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12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife spotting. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego, visits ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island-hopping in the Caribbean.

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The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 16-day Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Who should go: Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,106 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the BBC Earth in Concert multimedia performance. The larger Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles to Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuts in November 2023 and its first two Panama Canal itineraries in early 2024 are already waitlisted. For those planning ahead, the 16-night Miami to Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles to Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Who should go: This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,399 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025. All sailings are aboard the new 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go: Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart Boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht, check out Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary aboard the 148-guest Wind Star. Bookable on more than two dozen dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the itinerary takes guests from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa). The ship will transit the canal and visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go: Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambiance, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows, but no balconies. Wind Star is a cozy and social four-deck ship featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 31-day New York to Lima cruise

Silversea Cruises ' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip. The one-way itinerary departs New York City in November and visits Bermuda and multiple sunny Caribbean islands — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth's, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bequia, Grenada, Curacao and Aruba — and Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the canal to call on ports in Ecuador (Manta) and Peru (Salaverry and Lima).

Who should go: Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. A month-long itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's 8-day Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride with port calls in Limon, Costa Rica and George Town, Grand Cayman—beginning at under $900 per person.

With four pools (including an adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, Camp Ocean kids club and seven restaurants, the ship offers enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go: Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambiance and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage . The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December.

Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale-watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go: Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this three-week Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries — including two in 2023 that transit via the historic locks — its popular 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on more than a dozen dates in 2023 and 2024.

What's more, you can choose from among three ships: 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or 3,080-guest Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go: Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (vs waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise in January 2024 does a full canal transit (and spends a day in Panama City) as it sails from Miami to Santiago, Chile. The 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun sails to historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Trujillo, Lima and Pisco in Peru; and Arica and Coquimbo in Chile, before disembarkation in Santiago.

Who should go: Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific Coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Sun is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2018 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a sports bar and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus eight specialty dining venues (including Mexican, Italian, French, Japanese and a steakhouse) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-day Miami to Los Angeles cruise

Following its May debut, Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-guest Vista — the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back 16-day Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami itineraries in October and November. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go: Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant stateroom decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options (including two new venues, Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner). A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal cruise

Talk about packing for all kinds of weather! Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal sailing aboard 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth begins in Vancouver on Aug. 7 and explores Alaska for more than a week (visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka). Then the ship heads back south along the U.S. Pacific Coast (stopping in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles) before heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only then will it transit the Panama Canal. The ship makes one Atlantic stop in Aruba before passengers disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

Who should go: British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. The particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit a variety of cruise regions in one singular itinerary.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024–June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

Who should go: With cruise fares that start at $79,995 per person, this six-month adventure at sea requires a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambiance (there's no casino and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Home » Travel Guides » Panama » 15 Best Panama Canal Tours

15 Best Panama Canal Tours

The Panama Canal is a wonder of the engineering world and is a conduit between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest engineering projects on earth, and took 33 years to complete. The Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, located at either end of the canal, lift ships a staggering 26 metres above sea level before lowering them again on the other side.

With the fascinating locks, the man-made Gatun Lake, Gamboa rainforest, and Monkey Island, this canal and the surrounding areas are indeed worth a visit at least once in your life.

Below are the 15 best Panama Canal tours to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort Tour

On this 7-hour guided tour, you can discover a plethora of sites in addition to the Panama Canal. You will be picked up from your hotel in Panama City and taken to the Colon Rainforest in an air-conditioned vehicle. Here, tourists get on board a ferry and enjoy the nature from a minibus. Tourists love to take pictures here, and this place is an amazing spot to discover wildlife.

After exploring Colon, tourists get to visit the historical San Lorenzo Fort and learn about its history. This guided tour then takes you to the last destination, the Panama Canal’s expansion at Agua Clara.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service, transportation to the sites, fresh local fruit, and a selection of drinks. It is a really good option if you enjoy the mystic scenery of nature and wildlife, and also love to visit or learn about significant historical sites.

2. Monkey Island and the Indian Village Tour

Discover Monkey Island and a real Indian village on this fascinating eco tour, whilst traveling through the waters of the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the River Chagres for a 2-hour cruise in the Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Here, tourists love to look out for wildlife and capture pictures of themselves amongst the natural beauty and the nearby bays. Next, get an opportunity to visit the famous Monkey Island, which is home to white-faced monkeys. Here, you may encounter other species of animals as well.

You will also visit a real Indian village where you can learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the inhabitants there.

This tour is a great option for you if you wish to interact and learn about new cultures while getting to experience unique things on the way.

This tour is a 7-hour guided tour. The price includes taxes and the boat tour price and offers a pickup service as well.

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3. Private Miraflores Visitor Center Panama Canal Tour

Get to see the Panama Canal busy at work, from the Miraflores Locks at the Miraflores Visitor Center on this private guided tour.

Enjoy the view of the Panama Canal and watch the ships traveling to and fro between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean.

This tour is a 3-hour guided tour and includes a pick-up and drop-off service, along with other transportation and water.

4. 6-Hour Panama Canal Cruising Tour

Get the most of the Panama Canal by cruising on a ship through the waters for 6 hours. This tour is guided and will let you experience the Panama Canal in a very realistic way.

This tour will take you through a section of the Panama Canal, to the world-famous Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Here, you get to see the engineering wonder close up, and marvel at the sight of the huge ships.

The tour further takes you to the Pacific Ocean marina at Flamenco and also lets you see the Centennial Bridge.

This tour includes drinks and lunch as well.

5. Jungle and Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal Tour

Discover the Panama Canal from a very different aspect and take a look at a plethora of sites whilst cruising in a huge ocean vessel.

Depart from Lake Gatun and get a motorboat for traveling around. Tourists here get to see fauna and flora, the expansion of the canal, and will even learn about the history of this place.

This tour then leads you past the jungle to the Monkey Island. Lastly, there is a floating house on the lake where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and then sit back to unravel the marvels of this place at your own pace.

This is a one-day guided tour.

6. Panama Canal Tour including a variety of sites

Discover the beauty of the rainforest on an old-fashioned train and see the San Lorenzo Fort and the National Park’s focal points.

Here, you can also sightsee and learn about the wildlife in the area. Tourists love to capture pictures here and look out for different kinds of animals.

This is a 7-hour guided tour and includes transportation. A pick-up and drop-off service is also offered.

7. 5-hour Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

Brace yourselves to set out on an exciting full-day tour at the Panama Canal. Avail yourself of the pickup service and depart from your hotel, to the Panama Canal Visitors Center. Here, tourists can learn about the Canal and how it works. You can also visit the museum here.

The tour then leads you through the Miraflores and Pedro Locks to Lake Gatun. After spending some time there, tourists are taken to Monkey Island and then back to their respective hotels.

This is a 5-hour fully guided tour.

8. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

This tour takes tourists on a boat through the waters along the Panama Canal to the Pacific entrance, where you are then moved to pleasure boats. From there, the boats take you to the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. You also get a chance to discover the Gaillard Cut, which is the narrowest section of the canal. Tourists are disembarked at Gamboa.

Amidst of all this, a commentator is available that tells you every detail about the places you visit.

The tour lasts for about 5 hours and is guided.

9. Panama Canal and City Day tour

Discover not only the Panama Canal but Panama City as well. This tour enables you to visit the Panama Canal and see the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.

It then leads you to the top of Ancon Hill to admire the scenery. Furthermore, tourists also get to see the Punta Culebra museum and the Casco Viejo site.

This tour lasts about for 8 hours and is guided.

10. Panama Canal Tour from the Airport

Make the best of your layover by heading to the Panama Canal right from Tocumen International Airport.

This is a private guided tour lasting for about 3 hours. You will get a chance to marvel at the wonder of engineering and explore the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.

On your way back to the airport, you can enjoy the sights of Panama City from the comfort of a private car.

11. Panama Canal and the Jungle Experience Tour

Take the opportunity to escape Panama City and discover the amazing sights beyond. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, and also see the National Park along with Monkey Island.

This tour is perfect for people who wish to visit the Panama Canal, the National Park, Gamboa Rainforest, Lake Gatun, and Monkey Island, all in one go. The tour also takes you to an Indian village where you can learn about the customs and culture of the people there.

This guided tour lasts for about 7.5 hours.

12. Panama Canal and the City Walking Tour With Your Local Guide

Visit the Panama Visitors Center at the Miraflores Lock and unravel some of the mystery of this engineering wonder. Your local guide can teach you a lot about the history and the modern day, and even help you envision the future of the Panama Canal.

After this, your local guide will take you to sites awaiting your presence in the city. From the Ancon Hill, Casca Viejo, and Punta Culebra to the Bridge of Americas, tourists will be able to enjoy everything like locals and at their own pace.

This guided tour takes about 7 hours to complete.

13. Panama City and Panama Canal Half-day tour

Experience a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal, and Panama City for a lifelong memory.

This tour first takes you towards the Panama Canal, and then to the area called Casco Antiguo. It then gives the tourists the amazing opportunity to view the canal and the city from the Amador Causeway.

This guided tour lasts for about 4 hours.

14. 5-hour Eco-Cruise in the Gatun Lake on the Panama Canal

This five-star tour enables you to visit the world-famous Panama Canal and go on a boat adventure, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the rainforest and discovering the history and present of the canal at Miraflores Locks.

This tour then heads towards Gatun Lake which is also manmade, and this tour will help you learn about the ecological and scenic aspects of it. You might want to click pictures here.

This guided tour lasts about for 5 hours.

15. Panama City and Panama Canal Railway Half-day Tour

Travel from Panama City to the world famous Panama Canal on an old-fashioned train that will lead you from the Panama City to Colon along the Canal. During this half-day tour, you can enjoy the view of the mystic canal and click pictures for a keepsake.

This tour takes you through the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Amidst this, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush green rainforest around you. Tourists will also get a chance to unravel the mystery of the Gatun Locks and learn about the history of the place.

This tour is guided and lasts about for 5 hours.

15 Best Panama Canal Tours:

• 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

After exiting Pedro Miguel locks, the Pacific Queen will travel through the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.

During your Panama Canal full transit tour you will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. As you transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Shelter Bay, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided.

Check-in time:

The Panama Canal Tour departure times are subject to possible changes according to the operating conditions established by the Panama Canal Authority. Please contact us the day before your tour to re-confirm the check in time.

• The check in time can be between 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

If you have a scheduled transfer with us, please note that we will arrange to pick you up at least one hour before the designated check in time.

