Panama Canal Full Transit Tour
4.5
Full view
Panama Canal Full Transit Tour
By Panama Marine Adventures
Discover the Panama Canal and its remarkable 20th-century engineering, on this tour that takes you all the way from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Traverse the entire Panama Canal in one day; navigate the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun Locks; and enjoy spectacular views of Gatun Lake, Culebra Cut, the Chagres River, and Barro Colorado Island. Travel by small boat from Panamá City and return by bus from Colon.
from per adult
S$266.09
from per adult
S$266.09
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 180 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English, Spanish
Highlights
- Cruise the Panama Canal: travel through three famous locks
- Magnificent views and wildlife sightings around Gatun Lake
- Breakfast, lunch, and return transfers from Colon included
- Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Panama City hotel
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Snacks in the afternoon
- Unlimited sodas and waters
- Bus transportation from Colon back to Panama
- Roundtrip hotel transfer from selected hotels
What's not included- Alcoholic beverages onboard
- Departure details
- Traveller pickup is offered.
- If your hotel is not listed, please let us know so we can recommend the nearest at walking distance. The exact pickup time will be informed on the day before of the tour through the Viator extranet around 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. You can also contact us at this time.
- Panamá Canal Tour Office Amador, 084300762, Panamá, Panama Flamenco Marina located on the last island of the Amador Causeway. Behind the Duty Free shop and next to the Panama sign
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 32283P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks required for travellers in public areas
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Panama Canal Full Transit Tour?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Panama Canal Full Transit Tour on Tripadvisor
- How much is Panama Canal Full Transit Tour?
- Panama Canal Full Transit Tour price starts from S$262.31. Discover and book Panama Canal Full Transit Tour on Tripadvisor
- What is the Panama Canal Full Transit Tour cancellation policy?
- Panama Canal Full Transit Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Panama Canal Full Transit Tour on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Panama Canal Full Transit Tour?
- Panama Canal Full Transit Tour is hosted by Panama Marine Adventures. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Panama Marine Adventures on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Panama Canal Full Transit Tour on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 32283P2
Itinerary
- You'll start atPanamá Canal Tour Office AmadorOr, you can also get picked upSee departure details
- 1Panama Marine AdventuresStop: 30 minutesOur check in point is at Flamenco Marina, located on the last island of the Amador Causeway. It is right next to the Panama sign and behind the Duty Free Shop.Read morePass byBridge of the AmericasPanama CanalCentennial BridgeBarro Colorado IslandGatun Lake
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
Dl93643
00Panama Canal 1/2day
Day before trip we were contacted and advised of our pickup time for next day. Driver was prompt and collected us …
orsiegmail
00Dissappointment
Disappointment; a lot of dead time I was hoping to hear more details and facts about the building of it the casualt…
R707
00Very enjoyable and informative Panama Canal Partial Transit
This was a great trip. The Panama Canal is the primary reason I visited Panama City. The bus trip to the start was …
J6280WNstevem
00Unique Experience
The boat has some miles on it, but it was functional and the crew was pleasant. Free soda, the lunch buffet include…
Denise30906
00Amazing Experience!
Amazing experience! Excellent tour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel the Panama Canal. Price was affor…
johndA9471AX
00Good, Glad, but not Disney.
Well worth taking. Very interesting. I recommend. But not perfect. Good Parts: Communication prior to tour day w…
Mile_High_Traveller
00Panamá Canal Locks Transit. - great experience
Great experience. Transiting the locks is a lifetime experience. Great narration and ship crew. The lunch was very …
kevinw823
00Satisfied customers
They told us they'd message us at the hotel the day before and they did. The pickup at the hotel was on time and we…
391russelle
00Unique experience that's well organized
Unique experience! It was cool to go through the locks (with large container ships) and the canal itself. The tour …
debrak602
00Overpriced and underwhelming
Well we got to see the Panama Canal and learned some interesting facts but beyond that it was nothing special. The …
bruce n
00Happy Canal Cruiser
Was everything the brochure said it would be but being there was the Best. Food was good, people great, atmosphere …
Jeromy L
00Great team and tour.
