Monkey Safari in the Panama Canal - Small Group Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Swap the city for the jungle on an intimate boat journey through Gatun Lake. Navigate the Panama Canal’s lush waterways as you search for howler monkeys, capuchins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Led by an expert guide, this relaxed safari brings you close to Panama’s rainforest ecosystem, no hiking required.
- Easy meeting point in Panama City for departure
- Small-group boat safari in the Panama Canal
- See howler monkeys, capuchins, and other wildlife
- Chance to spot sloths, birds, and reptiles
- Relaxed experience with no hiking required
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
Plaza Herrera
Meet your guide at the meeting point in Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo, in front of the American Trade Hotel. Check-in starts at 7:15 AM, and departure is at 7:30 AM sharp. Your guide will be waiting for you wearing a Panama Vibes uniform, so you can easily recognize us.
Gamboa
Drive through Gamboa, a rainforest town located along the Panama Canal and the Chagres River. This area is known for its dense jungle, wildlife, and access point to Gatun Lake. Arrive at the Gamboa Marina where you will board your boat and begin the wildlife experience on Gatun Lake.
What‘s Included
Guided by an English-Speaking Tour Expert
Complimentary Bottled Water
Travel in comfort with an Air-Conditioned Minivan
Meals
This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
Boat Fee to be paid on site
Monkeys are not fed
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Meet Us at the Starting Point
Meet-Up: Head to our easy-to-find starting point in Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo and join us there – no pickups, just a quick meet-up! Small-Group Safari: This activity is operated with a limited number of participants to ensure a more personal and intimate experience. Scenic Wildlife Route: Carefully selected route through quieter canal waters for better nature encounters. Guided Experience: Local expert guides you through Gatun Lake while helping spot monkeys and wildlife.
Tour with Hotel Pickup
Pickup:: We'll handle the pickup and drop-off at your hotel. A smooth, no-fuss experience! pickup starts at 7:00 AM. Small-Group Safari: This activity is operated with a limited number of participants to ensure a more personal and intimate experience. Scenic Wildlife Route: Carefully selected route through quieter canal waters for better nature encounters. Guided Experience: Local expert guides you through Gatun Lake while helping spot monkeys and wildlife. Pickup included
Reviews
166 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
BEST TOUR!!!!
chadfralick,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gil was an amazing tour guide! Definitely all the bang for the buck! We had a boat and car to ourselves. Jose our captain was super knowledgeable as well, knew the islands well! Gil had interesting facts from the time we started to the time he dropped us off to his friend at the Mecardo de marisco for an amazing lunch with his friend Ramon. 100% recommend this company!
Best outing in Panama City, Panama
RAHAZNow,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up by Gill at our hotel in a very comfortable (and clean) air conditioned car. He shared the history of the Panama Canal and provided sight seeing information on our way to Gamboa to board the waiting boat at Gatun Lake and Chagres River. The lizards, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and birds were a highlight of the trip. He spaced stops for restrooms for our comfort. The Gamboa Hotel stop was breathtaking. We can't express enough his professional and friendly conversation. He was timely at pick up and drop off - most appreciated. Highly recommend this trip ... and Gill!
Great experience.
Magnus K,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Gill our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Very good in English. Highly recommended.
Monkeys + Armando = the best tour
Lori G,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing tour! Armando was our tour guide and he made the tour. I have been on A LOT of tours in my life and this was one of my favorites because of him. The Panama Cabal portion was interesting but the highlight was the monkey portion. Our tour was private so we got right up front when the monkeys came. Such beautiful and gentle creatures. I feel so lucky to have gotten to experience this and meet such an amazing person in Armando.
Great time, exceeded expectations
S M,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Gil was considerate, thorough, and we moved from location smoothly. The car ride was swift and we saw so, so many animals, including crocs. Our kids had so much fun!
Highly recommend
739nataliyaz,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. We saw different types of monkeys, iguanas, and, of course, sloths.
Gil was amazing. My son...
Elizabeth M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gil was amazing. My son and I feel so fortunate that he was our guide. We saw so many things and he is extremely knowledgeable so you won’t leave without learning many things. We felt very safe and well taken care of. He started by telling us how the day would go so we didn’t ever need to wonder what was next. He stuck to the plan and was extremely professional. Thanks, Gil, for making our first trip to Panama something to remember.
Fun boat ride. Great experience with all three species of monkeys. They ate out of our hands. We also saw Caiman
Q9988FSmichaels,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gil was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and open to learning. He is experienced and kind. He went out of his way to ensure we would have a five star experience. If you can get Gil as your guide, go for it.
Excellent day in Panama.
ruth h,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience in small boat on the canal. Feeding monkeys was a highlight. Bring fruit or peanuts though as your operator didn’t have much food and that was the best part ! Gabriel is excellent tour guide. Knowledgeable and perfect English.
😎
Cruiser19726878768,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Everything we did was amazing. The tour guide was really nice as well, he just looked hungover or tired. No issue with me, just something I noticed
From US$39.00
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Operated by Panama Vibes