Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
During the Panama Canal tour, you will have the opportunity to witness up close the operation of the impressive locks that allow the passage of large vessels through this globally significant waterway. You will learn about the fascinating history of its construction, the engineering behind this monumental project, and its impact on global trade.
Regarding the boat tour on Gatun Lake, you will delve into a fascinating natural environment where wildlife is abundant. You may spot howler monkeys and capuchins playing in the treetops.
Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to observe up close crocodiles basking in the sun on the lake's shores and turtles swimming in its tranquil waters, allowing you to connect with the unique biodiversity of this region and enjoy an unforgettable experience in harmony with nature.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Entrance fee to the Panama Canal Visitors Centeris is a mandatory charge. Each traveler must pay this fee personally, either online or directly at the Visitors Center
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Miraflores Visitor Center
Upon arrival at the Miraflores Visitor Center, travelers can observe the operation of the Panama Canal from its viewing terraces, explore the interactive museum, and enjoy a 3D film about the canal’s history and functioning. They may also witness the impressive sight of ships passing through the locks
Gatun Lake
During the visit to Gatun Lake, travelers will board a small boat to explore its calm waters, surrounded by lush rainforest. Along the way, they’ll spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and tropical birds. The tour often includes a stop near Monkey Island, where curious monkeys may approach the boat
What‘s Included
pickup and drop-off.
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance tickets for Panama Canal Visitors Center (USD$17.22 adult, $7.22 child),
tips
Extra fee of US$30 per group if pick up is from Playa Bonita or airport zone
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome day
Michael W,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get your! Guide was extremely attentive and helpful to every person on boat- great value for the month Ps- left my phone at canal and realized when we got back to city and owner went all the way back and retrieved it for me- can’t recommend enough
Great tour of the Canal in the wildlife around Gatineau Lake
michael r,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great to have a private tour and my guide Rommel provided information and insights you can only get from someone who is local and experienced. Without his and the boat drivers keen eyes I would’ve missed all the wildlife, because the animals blended so well into their surroundings. I wish I had more time where I could’ve gone on another tour with him, including going on kayaks through the caves…..next time
Amazing tour
StevenCo W,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is one of our favorites! We have taken it 3 times, taking friends and family when they come to visit! The canal is very educational, as well as showing what a work of wonder it is! Then Monkey Island! We never get tired of goi g to Monkey Island! What a fun adventure that never disappoints! We always see many monkeys and birds, and iguanas. When we are lucky we see a sloth or two! Our guide on all three of these tours has been Rommel! He is AMAZING! He works so hard to make sure you get the best possible experience and memories! He goes out of his way to help make our tour the best it can be! I request him every time!!
Fun in Panama
Evan R,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really want to thank our tour guide Miguel. We honestly thought we were being picked up in some big tour bus and just being shuttled around, but we ended up being picked up in an SUV by Miguel, and he was our personal tour guide for the day. First took us out to monkey Island, and he came on the boat with us and talked about what he knew, and then we experienced the monkeys. Then we got back into the car and we headed over to the Panama canal visitor Center, where again Miguel walked us through told us what he knew, and then we learned even more there. Was a wonderful day, and a beautiful city.
Excellent
Aujae D,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I really loved it. Romell was very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour to the world. Grade A+ for Romell!
Hanging out with an old friend...
Zsolt Z,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cesar my giude was very friendly and helpful. As I was alone with him the whole tour was like hanging out with an old friend. I just can recomend! Being on the lake in the small bays canals seing animals in the rain forest was like a National Geographyc movie...
Great tour!
StevenCo W,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time learning about the Panama Canal. The IMAX movie is great! Then, Monkey Island never disappoints! Rommel is amazing! Highly recommend!
Panama Canal, IMAX, and monkey Island
Cliff K,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very easy and very enjoyable tour. Our driver Antonio was prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Spoke great English. We were a bit surprised that we had to buy tickets for the IMAX when we arrived at Panama Canal, but after re-reading our tour/ticket info, realized that it was not included. It was definitely worth the price of admission. It was very informative and interesting. The boat driver to monkey Island was a phenomenal driver, and made sure we saw everything before heading back to land. Antonio also took us to Gamboa hotel and gave us a lot of history about the area. Drove us past Rod Carew Stadium on the way back to the hotel.
Elliot was a great tour...
Bryan T,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Elliot was a great tour guide! What a great afternoon to see the canal and explore Lake Gatun. Travel was seamless in a clean comfortable vehicle. Would recommend!
sit back and enjoy great...
Casey K,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00sit back and enjoy great tour guide very timely saw everything and more very informative pointed out interesting things along way
-28% off
From US$85.68Was US$119.00
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Operated by Jhaline Tours Panamá