The Panama Canal Experience
(Canal transit by ship)

Board the Pacific Queen at Flamenco Marina and set sail toward the Pacific entrance of the Canal. Admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s skyline before passing under the iconic Bridge of the Americas.

The Pacific Queen enters the Miraflores Locks and is raised 18 meters above sea level in two distinct steps — an unforgettable close-up view of the lock chambers in full operation. After exiting, you enter Miraflores Lake, a small artificial freshwater body separating the two Pacific-side lock sets.

The vessel is raised a further 9 meters in one step. After exiting, you’ll catch a view of the new Centennial Bridge spanning the Canal.

The most historically significant stretch of the Canal — 13.7 km carved directly through the Continental Divide. Also known as Culebra Cut for its snake-like curves, this section is full of geological and historical value. You’ll see the continuous maintenance work required to combat landslides, and where the Chagres River flows into the Canal.

Disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division and board motor coaches for the return journey to Flamenco Marina (approximately 45 minutes).

Board motor coaches at Flamenco Marina for a 45-minute ride to Gamboa, where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Board the Pacific Queen here to begin the water portion of the tour.

The tour begins at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Pacific Queen travels 13.7 km through this legendary stretch carved through the Continental Divide — full of history, geological significance, and ongoing maintenance visible along the banks.

Before reaching the locks, you’ll pass under the Centennial Bridge. The vessel is then lowered 9 meters in one step at Pedro Miguel Locks, the first of two Pacific-side lock sets.

After crossing Miraflores Lake, the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps at Miraflores Locks — the final set before reaching the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Queen sails to Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. Along the way, pass under the Bridge of the Americas and take in the sweeping views of the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s skyline.