. The Duty-Free Mall is quite large and possibly one of the largest duty-free shopping areas I have been to. There are many shops at the Duty-Free mall selling a variety of things.

Like any mall, there are several clothing shops and gift shops. Even a shop selling electronics. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of food options. We noticed Italian, Chinese, Peruvian, and Panamaian restaurants, to name a few. You will also find places to stop for a sweet treat like ice cream and cookies.

If you want to take pictures of your cruise ship, this is the perfect place to take photos.

Picture of shops in the two-story Colon duty-free mall by the Colon cruise port — Colon 2000 Duty Free Mall

Picture of restaurant options and stores at the Colon duty-free mall and the outdoor seating where you can eat by the Colon cruise port. — Some food options at the duty-free mall

Cruise Excursions for the Colon Cruise Port

Since Colon, Panama, is conveniently located a short drive from many landmarks and the capital of Panama, you will have many shore excursion options. Some excursions will include visiting a set of locks along the canal, but this will depend on the excursions your cruise ship offers. When deciding on an excursion, you should read the descriptions for each shore excursion. Activity levels vary, and some excursions may not be accessible. Here are some of the popular shore excursions offered by cruise lines that you can enjoy on your port day in Colon, Panama.

Explore the Panama Canal

Exploring the Panama Canal is the most popular tour for cruise ship passengers. This is especially true if cruise passengers are not doing a full transit Panama Canal cruise. Exploring the Panama Canal and learning about its engineering is a memorable experience for many people. For me, seeing and experiencing the Panama Canal was a dream come true. Watching ships moving through the locks was awesome to see.

Panama Canal tours will vary depending on the excursions the cruise line offers, but there are usually multiple excursions to choose from. Many Panama Canal tours will take you to one of the different locks along the canal. Others will give you the unique experience of riding on a ferry down a portion of the canal and going through one or two sets of locks. The two locks you could go through are the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. If you have the option to take a ferry through the locks, it will be a longer tour. Going through the locks can take longer than you expect, especially if a large ship is going through the locks.

Picture of the Pedro Miguel Locks of the Panama Canal — Pedro Miguel Locks

Visit the Agua Clara Locks and Visitor Center

The Agua Clara Locks are the expansion of the locks to Gatun Lake from the Caribbean. These locks are near the original Gatun Locks and can accommodate larger ships, commonly called Neo-Panamax ships. The visitors center at the Agua Clara Locks will provide a fantastic view of ships going through the locks. You also have a great view of Gatun Lake from the Agua Clara Locks observation area.

The Visitor Center also has information about the history of the Panama Canal. Before exploring the Visitor Center, you can watch a short movie on the canal’s history in the Projection Room. Walking around, you will see different exhibits and learn about the Canal. If you get hungry, you will also find a restaurant and a coffee shop. You can stop by the gift shop to purchase a memento of your visit to the Agua Clara Locks.

Visit Fort San Lorenzo and the New Locks

Fort San Lorenzo was built by the Spanish and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Spanish built the fort to protect the entrance of the Chagres River in the 16th century. During your time at Fort San Lorenzo, you can walk around the fort’s different areas. You can learn about the significance of various sections of the fort and see cannons and tunnels.

Fort San Lorenzo looks out to the Caribbean Sea, making it a great place to take amazing pictures of the area. Getting to Fort San Lorenzo will require about an hour-long drive on a bus. As you make your way to the fort, you will drive through Panama’s lush San Lorenzo Protected Forest. After visiting Fort San Lorenzo, you will visit the Agua Clara Locks. You will learn about the canal’s history and potentially watch ships go through the new locks.

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Explore Gatun Lake and Visit the New Locks

You will find a couple of options for exploring Gatun Lake. Gatun Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by rainforest with many channels and islands. With Gatun Lake having many islands and channels and being surrounded by rainforest, there are many opportunities to see wildlife.

One of the more popular shore excursions is an eco-cruise in Gatun Lake. An eco-cruise on Gatun Lake will take you around the different bays and islands within the artificial lake. Going on an eco-cruise will also give you the best chance to see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and crocodiles. A boat tour around the lake is a great option for nature lovers to experience Panama’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Another popular choice is to kayak in Gatun Lake. Kayaking Gatun Lake is a unique experience you can have within the Panama Canal. Similarly to the eco-cruise, you may have the chance to see monkeys and tropical birds. If you decide to kayak Gatun Lake, be aware that this is considered a strenuous activity.

