It is said that the word Panama, in an Indian dialect, means abundance of fishes. Due to the oceans of Panama, the geographical location, the isthmus, reef systems, archipelagos and water currents makes this saying true, because Panama boast an abundant marine life.

A full day on the water starts by navigating your way along the Pearl Archipelago. The captain will take to the best fishing spots in search of that infamous catch. By midday, we will head to Taboga Island, known as the Island of the flowers due to its constantly blooming flora.

A fresh seafood lunch will be served on the island, after which you'll have time to explore, swim or just relax on the beach. This is an outdoor activity, sunscreen, light clothes, and comfortable shoes or sandals are suggested.

This interesting tour will give you the opportunity to visit the historic Amador Causeway where Fort Amador was located that housed US officers. The Amador Causeway that connects the islands Naos, Perico and Flamenco and was built with the materials from the canal construction. Later the US Military Intelligence installed sophisticated surveillance equipment to monitor the movements of planes, ships and even communication signals in the area.

These days several of the tourist attractions now operate in Amador; like restaurants, discotheques, bike and roller skates rentals, and bars. The development of this area continues with the building of hotels, timesharing, yacht docks, cruise liners homeport and even the Biodiversity Museum of Frank Ghery's will be located here.

You will be picked up at a prearranged meeting point at midnight.

The Partial Canal Transit from Balboa takes place every Saturday. This tour gives you the opportunity to transit one set of Locks. The early morning departure is from Pier 18 at Balboa and goes right into the Miraflores Locks, the ship is raised up to 54 feet in a two steps process. This activity is achieved by sending water from Pedro Miguel's lake by gravity to fill the chambers where the ship is locked. Once the process is finished, get into Pedro Miguel's Lake. Arriving at Gamboa you are then transferred to a bus to return to Balboa approximately at 12:30 p.m.

The other version of the partial transit, which departs later in the morning at 10:00am, is from Flamenco by bus to Gamboa, board the vessel that will transit the locks. Lowering the boat from the lake to the ocean then taking you back to the Flamenco pier. Transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in both cases.

This tour is for nature lovers, especially for those who enjoy birdwatching at its best. Pipeline road is within Soberania National Park and this lush park belongs to the Panama Canal Watershed. These protected forest shelters 385 bird species, which were counted in 24 hours, in the 1985 Christmas Bird Count organized by the Panama Audubon Society. This figure established a new Guinness record.

Actually, Pipeline Road is also subject of different scientific research from several institutions, including studies of plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and much more. The naturalist tour guide will expose to you the secrets of this tropical rainforest while you walk along Pipeline Road.

You will have a picnic lunch on the field. On the way back, stop at Miraflores Locks to watch the Panama Canal Commission Audiovisual and see how big vessels transit the locks of the Canal. This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes or boots are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended.

This tour is perfect for those who like to make new friends, enjoy music, have some drinks, visit interesting places and release stress.

The Chiva Parrandera is the party bus, and was specially designed to carry a Murga Band (typical Panamanian band), that plays Latin and Salsa music, in their rear seats. All the other seats have a unique bar system that holds glasses and bottles in order not to loose a drop whilst in motion. Rum and Seco (a Panamanian spirituous drink) is also included in the tour.

Visit the main zones of the city while you drink, dance and meet new friends. Your tour guide will be happy to suggest the hottest discos and clubs in town to continue the party after midnight when the tour is over. Comfortable casual tropical clothes are suggested.

This tour will take you to the Indian market where local artisans and Indians living around bring their handicrafts, plants and vegetable products to sell. There, you can find wonderful hand-made woodcarvings, soapstone sculptures, seashells souvenirs, leather goods and much more. This tour departs daily however, Sunday is especailly entertaining. Then, visit the Chorro del Macho, a waterfall that is within a nature-protected private area.

Later, visit the Indian petroglyphs, where ancient inhabitants left their messages, still a mystery for our modern culture. Also, admire the India Dormida Mountain. Finally, visit El Nispero, a Zoo accountable for taking care of some of the endemic species after they were found injured in the forest. This zoo also has a unique collection of orchids. Here, you will admire the golden frogs and the squared trees, both endangered species. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Return to Panama late in the afternoon.

