The Panama Canal
Iconic Adventures on the World’s
Greatest Waterway
Panama Canal
Transit Tour
For the ultimate Canal experience, opt for a full transit tour through the Canal itself. This journey takes you aboard a private yacht, cruise ship, or tour boat as you float through the three sets of locks of the Canal – Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun—witnessing firsthand the incredible lock system raising and lowering vessels between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Depending on the tour, you’ll enjoy expert narration, stunning views of Canal architecture, and an up-close look at the vast rainforest and Lake Gatun that form the Canal’s watershed.
Miraflores Locks
Visitors Center
A top choice for those wanting a close-up view from land, the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center offers excellent observation terraces overlooking the Pacific locks. Here, you can watch massive cargo ships navigate locks while learning about the Canal’s history and technology via museum exhibits, an informative short film, and interactive displays. The center also features a restaurant with panoramic views, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely visit.
Nature & Wildlife Tour
Lake Gatun
Lake Gatun is the sprawling artificial lake created during the Canal’s construction and a key element of the waterway. Boat tours on Lake Gatun offer a unique perspective of the Canal’s natural environment, including lush rainforest teeming with wildlife such as howler monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths. These tours often include scenic cruising past the huge Gatun Locks and provide insight into the Canal’s ecological and engineering significance.
Agua Clara
Visitors Center
Located near the town of Colon on the Atlantic entrance to the Canal, the Agua Clara Visitors Center showcases the modern expansion of the Canal—the new locks that opened in 2016. From expansive viewing platforms, visitors can observe large container ships passing through these state-of-the-art locks and explore the cutting-edge engineering here. Educational exhibits and guided tours deepen understanding of this monumental expansion project that doubled Canal capacity.