Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Ride, Locks, Fort San Lorenzo
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This unique tour of the Panama Canal goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean as you see the canal from the water and by foot. An exciting boat ride down the canal will introduce you to the transiting ships as well as the abundant wildlife on its shores, followed by a visit to Fort San Lorenzo and the new Agua Clara Locks.
This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
The tour starts in a very remote area and there will be no access to public restrooms around 9am
Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Minimum age is 3 years
If you will be staying at a hotel area that is not on the list, please contact your local operator prior to booking your tour
This tour is in ENGLISH only, we cannot run the tour in 2 languages without the tour quality being compromised.
Not recommended for travelers with walking problems or other serious medical conditions.
No Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Panama City
This tour begins with hotel pickups starting at 6:10am. I know it sounds crazy to get up so early on your vacation, but you will thank me for it later. Starting this early we can beat the crowds and see more wildlife in cooler temperatures.
Panama Canal
We will ride along the waters of the Panama Canal right next to the ships passing through on their way to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our destination is Gatun Lake, where we will cruise around islands created during the canal construction and see the abundant wildlife on its shores.
What‘s Included
Panama Canal boat ride (90 minutes)
Professional guide
Bottled water
Entrance fees
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
A traditional Panamenian lunch is provided ( Rice, chicken, bean, plantains and salad)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
Gratuities
Due to heavy traffic, no free pickup from hotels located near Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge) Playa Bonita. Separate transportation for the an extra charge
Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own transportation
This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
Extra passenger - Minimum age to participate is 3 years
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Outside Panama City Areas 6am
Pick up and Drop Off 6am: Pick up starts at 6:00am from areas as Playa Bonita, City Of Knowledge, Amador Causeway, Panama Canal, Costa del este. Pickup included
Central Area Hotels 6:30am
From 6:30 Pick up &Drop off : For Hotels/Airbnb located in Central Panama City Areas. Pick-ups start at 6:30am. Pickup included
Reviews
1,738 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour! They...
Laura K,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour! They picked us up at our hotel, small group experience. Guide was excellent . We saw and learned so much .
Amazing tour with Daniel
BellaA D,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Daniel Viquez our tour guide is knowledgeable, articulate in providing historical facts of Panama and the canal. Our driver was safe and timely, he and Daniel both provided an excellent well organized tour from beginning to end, and as well as a delicious Panamanian authentic lunch- picnic at the park. Highly recommended.
Discovering the wonders of the Panama Canal
marcellog874,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting day trip during which you visit the Panama Canal area: from the Soberania Natural Park to Lake Gatun, from the locks of Agua Clara (on the Atlantic) to the fort of San Lorenzo (UNESCO site). Guide very prepared and helpful. Recommended tour
BEST TOUR EVER
D4098ZMkimd,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was hands down the best tour we have been on! John was so knowledgeable and kept us on the edge of our seats with the history of Panama and the places we toured. We would take any and every tour he was part of! His driver (I would spell his name wrong) was phenomenal!
Best tour ever!
KimDowell,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00To say this was a great tour would not do it justice! John was an amazing tour guide, and we would totally take any tour he was on!! I cannot say enough good things about him! BEST TOUR EVER!
Excellent tour, time well spent
Linda G,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved the tour. We saw so many different animals, birds, and the flora was amazing. Our tour guide, John, was so knowledgeable about the history of the area and our surroundings. He made the tour interesting and well worth the money and time spent. And the lunch didn't hurt...
An early start to avoid...
Michele M,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An early start to avoid the Panama traffic, but it was a great trip and I would highly recommend it.
Exceptional tour
Eddie N,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great history lesson of not only the Panama Canal, but the country as a whole. To get a glimpse into this massive engineering undertaking is humbling to say the least. Highly recommended for anyone interested in engineering, Panamanian history, and culture.
Cruising the Canal Zone
Scott S,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Tour picked us up on time and we headed toward the canal zone. Steady feed of info from our tour guide ranging from history, politics as well as where to eat while in town. Full of info and great timing to see ships using the locks, as well as exploring the islands for wildlife spotting. Made for a great day with information on what to do next.
Great day trip from Casco Viejo
Martha D,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent day tour that included boat through part of the canal (not through the locks) and opportunities to see wildlife and birds. Enjoyed the Agua Clara locks and San Lorenzo too. It was a full and very interesting day! John was very respectful and helpful, as was the driver Manuel.
From US$135.00
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Operated by Panama Day Trips