The Metropolitan Park is the closest natural reserve to Panama City. Only 15 minutes away from the core of the commercial activity of Panama, lies 260 hectares of protected tropical rainforest, that has been subject for researches and studies for several prestigious institutions.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has assembled a crane in this park to study the biological activity that takes place in the canopy of the forest. In this way, the scientists analyze the behavior and migration activity of plants and animals at different heights of the forest. This tour is excellent for those who have limited time, as it is a very rich experience. Our naturalist tour guide will expose you to the best of the Neotropical rainforest. Watch how life systems interact with each other. The tour requires slow walking for 2 hours.

Taboga Island is locally known as the "Island of the Flowers" due to its constantly blooming vegetation. This Island belongs to the Las Perlas Archipelago (Pearl Islands) in the Pacific Ocean and is located right in front of Panama City.

This tour is designed to offer you some relaxation time, sun bathing and an optional boat ride around the Island. You will be able to interact with Panamanians and foreigners, as Taboga is a popular destination.

After a boat ride to the island, you will head to Taboga Hotel where you will have full use of the facilities including kayaks, swimming pool, dressing rooms, showers, etc. (except rooms). Lunch is included in this package at the hotel's restaurant. Return to Pier 18 late in the afternoon before transferring back to your hotel.

This alluring tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the unique cultural heritage of Panama, and one of the most important ethnic groups of the country.

This center is located on the base of Ancon Hill, and shows great vision of the traditions of Panamanian ancestors, encouraging you to participate in the dances and enjoy the product of their culinary arts. Casual and comfortable clothing are suggested.

This half-day tour is specially focused on the historic aspects of the Panama Canal. After leaving the hotel, head to Colonial zone or 'Casco Viejo', where the French settled their headquarters for the construction of the Canal. The Frenchman Plaza, herein located, there has a 180-degree view from the Bridge of the Americas (Pacific door of the Canal) to the Modern City and to the Old Panama.

Also, admire the monument in honor to those French who played an important role in their attempt. Then, walk to the New Panama Canal Interoceanic Museum. On the way, admire the National Theater, the ancient San Francisco Church and some other historical buildings.

Once at the Museum, observe the collection of pieces and documents related to the Panama Canal construction, including the Torrijos-Carter treaty and see how they have contributed to its construction and development. Finally the tour heads to Miraflores Locks to see the operation of the Panama Canal itself and making this experience even richer.

In the early 60's the Peacock Bass was seeded into the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. Today, its population is abundant, and so this will guarantee great fishing. Besides the Sargento, it's local name, other fresh water fish like snook or carps may also be found today.

Leaving Panama early you will drive you to the town of Gamboa to board your boat. For better fishing chances, your captain will take you to the lakes coves where you will admire the rainforest and wildlife from your boat. Upon your return you will get help to clean your catch if you desire. Then take the land transportation back to your hotel in Panama City.

You will be picked up at your Panama City hotel and drive to Gamboa where you will join our naturalist guide for a lake adventure of sight and sound. First, you will travel in a high speed boat northbound (Atlantic) on the canal for 25 minutes where you might come close to some of the big ships that transit the canal daily.

Slowly, you cruise along the forested banks of Gatun Lake, a protected area, and you will be able to see wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3 toed sloths, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life.

Then you will dock along an old rehabilitated pier that served a top-secret US Naval radio communications center until the end of World War II. Here you can explore the ruins of this hidden military installation. You will then return to the hotel.

Today you will dive near Portobelo Bay, and the resting place of Sir Francis Drake.

Portobelo Bay is the famous city were all the treasures from South America where transferred to Spanish Galleons and left for the Old World. This activity became very attractive to Pirates and Buccaneers, who would attack the boats to steal the treasures.

Sir Francis Drake epitomizes the self-made Elizabethan privateer, rapacious in the hunt for treasure (especially Spanish treasure) but daring and visionary in exploration.

Your Divemaster, will help you get the most out of your dive experience in these historic waters.

The tour starts in the traditional and commercial areas, banking area, and the modern Panama City where your hotel is located. Then, proceed to the Colonial area or "Casco Viejo" through the stretched streets, plazas and public parks. You'll see France Plaza, Las Bovedas and San Jose Church with its wonderful altar (all made of gold), the Flat Arc Cathedral Church and more.

Also, you will appreciate the biggest engineering structure, considered the '8th Marvel of the World'. Learn about its function and history. We will try to accommodate the schedule to see the vessels as they transit through the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Includes visit to the new Visitors Center.

For those wanting a full day experience, lunch is included in your tour. You will enjoy a delicious Panamanian lunch at a prestigious typical restaurant, followed by a visit to the ruins of Old Panama City, which were destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Please Note: The order of the tour may be altered in order to see the vessels go through the Canal.