Team was informative and very friendly. We say the highlights and great discussion on the churches in Old Town. P…
Stefanie S
00Northbound canal tour
This is a very educational tour which we appreciated learning about the canal and seeing it first hand but it was e…
Hammbrook
00See the Canal up close
It was fun, and educational, to see the canal from a ship on the water as it traverses the canal itself. It is an a…
Vacation73233
00Worthwhile excursion
Excellent service. Well organized. Interesting. Informative. English and Spanish. Good food. Long ride in the van t…
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
73 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
5
David K
2 contributions
Dec 2022
My wife and I took the Panama Marine Adventures tour on January 21, 2023 - having booked it through Trip Advisor. We were picked up at the Bristol Panama Hotel at 6;00 and we were brought aboard the boat around 6:30 am. We started to move towards the canal around 7 am. The boat is pretty crowded until Gamboa, when many people get off. But even if you don't have an ideal place for shooting photos because of the crowd, it usually works out okay. After Gamboa, there is much more room and I highly recommend staying on the boat through the Gatun Locks, where you get an excellent view of how they work. We docked on the Pacific side around 5:30-6:00 pm and had a long bus ride back to the very crowded Panama City pier. There was some confusion for people looking for the correct van back to their hotel, but we bumped into our driver without a problem (the same one who took us in the morning). We got back to the hotel around 8 pm, so it was a long day. The food was buffet style and was more than adaquate, with both breakfast and lunch served between 8 am and 12 am (before the Gamboa drop off). Then there was an afternoon snack. The rest rooms were on the bottom deck and were sufficient. It was a trip I would recommend.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lev740
Sacramento, CA92 contributions
Dec 2022
Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador tour
On December 28, 2022 the Emerald Princess arrived to Panama Canal. We were asked to be at the meeting point at 6:30am. Main buffet breakfast area was scheduled to be opened at 6 am, so we went for the abbreviated breakfast on the deck five to the International Cafe. It is a very small 24 hr counter service area with just one person trying to serve a long line growing with every minute in order to be on time for the 6:30 am tour meeting time.
Passengers were not informed that the main breakfast area was already opened earlier than 6 am. So, we made in time for the shore excursion just to wait for another 43 minutes before entering the tenders for about twenty-five minutes ride to the shore. It took about 1.5 hours driving in air conditioning bus to reach to canal observation Center. Bus moved swiftly on a very modern two lane each way highway with speed limit of 110 km/hr.
We spent about 1.5 hr. at the new locks observation Center,
watched 10-minute short video and observed one container ship passing from Atlantic to Pacific side of the canal.
On the way back to the ship our guide provided a bottle of water to each passenger.
To summarize: about 3.5 hrs. total driving time for about 1.5 hr. of learning and watching canal operations.
Some passengers felt that it was too much driving for about 1.5 hours of sightseeing, but it was right for us and our two teenagers.
Next day during cruise passing the Atlantic set of locks we observed same but this time from the board of the cruise ship.
Good Travels.
On December 28, 2022 the Emerald Princess arrived to Panama Canal. We were asked to be at the meeting point at 6:30am. Main buffet breakfast area was scheduled to be opened at 6 am, so we went for the abbreviated breakfast on the deck five to the International Cafe. It is a very small 24 hr counter service area with just one person trying to serve a long line growing with every minute in order to be on time for the 6:30 am tour meeting time.
Passengers were not informed that the main breakfast area was already opened earlier than 6 am. So, we made in time for the shore excursion just to wait for another 43 minutes before entering the tenders for about twenty-five minutes ride to the shore. It took about 1.5 hours driving in air conditioning bus to reach to canal observation Center. Bus moved swiftly on a very modern two lane each way highway with speed limit of 110 km/hr.
We spent about 1.5 hr. at the new locks observation Center,
watched 10-minute short video and observed one container ship passing from Atlantic to Pacific side of the canal.
On the way back to the ship our guide provided a bottle of water to each passenger.
To summarize: about 3.5 hrs. total driving time for about 1.5 hr. of learning and watching canal operations.
Some passengers felt that it was too much driving for about 1.5 hours of sightseeing, but it was right for us and our two teenagers.
Next day during cruise passing the Atlantic set of locks we observed same but this time from the board of the cruise ship.
