Monkey & Wildlife Nature Cruise on Gatun Lake

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Get ready for an active half-day journey through the rainforests of Panama.

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 60-minute drive to the boat landing. Next board your tour boat for a one hour- and-30-minute run through the canal to a labyrinth of jungle covered islands located in Gatun Lake. Gatun Lake is a large artificial lake situated in the Republic of Panama; it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The hills bordering the valley of the Chagres open up widely around the area of the lake, but come together to form a gap at the location of the dam. In this protected area, the wildlife is plentiful, and you are likely to encounter capuchin monkeys, three toed sloths, howler monkeys, various kinds of toucans and other bird life as well as caimans, crocodiles, turtles, and a wealth of butterflies.

The sampling of wildlife you witness during this motor boat ride is part of a much larger population. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. Your trained naturalist guides will ensure that you have an outstanding nature experience by not only pointing out the wildlife, but also educating you about the animals and their habitat. After approximately one hour of nature watching, cruise back to the resort where your transportation back to the ship will be waiting.

Special Notes:

While wildlife sightings are common, this is not a zoo and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed. A light snack is provided. Bring adequate sun protection. Binoculars and a camera are recommended. Once participants join their tour, they will be required to complete a liability waiver.

The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship's tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced onboard. The return time of the ship to Colon or Cristobal may also be delayed due to transit through the locks. We recommend that you are prepared for any potential of delay in the ship's arrival to Colon or Cristobal and plan accordingly by bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour.

Depending on the voyage and itinerary guests will be dropped off in either Colon or Cristobal.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced