Private Tour
Panama Canal with entrance included and Gatun Lake Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Get to know the greatness of The Panama Canal and its operation with this interesting tour inside Miraflores Visitors Center skipping the tickets line, then enjoy the adventure of a boat tour in the largest lake in the Panama Canal and its diversity of wildlife.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Panama Canal
After pick up from hotel or accommodation in Panama City, we would take you to an observation area where we will explain you about the history and how the Panama Canal works.
Gatun Lake
After seeing a ship go through the locks, we will continue by car to the Chagres River where we will then get off the car and begin a boat tour in the Gatun Lake. At this point you will be inside the Panama Canal passing beside the ships in transit from one ocean to the other. During this boat tour in Gatun Lake you will be surrounded by the rainforest of the Soberania National Park, where we will spot monkeys and other wild animals.
What‘s Included
Skip the line, entrance tickets to the Panama Canal Visitors Center Miraflores are included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Tour by boat in Gatun Lake, in the Panama Canal
Additional cost for pick up from Playa Bonita or airport USD $30 cash per group (not per person)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private tour in Spanish
Private tour in Spanish
Pickup included
Small group in English
Small group in English: The small group tour option is for a maximum of 10 pax.
Pickup included
Private tour in English
Private tour in English
Pickup included
Small group in Spanish
Small group in Spanish: The small group tour option is for a maximum of 10 pax.
Pickup included
Reviews
347 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Panama canal and wildlife
harlan g,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was really interesting. My guide was informative. Had monkeys (titi) jump on to the boat. The boat captain knew what he was doing in terms of locating them. The boat ride itself was a blast. Fast like a jet ski. We left early (0730) which I would recommend this time of year (January). It gets hot later.
Monkeys, canals, and birds, oh my!
Patricia B,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best tours I’ve been on ever (and I travel a lot). Luis is the best and Bob knows where all the monkeys are. Worth. Every. Penny.
Funny channel.
msilviarangel,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour took place according to the schedule. Punctuality, cordiality of the guide, historic content, comfort in transportation, and landscapes.
Very crowded at the...
Cynthia C,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very crowded at the Panama Canal viewing during our trip in December. Get there as soon as they open. Boat ride was fun and saw lots of monkeys
Great guide - wonderful...
Tracey L,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide - wonderful experience! Highly recommend a private tour. Best way to see the Panama Canak and the lake!
Very informative and worthwhile
holliel995,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ruben did a great job for us / we learned and saw a lot! The boat ride was comfortable and beautiful. Lots of monkeys and critters.
Def book this tour!
Brianna L,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricardo was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable in both the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake and speaks great English. There were only 3 of us which made this tour feel basically private. Would definitely book him again and highly recommend this tour!
Great time on Lake Gagun and visiting the Panama Canal Visitor Center
kfam1214,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Demetrio was very knowledgeable. He first took us to Lake Gagun to avoid crowds at the Panama Canal Visitor Center. Seeing monkeys, iguanas and a sloth in their natural habitat was amazing. Also being out on the lake amongst ships passing through the Panama Canal was awesome. The Panama Canal Visitor Center was very interesting. We were lucky enough to be able to see the Miraflores lock doors open and a container ship passing through. Also the 3-D movie was very interesting. Overall a really good tour, well worth taking.
Unforgettable experience
981lautarol,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was amazing from start to finish. We really enjoyed the Channel tour watching a boat cross, and then the walk on Gatun Lake was an unforgettable experience. Caesar was our guide and accompanied us at all times telling us the history of the place and many curious things. More than recommended
Amazing time with Dan!!
ariellef221,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dan was absolutely fantastic!! During the ride, he explained the history of Panama in depth! He made sure to get us to miraflores early, got us the best spots to see the boats going through the canal, and made sure we had an amazing time at monkey island. We saw 3 different monkeys, an iguana, and bats!
Related Experiences
Operated by Safe Transportation Panama