Summary
- Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort Tour
- Monkey Island and the Indian Village Tour
- Private Miraflores Visitor Center Panama Canal Tour
- 6-Hour Panama Canal Cruising Tour
- Jungle and Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal Tour
- Panama Canal Tour including a variety of sites
- 5-hour Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
- Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour
- Panama Canal and City Day Tour
- Panama Canal Tour from the Airport
- Panama Canal and the Jungle Experience Tour
- Panama Canal and the City Walking Tour With Your Local Guide
- Panama City and Panama Canal Half-day tour
- 5-hour Eco-Cruise in the Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal
- Panama City and Panama Canal Railway Half-day Tour
The Panama Canal stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, serving as a vital link between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Completed over an extensive period of 33 years, it is considered one of the largest engineering endeavors globally. The Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks elevate ships an impressive 26 meters above sea level before they descend on the opposite side.
With its intriguing locks, the artificial Gatun Lake, Gamboa rainforest, and Monkey Island, the Panama Canal and its surrounding landscapes merit a visit at least once in a lifetime.
Presented below are 15 top Panama Canal tours designed to enhance your experience during your visit.
1. Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort Tour
This 7-hour guided journey allows you to explore various attractions in addition to the Panama Canal. You will be transported from your accommodation in Panama City to the Colón Rainforest in an air-conditioned vehicle. Here, visitors can board a ferry to appreciate the natural surroundings. This location is particularly favored for wildlife photography.
Following the visit to Colón, you will have the opportunity to tour the historic San Lorenzo Fort and gain insights into its historical significance. The guided tour concludes at the expansion site of the Panama Canal at Agua Clara.
The excursion includes pick-up and drop-off service, transportation to various sites, fresh local fruit, and a selection of beverages. This is an excellent option for nature enthusiasts and those interested in significant historical landmarks.
2. Monkey Island and the Indian Village Tour
Embark on a captivating eco-tour to explore Monkey Island and a genuine Indian village while navigating the waters of Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.
This experience begins with transportation from your hotel to the River Chagres for a 2-hour cruise across the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Participants have the chance to observe wildlife and capture stunning photographs amidst the natural beauty of the nearby bays. Additionally, you will visit the well-known Monkey Island, home to white-faced monkeys, along with potential encounters with other animal species.
Furthermore, you will visit an authentic Indian village, providing an opportunity to learn about the local culture, traditions, and history of its inhabitants.
This guided tour spans 7 hours, with pricing inclusive of taxes and the boat tour, along with a convenient pickup service.
3. Private Miraflores Visitor Center Panama Canal Tour
This exclusive guided tour provides a unique opportunity to observe the Panama Canal in action from the Miraflores Locks at the Miraflores Visitor Center.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the canal while witnessing ships transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Spanning 3 hours, this excursion includes pick-up and drop-off services, as well as water and transportation.
4. 6-Hour Panama Canal Cruising Tour
Maximize your experience of the Panama Canal by participating in a 6-hour cruise through its waters. This guided voyage provides an immersive experience of this engineering marvel.
The itinerary includes transit through a segment of the canal to the renowned Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, allowing you to observe this engineering feat up close, along with magnificent vessels.
The tour also leads to the Pacific Ocean marina at Flamenco and offers a view of the Centennial Bridge.
Participants will also enjoy included beverages and lunch during this experience.
5. Jungle and Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal Tour
Experience the Panama Canal from a distinct perspective while cruising aboard a large ocean vessel.
Setting sail from Lake Gatun, you will travel in a motorboat to explore various locations. Participants will encounter diverse flora and fauna, learn about the canal’s expansion, and gain historical insights.
The journey will guide you through the jungle to Monkey Island, concluding with a visit to a floating house on the lake where traditional cuisine is served, allowing you to relish the wonders of this unique environment leisurely.
This exhilarating guided adventure spans one day.
6. Panama Canal Tour including a variety of sites
Explore the lush rainforest aboard a historic train and view the San Lorenzo Fort and highlights of the national park.
Participants can also partake in sightseeing and gain insights into the local wildlife. This is a favored location for capturing photographs and seeking out various species.