What’s included

The Panama Canal full transit tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and dropoff (from selected hotels)
• Continental breakfast
• Buffet Lunch
• Snacks in the afternoon
• Sodas and waters
• Bilingual guide

CHILDREN (3-12)

• Panama Canal full-transit tour, from the Pacific to the Atlantic
• Relax with breakfast and lunch plus afternoon coffee and snacks
• Guide shares information about this astonishing feat of engineering
• Return transport provided to Panama City by luxury coach
• See itinerary
• Bilingual Spanish/ English tour guide narrators.
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon Coffee and Snacks in the afternoon
• Water and soft drinks, all you can drink.
• Bottled water
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Entry/Admission - Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Amador Causeway, Calz. de Amador, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama We have 3 starting points. At the time of your reservation we will tell you which one you should go to.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
• Most travelers can participate
• Although we do not have wheelchair access or special facilities, people who use wheelchair or other mobility devices are welcome, our staff will be attentive to help.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Amador Causeway Calz. de Amador, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama We have 3 starting points. At the time of your reservation we will tell you which one you should go to. See address & details
• Pass by Panama Canal Tours
• 1 Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included Know locally as just “The Causeway”, which is another oceanfront boardwalk area ; Naos, Perico and Flamenco. These islands are connected by a road (The Causeway) that was constructed using the material extracted during the original construction of the Canal. The tour boat canal crossing tour begins at the Amador Causeway at the departure point which will be assigned with your tour reservation. There passengers will board the tour boat in preparation for the canal crossing, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in the course of the same day. Read more Pass by Bridge of the Americas Miraflores Visitor Center Puente Centenario Gatun Lake Gatun Locks
• You'll return to the starting point

• markmJ7764RC 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor Customer Service with Panama Canal Tours I'm only in Panama City for one day and wanted to see the canal. I booked the Alternative Transit tour with Panama Canal Tours. With in 24 hours my airline changed my flight times and I was not able to that the tour. I contacted Amanda Ramirez International Sales and Product Manager on January 23, 2024. I asked to cancel my tour. Over the course of the past 4 weeks I have heard from them twice, and this is after I emailed and called 5 times. I finally had to have my credit card company cancel the charge for the tour. Their customer service is VERY BAD. I would not book with Panama Canal Tours Read more Written February 19, 2024
• tmrbgr17 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Panama Marine Adventures canal transit My wife and I were very pleased with our Full canal transit last Saturday 17 Feb 2024. We found the professional demeanor of the entire staff to be exceptional. Anabel B. was very responsive to my email inquiries leading up to the transit, including a hotel location change. The hotel shuttle pickup was right on schedule and the Pacific Queen departed without excessive standing around at 6am. On board the 11 hour transit, Edwin, our bilingual narrater was knowledgable and kept the entire 100+ passengers entertained and educated about this amazing engineering feat. Liliana was very supportive in helping us attain alternate transportation both before and upon our arrival at Shelter Bay marina near Colon when our Uber fell through. The entire staff of Panama Marine Adventures deserves a 5 Star rating in our book. We recommend that you book directly with Panama Marine Adventures for either a full or partial canal transit instead of a third party tour operator as their operation is outstanding. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• MatthewT165 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour worth taking! Mr. Pinto was an outstanding tour guide, and he made sure I was able to see the IMAX film after the entrance initially closed. The film was a highlight and not to be missed. Read more Written December 9, 2023
• W2175DJ_ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles UNFORGETTABLE Amazing documentary movie with Morgan Freeman explaining the history, the construction and the way it works. Unique experience to see the ship changing levels Read more Written November 18, 2023
• Wanderer35715606891 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Experience The Panama Canal tour was one of the highlights of my trip. I booked the partial transit option with Ivantours, which included a bus ride to Gamboa and a boat ride through the canal. The tour guide was very informative and entertaining. The guide explained the history and operation of the canal, and pointed out interesting sights along the way. We passed through two sets of locks, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores, and saw how the water level changed. We also saw huge ships carrying cargo from all over the world. The boat was spacious and comfortable, with snacks and drinks provided. The views were amazing, especially when we reached the Pacific Ocean. It was a fascinating and unique experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Panama..... Read more Written June 4, 2023
• Marjorie S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Fun on a Three Day Package Tour My husband and I travelled to Panama on February 15th, and started this vacation with a three day vacation package through this company. In fact, we came a day earlier to Panama, for other reasons, and this tour service kindly assisted by booking the extra hotel night and arranging for airport transport ahead of the normally scheduled pick-up. Very much appreciated. We chose to stay at the TRYP Wyndham and it was terrific; clean and comfortable room, excellent mattress and plenty of good pillows, spacious and with a safe and bar fridge as well as good storage areas. The lobby bar hosts the breakfast in the morning which was a full service one; protein options, sweets, fruits, etc and all tasty. The staff were friendly, kind and helpful. The location is good; near to other restaurants, a subway if you wish, a pharmacy (which we needed) and small grocer, and a few blocks from bigger shopping (and a Starbucks, etc). Some changes were made to our tour schedule, partly due to our own interests (which they accommodated) and also due to challenges brought on by the Mardi Gras weekend in town. Although it is a yearly event, it appears that it was especially crowded, thus insane traffic, as it is the first Mardi Gras event following a few years of COVID. Everyone, it appears, needed a party and, understandably, to let off some steam! Unfortunately, we lost out on some day-time on the causeway and some ability to walk around the old Casco Viejo while the sun was still out. However, these things happen sometimes and we appreciated the effort, by Amanda and Luis, to be patient with our frustration and make up for this with a longer and later tour (and dinner) at the fish market. Communication between the service and client is good; be prepared to use WhatsApp, which is more commonly used outside North America, and know that you can rely on the tour operator and the guide to respond to your questions and requests. Luis was our guide for the entire time we were with this tour operator. Luis is well known by many, it seems, knows his role and information well, is kind and has a big heart. Luis is very accommodating and will make every effort to ensure your needs are met and that you enjoy yourself (and, I truly think he never sleeps!). The Miraflores Locks are awesome to see and we learned a great deal. The Panamanians have a great deal to be proud of and I have much respect for them. The full day Panama Canal tour is very worthwhile; provided two meals, tea and coffee, drinks, etc. The narrator was outstanding. It was comfortable and there are options to be outdoors for the tour or go inside for respite from the heat (thank you, Luis, for getting us there early as we had a great front row deck seat). It was a full boat, so seating was tight, but eventually, depending on sun and timing, people shift around and everyone finds a place. The ride back on the bus is comfortable (with AC) and again, the driver was friendly and efficient. We were back at the hotel within an hour and a half. I would recommend this tour group to friends and use it again if I am lucky enough to return to Panama again someday. Read more Written March 2, 2023
• rubbyh2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thank you, Thank you We loved the tours and this company, Panama Canal Tours, Amanda, Ivan and the tourist guide Luis very responsible and professionals. Excellent customer service an amazing experience and a great model that makes any vacation dream a reality. I recommend the 10-night travel package. Thank you Panama Canal Tours Read more Written February 5, 2023
• Gillian E 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Stay away from canal tour on a ferry We booked via Norwegian cruise line with aventura 2000. We were up at 4.30 am on ferry by 7.00 am and would have loved breakfast and a coffee or tea but got lunch at 9.00am and offered beer and pop instead. When I thought I could eat some of the salad and fried chicken at 9.30am it had been put away. There was no netting along the rails of the completely flat ferry and when a big wave came over caused by a speed boat a lot of passengers belongings got soaked and nearly went overboard Including our ruck sack. Very dangerous for young children with these open railings. Tour was interesting but at $300.00 for two very expensive and wish we had just gone to the viewing tower. It would have been a lot more comfortable on a proper boat but with a ferry they can pack more people on Would not recommend a trip with this particular tour company but going through the original locks was interesting Read more Written January 17, 2023
• 754bevym 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles OVERPRICED TOUR I was very disappointed when I realized how much this company "Panama Canal Tours" charged me for partial Transit tour. I went to their website directly only to find out that it was $50 dollars more per person and NOT even including transportation. I spoke with 5 different people during the tour and they only paid $134-145 per person for the same exact itinerary PLUS transportation. I sent email to Panama Canal Tours couple days after the tour date (12/13) and still have not received any responses regarding this matter. I just thought Trip advisor should be aware of this and the rest of other tourists out there. Read more Written December 16, 2022
• Freddylasvegas 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Glad we didn’t spend all day. Not had to see the lock We didn’t do a tour. We just had a taxi take us to the closest lock. We checked it out with no boat coming through. Pretty cool to see. We found out that it takes a boat about 8 hours to go through the lock. We walked through the museum and took some pics and watched a iTunes video on our phones and left. Still pretty awesome ti see and so glad we didn’t take a five our tour. Had another taxi take us to a Panama sign took some more pics and then went back ti our hotel to swim👍👍 Read more Written August 15, 2022
• O6272JRmichaelb 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Company Does Not Treat Customers Well We flew to Panama from Costa Rica, for two days, specifically for this tour. The night before the tour, I wrote to confirm the pickup time the next day. I got a response back that the tour had been canceled. No prior notice at all other than the response to my inquiry. They then responded that there was a replacement tour called the Alternative Transit Tour and we could do that instead. This was significantly more expensive than our Partial Transit, but they said it would be no cost to "upgrade". I believe this Alternate tour exists ONLY to try and appease customers when the real tours have issues, so they claim it is more expensive to seem elite but has very little real value. We agreed to the seemingly better replacement since we were only there for the following day and to see the canal. Instead of getting our original Partial Transit tour, we got a replacement partial disaster. The tour was supposed to include many activities and things to see over a 5-hour period. Due to poor planning and massive traffic, we ended up only getting a shortened boat ride in the lake and the final minutes of the Miraflores locks being open to see 1 ship go through part of it. All in all, we got about 1.5 hours of "tour" for the original $800 we paid for the 4 of us. Things happen and tours can come up short, but the real reason for the 1/5 rating is the way they handled the complaint. The operator was responsive to all emails getting the business but then ghosted us when I wrote about our experience and asked for some consideration. I have included that email so that it's clear we weren't ghosted for being rude or a hothead. "Yesterday’s tour was rather disappointing. After being given a replacement for the original tour, the replacement ended up being a partial replacement with us only doing some of the activities and shortening others because of the 2 hours of traffic. Luis Pinto was a great tour guide and tried his best. He was able to get us to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center right as tickets closed (4:45p) but that was after a shortened boat tour, skipping stops along the way, skipping the bridge, and skipping the causeway. Basically got half of a rushed tour. Again, he was amazing but the tour fell short of descriptions and expectations. What consideration is given for this shortcoming?" Do not accept "replacements" and I would caution anyone against using this company at all, given the way we were treated. Read more Written July 22, 2022
• Howiegtravels 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Canal experience These people were extremely courteous, and super friendly. It was just a good feeling to visit a place where you are given the at most respect. It was just good to see people who appreciated people who wanted to experience their culture. Amazing experience overall Read more Written May 22, 2022
• thyondhajoseph 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Memorable Mario our Tour Guide was really awesome today. He picked us up from the Airport. They were very professional. He is very knowledgeable and patient. He took us everywhere. We say everything. We reached 15mins before the Boat came into the port. Getting there on time made a huge difference. Not long after the crowd came.. His timing was perfect. He took us for Local food..Mmm it was so delicious. My Husband and I really enjoyed all the places he took us. I HIGHLY recommend them for your Panama Canal Tour. Read more Written March 23, 2022
• amywU5010KI 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour. Not so great company. Beware! We booked a full transit tour for March 5 months in advance of trip to Panama. The day before our scheduled transit, we were told that due to "unavoidable logistical problems" a full transit wasn't available - only a partial transit. Fine. We agreed to this with the promise of a refund for the difference in cost. We showed up to the pick-up location at 5:45am as instructed - a very vague pickup spot in the morning darkness. The only other people there were about 6 other people on the same tour. No company representative. After many phone calls, a bus finally rolled in around 6:15. No apologies, no explanations. After another 15 minutes of sitting on the bus with no explanations, we finally drove to the boat which was already fully loaded with other groups. We were the last to board. Once on board, the transit was great! But, many groups use the same boat. Pick a different company to arrange the details. Pacific Marine Adventures would be the one I would use. I am still waiting for my partial refund after numerous requests. My next email will be to my credit card company to dispute the charge. The tour is wonderful, but don't use this company! You have been warned! Read more Written March 19, 2022
• M1563YMannettek 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ivan Tours + Panama Canal Tours - Terrible - do not stand behind their promises We were scheduled for the Partial Canal Tour on January 25th. We were told this was cancelled by the Canal Authority and we were given another tour in its place. The tour we paid for cost $220 usd per person and included hotel pickup, canal boat tour and lunch. This was replaced with a tour to the Miraflores locks (which we had to pay $20 usd to enter), a boat tour of Gatun Lake, a guided tour along the canal with strategic stops and commentary, a trip to the Pacific to view where the ships enter the canal, and a final tour of the Amador Causeway. We were picked up and proceeded to pick up another group, who refused to get into the van with us. We were put in a separate shuttle for the drive to Miraflores with a driver who did not speak English and no tour guide. From Miraflores, another driver was recruited who could speak English and drive us in a car trailing the tour bus to Gatun Lake. He was obviously not a tour guide as we were only given 3 pieces of information – the name of a street, the name of a bridge and Pedro Miguel locks. After the boat tour, we were driven back to the city. I reported the events to the tour company and asked for a refund as we were not provided with the tour we were promised, or value for our money. They offered to penalize the tour guides and provide the Canal tour at no cost next time we’re in Panama. This is not acceptable as we have no plans to return to Panama. I have been waiting a week for Ivan Espinoza to get back to me (who told me he had to wait for the manager to return on Monday, when in fact he is the owner). A tour company shows its merits by how it handles the issues that arise – Ivantours has failed in this regard. Read more Written February 1, 2022