Picture looking out to the forest along Gatun Lake in Panama — The forest along Gatun Lake

Picture of a crocodile on the shore along the Panama Canal — Crocodile along the Panama Canal

Experience the Embera Indigenous Village

Looking for a unique thing to do in Panama? Go on an excursion to the Embera Indigenous Village. The Embera people live in the rainforest, and some members have moved closer to the canal, establishing villages on the Chagres River. This indigenous community has maintained its cultural practices and traditions after Spanish colonization.

To get to the Embera Village, you will be taken to the Chagres River by bus. Once at the Chagres River, you will ride in a dug-out canoe to reach the village. Once at the Embera Village, you will be treated to traditional dances and learn about the culture. You will also have the chance to purchase handmade souvenirs from villagers.

Visit the Miraflores Locks and IMAX Movie

The Miraflores Locks are the set of locks in the Panama Canal closest to Panama City. Aside from the Agua Clara Locks, many people also visit the Miraflores Locks. The visitor’s center at the Miraflores Locks has several observation areas where you can watch ships make their way through the locks. There is a new observation deck and an older observation area for watching ships go through the locks. The observation areas are close to the locks, and you will have a fantastic view of the locks working as a ship goes through.

The visitor’s center also has a museum on the history of the Panama Canal that visitors can enjoy. When visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor’s Center, you can also get tickets to the IMAX movie. The IMAX movie is about the engineering of the canal and its history. If you are traveling with children, there is also a playground on the property. Additionally, you will find a few gift shops where you can purchase a souvenir from your day at the Miraflores Locks.

Explore Panama City

Visit Panama’s capital city, Panama City. Panama City is about an hour’s drive from Colon, depending on traffic. Tours to the capital vary in the areas you will explore. Depending on the shore excursion you choose, you can visit Panama Viejo, also known as Old Panama, or Casco Viejo, also known as Colonial Panama. You may even find a tour of both historical Panama City areas.

Old Panama, or Panama Viejo, has historical ruins. The historical ruins are of the Old Panama when it was destroyed by pirates, namely Captain Henry Morgan. On an excursion to Old Panama, you will tour the remaining walls of the old city. Due to the site’s history, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the museum to learn more about the history of Panama Viejo. The museum has a gift shop, and the visitor’s center has a bookstore.

Casco Viejo, or Colonial Panama, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many historical buildings in Casco Viejo as well as the remains of buildings destroyed by Captain Henry Morgan. If you want to learn about the Panama Canal and see Colonial Panama, there is a Panama Canal Museum across from Plaza De La Independencia of Casco Viejo. We enjoyed our time exploring Colonial Panama. We visited many historic sites, bought souvenirs from local artisans, and found places with great views of Panama City.

Picture of the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient in Casco Viejo Panama — Catedral Basílica Metropolitana Santa María La Antigua

Picture of the Panama City skyline and the flag of Panama — Panama City Skyline

Visit the Portobelo National Park

On an excursion to Portobelo National Park, you will explore an area full of history. The history of Portobelo dates back over 300 years. Portobelo is one of the areas Buccaneer Captain Morgan explored on his quest for Panama. Walking around Portobelo, you will see Spanish colonial history, including 17th-century Spanish forts. Due to its history, the nearby town of Portobelo is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you visit Portobelo, stop by the Iglesia de San Felipe. The Church of San Felipe is significant in Panama for being the home of El Cristo Negro, the Black Christ. Many people will pilgrimage to the Iglesia de San Felipe on October 21st. It may be crowded if you visit the area during this time. Additionally, be respectful when visiting Portobelo during this time, as this is a significant, major religious event for the country.

Explore the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

A popular place to go on an excursion is the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. The Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is located in the Soberania National Park. There are several excursion options at the Gamboa Resort. Be aware that some excursions require a higher physical activity level than others.

Go Ziplining in the Gamboa Rainforest

If you are not afraid of heights, go ziplining. The zipline at Gamboa Resort has ten lines that you can soar across. Getting to the different zip lines will require some hiking along the way. Ziplining through the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Panama. Along the way, you might even see monkeys jumping around the trees.

