The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering marvels, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans since 1914. Every year, millions of visitors come to see this incredible waterway in action, and Panama Canal tours have become a popular way to experience it firsthand.
With so many different Panama Canal tours to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you understand your options. Let’s break down the top seven tours so you can pick the perfect one for your trip.
Quick note: This article is purely informational. We don’t make money from it. There are no affiliate links here – I’m simply sharing what I know about Panama Canal tours to help you choose the best one for your trip.
1. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal Tour: Full-Day Journey from Atlantic to Pacific
Let’s start with the Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal tour. This Panama Canal day tour is for tourists who want to see it all in one go. It takes you from the Atlantic to the Pacific, showing you the canal and some amazing jungle sights along the way.
| Duration | 8 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $114.75 |
| Pickup | Offered |
| Ticket Type | Mobile |
| Language | English |
This Panama Canal adventure tour starts super early. They pick you up from your hotel in Panama City at 6:10 am. I know, I know – it’s early but it’s worth it. By starting early, you beat the crowds and get to see more animals when it’s cooler out.
What’s Included:
- Panama Canal boat ride (90 minutes)
- Bottled water
- Lunch (traditional Panamanian meal with rice, chicken, beans, plantains, and salad)
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (but only for some hotels)
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Entrance fees to all attractions visited
What’s Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Pickup from hotels near Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge), Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca, Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan, or Tocumen Airport (due to heavy traffic)
What to Expect
First up on this guided Panama Canal tour is a 90-minute Panama Canal boat ride. You’ll cruise right next to huge ships passing through the canal. The guide will tell you how the Panama Canal works and why it’s such a big deal for world trade.
Next, you’ll head to Gatun Lake. This is a big artificial lake that was made when they built the canal. It’s the second-largest artificial lake on the continent. The lake is surrounded by rainforest, so keep your eyes peeled for animals.
You might spot howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, tamarins, or even sloths if you’re lucky. The rainforest around Gatun Lake is one of the few places where you can see animals that only live in Central America in their natural home.
After that, you’ll visit the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. This stop on your Panama Canal locks tour lets you see the new, bigger locks up close. From the deck, you can watch ships go through the Agua Clara Locks.
The guide will explain how the Panama Canal was built, how it works today, and why it’s so important for world trade. You’ll learn about the canal’s watershed too, which is super important for keeping the canal running.
The tour also takes you to San Lorenzo National Park. Here, you’ll explore a rainforest and visit Fort San Lorenzo. This old Spanish fort is 400 years old and sits on an 80-foot (25m) cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea where the Chagres River meets the ocean. The United Nations (UNESCO) says it’s a World Heritage Site.
The fort was part of Spain’s defense system for ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great example of military buildings from the 1600s and 1700s. It’s one of the oldest forts in all of Spanish America. The guide will tell you stories about pirates and privateers who used to attack the fort.
Food and Comfort
You don’t need to worry about food on this Panama Canal tour. They give you a traditional Panamanian lunch with rice, chicken, beans, plantains, and salad. They also provide bottled water throughout the day, and you’ll have your picnic lunch at San Lorenzo National Park.
Good to Know
This Panama Canal sightseeing cruise isn’t a full transit of the canal. You won’t go through the locks on a boat. Also, if your hotel is near Amador Causeway, Clayton, Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca, Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan, or Tocumen Airport, you might need to arrange your own ride to the starting point. This is because of heavy traffic in these areas.
2. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour: Experience the Locks Up Close
If you want to experience the canal locks but don’t have a full day to spare, the Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour might be just right for you. This Panama Canal tour gives you a chance to actually go through some of the locks on a boat.
| Duration | 7 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $150.00 |
| Pickup | Offered |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal partial transit tour is a bit shorter than the Ocean to Ocean tour, but it still packs in a lot of cool stuff. You get to see how the locks work up close and personal.
What’s Included:
- Guided Panama Canal sightseeing cruise
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Lunch
- Non-alcoholic beverages
What’s Not Included:
- Gratuities
What to Expect
After they pick you up from your hotel, you’ll head to La Playita pier. On the way, you’ll drive along the Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador). This is a man-made road that connects four small islands near where the Panama Canal meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s got great views of the canal and Panama City skyline.
The main event of this Panama Canal locks tour is cruising through the Miraflores Locks. These locks lift ships up 54 feet (about 16 meters) above sea level. The whole process takes two steps. You’ll get some great photo chances here as you watch other boats go through the locks too.