Good Travels.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Britt B
Tucson, AZ591 contributions
Jan 2022
Awesome educational tour of the Panama Canal and history. We left just after sunrise and returned around 8PM. It was worth the trip. Just don't forget your sunscreen. Breakfast and lunch were offered and brown bagged. Spending time on the top, you see everything up front from beginning to end. We left Panama bay, went under the American bridge and continued to the Miraflores locks. Considering that the canal was finished in 1914, makes this marvel of engineering even more impressive.
This was an upfront look at how the engineering worked in details. We went through the three locks with a yacht beside us. Attached by the ropes to two railcars, the Panamanian captain navigated us through the locks with our captain. The
insurance costs are in the millions, so best leave it to the pros. Most boat owners could not afford it.
Entering into Miraflores Lake we continued down the river to drop of a few people getting off partway, which is an optional tour. There are lots to see and learn along the way. Great shipmates and conversations made the journey go faster.
Entering into Gatun Lake, we had the two Gatun Locks left to pass. Leaving the locks and entering Limon Bay, we headed for the right fork in the inlet on to Shelter Cove Bay. A van drove my small group back to Panama City. Arrived right in time for dinner.
This was an upfront look at how the engineering worked in details. We went through the three locks with a yacht beside us. Attached by the ropes to two railcars, the Panamanian captain navigated us through the locks with our captain. The
insurance costs are in the millions, so best leave it to the pros. Most boat owners could not afford it.
Entering into Miraflores Lake we continued down the river to drop of a few people getting off partway, which is an optional tour. There are lots to see and learn along the way. Great shipmates and conversations made the journey go faster.
Entering into Gatun Lake, we had the two Gatun Locks left to pass. Leaving the locks and entering Limon Bay, we headed for the right fork in the inlet on to Shelter Cove Bay. A van drove my small group back to Panama City. Arrived right in time for dinner.
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerri S
Opelika, AL253 contributions
This tour is incredible! We booked it in November and planned our entire vacation around it. The history is amazing and experiencing the canal as just as amazing. I have been wanting to do this all of my life. It was worth the entire trip. Fortunately, my husband humored me. We spent 9 days in the country. All of it was wonderful! Going through each phase of each lock is an experience to be appreciated. And seeing all the ships passing through! We were on a small boat (held about 160-180) and traveled through all the locks with 3 sailboats. Our boat served breakfast and lunch and snacks with coffee (very good), water, beer and wine available. Beer and wine were an extra cost. It was fully guided in English and Spanish by a knowledgeable guide. If you asked a question, it got answered.
There were inside, air-conditioned decks with large windows and also open decks (partially covered) for viewing and pictures. People shared indoor tables with other people, strangers and friends. We spent the day with a couple from Northern California. His 80th birthday was celebrated as he crossed the canal off his bucket list!
Sunscreen and water were a necessity. They provide as much water as you can drink. Also, several restrooms. Many passengers disembarked in the Gamboa area of the Gatun Lake.
After the last lock, you travel to a marina off the coast of Colon on the Atlantic side. Then there's a bus ride back to the point of beginning to catch the bus to hotels.
It was a full day and an unbelievable experience. Wow!
There were inside, air-conditioned decks with large windows and also open decks (partially covered) for viewing and pictures. People shared indoor tables with other people, strangers and friends. We spent the day with a couple from Northern California. His 80th birthday was celebrated as he crossed the canal off his bucket list!
Sunscreen and water were a necessity. They provide as much water as you can drink. Also, several restrooms. Many passengers disembarked in the Gamboa area of the Gatun Lake.
After the last lock, you travel to a marina off the coast of Colon on the Atlantic side. Then there's a bus ride back to the point of beginning to catch the bus to hotels.
It was a full day and an unbelievable experience. Wow!
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SOR
3 contributions
Sep 2022
I had a great day transiting the entire Panama Canal! Everything went very smooth and exactly as promised in the description of the tour. September might be a good month to do it, as the boat was not at all full. Also, ¾ of the people got off at Gamboa having done the partial transit, and for the last part of the tour we therefore had plenty of space and great views. Both the food (pasta and pesto with a green salad on the side and a cookie for dessert) and the service were good.
