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Panama Canal Full-Day Tour: Explore Marvelous Engineering and Iconic Landmarks
5.0
21 Ratings
Panama City
Embark on a full-day adventure through the marvels of the Panama Canal. Witness the engineering feat of the locks and explore iconic landmarks. Book now!
Embark on a full-day adventure through the marvels of the Panama Canal. Witness the engineering feat of the locks and explore iconic landmarks. Book now!
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Miraflores Visitor Center - The journey begins at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where visitors can enjoy a 45-minute documentary about the Panama Canal, narrated by Morgan Freeman, at the Imax theater. This experience provides insight into the history and operation of this significant and impressive construction, as well as the opportunity to…
- Miraflores Visitor Center - The journey begins at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where visitors can enjoy a 45-minute documentary about the Panama Canal, narrated by Morgan Freeman, at the Imax theater. This experience provides insight into the history and operation of this significant and impressive construction, as well as the opportunity to witness Panamax ships navigating through the Miraflores Locks.
This time includes transportation to the Miraflores Locks.
- Pedro Miguel Locks - From the Miraflores Locks, the tour continues to the Pedro Miguel Locks, the smallest yet crucial lock, as it adjusts the ships to the level of the Gaillard Cut, the most challenging and intricate part of the ship’s transit.
The time includes transportation to the Pedro Miguel Locks.
- Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara - The tour proceeds to the new Agua Clara Visitor Center, offering a view of the Expanded Canal, where larger Neopanamax ships pass through the Panama Canal.
Transfer time to the province of Colón is included.
- Puente Atlántico - The tour crosses the new Atlantic Bridge, which spans the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, connecting the City of Colón and the Down Coast of Colón.
This bridge holds the world record as the longest four-lane concrete cable-stayed bridge, with a visible span of 530 meters.
- Gatun Locks - After crossing the impressive Atlantic Bridge, the tour arrives at Gatun Locks, where more essential details about the Panama Canal are shared.
- Gatun Dam - The journey continues through the Gatun Locks to the Gatun Dam, which is vital for the Panama Canal’s operation. At the time of its construction, it was the largest dam in the world, alongside the artificial Gatun Lake.
This time includes transportation to Gatun Dam.
- Panama City - The tour concludes with a return to the city.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Miraflores Visitors Center non-residents adults $17.22 minors $7.22. Residents $3 and $1.50
- Agua Clara Visitors Center non-residents adults $10 minors $5. Residents $3 and $1.50
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Miraflores Visitors Center non-residents adults $17.22 minors $7.22. Residents $3 and $1.50
- Agua Clara Visitors Center non-residents adults $10 minors $5. Residents $3 and $1.50
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Join an unparalleled and comprehensive journey where you will uncover all the secrets of the Panama Canal, traveling from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast in just one day!
Gain in-depth insights into the operations of ships navigating through the historic Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel, Gatun Locks, and the newly expanded Clara Water Lock….
Join an unparalleled and comprehensive journey where you will uncover all the secrets of the Panama Canal, traveling from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast in just one day!
Gain in-depth insights into the operations of ships navigating through the historic Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel, Gatun Locks, and the newly expanded Clara Water Lock.
Additionally, visit iconic sites such as the colossal Atlantic Bridge (a world record holder), the Gatun Dam, and the magnificent Lake Gatun, the largest artificial reservoir of its time. You will even witness part of the construction of the Canal Frances!
This tour is entirely private.
Bring your best energy and embark on an exciting full-day adventure exploring the remarkable engineering of the Panama Canal!
Reservations are accepted for individuals.
Please note: Tickets to Visitor Centers are not included.
Location
Miraflores Visitor Center
East Side of the Miraflores Locks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(21 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
433carolw
Dec 21, 2024
It's much more than you might think! - Mario was a thoughtful guide, attentive to the physical needs of these two senior travellers. He was aware of an upcoming transit and made sure the timing was right for us to see all stages of it. His background knowledge of the canal is encyclopedic. He is also able to answer questions and offer background on a variety of social, cultural, and natural topics. We asked for a lunch stop with typical Panamanian food, and he delivered. This was one of many highlights!
The IMAX production was amazing. Don't skip that part!
When the Santa Clara lock unexpectedly ceased operation, we discussed alternatives and ended up having a trip through parkland with bird and animal sightings and hearing a troupe of howler monkeys. Another highlight. A walk on the beach and a soak of the feet in the Caribbean? Priceless!