After Miraflores, you’ll cruise to the Pedro Miguel Locks. These locks lift you up another level before you reach Gamboa Pier, where the tour ends.
Good to Know
You need at least two people to book this Panama Canal tour. Also, while you’re waiting for your turn in the locks, you might have to wait a bit. But don’t worry – watching other boats go through is part of the fun!
The Panama Canal is a big deal in engineering history. It was one of the biggest and hardest engineering projects ever done before it opened in 1914. It made it much easier for ships to go between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Want more travel ideas? Check out https://destination.com/ for guides, plans, and tips. I’ll help you set up great trips to popular places for hassle-free and well-planned vacations and visits.
3. Private Panama Canal and Historic City Tour: Personalized Half-Day Experience
If you’re looking for a more flexible and personalized Panama Canal city tour experience, the Private Tour of the Historic Center of Panama and Canal might be perfect for you. This Panama Canal private tour lets you see the canal and the city’s historic areas at your own pace.
| Duration | 4 to 5 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $80.00 |
| Pickup | Offered |
| Ticket Type | Mobile |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal private tour is great for travelers who want to learn a lot about Panama’s history and see the canal without being tied to a big group’s schedule.
What’s Included:
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Certified guide from the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)
What’s Not Included:
- Entrance fees (including Miraflores Visitor Center – $17.50)
- Meals and additional drinks
- Gratuities
What to Expect
Your Panama Canal tour starts with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. Here, you can see boats going through the locks and learn about how the canal works. You can also visit the Canal Museum to learn about its history. This part of the tour takes about 2 hours.
Next, you’ll head to San Felipe, also known as Casco Viejo. This is the old part of Panama City, and it’s been around since 1673. You’ll see old ruins and buildings that tell the story of Panama’s past. This part lasts about an hour.
After that, you’ll visit the Amador Causeway. This used to be a military fort to protect the canal, but now it’s a cool place for tourists. You can see the duty-free Anphora shop, take a picture with the Panama sign, and get some great views of the city and the bay. This part also takes about an hour.
The best thing about this Panama Canal private tour is that you can change the order of these stops if you want. The guide will work with you to make sure you see what you’re most interested in.
Good to Know
The entrance fee for the Miraflores Visitor Center (about $17.50) isn’t included in the tour price. Also, while the tour includes bottled water, you’ll need to ask if you want soda. Meals aren’t included either.
People who’ve taken this Panama Canal tour say the guides are really knowledgeable and friendly. One person even said their guide made sure they got to see extra ships going through the locks and took them to see an IMAX movie about the canal.
4. Southbound Panama Canal Partial Tour: See the Locks from a Different Angle
If you want to see the Panama Canal from a different angle, the Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction might be just what you’re looking for. This Panama Canal southbound tour takes you through some of the most interesting parts of the canal, going from north to south.
| Duration | 6 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $155.00 |
| Ticket Type | Mobile |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal southbound tour gives you a chance to see the canal’s locks in action and cruise through some beautiful scenery.
What’s Included:
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Sodas and water
- Coffee and/or tea
What’s Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
What to Expect
Your Panama Canal adventure tour starts at the Flamenco Marina, which is on the last island of the Amador Causeway. It’s right next to the big Panama sign and behind the Duty Free Shop. From here, you’ll take a 45-minute bus ride to the town of Gamboa, where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is.
In Gamboa, you’ll board a boat called the Pacific Queen. This is where the water part of the tour begins. You’ll start at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal.
The Gaillard Cut (also called Culebra Cut because it’s curvy like a snake) is one of the most interesting parts of the canal for visitors. It was cut right through the Continental Divide, which is pretty impressive!
As you travel through the Gaillard Cut, you’ll see that it needs a lot of care. The sides can sometimes slide, so they have to keep working on it. Before you get to the Pedro Miguel Locks, you’ll see the Centennial Bridge, which goes over the canal.
Next, you’ll go into the Pedro Miguel Locks. These locks are on the Pacific side of the canal, and they’ll lower your boat by 9 meters in one step. After that, you’ll enter Miraflores Lake. This is a small lake that sits between the Pedro Miguel Locks and the Miraflores Locks.
The Miraflores Locks are the last set of locks before you reach the Pacific Ocean. Here, your boat will be lowered 18 meters in two steps. Once you’re through these locks, you’ll be in the Pacific Ocean!