More to explore in Panama City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Panama Canal Cruises

A thrilling Panama Canal crossing is an unforgettable experience. Gain a deeper understanding of the impressive engineering behind the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. Then continue your Viking journey to the heart of the Caribbean & Central America.

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Highlights of panama canal cruises.

Discover the “Path Between the Seas” as you traverse mighty locks en route to historic Panama City or the shimmering Caribbean Sea. Beyond the Canal, discover the native Emberá tribe’s rich culture and sample Puerto Rico’s favorite dishes. On a regional ocean voyage, you can find:

• The Panama Canal’s forest-lined waterway and Gatun Lake
• Capuchin and howler monkeys gliding through mahogany trees
• Soaring pyramids and temples of Chichén Itzá
• Fascinating Mayan ruins at Belize’s Altun Ha
• Deep sea sportfishing for the catch of the day
• Colorful Caribbean marine life by snorkel, scuba or kayak
• Local aged rum from Montego Bay
• Lush, picturesque rainforests of Costa Rica
• The world’s only seaside travertine waterfalls, Dunn’s River Falls
• Key West’s old Bahamian-style homes and Spanish-influenced Victorian mansions

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PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT TOUR

Partial transit through the Panama Canal begins with entry into the Miraflores Locks, where our ship starts an ascent of 18 meters in two stages, leaving behind the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Next, we enter the Miraflores Lake, a small oasis of fresh water that separates the two locks on the Pacific side of the Canal. We sail peacefully through its waters until we reach the Pedro Miguel Locks, where the ship ascends another 9 meters, providing a breathtaking panoramic view..

Once we exit the locks, we will spot the Centennial Bridge, an architectural marvel that stretches over the waters.

Continuing our journey, we venture into the famous Culebra Cut, nicknamed for its winding curves resembling a snake’s movement. We sail 13.7 kilometers along this picturesque cut as we head towards the fascinating area of Gamboa, home to the facilities of the Dredging Division of the Panama Canal Authority.

Upon arrival at these facilities, passengers disembark to make way for the next part of the adventure. They board our comfortable buses that will take them to the Flamenco Marina. During this journey, they can enjoy the lush landscapes of the region, on a trip that lasts approximately 45 minutes.

This partial tour of the Panama Canal is an experience that combines the wonder of engineering with the natural beauty of the surroundings, offering our passengers an adventure filled with awe and excitement. We invite you to join us to discover the grandeur of this engineering masterpiece and the splendor of Panama’s nature. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable experience!

Saturdays and Sundays

The schedules are confirmed one day before departure by the Panama Canal Authority.

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For private groups, click here, enjoy this great experience with us.

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Panama Canal Transit Tour

// partial & full transit.

Duration: 6 hours     |     Price = $150

Panama canal partial transit tour, highlights:.

• Panama Canal
• Amador Causeway
• Bridge of the Americas
• Miraflores Locks
• Pedro Miguel Locks
• Culebra Cut

Tour Includes:

• Light-fare breakfast
• Buffet lunch
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Bilingual guide

**  Transport is no longer included, but it is only a $4-5 UBER to the marina

Tour Description

Experience the thrill of a partial transit for the Historic Panama Canal on a comfortable passenger ferry. The tour begins at the Amador Causeway where you will board the ferry for the start of your journey. Cruise under the Bridge of the Americas, transit both the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, where you can appreciate the entire process that each vessel that crosses the Panama Canal must carry out, also pass through the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the Canal. In the Ferry will be a representative from the marina speaking about the Panama Canal History and others highlights. At the end disembark at Gamboa and are transferred back to Panama City.

* Occasionally this itinerary operates in reverse (Southbound)

** Barefoot Panama only facilitates the booking of this tour.

Start times fluctuate on a daily basis and we must wait for confirmation from the transit authority. We will contact you by 5 pm the day before your tour via email, with details for what time you should be at the marina and the marina location to enjoy the unique experience of The Panama Canal Tour.

Select a Date & Click "Book Now"

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• Enter the number of adults and children in your group. Children are ages 12 and below. Every tour participant, regardless of age, must be included in the reservation.
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Please note that your tour reservation is not guaranteed until at least a 50% deposit is given. Once payment is received your tour confirmation will be emailed to you. Immediate payment is not required at the time of completing the tour booking form. After receiving your reservation request a representative will contact you to confirm you tour selection, availability, schedule a pickup time and review any special considerations, as well as provide payment details. If you have any questions please contact us

Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

Duration: 9+ hours     |     price = $195 per person.

The full transit is USUALLY  available on the  3rd Saturday of the month. Please check with us for availability. This trip passes the Gamboa Port and cruises through Lake Gatun. After the Gatun Locks you dock in Colon and return by bus.

To book a full transit please contact us  and we will let you know about availability and departure date.

Panama Canal Cruises

Set sail with princess® – the best panama canal cruise line.

We’re the number one cruise line sailing to this bucket list destination, and as awe-inspiring as it is to travel through one of Condé Nast Traveler’s 7 Cruise Wonders of the World, we’ll help you explore equally fascinating places along the way. So stretch out on a Caribbean beach, admire the pristine rainforests, stroll the cobbled streets of colonial towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal with Princess.

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From the East Coast Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale

• Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale
• Experience a partial transit of the Panama Canal New Locks
• Visit the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica

Ocean to Ocean Between Atlantic & Pacific Oceans

• Sail from the East Coast to the West Coast or vice versa. Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or San Francisco, or cruise from either of those two West Coast cities to Florida.
• Ideal itinerary for those who want to experience a full transit of the Panama Canal
• Transit all three sets of locks

Princess® MedallionClass®

Explore destinations easily on a MedallionClass vacation. Taking in balcony or top deck views, and don’t want to move? Order drinks that find you. Want to make the most of your time away? Design each perfect day with our interactive activity planner. Hate to wait when boarding or disembarking in port? Choose your preferred arrival window and make gangway reservations. Enjoy more time to connect with the places you sail.

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Why Princess is the #1 Panama Canal Cruise Line

The Leader in the Panama Canal Cruise Ports

From ships custom built to sail the massive locks to immersive onboard programs and onshore adventures that inspire, Princess is the number one way to explore this epic phenomenon. We've sailed the Panama Canal since 1967 and we have more itinerary choices and departures of any cruise line in the region.

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Photo: View of locks from the ship

Destination Immersion

We craft our Panama Canal itineraries to enrich our guests' experiences to provide the most exposure to this bucket-list destination. You'll be enchanted by Spanish and Dutch cities dating back centuries, as well as diverse tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, dramatic volcanoes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And Princess provides live narration from the bridge while transiting the locks, just one reason we were voted "Best Cruise Line for Enrichment" by Cruise International .

Photo: Las Bovedas in Cartagena, Colombia

Abundant Adventures Ashore

Each voyage offers a myriad of experiences and cultures. There is something for every type of explorer in this culturally diverse region. Choose from immersive excursions such as exploring the engineering mastery of the Canal, trekking through surrounding rainforests, visiting local villages and relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean.

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Photo: Old City in Cartagena, Colombia

Panama Canal Cruise Articles and Videos

2023-2024 Panama Canal Cruises

Sail through a man-made marvel. Discover Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

San Juan del Sur Excursions: A Volcanic Adventure in Nicaragua

Have a volcanic adventure during San Juan del Sur excursions from Princess Cruises. Nicaragua excursions show you dynamic landscapes and exotic wildlife.

Top Five Panama Canal Shore Excursions and Attractions

From walking the ruins of Old Panama to a tram ride through Soberania National Park, you'll come back enriched and enlightened from your Panama Canal cruise.

Try These 6 Panamanian Foods on Your Panama Canal Cruise

Taste your way through the diverse culinary culture of Panama on your Panama Canal cruise with Princess.

Costa Rica Excursions: Something for Everyone

Partake in a Costa Rica excursion for a Caribbean adventure with Princess Cruises. There's something for everyone on Costa Rica shore excursions.

Panama Cruises Trivia: 5 Facts You Should Know About The Panama Canal

Test your knowledge of facts about the Panama Canal with Princess Cruises.

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Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Add peace of mind and a sense of security to your vacation with a Cruise Plus® Hotel Package. Give yourself a few days to relax either before or after your Panama Canal cruise and take in the sights of a sensational city. Princess handles all the details – including transfers and baggage handling – with accommodations selected for their incredible locations and excellent service.

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Panama Canal Cruises

Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line’s Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans. The shipping channel—which took 33 years to complete and cost more than 25,000 workers their lives—is arguably the greatest engineering achievement of all time. As you cruise the canal, you will pass through the two-chambered Miraflores Locks, the one-chambered Pedro Miguel Lock, and three-chambered Gatun Locks. Along the way you’ll find Gatun Lake, once the largest manmade lake in the world, which has proved a boon for the species that thrive here, undisturbed by the passing ships.

The Panama Canal Cruise Experience

Feel your ship rise 85 feet as water fills the locks on the Panama Canal. Listen as a historian shares tales of this incredible engineering feat that divided two continents. Explore the intriguing landscapes, culture and people of this amazing region. From engineering marvels to exotic wildlife, there's so much to discover while on your Panama Canal cruise.

See A Modern Marvel On Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal Cruises Have Diverse Ports Of Call

Perfectly Sized Ships For Panama Canal Cruises

Exceptional Cuisine & Entertainment

Extraordinary Panama Canal Cruise Tours

Relax through the holidays on a panama canal cruise.

