Name: Discover the Panama Canal: cruise from Panama to Belize
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V1225042109

Itinerary

Fuerte Amador, the Panama Canal's Pacific terminus, lies at the end of a mile-long manmade causeway, built from the canal's waste materials. Nearby, Frank Gehry's colourful Biomuseo showcases Panama's biodiversity. Miraflores Locks' visitor centre tells the story of this legendary waterway. A short taxi ride away, modern Panama City has evolved around its two historic centres: the conquistador-era Panamá Viejo and 17th-century Casco Viejo.

Cruising the Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience, navigating a 48-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, eliminating the need for a voyage around Cape Horn. The journey involves passing through three sets of locks, lifting and lowering the ship by up to 85 feet, traversing Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir, and navigating the narrow Culebra Cut—a 9-mile stretch carved through the Cordillera Central mountain range.

Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in Panama, blends untouched natural beauty, abundant marine and bird life with Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures. Bocas, a small surfing town, offers restaurants and cafes alongside pristine beaches. These golden-sand beaches provide nesting sites for hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles. Swan Caye, a nearby island, is home to red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, frigates, gulls and terns.

San Andrés, a Colombian island in the Caribbean, lures visitors with reggae beats and breathtaking underwater worlds that teem with fish and shipwrecks just off Nicaragua's coast. Spratt Bight Beach has a palm-fringed paradise with a lively promenade. Nearby Johnny Cay Park offers an idyllic islet with coconut groves, while nature enthusiasts can explore Old Point Regional Mangrove Park, home to red land crabs, iguanas and tropical birds.

Island Tour

Included

04 h 00 m

Learn about the navy & pirates history of San Andres in a very funny and interactive way at the Persistance Museum
Enjoy panoramic views of the First Baptist Church, perched atop one of the highest hills of the island
Discover the Botanical garden

Snorkel San Andrés

Optional

03 h 30 m

Experience the unparalleled beauty of San Andres’ pristine waters, teeming with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish
Enjoy peace of mind with our qualified dive instructors who provide a thorough safety briefing and personalized guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable snorkelling adventure for all skill levels
Explore two of the island’s premier snorkelling locations, accessible only by our tour, offering a unique and unforgettable underwater experience

Island Beach Visit

Optional

05 h 00 m

Relax on the pristine white sands of Cocoplum Bay, surrounded by swaying palms and crystal-clear turquoise waters
Enjoy the sun’s warm embrace on comfortable beach chairs, with refreshing drinks and delicious snacks served by local hotels
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of San Andres, a true haven where natural splendour and tranquillity meet

Islander Cooking Class

Optional

03 h 00 m

Learn to cook and savour traditional dishes from San Andres, guided by a skilled local islander chef in a hands-on, interactive class
Explore the beautifully preserved “Casa Museo,” a wooden house that reflects the British colonial architecture of neighbouring islands, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the island’s wealthier inhabitants
Enjoy a vibrant folkloric performance showcasing the island’s rhythmic heritage, making your culinary journey a feast for all the senses

Providencia, in the Caribbean Sea, is the second-largest of the Colombian islands, measuring just 17km2 with mangrove forests and tropical dry forest. Its infinitely colourful surface, lush underwater landscapes and mangroves turn the sea green and are home to tiny fish full of life. Declared a UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, the Old Providence Nature Park and ecotourism haven attracts divers and snorkellers to its crystal-clear waters.

