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Panama Canal Full-Day Tour: Explore Marvelous Engineering and Iconic Landmarks
5.0
16 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
Be part of the most complete and detailed experience in which you will learn all the secrets of the Panama Canal from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast in a single day!
We will share with you in depth all the details of the operation of the ships that pass through the historic Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, Gatun Locks and the new and…
Be part of the most complete and detailed experience in which you will learn all the secrets of the Panama Canal from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast in a single day!
We will share with you in depth all the details of the operation of the ships that pass through the historic Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, Gatun Locks and the new and expanded Agua Clara Lock.
In addition, you will be in emblematic places such as: the gigantic Atlantic Bridge (with a world record for the longest four-lane concrete cable-stayed bridge), the Gatun Dam and the great Gatun Lake, the largest artificial reservoir of the time and… You will even see part of the construction of the French Canal!
This tour is completely private.
Come prepared with the best energy and let’s go on an entertaining full-day adventure exploring the wonderful engineering of the Panama Canal!
We accept reservations from one person only
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
(16 Ratings)
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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
Journey30379512237
Oct 13, 2023
Fantastic experience - Mario was amazing. Such a wonderful, fun and educational experience. I have done many tours across multiple countries and this was truly a top notch experience. I cannot wait to return and have Mario as our guide once again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glenn_b
Oct 2, 2023
Cositas Panama Tour is the company to watch out for. - Mario, our tour guide was greatest. Two days before the tour, I received an email through viator from Mario looking forward to seeing us soon.
Before booking, I compared 6 tours visiting Panama Canal. So far, this company stands out because it has the most detailed explanation of the tour and what to expect.
The day prior, Mario got in touch with us via WhatsApp.
What stands out regarding this WhatsApp message was Mario was kind enough to reach out, asking how we are doing, confirmed the tour for the next day, what time we'll meet and where and he also sent us his business card with the picture and plate number of the vehicle we'll be using. He asked about our preferred drinks and gave recommendations on where to visit in the area where we are staying.
Of all the tours I have been to, this was the first time I have ever encountered such a great and unique service even before the tour started. It was personalized, which is great because it gave you confidence about the company and we were able to plan our morning.
On the day of the tour, true to his word, Mario was not on time BUT ahead of time. We were on the road 2 mins before the actual tour should start.
I didn't expect that it was only me and my friend going on the tour which made it feel like a private one.
Mario knows what he is doing. He made sure me, and my friend are comfortable. Mind you, my friend speaks only Spanish and I only English. But Mario made sure that he would explain in both languages and not make one feel left out.
The most challenging part was the timing of the ships passage through the canal. Mario made sure we did not waste any time. The ship was 2 hours late to pass through Gatun lock, but Mario took us to see Colon instead of waiting.
We avoided the crowds in Miraflores because of Mario's proactiveness in prioritizing on getting the entrance and IMAX tickets when we passed by it earlier in the day. So, when we went back in the afternoon, we don't have to line up for ticket and saw another ship pass through. On top of it, Mario made sure we'd see the important events in the building of the Panama Canal.
The quality of service, proactiveness, time management and friendliness were unremarkable to the point that we invited Mario to join us for dinner. It's not like other tours that would bring you to shops for commission or recommend a place for commission. It was like having our own private local friend touring us in Panama. He even took pictures of us on his phone and sent it to us through WhatsApp. He followed up on how we were doing the next day and the day of our departure.
I have nothing but good words for this company. They just stated a year ago and they are really setting the bar on how a tour company should operate and treat their clients.
I felt how proud Mario is of his country, Panama and how much he wanted to share and make sure we'll experience all the best Panama has to offer.
Highly recommend this company.
Review provided by Viator
Terri_p
Sep 8, 2023
Highly recommended tour - Mario was an excellent tour guide. He was very knowledgeable at explaining the history of the Panama Canal and gave us tips on places to visit during our stay.
Review provided by Viator
Jaicr13
Aug 9, 2023
Amazing Day! - We had a fantastic day with Mario! He was so warm and engaging from the moment he picked us up at our hotel. His knowledge of the canal and its history is extensive and he explained everything in great detail. We had a great understanding of the operation of the canal and locks by the end of the day. If he couldn’t answer a question, he checked his resources for an answer. His enthusiasm for transmitting Panamanian culture and history was infectious. He was very accommodating to our desires as the tour unfolded, ensuring that we saw everything on the itinerary at optimal times. We felt very comfortable with him as he was so patient as we took pictures, made restroom stops and shopped for souvenirs. We never felt rushed but saw everything. We felt like we were leaving a family member when the tour ended and he dropped us at the hotel! He also sent us all the pictures he took as promised. I would highly recommended this tour to anyone who wants to see both ends of the canal and learn about different aspects of Panamanian culture along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
