Windstar Cruises : 8 nights from Balboa with Star Pride
Jan 25, 2026

Balboa

Balboa, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, is reknown worldwide for being the port of Panama City. Geographically, it is located between the canal's docks and the Ancón Hill, which separates it from Panama City. Balboa is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa who reached this land in 1914.

Before being annexed to Panama City as a district, Balboa was long controlled by the Americans who were responsible for the construction of many of the buildings and structures still in the city today. The canal on one side and the hills on the other create an enchanting landscape in which the blue of the sea and the green of the hills are perfectly mixed together, creating a unique combination.

Among the activities that can be enjoyed in Balboa, hiking is definitely one of the main ones. The trails surrounded by wild nature will allow you to fully experience the beauty of nature and enjoy the picturesque view of Balboa. The best way to reach the city is aboard a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that departs from Balboa or that has the city as a stop to have the opportunity to admire the unique beauty of this area and discover Central America, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.