Panama Canal cruise beach possibilities

[georgeschris]

Hi

We have a deposit on the Caribbean princess Panama Canal cruise in Feb. 2023. I am a little apprehensive about availability of beaches on this cruise itinerary. Cartagena/Limon etc. we enjoy going to a beach and not city tours/rainforests.  We did want to see the Canal though. Anyone have any input?  It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. George and Christine

[skynight]

Both Falmouth, Jamaica and Grand Cayman will have beach possibilities. Cristobol is just a pier stop to take on passengers that took Princess excursions from Gatun Lake. There should be some vendors on the pier where you can get off and walk around a little. Once the ship clears the locks it anchors in Gatun Lake. Only passengers on Princess tours may disembark the ship in Gatun Lake. No private tours or going around on your own. Cartagena is a tour city, mostly the old town which is a short ride from the pier. Princess does offer some beach tours. It's a nice walk to the terminal area where there are items for sale. There is also a parrot zoo there. Limon does not have a usable beach. What once was a local beach is all in rubble and ruins. Limon is an old town with stores that service the local population. Not a real tourist spot. Activities in Limon are basically the nature tours. Costa Rica's beaches are on the Pacific side. 

Edited October 19, 2022 by skynight

[Mud_Shark]

In Cartagena, the ship offers an excursion to the Rosario islands.  It is a bit pricey, but because of a usual early departure from Cartagena, there just isn't sufficient time to go with the regular tour vendors and get back in time.  This is a beach excursion, with paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear included.  

 

In Limon we went on another ship excursion to the beach, but it was nothing special.  Drive was over an hour to get there, and most Caribbean Islands have better beaches.  Wasn't terrible, just not a highlight of the trip.

If you havent done it yet, consider Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica.  It is a blast (maybe depends on your age and agility/balance level.  We did it at 60.).

 

Don