The best part was without a doubt the guide’s comments! Edwin was extremely knowledgeable and provided loads of interesting information both on the history of the canal and of its present-day operations. It also seemed he could answer every possible question. He spoke loud and clear and was easy to follow in Spanish as well as in English.
Highly recommend the excursion!
The best part was without a doubt the guide’s comments! Edwin was extremely knowledgeable and provided loads of interesting information both on the history of the canal and of its present-day operations. It also seemed he could answer every possible question. He spoke loud and clear and was easy to follow in Spanish as well as in English.
Highly recommend the excursion!
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Inspiration746797
5 contributions
It was a great opportunity to go through the canal. Once in the lifetime.. But we were not able to enjoy it. The boat was overcrowded, the food was without any taste, at the last 2 hours the toilets were broken . We were not able to hear most of the information the guide was telling. He was very knowledgeable and answered all the questions. But due to the loud crowd did not hear anything. I wish there would be smaller group trips as well. Was well organized, picked up right on time and dropped off at the hotel door.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve M
23 contributions
Great trip on boat, crowded but not unpleasantly so.
Transited through Miraflorea locks Gatan Lake and then Gatan locks. Paired up with 80,000 ton tanker for going through locks.
Good commentary in both English and Spanish by very charismatic and knowledgable guide.
Transited through Miraflorea locks Gatan Lake and then Gatan locks. Paired up with 80,000 ton tanker for going through locks.
Good commentary in both English and Spanish by very charismatic and knowledgable guide.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jonneyrocket
Ann Arbor, MI2 contributions
Feb 2020
Tour guide Gus was excellent. Took time to answer everyone's questions, even difficult customers. Trip was long, but that was expected by the description and other reviews. Tour had enough going on during the whole trip that not once was I bored enough to read the book I brought along. My favorite part was seeing Lake Gatun and the geography in that area. Locks became monotonous after seeing the first one, but I had to do the full trip to say I did. Boat and Busses were nice.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pchristmas01
Henley-on-Thames, UK2 contributions
Feb 2020
Great trip with very entertaining and informative guide. The only problem was a few people hogging the front of the boat and not stepping aside from time to time to allow others to see .An announcement to ask people to do that may have helped or asking people to go round and stop for a few minutes to take pictures and then move along ilke they do for the crown jewels at the Tower of London. I am talking hours not minutes!
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DMHKH
Minneapolis, MN18 contributions
We went on the full day tour of the canal & the locks & we absolutely amazed at the engineering marvel. It was everything and more than we could have asked for. Our tour guide, JC, was fluent in both English & Spanish and was informative, funny and so kind. The food was average, but the helpings were good sized and the entire crew was great. We would highly recommend this
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Haydee S
Montevideo, Uruguay115 contributions
hola, en Abril vamos 7 adultos y 2 niños y queremos pasar bien, y para eso contamos con vuestra experiencia. Sobre todo par que los niños no se aburran. Nos interesa saber el tiempo de
recorrido total??
a que hora inicia?? y el almuerzo es recomendable para niños??
como puedo hacer las reservas ??
gracias
Maria F
9 contributions
Hola , quiciera hacer este recorrido en una embarcación privada. Es esto posible?
Hello, Is the canal open for visitors the week of June 6, 2021? What attractions are and are not open during this time.
T5409WFdavida
Austin, TX7 contributions
Do you have limited weekends? We will be in Panama Feb 6, 2021, however this date is not available for reservations.
DisneyKenzo
Orlando, FL10 contributions
Hi, we will be staying at the Hilton Panama in Panama City do you pick up from there? and drop off? it will be 2 adults thanks
DisneyKenzo
Orlando, FL10 contributions
Hi, we will be staying at the Hilton Panama do you pick up from there? and drop off? it will be 2 adults thanks
Tom
Carouge, Switzerland59 contributions
During the registration process, you’ll see the list of the hotels they can pick you up from.
Mayra C
4 contributions
Buenas tardes. Qué nivel de seguridad brindan a los turistas que abordan en el crucero completo, ej: chaleco salvavidas. Gracias!!!
Ben R
11 contributions
Is it possible to get glutenn free meals?
samkumar777
Los Angeles, CA45 contributions
I am not sure