Gamboa is a 45 minute drive from Panama City. The aerial tram ride traverses a mile long tract of Humid Forest that lies within the Gamboa resort boundaries. You will observe the forest canopy in some areas and are likely to encounter birds and hear Howler monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet or over half a mile and ends atop a hill. From here you walk two minutes to the observation tower (which is optional) and for those with stamina can climb a 100 feet inclined ramp which is also wheelchair accessible.

Then you will proceed to the exhibits area. The snake exhibit gives the opportunity to see live snakes up close but from behind the safety of the terrariums. The butterfly exhibit is also a nursery where an expert in butterflies explains the complete life cycle from egg, caterpillar to the final stage, the butterfly. In the aquarium there are fresh water fish from the tropical areas of America, Africa and Asia. This colorful exhibit also host reptiles such as crocodiles, caimans and turtles. Finally you visit the model Indian village is a sample of Ember? houses including with an Ember? guide who explains some aspects of there culture including rituals, traditional medicine, utensils of everyday use and some of their cultivated foods. Binoculars are highly recommended.

Only 15 minutes from Panama City (by plane) lies one of the most important islands in Archipelago Las Perlas (Pearl Islands). It is a sanctuary for marine birds such as the pelican, and there are also beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. The island group was named after an ancient tale that tells of pearls that were found along its coasts.

You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, unlimited national drinks, beautiful beaches of white sand, hotel facilities (pools, sport activities, non-motorized activities), air transfers or boat transfer (subject to availability).

Among the Panama Canal, there is one of the most remarkable natural reserves: Soberania National Park. This protected area is part of the basin of Gatun Lake. Although the protection of this forests started originally due to the maintenance of the Canal function, it has brought protection to one of the richest ecosystems of the world.

Soberania National Park offers you the Canopy Tower. On the top of Semaforo Hill, the tower allows you to watch the wildlife from a different view, closer and over the canopy of forest, exposing the fauna that is often difficult to see from the bottom. Also you can see Gillard Cut, the longest part of the Panama Canal, that actually is being widened.

Enjoy an American breakfast while looking at the magnificence of nature. Explore the natural trails around the area, and watch the exhibitions. The specialized nature guide will share information with visitors.

You will be picked up from your hotel to visit the commercial center of your choice. Los Pueblos, one of the biggest open malls of Central America, located near the International Airport. Or to the Albrook Mall the biggest closed air-conditioned mall in Panama, located near the Local Airport.

At either one, you can enjoy an entire day for shopping with a large number of shops and stores and a great variety of merchandise at excellent prices. Also, there are many different restaurants, from fast food, to local and international flavours. A pre-determined meeting point at the end of the day will be arranged for your transfer back to your hotel.

On both land sites of the Panama Canal there are two sections of important rainforest that supplies all the water to the Inter-oceanic way. Among them, is located the Soberania National Park, where they have remarkable trails and interesting areas for scientific research.

Firstly, you will be at the canopy tower to observe the different birds and mammals species that inhabit the canopy. Earlier in the morning, the wildlife activity is at it's highest. Then, you can observe, while hiking through El Charco trail or part of the Pipeline Road, a great variety of plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Afterwards, you will return to the city for a delicious lunch. As this is an outdoor activity, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen, and very comfortable shoes or boots to walk are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended.

When the Spanish colonies were at its prime and the conquest of the Inca Empire was accomplished, the Spaniards set their eyes on strategic sites of Panama to transfer their cargos from coast to coast. Portobelo was the end of the Royal Road (Camino Real), path between the oceans that started in the Old Panama City. There, the Old Spanish galleons unloaded their treasures to be transferred across the Isthmus, to be finally loaded to the vessels waiting in Portobelo to be transferred to the Old World.

This activity became very attractive to Pirates and Buccaneers, forcing the Spanish conquerors to build forts for protection and customs. Nevertheless, all this was strategically planned, Sir Francis Drake, a British Buccaneer, who destroyed Portobelo, was later killed in a battle. Still today his body remains in a lead coffin at the bottom of the ocean in Portobelo Bay. In the 20th Century, Portobelo has been known as the site of the procession of the Black Christ, held every October. This activity attracts thousands of pilgrims from Panama and other countries. This day you will have an appointment with History.

Leaving from Panama early in the morning, head to the Atlantic coast following a portion of the old (Camino Real). Once in Portobelo, your tour guide will take you to the Black Christ Church, the historic Customs House, and the forts of the area. He will provide, as well, plenty of historical information. Enjoy a Caribbean style seafood lunch in a restaurant, overlooking the Bay of Portobelo. Return to Panama City in the afternoon.

