Fort San Lorenzo & Panama Canal (Agua Clara) Tour
Starting from $125/pers$159/pers
Where history meats the modern canal, the Atlantic side of Panama tells a different story
This full-day tour takes you to the Caribbean coast where Spanish conquistadors built impregnable fortresses, where the world's largest ships now pass through an expanded canal, and where the jungle swallows centuries of history whole. From the engineering marvel of the Agua Clara Locks to the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo perched above the Chagres River, this is Panama at its most dramatic.
What you’ll see
The new visitors center offers spectacular views of the expanded Canal locks and Lake Gatun. Watch the Canal in full operation — you may catch post-Panamax vessels, some of the largest ships in the world, transiting the locks up close.
Inaugurated in 2019, the Atlantic Bridge is the third crossing of the Panama Canal — and the longest concrete cable-stayed bridge on the planet. A remarkable feat of modern engineering worth seeing up close.
A perfect lunch stop on the terrace or indoors by the water, surrounded by boats anchored in the marina. The Dock Restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a menu inspired by Caribbean heritage and international influences — good variety and something for every budget.
The marina sits on the grounds of the former U.S. military base of Fort Sherman, once used to protect the Canal’s Atlantic entrance.
Built to guard the mouth of the Chagres River, Fort San Lorenzo is one of the oldest and best-preserved Spanish fortifications in the Americas. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of this once-mighty fortress stand strong, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and over 30,000 acres of protected lush rainforest — a dramatic and unforgettable final stop.
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Days availables
Everyday
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Pickup time and Duration
Pickup times (from Panama City):
- Private tours: 8:30am
- Semi-private tours: between 8am and 8:30am (exact time will be confirmed 24h in advance)
Pickup times from oher locations might vary, we will contact you to confirm your exact pickup time.
Duration: 7.5h
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Included
- Hotel pick up (Panama City only)
- Transportation
- Guide
- Bottled water
- Taxes
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Not included
- Entrance fees to Fort San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo National Park & Panama Canal Visitors Center
(tickets available for purchase during checkout) - Breakfast
- Lunch (we will stop at a local restaurant)
- Pickup from locations outside of Panama City (extra at checkout)
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees to Fort San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo National Park & Panama Canal Visitors Center
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What to bring
- Passports of all passengers (mandatory)
- Hat / Cap / Sunglasses
- Shoes with good grip for outdoors & trails.
- Light & comfortable clothes
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Difficulty
- Level: Easy
- Details: Little walking (1h to 2h), involves some rocky paths and narrow stairs to access certain areas.
- Suggested age: 5+
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Fort San Lorenzo
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Fort San Lorenzo
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Panama Canal Agua Clara Vistors Center
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Fort San Lorenzo
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Fort San Lorenzo
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Fort San Lorenzo
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Fort San Lorenzo
Reservation
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Notes
- Our semi-private tour offers an exclusive small group (max. 12 guests) experience with personalized attention, while allowing for some interaction with other like-minded travelers.
- Our private tour provides a fully personalized and exclusive travel experience tailored to the individual or group’s specific interests and preferences, with a dedicated guide and no other participants.
- This tour must be booked at least 2 days in advance of the tour date.
- Kids 0-5yo are always free
- Car seats available (mandatory for children under 5 years old), you can also bring your own car seat.
- Cancellation terms and conditions
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Great trip to Aqua Clara locks and Ft. San Lorenzo! We had a beautiful view of the Agua Clara locks while watching a huge container ship pass through. We then went over the new Atlantic Bridge, then through old Ft. Sherman, passing Shimmy Beach on our way to Ft. San Lorenzo. Absolutely beautiful view of the Chagres River as it flows into the Atlantic!
Pam G.
Date of experience: February 2023 | From: Tripadvisor
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Panama Your Way offered a last-minute personalized tour to see a monument in Colon, including a full day tour for the same price. Our guide was knowledgeable and an excellent driver. He visited the monument twice for better photos, and we saw the new locks, container ships, and howler monkeys. A fantastic day, thanks to Panama Your Way
Ken C.
Date of experience: July 2022 | From: Tripadvisor
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Frequent questions about this tour
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Q: What parts of the Canal will we visit?
A:You’ll visit both the Agua Clara Visitor Center (part of the Canal expansion project) and the new Gatun Locks observation platform, offering different views of massive vessels navigating through both old and new systems.
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Q: What’s special about the Gatun Locks platform?
A:This brand-new platform gives you a close-up look at one of the original lock systems, now operating alongside modern expansion locks. It’s a rare opportunity to understand the evolution of the Panama Canal in one visit.
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Q: Is Fort San Lorenzo hard to reach?
A:Not particularly, but the road passes through remote rainforest. The fort itself requires moderate walking over stone paths and grassy areas, so comfortable shoes are essential.
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Q: Will we see wildlife along the way?
A:There is a possibility—this area is rich in biodiversity. Guests often spot howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more along the forested roads, while visiting the trails of Agua Clara Visitors Center and near the fort.
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Q: Is the Agua Clara Visitor Center wheelchair accessible? What about the fort?
A:Agua Clara and the Gatun platform are fully accessible. Fort San Lorenzo has uneven terrain and is not recommended for those with limited mobility.