On your way back to the Flamenco Marina, you’ll go under the Bridge of the Americas. This bridge has been connecting North and South America since 1962. It cost $20 million to build back then. As you get closer to the marina, you’ll get to see the Bay of Panama and the amazing Panama City skyline.
Good to Know
The exact time for check-in or pickup will be sent to you by email the day before your Panama Canal tour. Make sure to check your inbox so you don’t miss this information.
This Panama Canal locks tour gives you a great chance to see how the Panama Canal works up close. You’ll get to experience going through the locks yourself, which is pretty cool. Plus, you’ll get some amazing views of the Centennial Bridge, the Chagres River, and the Bridge of the Americas.
5. Panama City and Canal Private Tour: Best Sights in Half a Day
If you want to see both the Panama Canal and the highlights of Panama City, the Panama City and Canal Private Tour might be perfect for you. This Panama Canal city tour experience gives you a great overview of the area’s main attractions in just half a day.
| Duration | 6 hours 5 minutes (approx.) |
| Price | From $67.00 |
| Pickup | Offered |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal private tour is great for first-time visitors to Panama City or people who don’t have much time but want to see the main sights.
What’s Included:
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
What’s Not Included:
- Entrance fees (including Miraflores Visitor Center – $17.50)
- Meals and additional drinks
- Gratuities
What to Expect
Your Panama Canal tour starts with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. Here, you’ll spend about 2 hours learning about this amazing feat of engineering. You can watch ships pass through the locks and learn about how the canal works and why it’s so important.
Next, you’ll head to Casco Viejo, the old part of Panama City. This area is a World Heritage Site, which means it’s super important historically. You’ll spend about 2 hours walking around here, seeing old buildings and learning about Panama’s history.
After that, you’ll visit the Amador Causeway. This is a road that connects three islands in Panama Bay. From here, you get some of the best views of Panama City. You’ll spend about an hour here.
The tour also includes a stop at a viewpoint over the Bridge of the Americas, which is at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. If this viewpoint is closed, you’ll get to see other parts of the city instead.
You’ll also get to see the Panama Canal Administration Building and visit the National Handicraft Market to learn about Panamanian culture and buy some souvenirs.
Good to Know
The entrance fee for the Miraflores Visitor Center (about $17.50) isn’t included in the tour price. Also, meals aren’t included, but you can stop for lunch near the Amador Causeway if you want (you’ll need to pay for this yourself).
People who’ve taken this Panama Canal tour say the guides are really great. They’re knowledgeable about Panama’s history and culture, and they make sure you get to see everything, even if it means waiting a bit longer to see an extra ship go through the locks.
6. Full Panama Canal Transit Tour: Complete 12-Hour Lock-to-Lock Adventure
If you want to see the whole Panama Canal from end to end, the Panama Canal Full Transit Tour is the way to go. This Panama Canal full transit tour takes you all the way from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean (or the other way around) through the entire canal.
| Duration | 12 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $210.00 |
| Ticket Type | Mobile |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal full transit tour is a long day, but it’s worth it if you want to see everything the canal has to offer.
What’s Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Snacks in the afternoon
- Unlimited sodas and waters
- Bus transportation from Colon back to Panama City
What’s Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase onboard)
What to Expect
Your Panama Canal adventure tour starts at the Flamenco Marina, which is on the last island of the Amador Causeway. It’s right next to the Panama sign and behind the Duty Free Shop. From here, you’ll board a small boat to start your journey through the canal.
You’ll go through all three sets of locks in the canal: Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun. At the Miraflores Locks, your boat will be lifted 18 meters in two steps. Then you’ll enter Miraflores Lake, a small freshwater lake between Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
At Pedro Miguel Locks, you’ll be lifted another 9 meters in one step. After this, you’ll travel through the Gaillard Cut. This part of the canal was cut through the Continental Divide, and it’s full of history and interesting geology. You might notice that this area needs a lot of maintenance because landslides can happen here.
Next, you’ll cruise across Gatun Lake. This lake was created by building a dam across the Chagres River. As you cross the lake, you’ll pass by Barro Colorado Island, where the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has a research station. This is a great chance to see some of the wildlife that calls the canal zone home.
The last set of locks you’ll go through are the Gatun Locks. These are the only locks on the Atlantic side of the canal. Here, your boat will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three separate chambers.