Something to Celebrate

Featured panama canal cruise ports.

Fuerte Amador, Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

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Panama canal travel articles.

The ultimate journey between two continents and two mighty oceans, a Panama Canal cruise encompasses Spanish colonial architecture, verdant rainforest and an engineering marvel. Learn more about our ports in the region with articles on  Cartagena’s  graceful Old City and  Costa Rica’s  exotic Pura Vida Gardens;  Antigua, Guatemala , including La Merced, the city’s 250-year-old cathedral; and the storied past of  Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And be sure to explore the complex and fascinating history of the  Panama Canal .

15 Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City

Looking for the best panama canal day tours from panama city you’ve come to the right place.

An engineering marvel built as a shortcut across two oceans , the Panama Canal is a bucket list activity in Panama.

Visiting the Panama Canal and seeing the ships sail along was a highlight of my trip .

From exploring historic sites to riding the canal to tropical landscapes, each tour offers a unique way to experience this iconic waterway.

Let’s get right into the 15 best Panama Canal day tours for your trip to Panama City Panama!

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Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Panama Canal Tours

Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal & Jungle Tour

✅ 90 min Canal Ride

✅ Plus more stops

Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

✅ 12+ hours

✅ Ride all 3 Locks

✅ Meals & hotel pickup

Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound

✅ Travel towards Pacific Ocean

✅ Pass 2 sets of Locks

The Panama Canal is one of the most fun activities in Panama City . Several different Panama Canal day tours from Panama City Panama include:

• Train Tours
• Helicopter tours

Each of these top Panama Canal tours from Panama City offers a unique perspective and experience.

And while getting around in Panama can be easy when you know what you are doing, all these tours organize roundtrip transportation, entrance, and other details for you. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy.

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Boat

1. ocean to ocean panama canal and jungle tour.

⭐ 5/5 ( 1000+ Reviews )

The Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is an 8-hour adventure from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on and alongside the Panama Canal.

The first stop is the Panama Canal, where you will ride along on a boat next to ships passing through the canal for 90 minutes.

From there, you will stop at Lake Gatun (the second-largest artificial lake on the continent), Agua Clara Locks Visit Center , and enjoy lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo .

While you don’t get to ride a boat through the locks, this is one of the most popular tours of Panama Canal and offers a great balance of history and nature.

You can see monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles, and lots of other wildlife.

It is an early start, so get a good night’s sleep the night before.

“ We only had 48 hours in Panama and this was a perfect way to spend one of our days. Pick up was communicated perfectly and we were picked up promptly at the time John told us. John was very knowledgeable and full of information. The tour included a little bit of everything, including things you didn’t know you needed to see. ” – Kathleen A. ( see more reviews )

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2. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 180+ Reviews )

This Full Transit Panama Canal Tour is one of the best Panama Canal one day tours. It’s got a packed itinerary, so prepare for at least 12 hours .

You will pass through and learn about all three sets of locks and view Lake Gatun and Chagres River while learning about the history and construction of the Panama Canal.

While a full-day tour may be exhausting for some, it’s well worth it if you’re interested in the history behind the Canal . You get to ride the Panama Canal all the way, and how cool is that!

The tour provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Panama City. All you have to do is wake up early and enjoy a day of hearing about a fascinating piece of history from a knowledgeable guide.

“ This is a long day, but, for me, I thought a brilliant and unique trip. The staff were all extremely helpful and polite and the guide gives a great deal of interesting information. I am happy to recommend this trip to anyone who has a voyage through the Panama Canal on their bucket list. ” – Russel W. ( see more reviews )

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3. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 200+ Reviews )

If you don’t want to commit to a full day on the Panama Canal, consider a partial transit tour . This Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction toward the Pacific Ocean is a great starting point.

This 6-hour, small group tour takes you southbound along the Panama Canal , where you will see the Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks up close.

The tour provides transportation and lunch on board. While you won’t see the entire canal, you will catch the most essential parts .

“ It was a delightful experience going through the locks and participating with another boat journeying through the Canal locks. Our guide, Jose, was extraordinary! He was fun, engaging and shared lots of history. It was also impressive that the tour was conducted in Spanish and English, and he did not miss a beat. ” – Crystal B. ( see more reviews )

4. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 85+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction is a similar 6-hour tour , but this time heading north along the canal toward the Atlantic Ocean.

You will still stop at all the major points of interest along the Panama Canal, including Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Your guide will explain the engineering marvels, the canal’s construction, and constant maintenance .

The tour also provides continental breakfast and lunch, roundtrip transfers from selected hotels, and soft beverages. If you’re looking for fun six-hour tours of the Panama Canal with everything provided , this is a great, affordable option.

“ I’m glad we did this tour and actually travelled through the locks as opposed to just watching from the visitor’s center. If you’re going to see the canal, this is the way to go. ” – Ouillma D. ( see more reviews )

5. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

⭐ 5/5 ( 445+ Reviews )

This 5-hour Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk tour is one of the most popular tours through Panama Canal. It includes a partial tour of the Panama Canal, with a heavy emphasis on the wildlife and jungle in the region.

First, the tour drives you halfway up the Panama Canal to Gamboa. From here, you hop on a covered boat to begin the eco-cruise to Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Soberania National Park with a Panamanian breakfast, and Centennial Bridge.

At Soberania National Park, go on a nature walk , where you will learn more about the animals and plants in the region.

Although this tour isn’t as focused on the Panama Canal as the engineering behind it, it’s a unique experience filled with memorable moments .

“ The transportation was on time and very comfortable. The tour guide was superb, with extensive knowledge, and spoke fluent English and Spanish. The boat driver was good at placement for the best experience, and the monkeys actually came on board. Being in the Canal with the ships was a great experience. ” – Paul C. ( see more reviews )

6. Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 105+ Reviews )

This Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal is a 3-hour tour along the Panama Canal and to Lake Gatun.

You will enter the Panama Canal at Chagres River and ride along the canal to Gatun Lake . You’ll spend about 45 minutes on the channel, passing by ships and learning a little about the history from your guide.

Because this is a short tour, it’s great for those that don’t have much time . You can pair this with a visit to the Panama Canal Visitor Center to learn more about the region.

It’s important to note that you won’t learn much about the Panama Canal here , aside from the brief boat ride through.

“ Fernando was a great guide. We saw a few different types of monkeys, various birds, gators, lizards. Some monkeys got close and personal, and to actually have them eat out of your palm was surreal. The Panama Canal is something to marvel at – a historic engineering of progressive transportation! ” – Ivanna K. ( see more reviews )

7. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

⭐ 4/5 ( 380+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour is a 7-hour tour that takes you halfway across the Panama Canal . It’s much shorter than the Panama Canal full transit day tour, but still informative.

The tour includes the Miraflores Visitor’s Center and the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will cross a total of three levels of locks . You’ll also see the beginning of Gatun Lake.

“Going through the locks was a fascinating experience. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. The crew were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the catering, but the biggest impact was the scale of the engineering and the achievement that is the canal. We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.” – David G. ( see more reviews )

8. The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 6+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour is perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those who want something different .

Get a partial-day rundown of the Panama Canal and its history, followed by an 8-hour fishing experience right on the Panama Canal . 

On the way to your designated spots, you will pass massive ships going through the Canal and learn more about the canal.

You will be catching Oscar Bass, Snook, Tilapia, Peacock Bass, and Tarpon, all while observing wildlife. You can choose to catch-and-release or take your catch home for dinner.

This may not be for everyone, but for those who love fishing or want to say, “I’ve caught a fish in the Panama Canal,” this tour is for you.

“ John was an amazing guide. Best snacks and took us around so many places for fishing. He has a ton of wildlife knowledge!! Would recommend!!! ” – Tara S. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Train

9. Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride

⭐ 5/5 ( 10+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Railway stretches 76.6 km (47.6 mi) between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from Colón to Balboa.

This Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride is a 10-hour tour that takes you to some of the most important sites along the canal and a few museums.

The tour includes a drive through Portobelo National Park , a visit to the Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo , a one-hour ride on the Panama Canal Railway, and the Aguas Clara Locks Visitor Center , and a few other brief stops.

If you want an all-out train experience , this is one of the best Panama Canal tours that includes a train ride.

“ Great tour. A large amount of Historical information shared by our tour guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Did not rush. Explained things thoroughly. Tour was lengthy, so come prepared for a long day but was well worth the effort. ” – Lawrence O. ( see more reviews )

10. Panama Canal Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort

⭐ 4/5 ( 7+ Reviews )

This Panama Cana Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort is another exciting way to visit and learn from one of the best Panama City canal tours.

The 8-hour tour begins with a trip on the Panama Canal Railway, where you can admire the beautiful fauna and wildlife from the comforts of a high-end train with air-conditioning .

After the hour-long train ride, you’ll visit Agua Clara Locks, Fort San Lorenzo, and Port Colon 2000 for lunch.

The tour guides are incredible and take care to make sure things go smoothly, and you leave with much more information than you arrived with.

“ Aqua Clara Canal system is absolutely amazing. We observed 2 ships pass through the locks. Truly breathtaking. ” – Prakash P. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Car

11. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 910+ Reviews )

This Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour blends the best nearby activities in Panama City .

The 5-hour tour begins with a stop at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is a great place to learn about the history and construction of the Panama Channel.

You can head up to the observation deck to watch boats come through . I loved watching the ships pass by.

After the Panama Canal portion, you will make brief stops at Amador Causeway , Casco Viejo, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, Arco Chato, and Plaza Carlos V. You will also pass by several other points of interest. I really enjoyed seeing all these places in Panama City.

The tour only lasts about one hour in Casco Viejo , so you can also look into another Casco Viejo tour to learn more about this historic neighbourhood.

This is one of the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City for those who want a more general experience .

“ This was a small group of 4, and our tour guide was Juan Carlos who was extremely knowledgeable of all the topics about the city, and the Panama Canal. We had a great time learning and having fun on the way. He also speaks perfect English and had the answers for all our questions. I would recommend for everybody visiting Panama City to take this tour. ” – Dusha P. ( see more reviews )

12. Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit

⭐ 5/5 ( 38+ Reviews )

The Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit is a great tour for anyone with a 6+ hour layover in Panama City looking for some day trips.

Dedicated tours to Panama Canal are a must-do for all travellers and adventurers, but if you only have a few hours in the city, make the most of it with a layover tour.

The tour is 4.5 hours, so you need at least a six-hour layover . But if you have the time, it’s a great Panama Canal day trip from the airport.

You’ll be picked up from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and taken to the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Amador Causeway, Panama Canal Administration Building, and Panama City sign.

“ I had a six hour layover in Panama City and decided to book this tour, especially since the reviews were great. I arrived in Panama at about 6:00 a.m., and Miguel picked me up at the airport. To keep it short. This tour is well worth its price, and Miguel is an excellent tour guide. The tour significantly added to my journey and allowed me to explore some of what Panama offers. It makes me want to come back. ” – Awab H. ( see more reviews )

13. Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

⭐ 5/5 ( 50+ Reviews )

This Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is a Panama Canal half-day tour around the city that includes all the important highlights. It’s one of the best tours Panama has to offer.