Island Tour & Cultural Presentation

Included

04 h 00 m

Enjoy an open-air drive along Providencia’s only road, offering breathtaking views of lush mountainous landscapes and charming painted wooden houses along the shoreline, narrated by knowledgeable local guides
Experience the vibrant culture of Providencia with a stop at Fresh Water Bay for local music and dance performances, refreshments, and shopping for unique souvenirs
Walk across a wooden footbridge to Santa Catalina Island, where you’ll discover mangroves, traditional houses, and historic fortifications

Crab Cay a Tiny Caribbean Paradise & Snorkelling

Optional

02 h 30 m

Embark on a scenic journey along Santa Catalina’s stunning coastline to the mesmerizing Crab Cay
Dive into crystal clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, offering an ideal experience for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers
Climb to the peak of Crab Cay for spectacular views of the surrounding sea and Providencia

Nature Trek From Manchaneel to Southwest Bay

Optional

05 h 00 m

Enjoy a picturesque 30-minute journey in an open-air pick-up truck along the island’s only road, offering stunning views and a refreshing start to your adventure
Embark on a trek that takes you from volcanic rock ascents to flat dirt pathways, through dry creeks and lightly wooded areas, culminating at the island’s most pristine beach
Discover Southwest Bay, a beautiful, untouched Caribbean beach with white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation

Advanced Snorkelling

Optional

03 h 10 m

Walk to Santa Catalina and Morgan´s Head

Optional

03 h 00 m

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Teeming with marine life, Roatán, Honduras' largest Bay Island, is surrounded by the world's second-largest coral reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The Garífuna, descendants of African and Indigenous peoples, have a vibrant culture here. Lush rainforests offer opportunities for adventure, while animal sanctuaries in French Cay like Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout and Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park home provide unique encounters.

Island Tour by Boat

Optional

02 h 00 m

Have a unique opportunity to interact with iguanas, hold them, and learn about their habitat and conservation efforts
Get up close and personal with playful monkeys and adorable sloths, interact with these fascinating creatures, making for unforgettable photo opportunities and memories
Take some time to explore the island’s natural beauty

Relax at Beach

Included

06 h 00 m

Sink your toes into the soft, white sand and bask in the warm Caribbean sun
Wander through lush, tropical gardens filled with vibrant flora and fauna. Reconnect with nature in a tranquil atmosphere designed for ultimate relaxation
Kayak through calm waters, paddleboard along the stunning coastline, or snorkel to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life

Placencia, a beach resort town on the southern tip of Belize's Placencia Peninsula, blends relaxation with adventure. Just offshore, the world-renowned Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible coral ecosystem. Inland, the Placencia Lagoon provides a habitat for manatees and saltwater crocodiles. North, the Garífuna community of Seine Bight celebrates its traditional heritage through drumming and dance.

Placencia Lagoon Wildlife & Mangrove

Included

01 h 30 m

Visit shallow areas in Placencia Lagoon, often home to grazing manatees, for a possible close-up look at these gentle creatures
Cruise through mangrove estuaries, with lush trees and diverse wildlife
Learn about the ecosystem from your knowledgeable nature guide throughout the journey

Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure

Optional

02 h 30 m

Explore Belize underwater snorkeliong next to the world’s largest living reef, ideal for both beginners and intermediate snorkelers
Encounter a variety of colorful reef fish, coral formations, sponges, sea fans, and sea anemones

Nim Li Punit Ruins & Spice Farm Botanical Garden

Optional

06 h 00 m

Tour the Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens, learning how vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and other spices are grown and processed
Visit the renowned Maya archaeological site
Travel through the spice farm on a comfortable tram for a close-up look at the crops

Half Moon Caye, a crescent island in Belize's Lighthouse Reef, is Central America's first marine reserve. It features one of the few remaining old-growth littoral forests and shelters 4,000 red-footed boobies, known for their bright red feet and courtship rituals. The Half Moon Caye Natural Monument preserves vital ecosystems underwater. A pristine coral reef wall drops over 900 m (3,000 ft), while the Blue Hole is one of Belize's top dive sites.

Belize offers a captivating blend of ancient civilizations, rainforest trails and wild landscapes. Pristine cayes dot the 200-mile coast, luring you to Caribbean bliss, while the secrets of the ancient Maya are revealed at Lamanai, showcasing their architectural genius. Nearby, in the Maya Mountains, is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's only jaguar sanctuary, also home to pumas, deer, howler monkeys and tapirs.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.

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Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.

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