Mario genuinely loves his country, and we came away feeling we have a friend in Panama. We enthusiastically recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Indira_d
Dec 17, 2024
I’ll advise them to go... - I’ll advise them to go and do it. Activities were abundant. No regrets at all. One important advice is do it a little bit later than we did ours to avoid the rain.
Review provided by Viator
Heimchanp
Nov 26, 2024
Amazing trip! - This tour should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting Panama. It gives you the opportunity to visit the locks at both ends of the canal (Miraflores and Agua Clara). The views at Agua Clara is amazing, not only do you get to see the ships transit the new locks, you also get to a glimpse of the Gatun lake.
Added to all of this, the tour is being done by a knowledgeable guide. Mario brings a wealth of knowledge with him and will surely have the answer for any question you have. His personality and aura makes the tour more enjoyable, he will go the extra yard to make your visit memorable.
I highly recommend this tour, you will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nora_g
Oct 27, 2024
Getting to know the workings and history of the Panama Canal - Excellent all-day tour of the full length of the Panama Canal. Mario, our guide was very knowledgeable and a first class communicator. We would strongly this tour for anyone who wants to delve more deeply into the workings of the canal, the movements of the shipping and operation of the locks. We certainly came away with a much greater familiarity and understanding of this engineering marvel.
Review provided by Viator
Benjamin_d
Sep 22, 2024
Experience the canal from ocean to ocean! - This was a wonderful, private day trip. Mario exhibits a great passion for the canal and the country and is a wonderful guide. We were able to see several ships transiting the locks while learning about the culture and history of Panama. For lunch we asked Mario for something local so he took us to a great restaurant in Colón! We were not disappointed!
We recommend this trip for anyone wanting to learn more about the canal and country!
Review provided by Viator
Helen
Jun 12, 2024
Just do this you get English maths history science geography all in an eco cultural experience - A must to do thank you Mike excellent coverage of tbd day. The best of the trips so far. A car boat and car all on one from one ocean to the other and following the ships down the canal along the way at stops.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendy_k
Apr 4, 2024
Panama Canal Coast to Coast done expertly - To be able to learn the history of the Panama Canal as well as the people of Panama from such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable person such as Mario made the day seem like an hour. There is so much more to learn and I have so many pictures I post but I think you just need to go see for your self. The people of Panama should be very proud of their accomplishments. The inner workings of the Panama Canal is amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_s
Mar 26, 2024
Best Panama Canal Tour! - Mario is just fantastic! He is so engaging and knowledgeable. We would gladly go on a tour with him anytime! We highly recommend this tour to learn and see everything you can about the Panama Canal!
Review provided by Viator
Mobile18310139118
Jan 9, 2024
Mario is incredible! Fabulous tour of the canal. - We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. Mario was incredibly gracious and helpful. He is enthusiastic about Panama, the canal and speaks English. Mom and I were first time visitors and speak very little Spanish. We scheduled the tour for our first day and wish we could have had Mario with us for the remainder of our trip.
The day was delightful.
Mario sent several messages the day before we arrived, but our flight was delayed and my phone wasn’t receiving WhatsApp messages for some reason. We walked down to lobby 2 minutes late and immediately saw Mario. Poor Mario had arrived 20 minutes early and sent a message we did not see or respond to and I’m sure he was wondering if we were going to show. Despite this he was warm, welcoming and excited to show us the canal.
Mario’s enthusiasm and genuine caring lasted the entire day. He went out of his way to answer questions and show us everything about the canal. We were happy to see more than the Miraflores lock. Mario also looked up details about the ships and their size as they passed through the canal.
Thank you for an amazing, welcoming tour of Panama Canal and so much more. We will see you again, Mario!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alejandro
Dec 11, 2023
Full Day - Panama Canal Coast to Coast - by Land - I recently had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful city of Panama and having Mario's services as a guide during my tour. I want to highlight that the experience was absolutely wonderful and enriching thanks to his knowledge, kindness and skills as a tour guide.
From the first moment, Mario was extremely professional and friendly. His passion for his work and his deep knowledge of local history and culture were evident in every explanation he gave us. He was able to convey his enthusiasm in an infectious way, making each stop on our itinerary truly fascinating.
What impressed me most about Mario was his ability to explain the most complex details in a clear and accessible way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