Throughout the trip, your guide will tell you all about the canal’s history and how it was built. You’ll learn about the challenges they faced and how the canal has changed world trade.
Once you reach the end of the canal in Colon, you’ll get off the boat and board a bus for the trip back to Panama City.
Good to Know
This Panama Canal full transit tour is a long day – about 12 hours from start to finish. But don’t worry, they feed you well. You get breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks, plus all the soda and water you want. If you like, you can buy alcoholic drinks on board too.
The exact time for check-in will be sent to you by email the day before your tour. Make sure to check your inbox so you don’t miss this information.
This Panama Canal locks tour is great if you really want to understand how the whole Panama Canal works. You get to see all the locks, cruise on Gatun Lake, and sail on the Chagres River. You’ll also see the Centennial Bridge, which is pretty impressive.
7. Panama Canal and City Highlights Tour: Quick 5-Hour Overview
If you want a taste of both the Panama Canal and Panama City but don’t have a whole day to spare, the Panama Canal and City Tour Experience is perfect for you. This Panama Canal city tour experience packs a lot into about 5 hours.
| Duration | 5 hours (approx.) |
| Price | From $65.00 |
| Pickup | Offered |
| Ticket Type | Mobile |
| Language | English and Spanish |
This Panama Canal sightseeing cruise and city tour gives you a great overview of the area’s main attractions in just half a day.
What’s Included:
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Panama City
- Small Group Tour
What’s Not Included:
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee to Miraflores Locks ($20)
- Gratuities
What to Expect
Your Panama Canal tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in downtown Panama City. Then you’ll head to the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. Here, you’ll spend about 2 hours. You’ll get to see the locks in action and watch a movie about the Panama Canal.
Next, you’ll drive to the Bridge of the Americas. This was the first bridge built over the canal, way back in 1962. You’ll stop here for about 30 minutes to take in the view and snap some photos.
After that, you’ll drive along the Amador Causeway. This is a road that connects three islands using dirt and rocks that were dug out when they made the Panama Canal. It takes about 30 minutes to drive through, and you get some great views of the city.
The tour also includes some stops in the historic part of Panama City. You’ll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua, which is a mouthful to say! This is an important church – it was the first diocese on the American mainland and Pope Francis visited it in 2019.
You’ll also see El Arco Chato, which is part of an old church from the end of the 1700s. This arch was important when they were deciding whether to build the Panama Canal in Panama or Nicaragua.
The tour includes a stop at Plaza Carlos V, which honors the Spanish king who first thought of building a route across Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This plaza is also a great place to buy molas, which are colorful fabrics made by indigenous Panamanian women.
Your last stop will be Paseo de Las Bovedas, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze, get a great view of where the Panama Canal enters the Pacific Ocean, and do some shopping with local artisans.
Good to Know
The $20 entrance fee for the Miraflores Locks isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to pay this separately. Also, food and drinks aren’t included.
People who’ve taken this Panama Canal tour say the guides are really great. They’re knowledgeable and make sure you get to see and understand everything.
Want to make the most of your Panama Canal tour? Timing is key! Check out my guide on the best time to visit Panama for every traveler to help you plan your trip. You’ll find tips on weather, events, and crowds throughout the year.
How to Choose the Best Panama Canal Tour for Your Visit
Now that we’ve looked at all these different Panama Canal tours, you might be wondering which one is best for you. Here are some things to think about:
- How much time do you have? If you’ve got a whole day, the Ocean to Ocean tour or the Full Transit tour might be great. If you’ve only got half a day, consider the Partial Transit or the City and Canal tour.
- What are you most interested in? If you’re all about the canal, go for one of the transit tours. If you want to see the city too, pick a combo tour.
- How much do you want to spend? The prices range from $65 to $210, so think about your budget.
- Do you prefer group tours or private tours? If you like more personal attention, consider one of the Panama Canal private tours.
- How active do you want to be? Some tours involve more walking than others.
Of course, there’s no wrong choice here. All of these Panama Canal tours will show you the impressive Panama Canal. It just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
But no matter which Panama Canal tour you choose, you will surely be impressed by the Panama Canal. It’s an incredible feat of engineering that’s been shaping world trade for over 100 years.
Seeing ships rise and fall in the locks, cruising through the lush jungle, and learning about the canal’s history – it’s an experience you won’t forget.
