Private Tour
Excursion to San Lorenzo Fort plus Old and New Panama Canal locks
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable journey through one of the world's engineering marvels: The Panama Canal. Our tour will take you to both the visitor centers, Aguas Claras' new set of locks, and the original Gatun set of locks. Both are located on the Caribbean side of the canal. Witness the canal's operations firsthand and marvel at the striking contrast between the two sets of locks and be captivated by them.
In the second half of our tour, prepare to be immersed in the lush beauty of the rainforest, teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. We'll make our way through the remnants of Sherman's former military base, an American jungle operation training center, until we arrive at the stunning San Lorenzo Fort, also known as San Lorenzo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site, perched at the entrance of the majestic Chagres River, offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea that will leave you speechless. Join us for this remarkable adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fort San Lorenzo
See the impressive fort at the mouth of the charges river.
Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara
Here we are going to be able to see in full action the new set of locks built in 2016 for the largest ships in the world.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities
Admission fees Agua Clara Visitor center must be paid on site to the staff
Admission fees Fort San Lorenzo must be paid on site to the staff
National Park admission fees must be paid on site to the staff
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Vip private combo
Private service: We offer a personalized and customized experience with this combo. Pickup included
Panama Canal locks, jungle and San Lorenzo Fort
Suv or sedan Pickup included
Solo travelers combo
Solo traveler : This option is created for solo travelers Canal and San Lorenzo Fort tickets are not included Pickup included
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A thorough tour of Colon and the Canal Areas
Patrick K,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very informative, José showed us the beauty of Panama's National Park. The old and new Canals, and a drive through the city of Colon and lunch at a local restaurant. The weather was very changeable through the tour, providing a variety of conditions.
Poor Communication
Crystal d,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00While this tour went to the places it was advertised as. If you are looking for a guide, this isnt the tour. The meeting location provided wasn't correct admitted by the provider after. The driver was almost 30 minutes late to the pick up and we had no communication about this until we reached out. This lead to a stressful begining in a port that was a little sketchy. Then when in the van he didnt know what tour we were doing and had us verify it. The tour itself was fine but he took us to places and read the signs to us and provided very little additional information. We also felt rushed in some places and then in others we had no idea what was happening and the communication on the tour was poor. Advertised as providing water but they do not. Very expensive for what you get.
Panamá perfection
Miriam B,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The old and new Panama Canal locks are a fascinating part of world commerce as well as part of our history. José is very knowledgeable and attentive to his clients. His English is great. The Agua Clara and Gatún visitors centers are clean and welcoming. We had a better understanding of the canal when our cruise ship passed through it because of this tour. The fort was also very enjoyable. Would recommend the tour to anyone with an inquiring mind.
Roderick is the best!
barigby,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience with Roderick showing us the Colon area as well as the Agua Clara and Gatun locks. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the history and the technology of the locks and the canal in general. He was very accommodating and made sure we saw exactly what we wanted to see. He also enhanced our overall experience by taking us to areas not usually visited on this private tour. Roderick’s English is excellent. He is exceptionally thoughtful and kind and he made sure we spent the time required to have an in-depth experience rather than just a “pass-by”. We highly recommend Roderick to anyone wanting a comprehensive tour of the Colon area, its history, the Panama Canal and its locks. Many thanks, Roderick!
The tour was very...
Adrienne M,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very interesting and informative Our tour guide JORGE SALAZAR was excellent He was knowledgeable, friendly and considerate. I would highly recommend him,
What a great tour,...
Wayne B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great tour, especially when on a cruise. Instead of being cooped up on a bus with a huge bunch, being herded about to their schedule, take this personal tour that moves by your timing. Have the whole attention of your guide. Our guide, Charlie, who is half Panamanian and half American, was fantastic. Would recommend highly.
Perfect day in Panama thanks to this excursion!
Brenda T,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing and perfect experience visiting Panama thanks to Jorge with Panamanian Adventures. Great communication before and throughout our tour. Jorge is passionate about his job and was extremely knowledgeable when answering our many questions! It was truly a fascinating and enjoyable day spent touring the Old and New Panama Canal Locks and the San Lorenzo Fort. Thank you Jorge, for a perfect day in Panama!
Canals and Fort Tour
66davief,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jorge was great! Wonderful overview of the canals.
Private and no rushing!
SHAWN W,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Personal experience. Private easy paced tour. Guide Jorge is very knowledgeable, professional and accommodating. Tour is worth the price upgrade to private. Few extra cost with entry fees, but it is well documented and wasnt a suprise. Time at each location was flexable.
Around success
Roman S,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We were very surprised that we had the taxi exclusively - in pairs - to ourselves. So nothing stood in the way of a nice tour. Our driver Christian took away any time tension and told us several times to take the time - our time - and as much as we like. We visited Aqua Clara - the new lock, then stopped again at the railway line by the canal. A wonderful spot with views of the canal, the Atlantic Bridge, the PanamaCanal Railway and back to the new lock. From there we crossed the bridge to Gatun - the old lock system. Again, we could take as much time as we liked. The comments by the controller transferred to the public gallery were helpful to understand more of the process etc. On the way to Fort San Lorenzo we had the encounter with numerous nose bears on the side of the road, which were lured by Christian with his breakfast bread. The return trip with a short stop on the Atlantic Bridge and at a supermarket completed our trip at the end.
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Operated by Panamanian Aventures