Getting to a beach from Colon Panama

[JessH]

For some reason I can not find a lot of information on this.

 

I want to know where is the closest beach to Colon, Panama.

Is it practical to hire a taxi to take us there? and to see the canal?

Would the taxi wait while were at the beach?

 

ANything would be helpful!!:)

[bills blasters]

I am sure there are some nice beaches around there, but we didn't see any when we went there a year and a half ago. We checked on a lot of excursions other than carnivals, and none of them had any beach breaks.

We did take an excursion to the canal. It was great.

You could check with mario@myfriendmario . They will do different excursions if you are not interested in any of the ones they have listed.

Panama was a little scarey when we got out of the port area. I don't know if I would want to just go out alone without some type of guide.

Mario would also know about the beaches.

[ann2]

I actually was born and raised in Panama, near Colon. Growing up, there were only two beaches we went to. I would not recommend either of them to a cruise ship passenger only there for one day. They are both gotten to by long drives on gravel roads through miles of jungle. I think your best bet in Panama is to stick an excursion; don't venture out on your own.

[billsrobb]

I will be in Panama in November. What kind of excursion would you recommend. I have read bad things about Mario on these boards. would you recommend any other company for excursions.

Robb

[bills blasters]

We had a great excursion with Mario, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with him again. I don't know of any other tour guides down there.

[billsrobb]

Billsblasters Thanks.

Are you a Buffalo Bills blaster??

Robb

[cruisetmc]

We took the train to the canal. This was a great trip.

[Wennfred]

For some reason I can not find a lot of information on this.

 

I want to know where is the closest beach to Colon, Panama.

Is it practical to hire a taxi to take us there?

 

On our only Colon Panama trip onboard the Carnival Spirit, we were given a flyer or notice that stated not to stray to far from the cruise terminal as Colon is a pretty dangerous place.

 

 

Fred

[Jetfuelrm]

On our only Colon Panama trip onboard the Carnival Spirit, we were given a flyer or notice that stated not to stray to far from the cruise terminal as Colon is a pretty dangerous place.

 

 

Fred

 

I personally would not worry about it because any major US city has crime rate as well. I am going to Panama and am going to venture out.

[nybumpkin]

We did Mario's beach/locks tour on Liberty in February. My Panama photos are in our Liberty album at http://travel.webshots.com/album/558933896aVbpxD (Panama is at pages 6-7). We had a great time. We felt perfectly safe with our tour guide, but I wouldn't venture outside the port area by myself.

[TCF]

On our cruise to Panama last May we were told outright not to leave the pier area in Colon unless it was an excursion to the Canal. In most cases....because we went through the first set of locks and anchored in the lake... most people tendered to the shore and took various excursions from there. Then the ship went back through the Canal to Colon where we waited for the excursions to return. (This was on Princess Coral...I don't think Carnival has a ship that does this.)

There is a wonderful market on the pier in what was original a freight shed. It is divided in two parts...one the air conditioned International Diamonds, etc type stores...and the back part...not air conditioned but filled with local craftspeople and artisans. This place is not to be missed! Be warned...the Embera Indians do not wear much in the way of clothing...women do not cover their breasts...and when you experience the heat and humidity of Panama you'll understand the common sense of that...but some people may be offended...so be warned. (The interesting thing is they decorate their bodies...top to bottom...with intricate tatoos so you find yourself staring at them to see the tattoos!!!!)

Panama is the best cruise destination we have been to. It is an marvelous experience. A tip: read up about the building of the Canal...or watch one of the documentaries that have been produced about it...we saw one from National Geographic and one from PBS Nova. It really helps give you a perspective on what these people went through to build the Canal.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Cactuscruise]

Two years ago we hired a van at the dock with a driver and a very knowledgable guide who dorve us to various sights, including the canal, and pointed out the flora and fauna. We went to a beach, sorry I don't remember the name but it was down a hill from a hotel which overlooked the water. The hotel was distinctive because of it's round cabanas. I do remember there were several houses along the shoreline on one side of the beach. It was lovely.

[Wennfred]

I personally would not worry about it because any major US city has crime rate as well. I am going to Panama and am going to venture out.

 

Go ahead but Carnival did not give me any Notice about Miami or San Diego about venturing out :D They did about Colon thou. :confused:

 

 

 

Fred

[Tamara]

I agree with those who suggest you stick with a ship tour. A young couple from our cruise was determined to wander off on their own, we watched as they returned to the pier area, clearly shaken, with a military/police armed with automatic weapons, escort. It is a beautiful country with warm, friendly people. The history and the canal itself is amazing. But there is a reason they issue such strong warnings.

Have a great cruise you will love the canal. -Tamara

[tahitidreamz]

I just wanted to stop by and say:

 

HEY!!!!!!

 

 

*smiles

 

glad to see you still cruising. Are you hooked??? :p

 

tahiti

[surfklutz]

I personally would not worry about it because any major US city has crime rate as well. I am going to Panama and am going to venture out.

 

Trust me - it is a lot more dangerous in Panama than most major US cities.