sailing the panama canal

Set to Sea in the Panama Canal

Written by Boatsetter Team
October 21, 2020

Last Updated on January 12, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Enjoying the Panamanian Rainforest from the Water

Have you ever considered renting a sailboat, a speedboat or a simple fishing boat to drift along the Panama Canal? If not, here is your opportunity! Perhaps you would like to take an intimate jaunt down the canal with just a special loved one? Or you may prefer to bring the whole family along, hire a captain and take a guided tour of the canal? Whatever way you choose to sail, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime in Panama by experiencing everything that a large man-made canal has to offer – as well as enjoying all the sights, sounds, and smells of an authentic tropical rainforest. When it comes to your Panama Canal tour, Boatsetter’s got you covered from ship to shore!

 

Some Basic Facts about the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is over 50-miles long and it was completed in 1914. It runs through the central American country of Panama and connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It runs through the Camino de Cruces National Park, as well as several other protected areas, and so you should be sure to see whales, macaws, monkeys, and many other kinds of tropical wildlife while on your Panama Canal tour. You can also rent a sailboat and sail around the Panama Canal at your own pace.

 

Setting Sail from the Caribbean

There are lots of appealing places to dock your boat while sailing through the Panama Canal. If you are starting your trip on the Caribbean side, you’ll probably begin near the town of Gamboa, which would be a good place to dock your boat and take a rest before starting your journey. As you reach the end of the canal, you’ll sail into the Bay of Panama and the bustling Panama City skyline will come into view which you can enjoy from your Panama Canal boat rental. 

 

Taking Your Time and Avoiding the Crowds

Be aware that the Panama Canal is widely sailed by massive cruise ships, so do your best to take your time and avoid the crowds as much as possible! There is nothing worse than jostling for position with a thousand other tourists who are blocking your way. And even though you could technically sail the entire canal in just a day, it is a far more enjoyable experience to stop and dock your Panama Canal boat rental for at least one of the nights that you’ll spend in the canal. For example, a popular stopping point is the visitor center at the Miraflores Locks, which offers wide decks for watching the cruise ships passing by. Also, be sure to dock your boat in Panama City at the end of your trip and enjoy all of the wonderful sights and sounds that the city has to offer.

 

Reserving Your Boat

When you arrive in Panama City, you have so many options when it comes to reserving your sailboat. Whether you choose a speedboat or a larger charter yacht, we can book an unforgettable adventure for you down the Panama Canal. With Boatsetter it’s easy to find, reserve and confirm your reservation because our fleet is easily searchable online. Once you have selected your vessel, it is up to you to enjoy your boating vacation and get the most out of all the Panama Canal has to offer!


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