You will start the tour at Miraflores Locks to watch the Panama Canal Commission Audiovisual and see how big vessels transit the locks of the Canal. Then you will move on to the Gatun Lake where you will board a small vessel to sail alongside the big ships transiting the Canal.

Later you will stop at Monkey Island to explore the Topical rain forest that supports the functioning of the Panama Canal. You will then return to the hotel.

Depart Panama City traveling eastward to the bridge over Lake Bayano, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Stop at the bridge (near the Kuna community of Madugandi) and take a kayak to cross the lake. It takes about an hour to arrive at the entrance of the Caves of Rio Tigre. Exploring the caves takes about three hours, including the return trip.

After lunch you will cross the river from where you can see the Embera villages on the riverbank, and then return to the bridge. The lake is very still and there is plenty of opportunity to watch the birds and animals and to enjoy the natural beauty of these surroundings. You arrive back in Panama City at 6 p.m. This is an outdoor activity in the tropics; light clothes, swimming suit, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes are suggested. Camera in a plastic bag (to protect it from the water) Zip lock bags recommended.

Transportation will pick up at your hotel then be transferred to the Balboa Port to embark the vessel and start this famous journey. Upon departure, get in to the Panama Canal in MiraFlores Locks, experience how your ship is raised up to 54 feet in a two step process. This activity is achieved by sending water from Pedro Miguel's lake by gravity to fill the chambers where the ship is locked. Once the first set of locks is transited, the vessel gets in to Pedro Miguel's locks to be raised up to 85 feet. Again no water pumps are used, they take advantage on gravity to transfer water from Gatun Lake, which is higher, to fill the last Chamber of the Pacific site.

Then, the ship transits the Gatun Lake, once, the biggest man-made lake in the world until reaching Gatun Locks in the Atlantic side. Here, the ship will be lowered to sea level using the same system, however, instead of filling the chambers they will be emptied in a three step process. It is worth to know that fifty million gallons of fresh water are thrown to the ocean per full transit. This experience ends in Cristobal where transportation will be waiting for the transfer back to Panama City.

The Chocoe Indigenous group is divided in two smaller groups: Chocoe-Wounaan and Chocoe-Embera. These two groups have exactly the same roots. They originally came from the ancient Great Colombia over 300 years ago, and settled down mainly in the Darien Jungle. They decorate their bodies using a mixture of ashes and plant pigments and they both are master wood carvers and basket weavers. The only difference between these groups is their language. Although, their communication system is very similar, they do not understand each other.

Today you will leave the hotel early in the morning on a minibus with a naturalist tour guide to the community of Nuevo Vigia to board a dug-out canoe. Continue in the Alajuela Lake, which is the second largest man-made lake in Panama. Upon arrival, explore the community while the tour guide provides information on this ethnic group.

Admire the famous Taguas, which are small sculptures made from a seed that due to its solid texture has been given the name of vegetal ivory. The Embera are also unique wood carvers and they specialise in carving the precious Cocobolo tree wood. They are also fantastic basket weavers, sometimes, they spend several days on just one piece. During our visit, the Embera will perform a welcome flute dance. After lunch, return to the river for a swim in the cool waters. Arrive back around 4:00pm.

Panama has long been a melting pot of several cultures. Originally, the native Indian groups created acoustic instruments using parts of plants and shells of different animals before then the Spanish conquerors brought their influence from the Old World. The Afro-Caribbeans also contributed when they came for the Canal construction, and some other small groups gave birth to what is today, one the most attractive and folkloric heritages of Latin America.

The show is fully allegoric with typical acoustic music and musicians. Women wear the unique 'Pollera', a hand made cotton dress complimented with precious body and head jewelry which is exhibited while they dance. Mens typical attire is relatively simple, however their hats are finely hand-made by artisans. Their cotton shirts boast golden or pearl bottoms.

Feast on excellent Panamanian cuisine as the show is performed for your enjoyment.

Upon arriving to the edge of the Chagres river you will embark on a river boat cruise!

Explore the banks of the Chagres river and search for wildlife. Your guide will also point out the now overgrown site of Venta de Cruces and which the Spaniards established in the 1530's as a control point along their gold and silver trail known as Camino de Cruces.

The forested banks of the river are part of Soberania National Park a principal watershed area of the Panama canal.