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

Balboa

Balboa, located at the end of the Panama Canal, is known for being the port of Panama City. Geographically it is close to the canal docks and the Ancón hill behind it which separates it from Panama City.

Balboa owes its name to the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa who reached this land in 1914. Before being annexed to Panama City as a district, Balboa was for a long time controlled by the Americans who took care of the construction of many of the buildings and structures still present today within the city.

The canal on one side and the hills on the other create an enchanting landscape where the blue of the sea and the green of the hills merge in a unique way creating a perfect combination. Among the various activities that can be carried out in Balboa, hiking is certainly one of the main ones. The paths immersed in the green will allow you to fully experience the beauty of the nature of this place and to enjoy the suggestive view of all its beauties and uniqueness from above.

The best way to reach the city is on board a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that departs from Balboa or has the city as a stop to admire up close the unique beauty of this territory and to set off to discover Central America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.