This guided tour lasts for 7 hours and includes transportation service, along with pick-up and drop-off options.
7. 5-hour Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
Prepare for an exhilarating full-day experience at the Panama Canal. Utilize the pickup service and commence your visit from your hotel to the Panama Canal Visitors Center, where you can deepen your understanding of the Canal and its operational mechanisms. Additionally, a museum visit is included.
The tour proceeds through the Miraflores and Pedro Locks leading to Lake Gatun. After some exploration, you will be transported to Monkey Island before being returned to your respective hotels.
This comprehensive guided tour lasts 5 hours.
8. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour
This tour takes participants on a vessel through the Panama Canal’s waters to the Pacific entrance, where you will transition to leisure boats. From this point, the boats will navigate to the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Additionally, you will discover the Gaillard Cut, known as the narrowest section of the canal, with a disembarkation at Gamboa.
Throughout the journey, a commentator will provide detailed information about the attractions you encounter.
This guided experience lasts approximately 5 hours.
9. Panama Canal and City Day tour
Experience not only the Panama Canal but also the charm of Panama City. This tour allows you to visit the Panama Canal while observing the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
The itinerary further includes a trip to the summit of Ancon Hill for panoramic views. Participants will also visit the Punta Culebra Museum and the historic Casco Viejo district.
This comprehensive guided excursion lasts approximately 8 hours.
10. Panama Canal Tour from the Airport
Maximize your layover by visiting the Panama Canal directly from Tocumen International Airport.
This private guided excursion lasts approximately 3 hours, providing an opportunity to appreciate this engineering masterpiece while exploring the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
On your return journey to the airport, you can enjoy scenic views of Panama City from the comfort of a private vehicle.
11. Panama Canal and the Jungle Experience Tour
Seize the chance to escape Panama City and uncover the stunning sights of the surrounding areas. Visit the famous Panama Canal along with the National Park and Monkey Island.
This tour caters to individuals eager to explore the Panama Canal, Gamboa Rainforest, Lake Gatun, and Monkey Island all in one comprehensive package. The itinerary also encompasses a visit to an Indian village, providing insights into the customs and culture of the local people.
This extensive guided experience spans approximately 7.5 hours.
12. Panama Canal and the City Walking Tour With Your Local Guide
Visit the Panama Visitors Center located at the Miraflores Lock and delve into the mysteries surrounding this extraordinary engineering development. Your expert local guide will provide comprehensive insights into its historical significance and modern-day functions, helping you envision the future of the Panama Canal.
Subsequently, your guide will lead you to noteworthy sites across the city. Visitors will enjoy exploring sites such as Ancon Hill, Casco Viejo, and Punta Culebra as well as the Bridge of Americas, all at a pace that suits them.
This guided experience typically lasts around 7 hours.
13. Panama City and Panama Canal Half-day tour
Immerse yourself in a visit to the world-renowned Panama Canal and Panama City, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This tour proceeds towards the Panama Canal before transitioning to the historic area known as Casco Antiguo. Throughout the journey, tourists will have the remarkable opportunity to view both the canal and the city from the scenic Amador Causeway.
This guided excursion spans approximately 4 hours.
14. 5-hour Eco-Cruise in the Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal
This premium tour provides an opportunity to explore the renowned Panama Canal while embarking on a boat adventure that highlights the picturesque scenery and wildlife of the rainforest, as well as delving into the historical and contemporary aspects of the canal at Miraflores Locks.
The journey progresses towards the manmade Gatun Lake, during which participants will gain insights into its ecological and scenic significance, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
This guided journey typically lasts around 5 hours.
15. Panama City and Panama Canal Railway Half-day Tour
Travel from Panama City to the iconic Panama Canal aboard a vintage train that journeys from Panama City to Colón along the canal’s path. During this half-day tour, you can savor the enchanting views of the canal while capturing photographs as keepsakes.
This tour crosses the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific to the Atlantic, providing a backdrop of lush greenery. Participants will have the chance to uncover the secrets of the Gatun Locks and learn about the region’s rich history.
This guided experience lasts approximately 5 hours.
