The Panama Canal Experience (Ship Cruise)

Starting from $139/pers$145/pers

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Experience navigating through one of the wonders of the modern world

Join us on an unforgettable adventure as you traverse one of the world’s most iconic waterways, the Panama Canal. This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the canal's engineering prowess up close, as well as the stunning natural beauty of Panama.

Northbound

The tour starts at Flamenco Marina. You will board the Pacific Queen and set sail towards the entrance of Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean. Take a moment to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline before you pass under the Bridge of the Americas.

The Panama Canal partial transit tour begins with the Pacific Queen entering the Miraflores Locks where the vessel is raised 18 meters above sea level in two distinct steps. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Miraflores from Pedro Miguel Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is the second set of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is raised 9 meters in one step. After exiting the Pedro Miguel Locks, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal.

You will then enter the south end of the Gailard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gailard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Gamboa Dredging Division. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.

You will disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division where you will board motor coaches for a 45-minute ride back to the Flamenco Marina.

Southbound

Our tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45-minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board the Pacific Queen to start the water portion of the tour. The Panama Canal partial transit tour begins at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline.

  • Days available

    Northbound: Saturdays

    Southbound: Sundays

  • Start time and Duration

    Northbound: between 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

    Southbound: between 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.


    Duration: 5-6 hrs

  • Included

    • Northbound Transit: Breakfast & Light Lunch
    • Southbound Transit: Buffet Lunch
    • Served sodas and waters
    • Bilingual guide
    • Taxes
  • Not Included

    • Transportation to and from Flamenco Marina, Amador
    • Gratuities
  • What to bring

    • Comfortable clothes and shoes
    • Hat
    • Sun block
    • Sunglasses
    • Umbrella or raincoat
    • Money for souvenirs
  • Difficulty

    • Level: Easy
    • Suggested age: everyone

Reservation

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Notes

  • This is a group tour, the boat can accommodate up to 100 guests.
  • Departure from Flamenco Marina in Amador, transportation to the marina is not included.
  • This tour must be booked at least 3 days in advance of the tour date.
  • Cancellation terms and conditions

    "Wow! The boat was clean, and the crew was fun and attentive, offering drinks and food. My family enjoyed dancing, the limbo, and the shot whistle experience. So much fun—I highly recommend this excursion."

    Justin G.

    Date of experience: July 2024 | From: Google

    The boat ride to the island was beautiful. Everyone was so nice and the food on board and on the island was great. 10/10 recommend

    Danielle L

    Date of experience: June 2024 | From: Tripadvisor

    Absolutely amazing experience! The experience with the catamaran team was amazing. I would absolutely recommend. Our group was well entertained and taken care of the entire time.

    John d.

    Date of experience: April 2024 | From: Tripadvisor

    A must do experience. The views, staff, and drinks were amazing, and great fun for the whole family. Do not hesitate to book this experience. Swimming in the salt water off the island was sooo rejuvenating I cant wait to go back

    Simone G.

    Date of experience: June 2024 | From: Tripadvisor

Fequent questions about this tour

  • Q: Where is the departure from?

    A:

    Meeting point is at Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina, located at the Amador Causeway. The check in is done at the main builing.

  • Q: What time should I get there?

    A:

    Departure times are subject to possible changes according to the operating conditions established by the Panama Canal Authority. We will contact you the day before your tour to re-confirm the check in time.

    The Northbound Partial Canal tours have a check in time approximately between 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
    The Southbound Partial Canal tours have a check in time approximately between 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

  • Q: What happens if it rains?

    A:

    This is a Rain or Shine excursion. The boat has roofed area for your comfort.

  • Q: Do you provide transportation to the dock?

    A:

    Yes, its optional and you can add it during checkout.

Any other questions?

See our FAQ page
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