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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
2,259 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Definitely worth it
robynn566,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would highly recommend this tour. Jenny, our tour guide, was incredibly friendly, engaging, and exceptionally knowledgeable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. From pickup to drop off, everything was well organized and ran smoothly. Interacting with the monkeys, cruising along the canal while massive ships passed by, and seeing the variety of wildlife made this a truly unforgettable once in a lifetime experience.
More Than A Monkey Tour
Ashley W,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The monkey tour was absolutely incredible, and our guide, Milton, made the experience truly unforgettable. While seeing the monkeys was amazing, what made the tour exceptional was how much we learned about Panama through Milton’s extensive knowledge and passion for sharing the culture and history of the country. He took the time to interact with every guest personally and made everyone feel comfortable and engaged throughout the entire experience. His energy, professionalism, and warmth elevated the tour far beyond our expectations. Highly recommended.
We found Dora the Explorer all grown up!🥰
Reginald K,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Well organized and our guide Jenny was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She interacted with each guest and provided loads of information about the rainforest animals and the Panama Canal. Worth every penny and not to be missed when visiting Panama!
Monkey Sight seeing Tour
Karla M,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a good enough experience. We were able to see 3 species of monkeys and saw some iguanas and bats as well. Only negative things I would say are new life jackets are needed. They smelled and latch was broken to close. When we were dropped off we graciously gave our guide a $20 tip which is not required, but wanted to anyway, however the guide didn’t say thank you or show any appreciation and even snatched the money out of our hand and went on his way.
Wonderful experience
Nina B,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jenny did an amazing job would definitely recommend this tour. We had people 70+ and 5 and was enjoyed by all
Absolutely amazing!!...
Sam W,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing!! Guides were excellent, scenery was beautiful, and the monkeys are very cute! A must do in Panama
Wonderful experience
Explore67665431703,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience, everything was beautiful… we saw monkeys, crocodiles, capybaras, etc. I recommend it 100%, plus the leader Juliet speaks and interacts with the monkeys!!! It was wonderful because thanks to her everyone arrived. Thanks to the captain, the driver, and Mr. Daniel for their hospitality and of course to the excellent group
Incredible experience
250bertah,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience from start to finish. I recommend the guide Daniel, a very enthusiastic man about the wildlife. Thank you very much for everything!
What an experience
263hardeepm,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible day. Host Daniel might be the best guide I have had for any excursion, anywhere in the world. La jefa (the boss) is actually a monkey whisperer. I cannot speak highly enough of this team.
Monkeys, Birds, Crocodiles, Bats, and Capybaras
918jakobw,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Edgar, Daniel, Brian, and la Jefa the monkey whisperer were all great!
From US$40.00
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