Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Ride, Locks, Fort San Lorenzo

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

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

4.85

1,612 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1453

106

An enriching experience
girishmrn,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
John, our guide, was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Our family enjoyed the ocean-to-ocean trip. Him and Manuel, our driver, took their time to spot wild animals. I finally was able to see a Toucan and a Sloth bear. The boat ride in Gatun lake was a very unique experience as well.
Canal
Cindy I,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Loved the time on the boat! We got to see 3 types of monkeys, several caimans and some beautiful toucans. Our guy John knew when to take us to the Agua Clara locks to see some of the big ships go through and it was amazing. Lunch was delicious. I could’ve lived without going to Fort San Lorenzo because it was so hot by that time of day.
Wow such an amazing and educational experience !
James H,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Perfect day of wildlife and exploration. I learned so much about the canal. I got to see almost every animal on my list. It was a very full day and everyone was very tired at the end but we accomplished a massive amount of things! 100% worth it! Guide was funny and informative! He took great care of us and made sure no one was left behind! Thank goodness because we were the slow ones!
John will give you a tour that you will never forget
Smoothology,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time with John and Manuel. We saw everything we wanted to see and had everything go according to planes 🙂 it was a excellent vacation with a family and I recommend this tour with John
Fun and informative
cupcakecity,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, John, was extremely knowledgeable about plants, animals history and culture. Though a long day that started too early, it was amazing to travel ocean to ocean. We loved watching the ships pass through the locks at Agua Clara. A great day.
Let's go looka da ships.
keithkC3791EY,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Monkeys, forts and locks all in one day. John was knowledgeable in history and wildlife. Manuel was very professional and didn't miss a beat.
Excellent tour!
Mike T,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent trip that covered key areas of the Panama Canal and locks. Tour guide John Acosta was very informative and accommodating. Authentic Panamanian lunch was excellent. Saw many species of monkeys, birds, and a sloth. Would highly recommend.
Worth the time and money.
alanap486,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Alonso was amazing, very upbeat and knowledgeable. Our driver was super helpful and efficient. You can’t visit Panama and not do this tour!! We didn’t go through the canal on a boat though, that was misleading but we enjoyed it anyway.
Best tour in Panama
Navigator552682,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour. Loved every minute of it. Communication before the trip was great. The tour was amazing. We saw lots of wildlife, learned a ton and great lunch. Our tour guide Ciara and the full team were amazing.
Highly recommend this great day!
886deidras,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour with friendly, knowledgeable guide. John provided history, context, and color to all the sights and locations. This was my 2nd tour with them and I continue to be impressed and would recommend this fun tour wholeheartedly. Got to see lots of wildlife and all the sights listed.