Top 5 Panama Canal Tours You Can’t Miss
Are you looking for the best tour of the famous Panama Canal? With so many options in Panama City, it can be tough to choose the right one. But don’t worry, we’ve found the top tours to make your decision easier.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the canal’s fascinating history, spotting wildlife along its waters, or enjoying a private and personalized experience, there’s a tour that fits your needs. These hand-picked tours offer something for everyone, ensuring you get the most out of your Panama Canal adventure.
Short on Time? These Tours are Perfect for You
| N | Activity | Price | Duration | Best Time to visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private or Small Group Tour | $60 to $97 | 5 hours | 7:30 am |
| 2 | Full-Day Panama Canal and Jungle Tour | $135 | 8 hours | Early morning (6:30 am) |
| 3 | Half-Day Private Tour of Historic Center | $80 | 4-5 hours | 8 am, 10 am, |
| 4 | Panama Canal Boat Cruise | $155 | 6 hours | Sundays and Fridays (Dec-Mar) |
| 5 | Boat Tour and Wildlife | $69.75 | 3 hours | Anytime |
1. Private or Small Group Tour of the City and Panama Canal
The Private or Small Group Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is an excellent choice for those who want a flexible and personalized experience. You can choose between a private tour or a small group, depending on your budget and group size. This means you can spend more time at the places you’re most interested in and skip the ones that don’t catch your attention.
A major highlight of this tour is visiting the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can enjoy amazing views of the canal from the large observation deck. You can even watch an IMAX movie about the canal’s construction, narrated by Morgan Freeman, giving you a deeper understanding of its history.
This tour is highly rated for its ability to showcase both the Panama Canal and some hidden spots in the city that other tours often miss. It’s also a budget-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group, with prices ranging from $60 to $97 USD. Lasting around 5 hours, the tour offers start times at 7:30 am, 10 am, or 1 pm, and it includes free cancellation. With a 5-star rating, it’s a great way to see the canal and explore the best of Panama City!
2. Full-Day Panama Canal and Jungle Tour
For a truly memorable experience of the Panama Canal and its natural surroundings, the Full-Day Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is an excellent choice. This tour lets you actually cruise along the canal, rather than just viewing it from afar, which makes it a standout option. Starting early at 6:30 am, you’ll set out before most other boats, giving you the best chance to see wildlife like parrots, sloths, and dolphins while they’re most active in the cooler morning hours.
The tour also includes a visit to Lake Gatun, where you can sail around Monkey Island. Although you can’t land on the island, you’ll get a great view of the monkeys from the boat. Priced at $135 USD, this 8-hour tour provides an immersive wildlife experience and the flexibility of free cancellation, making it both a valuable and worry-free adventure.
3. Half-Day Private Tour of the Historic Center
If you’re short on time but want to explore Panama City, the Half-Day Private Tour of the Historic Center is a perfect choice. This 4-5 hour tour is designed to give you a thorough introduction to the city’s highlights efficiently. It starts with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can explore a fascinating museum dedicated to the Panama Canal.
Next, you’ll head to Casco Viejo, the Old City, which is the tour’s standout feature. Here, the charming colonial architecture and historic churches offer a beautiful contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Panama City. The final stop is the Amador Causeway, a scenic drive along the Pacific coast. This area provides stunning views of the city skyline and is lined with great bars and restaurants, making it a must-visit spot.
At $80 USD, this tour is a great value and offers flexible start times at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, or 2 pm, along with the convenience of free cancellation.
4. Panama Canal Boat Cruise
If you want to focus on the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal Boat Cruise is a great choice. This tour starts with a drive to Gamboa, where you’ll board a boat to explore the canal in depth.
You’ll enjoy about 4 hours on the boat, which gives you plenty of time to learn about the canal’s impressive history and engineering. This tour is ideal for those who love history and engineering and prefer a relaxing sightseeing experience with minimal walking.
Keep in mind that this tour is available only on Sundays and Fridays from December to March. At $155 USD, this 6-hour cruise offers a thorough look at the canal and includes free cancellation for flexibility.
5. Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal
The Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal is a perfect option if you’re short on time but still want to experience the canal. This 3-hour tour takes you along the Panama Canal and into Lake Gatun.
Starting at the Chagres River, you’ll cruise through the canal and reach Gatun Lake, spending about 45 minutes on the canal itself. Along the way, you’ll pass by large ships and get a brief overview of the canal’s history from your guide.
Since it’s a shorter tour, it’s a great choice for those with limited time. You can also combine it with a visit to the Panama Canal Visitor Center for a more in-depth look at the canal. Just keep in mind that this tour provides only a brief introduction to the canal’s history.