The 4.5-hour Panama Canal tours from Panama City take you to the Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and Plaza de la Catedral.

One of the best things about this tour is the incredible guides , who go out of their way to accommodate all guests and Panama Canal tourism. Transportation is organized, and you will get a complete history run-down on Panama while exploring.

“ Roberto gave us a very interesting and informative tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and Visitors Center. ” – Clifford D. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Helicopter Tours

14. Private 30 Minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 43+ Reviews )

If you want the most unique and thrilling experience of the Panama Canal, consider this Private 30-minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour .

Before the ride, you will get a brief history of the Panama Canal from the captain and everything you can expect to see. The captain is excellent at maneuvering the helicopter and knowledgeable about the Panama Canal.

You can upgrade to a 60-minute helicopter ride with a 30-minute tour of the Panama Canal and a 30-minute “jungle” cruise that takes you on a flight above the rainforest.

Keep your eyes open for Cerro Ancon which is the highest point in Panama City and is a great spot to go hiking.

“ I’ve done quite a few helicopter tours all over the USA, and this was by far the greatest tour of them all. Fernando starts with a history lesson of Panama and the Canal; you can tell he is genuinely passionate about his country. Great facts and background. The ride itself is smooth, and he is very knowledgeable of the various kinds of ships that go through the canal… ” – Marco M. ( see more reviews )

15. Canal of Panama by Helicopter

This Canal of Panama by Helicopter is another excellent choice for thrill-seekers who want a birds-eye view of the Panama Canal.

The tour includes 30 minutes of air time , where you will get some of the most beautiful views of the canal and Lake Gatun . The pilots and guides are all professional and go out of their way to ensure you leave happy and satisfied with the trip.

“ Great trip and overall experience seeing the canal and Lake Gatun! The pilot was experienced, and I had a relaxed and competent feel about him. His English was very good. ” – George R. ( see more reviews )

FAQs about Panama Canal Tours

Can you do a day trip through the panama canal.

Yes, you can do a day trip through the Panama Canal . Several tour operators offer the chance to transit through the canal’s locks, either in partial or full transit, providing a unique perspective on this engineering marvel. A day tour is a great way to experience the Panama Canal if you have limited time in Panama.

What is the Best Way to Tour the Panama Canal?

The best way to tour the Panama Canal depends on your interests and time availability . If you’re seeking a unique and exciting perspective, a helicopter tour gives an impressive bird’s-eye view of the canal or for those who prefer to experience the canal more directly, day tours that transit through the canal’s locks are highly recommended.

Can Tourists Take a Boat Ride Through the Panama Canal?

Yes, tourists can take a boat ride through the Panama Canal. Boat tours are among the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City, offering a first-hand experience of the canal’s impressive lock system and a chance to sail along the same route that has been frequented by countless commercial and passenger vessels over the years.

Can You Tour the Panama Canal On Your Own?

Yes, you can tour the Panama Canal on your own. However, a self-tour involves visiting the canal’s visitor centers: Miraflores Visitor Center and Agua Clara Visitor Center. They offer observation decks from where you can watch ships transit through the canal’s locks. While this is more economical, you won’t get the same hands-on experience as you would with a boat ride. 

A tour also makes sure you end up in the right place. On my second trip to Panama, I met some people at my hotel who tried to take an Uber to the Locks and ended up going to the shipyard (which was far away) and not seeing the canal. 

How Long is a Boat Ride Through Panama Canal?

A boat ride through the Panama Canal lasts between 4 to 8 hours for a partial transit and up to 12 hours for a full transit. It depends on the type of tour you opt for. The partial transit takes you through some of the locks, whereas a full transit, often considered among the best Panama Canal one day tours, navigates the entire length of the canal.

What is the Best Month to Go Through the Panama Canal?

The best time to go through the Panama Canal is the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April . During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall, making your boat tour more pleasant. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book your tour ahead of time to secure a spot on one of the best Panama Canal tours.

Enjoy the Panama Canal, a Boat Safari, and a Jungle Walk on this tour !

Final Thoughts: Best Panama Canal One Day Tours

Touring the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience .

The Ocean To Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is one of the best boat tours of the Panama Canal.

The Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour is great for those who are short on time and who want to see the canal but not ride a boat.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled helicopter ride , an in-depth historical overview, or a serene cruise through the lush rainforest, there’s a tour for you.

Seeing the Panama Canal is just one of many must-do activities when planning your Panama itinerary !

Travelling to Panama? Read more:

• 7 Day Panama Itinerary
• Adventurous Things to Do in Panama
• Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama
• Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City
• Getting Around Panama
• Best Places to Visit in Panama
• Best Casco Viejo Walking Tours
• Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City
• Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana
• Volcan Baru Jeep Tour
• Boquete Coffee Tour Review
• Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
• Casa Acuario Hotel Review
• La Selva Nomad Treehouse Review
• Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
• Fun Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
• How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
• How to Visit Nivida Bat Cave, Bocas del Toro
• Costa Rica vs Panama

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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Cruises to the Panama Canal

Cruise the panama canal for an experience you’ll never forget..

East- or westbound, call at sun-drenched ports for terrific shopping, exciting excursions or simply sipping a fruity beverage. The highlight of the voyage is the all-day transit of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. Watch and listen as your onboard expert explains the history and workings of this man-made wonder.

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MAN-MADE MARVEL

Panama canal cruises.

From Cartagena to Cabo San Lucas, cruise the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is one of the most astonishing human-made wonders, a sliver of ingenuity that allows ships to move from one ocean to another. Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic, or vice versa, and take in the scenery as you move through this engineering marvel built in 1914. Along with the tropical views and modern design of the canal, there's also great opportunity for adventures on land and by the shore, where you can get in touch with the indigenous culture at the Museum of Oaxacan Art in Huatulco, Mexico, or go kayaking in Nicoya Bay at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Journey Between Worlds

From Cartagena to Cabo San Lucas, cruise the Panama Canal

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DIVERSE DESTINATIONS

Descend on some of the most exciting travel destinations in Central America during a Panama Canal cruise. Stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Colón, Panama, means appreciating countless natural landscapes on top of traversing through the famous shortcut itself. 

HOME OF THE CANAL

A stop in Colón, Panama, lets you lay on the sand at serene Maria Chiquita beach or hike your way through Portobelo National Park to reach the 17th-century San Lorenzo Fort. And if you're in the mood for the city life, head to Panama City, the Caribbean's most urban cluster that's only an hour away by car.

ROCK THE BOAT

Accessible only by water taxi, El Arco at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas is a natural rock arch that frames a powdery beach. It's the perfect backdroparagraphCopy for a jaw-dropping photograph — just watch out for the sea lions that like to photobomb while sunbathing on the rocks.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Cross foggy suspended bridges or zip-line along the treetops at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve near Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where local travel guides take you deep within the forest as you learn about its precious ecosystems.

CROSS-CANAL CULTURE

Along with crossing the impressive Panama Canal during your vacation, you can also get in touch with the local cultures of different countries, where indigenous peoples still live and where heritage and history are treasured and preserved. 

COLORS OF FOLKLORE

About a 90-minute drive from Puntarenas, the artisan village of Sarchi, Costa Rica, is known for the quality of its arts and crafts, especially the beautiful construction of the colorful oxcarts, the folkloric carriages that are a symbol of Costa Rican culture.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Mercado de Bazurto in Cartagena, Colombia, is home to stand after stand of local fruits like mamey, a sweet tropical fruit with a creamy texture, as well as cooked-food kiosks serving generous plates of seafood like crab, rice and veggies, for just a few dollars.

HISTORIC HUES

Step into the past as you stroll down the Spanish Colonial lanes of Antigua in Guatemala, a picturesque town with pastel buildings and balconies filled with pink flowers. A short trip from the port at Puerto Quetzal, the city is home to museums like Casa de los Sueños, where the history of this town is depicted through art.

CRISS CROSS TO A NEW WORLD ON THE PANAMA CANAL

A cruise to the Panama Canal is filled with country-hopping adventures that take you to Mexico's Mayan ruins, white beaches in  Cabo San Lucas  or Colonial treasures in  Colombia .

ONE TRIP, MANY ADVENTURES

As part of your grand crossing of the Panama Canal, you can also laze on beaches and trek lush mountains in places like Mexico,  Costa Rica , Colombia and Grand Cayman .

MAN-MADE FOR YOU

Cruise from Los Angeles  or  Miami  and pick the trips that make your favorite stops. Prefer more of Mexico? There's a cruise with stops in Manzanillo,  Puerto Vallarta  and Cabo San Lucas. Want to include some Caribbean islands? Finish your cruise in Puerto Rico or stop in Grand Cayman.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Plan-ama Canal

Panama enjoys a gentle tropical weather almost every day of the year. This translates into the easy planning of a crossing anytime is convenient for you.

Moving around in the different ports is simple, just choose the authorized taxi services or hop on the local public buses. You can also rent a car and be your own guide.

The best time to go on a Panama Canal cruise is anytime. The canal never stops working and you will traverse along with other ships and boats and witness the swift movement of these vessels.

Finding the Right Ship for You

7 Unexpected Places You Can Go on a Cruise

Once you're crossing the canal, head to the front of the ship for the best view.

You'll get to see other ships as they cross, too, giving you a different vantage point and a new way of learning how the canal works.

The thrill is not over after you go through the canal locks, there's more to see as you travel through the canal, with tropical flora and fauna adorning the way.

LOCAL CUISINE A WORLD OF FLAVORS  

Stopping at different cruise ports during a Panama Canal crossing makes it easy to savor the varied flavors of these countries, each with its own signature spice and tang.

TASTES OF JALISCO

Jalisco, the state where Puerto Vallarta is found, is the definitive influence on this destination's cuisine. Go for the famous lemon-marinated grilled fish known as pescado embarazado, and ask for huichol sauce, a blend of chili peppers, cumin and vinegar.

SAVOR GUATEMALA

Enjoy a mouth-watering empanada in Antigua, Guatemala — these savory pastries are stuffed with potato and meat and topped with guacamole, cilantro and onions.

TAMALES AND THEN SOME

Famous for its tamales fajados (chicken tamales) and tamales guemes (pork, raisin and olive tamales), Cabo San Lucas also boasts a seafood stew known as comida de pobres, served with rice and beans and flour tortillas.

Related Ports

A cruise to the Panama Canal is a chance to land on amazing destinations during the same trip. Get in some beach time Oranjestad, Aruba. See traditional tapestry-making in Huatulco, Mexico. Or go snorkeling along the coral reef off the coast of Grand Cayman.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cartagena, Colombia

Colón, Panama

Huatulco, Mexico

Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Manzanillo, Mexico

Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

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Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees and bottled water.

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We know staying in touch is important, so we’ve included internet access for all guests. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.

