Plan a CruiseColon Cruise Port Guide
Colon, Panama, serves as a gateway to the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal. Most cruise ships dock at the Colon 2000 Cruise Terminal, while the Cristobal Pier is now seldom used. The Colon 2000 terminal is situated within the world's largest free zone, offering amenities like lounge areas, an internet café, restaurants, and native craft boutiques, though its duty-free mall is described as somewhat deserted. While the terminal area provides facilities, Colon itself is primarily an industrial city with limited tourist attractions. It is important to note that walking in the city of Colon is generally not recommended due to safety concerns.
Getting Around from the Port
The Colon 2000 cruise terminal is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Colon. While a short walk is possible, a taxi is highly recommended due to safety concerns in the city. A taxi ride to anywhere within Colon city costs around $3. For added security, you can book taxis through the central desk at the Colon 2000 center, where your details are recorded. Alternatively, you can negotiate lower prices directly with drivers, but this means forfeiting the safety net provided by the central desk. Tourism taxis are permitted into the port area once cruise line tours have departed.
For trips outside Colon, the Albrook bus terminal on Avenida Bolivar offers frequent bus service. A one-hour trip to Panama City costs $2 one-way, and a one-hour trip to Portobelo costs $3 one-way. To take the Panama Railway, you'll need to use a shuttle van or taxi to reach the Colon railway station.
Attractions and Activities
Given Colon's industrial nature and safety warnings, most independent exploration focuses on destinations outside the immediate city:
- Panama Canal Railway: This historic railway, remodeled for passengers in 2001, runs from Colon to the Comzal station near the Miraflores Locks. You can arrange independent travel by taking a shuttle van or taxi to the Colon railway station. This offers a unique perspective on the canal region.
- Panama Canal Ferry Tour: A highly popular option, these tours offer a direct experience of transiting the canal. However, they are known to sell out quickly, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port, so booking in advance is advisable.
- Portobelo: Located about an hour away by bus ($3 one-way from Colon's Albrook terminal), Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Spanish colonial fortifications and rich history.
- Panama City: The vibrant capital is about an hour away by bus ($2 one-way from Colon's Albrook terminal). It offers a stark contrast to Colon with its modern skyline, historic Casco Viejo, and museums.
- Exploring Colon (with caution): If you choose to explore Colon city, it is strongly advised to use taxis and avoid walking. Points of interest include the Cathedral on Calle/Street 5 (open 2 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.) and the restored Washington Hotel. The Washington Hotel features a terrace where you can enjoy a drink or lunch while watching ships awaiting transit through the Panama Canal.
Dining & Shopping
At the Colon 2000 cruise terminal, you'll find restaurants and native craft boutiques. There's also a duty-free shop conveniently located right as you disembark. Across from the ship, there's a strip shopping center that includes a large grocery store, a Subway sandwich shop, souvenir shops, and other retail options, with additional shops on its backside. For a meal with a view, the Washington Hotel's terrace offers drinks and lunch while observing ships at the canal entrance.
Safety
It is crucial for visitors to understand that Colon is not considered a safe town, and walking around the city is strongly not recommended. The city is primarily an industrial area with very few tourist attractions. When traveling within Colon, it is advisable to use taxis, especially those booked through the central desk at the Colon 2000 center, which provides a level of accountability.
Currency and Language
Panama uses both the US Dollar and the Panamanian Balboa as its currencies. The Balboa is equivalent in value to the US dollar, but exists primarily as coins that match the denominations of US coins. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.