Panama Canal & Monkey in Natural Habitat
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
We start with a pickup from your city hotel or Airbnb in Panama City and drive through Soberanía National Park, where we sometimes spot sloths or other wildlife along the road.
We then pass by El Renacer Prison before arriving at Gamboa Dock, where we hop on a covered, fast motorized boat. From the water, we cruise next to massive ships transiting the Panama Canal and continue toward the artificial islands of Gatun Lake, where monkeys and other wild animals are often seen jumping through the forest canopy. These sightings are done from a respectful distance, without disturbing their natural habitat.
After the boat experience, we return and make a stop at a grocery store for restroom access, then continue to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, where you’ll find a cafeteria for lunch or refreshments. You can see ships pass through the locks and enjoying the IMAX movie about the Panama Canal. After approximately 6.5 hours, we head back and drop you off at your hotel
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Please remember to buy your Panama Canal tickets online, or bring cash or a credit card.
As this is a shared tour, infants may sit on the lap of an adult.
You can find food and refreshments at the Canal cafeteria at your own cost.
Animals are observed in their natural habitat without affecting their natural behavior or environment.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chagres River
The Chagres River is the natural backbone of the Panama Canal system and one of the most important rivers in Panama’s history. Its waters were dammed to create Gatun Lake, which supplies the massive volume of freshwater needed to operate the canal’s locks and allows ships to cross the Isthmus of Panama. Controlled by the Gatun and Madden (Alajuela) Dams, the Chagres regulates water levels, prevents flooding, and ensures safe navigation. Within Gatun Lake, large ocean-going ships pass along marked navigation channels very close to the river’s original course, offering a unique sight where massive vessels move through what feels like a natural rainforest lake. Flowing through dense tropical forest, the Chagres also supports rich biodiversity and provides drinking water to Panama City and Colón, making it a vital link between global maritime trade, engineering, and nature in Panama.
Parque Nacional Soberania
Soberanía National Park is a protected tropical rainforest located along the eastern side of the Panama Canal and is one of the best places near Panama City to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. As we drive through this area, it is common to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, or other rainforest animals resting in the trees or crossing near the road. The park is also historically significant, as it surrounds the area of El Renacer Prison, the former military base where Manuel Noriega was incarcerated in his final years. This unique combination of rich biodiversity, canal history, and modern Panamanian heritage makes Soberanía National Park a fascinating place where nature and history coexist side by side.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned transportation
Bottled Water
Boat ride included
Professional Guide
This tour can be done even on rainy days.
Lunch or Dinner
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center (Adult $17.22 & Child $7.22)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
From City Hotel only/Not Dream
Desde Hotel de Ciudad: Por favor, estar en el lobby de su hotel, AirBnB o apartamento. No include recogida en Dreams Playa Bonita
Pickup included
From Playa Bonita Westin/Dream
From Dreams or Westin: Please be ready the lobby as this is a shared tour we can only wait 3-5 minutes.
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
City tour
johannamZ2485YM,,Feb 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am so thankful. Great experience. Rafael, our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a last minute 8hr layover and they were kind enough to schedule us although they were sold out. Very good company. Excellent communication.
Encounter with history, technology and culture
AlexandraR565,,Feb 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The visit to Vasco Viejo was fantastic, from the streets with colorful houses to the restoration of old buildings, it was a moment of encounter with history and culture. The visit to the Canal was also very rewarding with the observation of the locks in operation and the passage of a large cargo ship.
Great experience
C9826LPpatriciac,,Jul 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both Rafael and Enrique very professional, friendly, they make us feel like family member! Tour was great, very informative and lots to see. We highly recommend them.
Do it if you have a long layover
johannbA7295JN,,Jul 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour. Our guide Edwing, was very friendly, professional and helpful. He was very informative, spoke English exceptionally well and made us feel comfortable and safe. Highly recommend this tour if you have a long layover in Panama. Overall no regrets, well worth it. Thanks
Best Tours in Panamá
E2079OWantoniac,,Jun 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the time we used Rafeal from Viator transfers to using them with layover tours the eight of us had nothing but positive things to say. He was very personable and knowledgeable. He took his time with us and gave us great service and he was very informative. I would definitely recommend layover tours if you are visiting Panama. They are easy to communicate with and their prices are very reasonable. Thank you all for being great to work with!
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Operated by R&E Transfer Panama