Cruise Itinerary

• Port of Departure
• Port of Call
• Cruise Route

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Mon, Dec 23, 2024

Departs: 4:00PM

At Sea - Cruising

Tue, Dec 24, 2024

Wed, Dec 25, 2024

Cartagena, Colombia

Thu, Dec 26, 2024

Docked: 7:00AM to 3:00PM

Panama Canal (Cruising) - Cruising

Fri, Dec 27, 2024

Colon, Panama

Docked: 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Sat, Dec 28, 2024

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Sun, Dec 29, 2024

Docked: 12:30PM to 8:00PM

Oranjestad, Aruba

Mon, Dec 30, 2024

Docked: 8:00AM to 11:00PM

Willemstad, Curacao

Tue, Dec 31, 2024

Docked: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

Wed, Jan 1, 2025

Thu, Jan 2, 2025

Fri, Jan 3, 2025

Arrival: 7:00AM

See Full Itinerary

Popular excursions at this port

About This Ship

Celebrity Beyond

The third ship in our revolutionary Edge ® Series, Celebrity Beyond℠ takes our innovative outward-facing design further than ever, creating an even closer connection between you, the sea, and every exciting place on the horizon. Soak up the sun, salt breezes, and stunning scenery in newly expanded open-air spaces. Savor fine dining that rivals anything you’d find on land. And discover even more ways to relax and renew.

Onboard Features

The Grand Plaza

The Grand Plaza is a transformational place that offers a different experience every time you visit. From day to night, the lighting changes from warm and inviting to bright and dramatic.

Rooftop Garden

What better place could there be to gaze at the sea than float pools that are cantilevered over the open ocean? This feat is one of the highlights of our redesigned Rooftop Garden, which now extends right over the water’s edge.

Resort Deck

Find endless ways to connect with the sea, including the Rooftop Garden, the adults-only Solarium pool, and the Main Pool—an asymmetrical space surrounded by an outward-facing, terraced pool deck.

The Solarium

On the Resort Deck, you’ll find the adults-only Solarium. Celebrity Beyond continues the tradition of offering this glass dome-covered pool area where adults can unwind in luxurious style. The Solarium features a pool and hot tubs for liquid relaxation. Grab a light bite for breakfast or lunch at The Spa Café and Juice Bar or order your favorite beverage or cocktail.

The sheer size of Eden will amaze you. In fact, Eden has more outward-facing glass than any other venue at sea, so here you’ll feel more connected to the sea—and the stunning destinations beyond. With Eden Café, Eden restaurant, and Eden Bar, three levels of cozy nooks, lounge seating, and lively entertainment, no matter what time of day or night you visit Eden, it will leave you intrigued and wanting more.

The Magic Carpet

The Magic Carpet® is a cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level. Majestically situated on the starboard side of the ship, it makes Celebrity Beyond’s sleek profile recognizable from miles away. Enjoy comfortable seating, a full bar, and space for live music performances.

The Theatre on Beyond

The entertainment aboard Beyond raises the bar on vacations to even greater heights with experiences that are just as revolutionary, just as technologically mind-blowing, and just as carefully crafted as Celebrity Beyond itself.

This Vegas-style casino rivals the biggest and best land-based casinos. With a variety of games in a smoke-free environment.

Whether you’re joining the excitement of the daily activities that take place here or popping in at night for the cutting-edge entertainment experiences, The Club offers hours of entertainment—with a completely new look.

The Destination Gateway

A multi-purpose area that brings our destinations to life. When not in use as a luxury embarkation station, the space is transformed into an intimate setting for programming centered on shore excursions and more.

The Celebrity Shops

A carefully curated collection of upscale and sustainable products from world-famous brands that represent the ultimate in luxury.

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8 Ways to See the Panama Canal (2024)

by Julie | Feb 5, 2024 | Panama , Travel

Are you in the middle of planning a trip to Panama?

Wondering how to visit the Panama Canal?

In this Panama travel guide, I’m going to share with you the best tours of the Panama Canal. This guide is ideal for those who are history nerds like me and want the BEST canal experience . However, for those who aren’t nerds, I’ve also included a list of easy and cheap ways to see the canal.

So let’s get started!

By the way, for more information on traveling to Panama, check out my complete list of Panama Travel Guides .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In this post, you’ll find…

• Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal

History of the Panama Canal

• How the Panama Canal works – ESSENTIAL info for trip planning – Don’t skip this part!
• Panama Canal Cruise – Half-way (6 hours)
• Panama Canal Cruise from Pacific to Atlantic Oceans
• Miraflores Locks
• Pedro Miguel Locks
• Gatun Locks in Colon
• Lake Gatun – Includes Monkey Island
• Panama Canal Museum
• Museum of the Afro-Antilleans of Panama

Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal stretches from the city of Colon on the Atlantic Ocean to Panama City on the Pacific Ocean.

Container ships, cruise ships, and even sailboats ply the canal daily as they make their way from one ocean to another.

You can either visit the canal from the Pacific Side in Panama City, the Atlantic side in Colon, or from Lake Gatun in Gamboa . I recommend visiting the canal from Panama City, but in this guide, I’ll tell you all the different ways to visit it.

The original Panama Canal was completed in 1914. However, in the twenty-first century, some container ships had become too wide to fit through the original canal, so in 2016 Panama built another set of locks running parallel to the old locks. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks .

TOP 3 Panama Canal Tours

1. panama canal cruise.

RATING: 4.6/5 (70 Reviews) | TIME: 6 Hours | COST: US$145

• Take a boat ride from the Pacific Ocean through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Lake Gatun (vice versa)
• Includes FREE snack and FREE lunch
• FREE hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic + Jungle Tour

RATING: 5/5 (1,100 Reviews) | DURATION: All Day | PRICE: US$135

• Drive along the Panama Canal from Panama City to Lake Gatun in a bus
• Take a boat ride around the islands of Lake Gatun to spot the wildlife of Panama
• Visit the Agua Clara Locks to see the ships pass through the canal
• Visit San Lorenzo National Park where you’ll visit a rainforest to spot more wildlife and tour Fort San Lorenzo to learn about the pirates that terrorized Panama

3. Miraflores Locks + Panama City Tour

RATING: 4.8/5 (220 Reviews) | DURATION: 5 hours | PRICE: $67

• Includes FREE hotel pickup and dropoff
• Miraflores Visitor Center
• Casco Viejo
• Bridge of the Americas
• Amador Causeway

The Panama Canal has one of the most interesting histories in the world. On the one hand, it was an engineering and scientific miracle . But on the other hand, its construction was filled with hubris, corruption, lies, disease, war, revolution, racism, and death .

Before the Panama Canal was Built

Before the Panama Canal was built, ships had to travel around the tip of South America to get from Europe or the East Coast of the United States to Asia or the West Coast of the U.S. This would take many months of travel.

The Panama Canal clipped off months or over 10,000 km from the original route .

During the California Gold Rush , the quickest way for Americans to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast was to take a boat to the Caribbean side of Panama and get off in Colon, where they would then take a boat down the Chagres River to Panama City.

Eventually, a train was built parallel to the river that would take passengers across the isthmus to Panama City. Finally, fortune seekers would catch another boat to California.

The French and the Building of the Panama Canal

The first country to try building the Canal was France. The story of France’s attempt to build the canal is one that is hard to believe–a story of hubris, incompetence, corruption, and scandal.

Over 22,000 people died from disease during the 9 years of construction (1880-1889). Millions of dollars were siphoned off into people’s pockets. And a well-respected French family was left penniless and the eldest son was imprisoned for the arrogance and ignorance of his father.

Ferdinand de Lesseps

The one name that you should remember from this period is Ferdinand de Lesseps . He was the head of France’s attempt to build the canal. De Lesseps had more charm and confidence than integrity and humility . It’s hard to know what he was thinking. Did he knowingly lie and cheat people? Or did he believe his lies and was just living in a fantasy world? Reading his story, one is reminded of Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried.

What did the French do wrong?

The French started building their canal without doing proper research on what would be the most suitable canal for Panama. Lesseps just insisted on building a sea canal and wouldn’t accept facts even after years and years of failure. A sea canal was not possible given the terrain, the soil, and the raging Chagres River. As a result, the French ran into one engineering problem after another. 

Why did so many workers die?

The French had another big problem: so many workers—both French and West Indies— died on the canal from malaria and yellow fever . Back in the 1800s it was believed that these two diseases were caused by dirt, filth, bad air, or immoral living. No one knows for sure how many died—as the French didn’t keep track of the deaths of the Jamaican workers. But estimates say that it was at least 22,000.

The collapse of the Panama Canal Company

However, Lesseps kept telling people that construction was going well and progress was being made. The guy was so charming that everyone believed him. Sound familiar? Finally, in 1889, Lessep’s lies caught up to him and the company ran out of funds .

Construction stopped and France was rocked by the scandal of the Panama Canal. There were several trials. In the end, de Lessep’s son went to prison for the lies or incompetence of his father.

The Americans and the Building of the Panama Canal

Then the Americans came along. Many Americans especially Theodore Roosevelt, saw the canal as essential for the future imperial ambitions of the United States.

However, the Americans debated between building a canal in Nicaragua or Panama. Unlike the French, they had done a substantial amount of research. In the end, Panama won with the help of another fascinating French guy (I’ll tell you about him below) and a corrupt American lobbyist.

Colombians refused to give in to the Americans

But the Colombians, who owned Panama, had different ideas. They didn’t trust the Americans as the U.S. was already giving off hints of imperialist ambitions in South America. Thus, the Colombians refused to allow the Americans to build the canal. However, the Panamanian elite wanted it.

So the Panamanians with American backing and the support of a French engineer named Philippe Bunau-Varilla revolted and declared independence from Colombia .

The notorious Philippe Bunau-Varilla

Philippe Bunau-Varilla is probably the most hated French person in Panamanian history. His role in the Panama Canal and the revolution was to have repercussions for the next 85 years of Panama-U.S. relations.

The Panamanian revolutionaries needed money for their revolution to succeed. Bunau-Varilla agreed to give them $100,000 in exchange for being made Panama’s ambassador to the United States .

After the Panamanians got their independence, Bunau-Varilla stabbed them in the back. As Panama’s ambassador to the U.S., he rewrote the original Panama Canal Treaty . The conditions in the new treaty were so favorable to the U.S. and so disadvantageous to Panama that they were to anger Panamanians for the rest of the twentieth century, leading to hatred and resentment toward America and many deaths.

The Panama Canal Treaty

In the new treaty, the United States was given complete sovereignty over the land in the canal zone , which included 10 miles of land on each side of the canal. The second change was that this control over the Panama Canal was to be in perpetuity and not for the 99 years that had originally been agreed upon in the previous treaty. The treaty also in essence gave the U.S. final say over any decision made by the Panamanian government, including who would govern the country.

American successes

The U.S. began construction on the Panama Canal in 1904 and they stumbled just like the French did during the first year.

However, in 1905 the right people were put in charge: the railroad engineer, John Steven,s and the infectious disease doctor, William Gorgas.

The U.S. spent time before construction eliminating yellow fever and malaria by reducing the number of mosquitos. Discovering the cause of these two diseases probably saved tens of thousands of lives, and without this achievement, the canal probably wouldn’t have been completed.

The Americans also scrapped plans for a sea canal and i nstead went with the lock canal .  If they hadn’t, they probably wouldn’t have finished the canal for another twenty years.

The U.S. finished the canal in 1914.

The end of U.S. control over the Panama Canal

In the end, Panama became a vassal of the United States until President Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos of Panama signed a treaty whereby the U.S. would give up the canal in 1999 .

Before this happened, though, the U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 to arrest its one-time ally, the psychopath, General Manuel Noriega. Several thousand Panamanians lost their lives and most Americans lost all historical memory of the invasion. 