Visit Monkey’s on Monkey Island

To visit Monkey Island, you will go on a boat ride in Gatun Lake. Gatun Lake is surrounded by rainforest and has many islands that are wildlife sanctuaries. The boat ride will take you to some of these protected areas to see monkeys. Some species of monkeys you may see are howlers, capuchins, and titi monkeys. Along the way, you may see other animals like sloths, crocodiles, and caimans.

Picture of people in a boat on an eco-cruise boat tour of Gatun Lake — Eco-cruise boat tour of Gatun Lake

Ride the Gamboa Resort Aerial Tram

A unique thing to do in Panama during your port day is to ride the Aerial Tram. The Aerial Tram at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve takes you from the forest floor up into the canopy of the forest. Riding the tram in the forest canopy will give you amazing views of Panama’s landscape.

You will see many animals during the ride through the rainforest’s canopy. You could see various species of birds and monkeys. Once you get to the top, you are a short walk from the observation tower. The observation tower provides a 360-degree view of the Soberania National Park, Panama Canal, and the Chagres River.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colon Cruise Port in Panama

Here are answers to questions we have been frequently asked about the cruise port in Colon, Panama.

Is Colon Safe for Cruise Passengers?

For cruise passengers, the safest area to explore on your own is the Colon 2000 Duty Free Mall next to the cruise terminal. Overall, Colon is not known as the safest place in Panama. But like any large city, you should be aware of your surroundings. If you want to explore Panama during your day in port, we recommend going on an excursion. Most, if not all, of the cruise lines recommend staying in the port area if you are not going on an excursion.

Are There Taxis at the Colon Cruise Port?

Yes, there are taxi services at the Colon cruise port. If you decide to use a taxi service in Colon and explore Panama on your own, have cash on hand just in case the taxis only take cash. You will also want to negotiate the cost of the taxi service with the taxi drivers before you accept the service.

Do You Need a Passport to Cruise to Panama?

Yes, you must have a passport if you go on a cruise with a stop in Panama. Whether you are going on a full-transit, partial-transit, or on a Caribbean cruise that stops in Panama, you are required to have a passport and any additional travel documents needed for travel to Panama. This is a requirement by the country of Panama. Passport cards are not sufficient. You need to have your passport book.

Do You Need a Passport to Get Off the Ship in Colon?

The answer to this question can vary depending on the cruise line. We went on an excursion through Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and did not need to take our passports off the ship with us. However, we had our passport cards on hand when we went on our excursion as an additional ID – just in case.

If you are not going on an excursion through the cruise line, you may be required to take your passport book. An announcement will be made by the cruise director or other crew members before people get off the ship. You can also double-check with a crew member before getting off the ship.

What Currency Is Used in Panama?

The currency used in Panama is the US Dollar. Panama also has the Panamanian Balboa, but the exchange rate is equal to the US Dollar. If you buy a souvenir from a local, you will likely receive the change back in US dollars. From personal experience, we recommend having smaller bills like ones, fives, and tens. Not everyone will have change for a twenty-dollar bill, and it could take a moment to get your change as they try to break the twenty-dollar bill with another vendor.

If you want to use a credit card, Mastercard and Visa are the two widely accepted cards.

When is the Best Time to Cruise to Colon?

The best time to cruise to Colon is during the dry season. The dry season is from December to April. During the dry season, there is less rain than the rest of the year. You may have some showers here and there, but not often. Also, have water with you as it can be hot and humid during this time.

The rainy season is from May through November. Panama’s rainy season does correspond with hurricane season in the Caribbean. However, they are not likely to be hit by a hurricane due to how south they are located. The temperature is still fairly warm during this time and can be in the 80s (Fahrenheit).

Is Visiting Colon During a Cruise Stop Worth It?

Yes, visiting the Colon Cruise Port is worth it! Having a cruise stop in Colon, Panama, is excellent for exploring the wonder of the Panama Canal and Panamanian culture. There is a lot of history and culture in this beautiful country. In addition to its history and culture, its rainforest has a lot of nature to explore. We enjoyed our time exploring Panama during our cruise stop in Colon.