Gatun Lake: Monkeys & Exotic Wildlife by the Canal
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Set out from Panama City in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle bound for Gamboa Marina. Board your riverboat and glide across Gatun Lake, a vital section of the Panama Canal surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
As you cruise, watch for the lake’s most famous residents — white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and Geoffrey’s tamarins. With a bit of luck, you may also spot sloths resting in the treetops, colorful tropical birds, or crocodiles sunning on the shore.
Your certified guide shares fascinating insights about the canal, its history, and the rich biodiversity of the Chagres River basin, making this more than just a wildlife encounter.
End your adventure with a comfortable return ride to Panama City, arriving back at your hotel with unforgettable memories and photos of Panama’s wildlife.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multilingual guide
The duration of the tour includes travel time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Avenida Balboa
The tour starts with hotel pick up in Panama City followed by a transfer to the Gamboa Marina.
Gamboa
Gamboa is a peaceful rainforest town located at the meeting point of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal. Known for its lush jungle, abundant wildlife, and historic canal infrastructure, it’s one of the best places in Panama to experience nature up close. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Gatun Lake and the surrounding rainforest.
What‘s Included
Professional local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
Meals
Boat Fee to be paid on site
Monkeys are not fed
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Monkeys and wildlife
Tour pickup: From 6:25am to 10:30am
10:50am to 3:30PM
1:30PM to 5:30PM
Pickup included
Reviews
2,200 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 - Amazing Experience
jazzparris,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked with Expedia and this tour was absolutely amazing! The experience was beyond just seeing monkeys. 10/10 would recommend! P. S. Use the bathroom before the tour commences! :)
Boat trip to see the monkeys
Teresa J,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jeny was a great guide and host for our trip. She provided amazing information on the ride from the hotel to the boat. She was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend.
Must go
941ivoryc,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maribel it was fantastic and Incredibly informative it was a all-around amazing trip.
Monkey Adventure
Lawrence E,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an exceptionally fascinating tour with Jenny our knowledgeable guide and the monkeys. We saw three different kinds of monkeys, a sloth, a turtle, iguanas and bats. We were able to get very close to the monkeys on our tour of Lake Gatun. Don’t miss this wonderful tour! It is well worth it and you won’t be disappointed. Jenny does a very good job.
Awesome experience!
V6879QZalexanderb,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend, Jenny did a great job conducting the tour.
Awesome experience!
erickhE9853MO,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience and it wouldn’t have been as good without Jenni! Such a kind tour guide and very knowledgeable. We got to see many monkeys very up close. I would definitely do this again but not with anyone besides Jenni! 10/10 would definitely recommend!
Gatun Lake & Monkeys and exotic wildlife
giordannya,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jenny and misael were amazing. Great energy very friendly and inviting. I learned so much and saw so many monkeys
Very Fun!!!
Mike E,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This has been the highlight of my trip to Panama! Milton was our tour guide and he was very interesting and educational. We saw abundant monkeys and plenty of other wildlife. This was one of the better adventures I have been on.
rushed visit to the monkeys
Agathaester K,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00you will see all 3 monkey types as they are used to being fed by the boats you get rushed to 3 smal islands with each a diferent monkey type on it by the boat , you see each monkey type for 3 to 5 minutes max and get rushed back to the bus For me ...I really wanted to see wild tamarind monkeys ...saw them ...cute...similar to seeing them in a zoo i guess. If yu cant see them any other way this is an option
So fun!
nicdoll85,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was amazing! Awesome to see the canal and the ships. We got to see monkies up close. The tour guide, Jenny, was awesome.
From US$40.00
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