Ever since 1999, Panama has run the canal and has done as good of a job as the Americans had done.

For the BEST book on Manuel Noriega and the U.S. invasion of Panama , I highly recommend God’s Favorite by Lawrence Wright.

Best Books on the History of the Panama Canal?

These are my 2 favorite books on the Panama Canal. You can also check out my complete list of books on Panama .

• The Path Between the Seas – By David McCullough (1977) – The most popular book on the history of the Panama Canal but it was written over 45 years ago, sooooo not the most up-to-date book on the market.
• Panama Fever – By Matthew Parker (2007) – An excellent but more up-to-date published book on the canal. You’ll find Parker has a different perspective on the characters and events from McCullough’s.

How the Panama Canal Works

Before visiting the Panama Canal, it’s helpful to how it works. If you don’t, you might end up visiting at the wrong time and see NOTHING! Trust me! I’ve met several other travelers who went to the canal and saw NOTHING because they went at the wrong time.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Morning

In the morning , ships ONLY travel down the canal from the Pacific end to the Atlantic end .

The best place to see ships passing through the canal on the Pacific Side is at the Miraflores Locks. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center website to find out when the ships pass through the locks . Times change daily. And now with the Panama Canal suffering from a shortage of water, times are very different from in previous years. In January 2024 , the website says ships pass through until 6:30 am and then start going through the canal again at 12:35 pm .

It’s BEST not to visit the Miraflores Locks in the morning. Visit in the afternoon.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Afternoon

In the afternoon starting at noon , the canal is ONLY open to ships traveling from the Atlantic end to the Pacific end .

According to the Miraflores Website, the first ship in January 2024 passes through the Miraflores Locks at 12:35 pm . However, when I visited in 2023 the first ships passed through at 2:40 pm .

Ships continue going through the locks at least until Miraflores Visitor Center closes. So, if you go between 2:00 and 5:00, you should see something .

Essential Info on the Locks

When the Americans were constructing the canal, they were having a hard time cutting the canal through the Continental Divide. They could not dig deep enough to make a canal level with the sea . In addition, they were having difficulty controlling the flooding from the Chagres River.

The only solution was to build a canal with locks and create a huge human-made lake.

What you see today is a canal that is at a higher elevation than both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans .  When ships enter the Panama Canal from either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, the locks raise the ships so that they are equal to the level of the canal and lower them to sea level when the ships exit the canal and enter the two oceans. Maybe I’m a nerd, but I think it’s really cool seeing the ships being raised and lowered.

How many locks are there?

There are 3 locks on the Pacific side (2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel) and 3 locks on the Atlantic side (all 3 are at Gatun Locks) that raise and lower ships. You can visit the locks on both sides.

The original canal has 2 lanes of traffic, so you can see 2 ships passing through the locks at the same time.

However, in the 2000s, at the height of globalization, shipping containers became too wide to pass through the original locks.

In 2016, Panama built a new set of locks running parallel to Miraflores and Pedro Miguel. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks. When you’re at Miraflores Observation Deck, you can see ships passing through the new locks in the distance.

How do the locks work?

As a ship travels the canal from the Pacific side, it enters the first lock at Miraflores. The lock raises the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) above sea level. Doors to the second lock open and the ship enters a new lock. When it enters the second lock at Miraflores, the lock raises the ship another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, when the ship enters the Pedro Miguel lock, the lock raises the ship a final 9 meters (29.5 feet).

In total, the ship is raised 27 meters (88.5 feet) above the level of the Pacific Ocean.

The ship then travels through the Culebra Cut , which is where engineers carved the canal through the Continental Divide.

The canal then makes its way to Gatun Lake . This is where the powerful Chagres River was damned. The Chagres was another challenge for the builders of the canal. During the rainy season, it often floods.

After Gatun Lake, the ship enters the first lock on the Atlantic Side, the ship is lowered 9 meters (29.5 feet). At the second lock, the ship is lowered another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, the last lock lowers the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) until the ship is at the same level as the Atlantic Ocean .

8 Best Tours of the Panama Canal

There are several ways to visit the Panama Canal during your trip to Panama. I will talk about all of the ways and which ones I did.

1. Taking a Cruise Down the Panama Canal

PRICE: US$145 | TIMES: Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon | BOOK YOUR CRUISE: Northbound Cruise ; Southbound Cruise | LOCATION OF PORT: Google Maps

The BEST way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat tour down the Panama Canal . This way is for those who REALLY want to be immersed in one of science’s greatest inventions.

It was one of the best things I did in Panama. But I’m a nerd and I love history and science. So this is not for those who are too cool.

These Panama cruises only do half of the Panama Canal . But you still get to go through 2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel , pass under the Bridge of the Americas , sail through the Culebra Cut , and see Lake Gatun .

There are 2 half-day boat tours :

• Northbound Tour (Saturdays) – Pacific Ocean toward Lake Gatun
• Southbound Tour (Sundays) – Lake Gatun toward the Pacific Ocean

Both tours only do half the canal.

Northbound Panama Canal Tour:

The Northbound Panama Canal cruise departs every Saturday morning . The boat travels from the Pacific Ocean toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The tour leaves from Isla Flamenco in Panama City and ends around the town of Gamboa on Lake Gatun.

The Northbound Cruise costs US$145 for children and US$95 for children. Check-in time is between 6:30 and 7:30 am. The tour company will pick passengers up at certain hotels around Panama City. Expect to finish the tour around 2:00 pm.  

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a small snack, free drinks, free lunch, and English and Spanish guides. I was told that my tour did not include drop-off at the end, but I was dropped off at my hotel.

One big negative about the cruise was that the boat was pretty crowded. Maximum number of people is 250! Get to the boat early so that you can stand at the front of the boat as it goes through the locks. This means you probably won’t be able to do the free hotel pickup and instead get to the port on your own.

Why do the Northbound Panama Canal Tour?

You get to feel what it’s like for the ship to be raised through the three locks , which just seems like a cooler thing to experience than a ship being lowered (according to an engineer I met on the cruise.)

Southbound Panama Canal Tour

The Southbound Panama Canal Cruise goes from Gatun Lake to the Pacific Ocean . This cruise runs only on Sunday afternoons.

You take a bus from Panama City to Lake Gatun , where you catch the boat through the canal. First, you go along the Culebra Cut before passing through the Pedro Miguel lock and then through the two locks of Miraflores . The boat eventually sails under the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends at Flamenco Island .

Why do the southern tour?

The cool thing about doing the southbound cruise is that you get to travel toward the Pacific Ocean at the end of the tour and you get to see the skyline of Panama City .

Your boat, however, will be lowered through the locks, whereas the southbound boat is raised as it goes through the locks.

The other reason to do the southbound Panama Canal cruise is that you don’t have to start the tour so early as you do with the northbound tour (6:30 – 7:30 am). The check-in time for the southbound one is between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m .

How to book your Panama Canal Boat Tour

I did the Northbound Tour in March 2023 and booked directly with the boat company called Panama Marine Adventures .  I recommend this company because their boats looked better than the other two going through the canal at the same time my boat went through.

However, I do NOT recommend booking directly with the company . I’ll tell you later my reasons.

Instead, book through Get Your Guide or Viator . It’s the same tour I took with Panama Marine Adventures .

• Northbound Tour (Pacific Ocean to Lake Gatun – Saturday morning – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator
• Southbound Tour (Lake Gatun to Pacific Ocean – Sunday afternoon – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator

Why book through Get Your Guide?

The price is the same as booking directly with Panama Marine Adventures .

And Get Your Guide is AMAZINGLY helpful if you have trouble with your tour. Finding a representative to talk to from Get Your Guide is easy and quick and they will contact the tour company if you have problems.

I tried to book a hotel pick-up time with Panama Marine Adventures and they did not answer my message for several days . They finally contacted me AFTER the deadline for booking a pickup. Thankfully, they did allow me to book a pickup.

However, whenever I’ve used Get Your Guide and had problems with a tour, like I did in Ecuador, I’ve gotten an immediate response from them even late at night.

You can easily get refunds if you need to cancel with Get Your Guide and if the tour doesn’t show up, you can get your money back through Get Your Guide .

You might be interested in these posts:

• The BEST Boquete, Panama Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Panama Food Guide
• Top 20 Places to Visit in Central America

2. Take a Panama Canal Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic

PRICE: US$195 | TIME: once a month (see below for exact dates) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide | LOCATION: Google Maps

For the ultimate history and/or science nerd there is a cruise that takes you through the whole Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean .

I sooooo wanted to do this cruise.

But unfortunately, it’s only done once a month and I was not in Panama City when the cruise was running. Here are the dates for 2024:

• January 20, 2024
• February 17, 2024
• March 16, 2024
• April 20, 2024
• May 18, 2024
• June 15, 2024
• July 20, 2024
• August 17, 2024
• September 21, 2024
• October 19, 2024
• November 16, 2024
• December 21, 2024

The cruise begins at Flamenco Island before crossing under the Bridge of the Americas. It then passes through the Miraflores Locks and the Pedro Miguel Lock . Then it snakes its way through the Culebra Cut , where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. After that, the boat cruises through Lake Gatun before it is lowered 26 meters through the three chambers of the Gatun Locks . Finally, your boat ends on the Atlantic side in the city of Colon. A bus brings you back to Panama City.

The tour lasts 12 hours and in 2024 costs US$195 for adults and US$105 for children .

What’s included in the tour?

• Continental breakfast
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snacks
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Bilingual narrator onboard guide
• Pickup from your hotel

How to book your tour?

You can book your tour through Get Your Guide .

3. Miraflores Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$17.22 (adults); US$7.22 (ages 6-12); FREE (under 6) | TICKET OFFICE OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su)  | WEBSITE: Miraflores Visitor Center  | LOCATION: Google Maps

The easiest and most popular way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Miraflores Locks. The locks have a visitor center that includes the following three attractions:

• IMAX Theater to watch a 40-minute 3-D film on the Panama Canal
• Exhibition Hall – temporarily closed
• Observation Deck to watch the boats pass through the locks

IMAX Theater

You can watch a 40-minute 3D film (you get 3D glasses) on the construction of the Panama Canal. It’s narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Personally, I think the movie was boring and did a horrible job of telling the history of the canal. It felt more like a tourism video as it spent way too much time bragging about how beautiful Panama was.

Here were the times for the 3D documentary on the canal when I visited:

Exhibition Halls

There are 4 exhibition halls that introduce visitors to the Panama Canal’s history, function, biodiversity, and international importance. When I visited in April 2023, it was closed .

Observation Deck

The highlight of visiting Miraflores is watching the ships go through the locks from the Observation Deck.  

The problem with the observation deck, though, is that it’s too small and there are too many people . When I got to the deck in the afternoon, the bleachers were full so I had to stand on the left edge of the deck and only got a view of the ships leaving the locks .  

If you stand to the right of the bleachers in the afternoon, you’ll get to see the ships entering the locks .

Even though I had taken a cruise through the locks several weeks earlier, I still LOVED watching the ships go through them AGAIN.

Check the Miraflores website to find out when the boats pass through the Miraflores Locks. The times in January 2024 are different from the times in 2023. In January 2024 , the website says ships go through the locks until 6:30 in the morning and start going through the locks again at 12:35 pm.

Coffee Shop, Wine bar, and Snack Bar

There’s a coffee shop, wine bar, and snack bar at the Visitor Center. They sell snacks as well as coffee and other drinks.

Are there long lines at Miraflores?

Yes, there are indeed long lines. However, my line moved relatively fast. I think I was in line for only around 10 minutes.

How to get to the Miraflores Locks

Getting to the Miraflores Locks by public transportation is SUPER EASY and FAST .

I highly recommend doing it by bus because taxis and Ubers tend NOT to like taking people all the way to the locks . AND they really hate picking people up from the locks .

At Allbrook Bus Station ( Google Maps ), take bus C810 from Bahia (Bus Stop) D right outside the station entrance. Allbrook is also called Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte

Google Maps will show you the EXACT location where your bus is picking up passengers. Every time I used Google Maps at Allbrook it was 100% accurate in identifying the location of the bus stop.

Bus fare costs 25 cents . However, you will need a Metro Card, which costs US$2 . You can buy a Metro Card from machines at subway stations around the city or from inside the Allbrook Bus Station.

Google Maps also works really well in Panama City for bus routes and schedules.

Bus C810 will drop you off right in front of the entrance to the Miraflores Visitor Center .

My bus left Allbrook Station at 1:00 pm and arrived at Miraflores at 1:20 pm . This gave me enough time to buy tickets for the movie starting at 1:30 pm and get to the Observation Deck at 2:20 pm for the first boat passing by at 2:40 pm . I finished watching the ships pass through the locks at 3:30 pm and made it to the bus stop at 3:45 pm . I caught my bus back to Panama City a few minutes before 4:00 pm .

You can also drive if you have a private vehicle. There is a parking lot in front of the Miraflores Visitor Center.

How to get from Miraflores back to Panama City

Pick up Bus #C810 from the same spot that you were dropped off at. Google Maps will give you the bus schedule.

I met this American guy who was trying to get an Uber back to Panama City. No Uber would pick him up. This was at 3:45 pm . Taxis were offering to take him back for US$12.

Is Allbrook Station Safe?

Allbrook Station is safe, clean, and convenient .

It’s where you catch buses to other parts of Panama like Bocas del Toro and David. Allbrook is also where a lot of metro buses begin their routes to other parts of Panama City. There’s a subway line that ends at Allbrook as well.

Here are the 3 most HIGHLY-RATED Tours of the Miraflores Locks:

For the most convenient way to visit Miraflores, take a guided tour. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off as well as a guide to explain the history and background of the Panama Canal. I recommend booking tours through Get Your Guide . In case something goes wrong with your tour, you can easily and quickly contact Get Your Guide .

1. Conozca Primero Tours Panama

RATING: 4.9/5 (35 REVIEWS) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$67 – $79

• Jampacked, informative, and reasonably priced
• Miraflores Visitor Center (entrance fee included in the tour price!)
• Accepts solo travelers (few tours do) but for US$79
• Do the afternoon tour to see the ships pass through the canal

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Trails

RATING: 4.6/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 4 hours | PRICE: US$130

• Jampacked and informative
• Miraflores Visitor Center (included in the tour price!)
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE

3. Safe Transportation Panama

RATING: 4.7/5 (200+ Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Jampacked and fun tour with knowledgeable guides
• A boat ride on Gatun Lake
• A stop at Monkey Islands to see monkeys and other wildlife.

4. Pedro Miguel Locks

COST: FREE  | OPEN: 24/7  | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you want to see ships passing through the Panama Canal for FREE , head to the Pedro Miguel Locks. Here you can stand on the side of the road and look through the holes in a fence to see ships get raised or lowered in the one lock at Pedro Miguel.

In the morning, you’ll want to get here BEFORE 9:00 am and in the afternoon AFTER 1:00 pm .

I did not visit the Pedro Miguel Lock, but I did pass by them on a bus going from Gamboa back to Panama City and I went through the lock on my Panama Canal cruise.

How to get to the Pedro Miguel Lock:

If you don’t have a car, you can take either bus #C800 or C970 from Allbrook Station and get off at this bus stop near Pedro Miguel Lock.

5. Agua Clara Visitor Center to See the Gatun Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$10 (adults); US$5 (ages 6-12): FREE (under 6)  | OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su); Tickets are sold until 3:30 pm | WEBSITE: Agua Clara Visitor Center | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re in Colon , the best way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Agua Clara Visitors Center. You can get a panoramic view of ships passing through the Gatun Locks . In the morning, the ships will be coming from Lake Gatun and entering the Atlantic Ocean, and in the afternoon, they will be coming from the Atlantic Ocean and entering Lake Gatun.  

There is also a projection room where you can learn about the history of the canal .

According to the Panama Canal website, ships pass through the Gatun Locks between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm .

How to Visit Agua Clara from Panama City:

1. panama canal pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. agua clara locks + jungle tour.

RATING: 4.5/5 (99 Reviews) | TIME: 6 hours | PRICE: US$100

• Informative and jampacked tour
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff and transport from Panama City to Colon and back
• Agua Clara visitor center to see the Gatun Locks,
• Visit a rainforest to see wildlife
• The historic San Lorenzo Fort , where the Spaniards defended Panama from pirates like Captain Henry Morgan.

6. Lake Gatun

A fun way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat ride on Lake Gatun .

This lake was created during the building of the canal and it is considered part of the canal as ships need to pass through the lake. Lake Gatun is used to provide water for the raising and lowering of the locks.

While you’re on the lake, you can see the ships passing along the canal . However, you do not get to see the ships go through the locks.

To visit Gatun Lake, most people join a tour. All tours take you to Monkey Island on Lake Gatun, which is home to 3 types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

Top-Rated Tours of Lake Gatun and Monkey Island:

1. panama canal: pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. miraflores locks + lake gatun + monkey island.

RATING: 4.7/5 (220 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
• A boat ride across Lake Gatun
• Monkey Island to see monkeys and other wildlife

3. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Sloth Sanctuary

RATING: 4.8/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$155

• A boat ride across Lake Gatun to experience the ships crossing the Panama Canal
• Monkey Islands to see the monkeys and other wildlife
• Sloth sanctuary and a butterfly garden in Gamboa

4. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Indigenous Village

RATING: 4.7/5 (150 Reviews) | TIME: 7 hours | PRICE: US$130

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide
• Monkey Island where you can see 3 kinds of monkeys
• An indigenous village where you can learn about the Embera people

BOO K YOUR TOUR HERE

7. Panama Canal Museum

ENTRANCE FEE: US$15 (adults); US$7.50 (students & retired); US$5.00 (ages 6-12) |  OPEN: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tu-Su)   | WEBSITE: Panama Canal Museum | LOCATION: Google Maps

The  BEST way to get the most complete Panama Canal experience is to first visit the Panama Canal Museum BEFORE visiting Miraflores Locks or doing a Panama Canal cruise.

This very informative museum will tell you the history of the Canal and the history of Panama from the building of the Panama Railroad to the handover of the canal to Panama in 1999.

The museum also covers the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.

Give yourself enough time to visit the museum. I ran out of time and had to rush to tour the last few rooms of the museum. There’s so much information that it might take you 2 to 3 hours . For history nerds, give yourself 3 hours.

8. Museo Afroantillano de Panamá

ENTRANCE FEE: FREE | OPEN: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Tu – Sa)  | LOCATION: Google Maps

Another Panama Canal attraction you might want to consider exploring is the Museum of Panama’s Afro Antilleans (a.k.a West Indies or Afro-Caribbean people).

The museum traces the history of the Africans who came from the Caribbean islands to work on the Panama Canal during both the French and American construction.

Over 31,000 people from Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad, and other countries in the West Indies worked on the American Canal . It’s unclear how many from the West Indies came during the French construction of the canal. I’ve read everything from 10,000 to 50,000.

The West Indians did the backbreaking work of building the railroad and canal and also suffered the most from malaria, yellow fever, and pneumonia . Under the French, the majority of the 22,000 who died from disease were from the Caribbean Islands. However, the French didn’t keep good records so we don’t know exactly how many died.

The history of the West Indians is important and should be highlighted more. Unfortunately, the museum is rather small—basically one room. There are just a few artifacts, photos, and models . That is probably due partly to the fact that at the time the canal was being built, few paid attention to these people. This neglect was mainly due to racism and partly due to the people from the West Indies being too poor, overworked, and/or illiterate to find the means and time to record their thoughts, experiences, and daily lives.

How to get to the Museo Afroantillano de Panamá:

Take the subway to 5 de Mayo station . Inside the station, there are signs pointing the way to the correct exit to take you to the museum. Once you exit the subway station, the museum should be right across a narrow street .

It’s also possible to walk from Casco Viejo to the museum.

Top Places to Stay for Every Budget

Here are my recommendations on where you to stay in Panama City while you visit the Panama Canal. I stayed at Panama House Bed and Breakfast and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

However, I also highly recommend trying to find a place in Casco Viejo so you can experience the city’s beautiful historic neighborhood.

Best Budget Place to Stay in Panama City

Panama house bed and breakfast.

LOWEST PRICE: US$20-$40 (private room);US$20 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.9/10 (252+ Reviews)

• Located near a subway station and lots of good restaurants
• Good WiFi – Great place for digital nomads
• Reasonably priced private rooms and dorm rooms
• Very inclusive: Other guests are diverse in terms of age, nationality, and race

CHECK PRICE & BOOK YOUR STAY

Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Panama City

Magnolia inn.

LOWEST PRICE: US$80-$100 (private room) US$24 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.5/10 (1,477 Reviews)

• A beautiful French-style mansion in Casco Viejo
• Has both mid-range at around US$80-$100 and dorm rooms for US$24

Best Luxury Place to Stay in Panama City

Amarla boutique hotel casco viejo.

LOWEST PRICE: US$242 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.3/10 (97+ Reviews) |

• Located in the heart of Casco Viejo
• An impeccably beautiful boutique hotel
• Amazing rooftop terrace with views of the city

Final Thoughts on the 8 Ways to See the Panama Canal

Don’t skip the Panama Canal when you’re visiting Panama . It is one of the greatest engineering feats ever conducted and it’s got a fascinating and tragic history that you should learn about.

But what, in my opinion, are the BEST ways to see the Panama Canal?

• A Panama Canal boat cruise
• A visit to the Miraflores Locks

Now where else should you go in Panama?

• San Blas Islands – BEST beach and island destination in Central America
• Boquete has tons of things to do if you like hiking, birdwatching, and drinking coffee.

Best Resources for Your Trip to Panama

Book your flight:.

I use Skyscanner and Google Flights to book my flight.

Book Your Accommodations:

I book all my accommodations through Booking.com and Agoda . Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World – they’re a great site for finding hostels.

Book Your Tours:

I book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator . They’re reliable and trustworthy, and if you run into problems, you can easily and quickly contact them.

Book Car Rentals:

I book car rentals through Discover Cars . They have good prices and good customer service.

Get Internet & SIM Cards:

I now buy an eSIM through Airalo . It avoids those nasty roaming charges and always having to buy a physical SIM card when arriving in a new country.

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More Travel Posts on Panama…

• San Blas Islands Travel Guide

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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