Panama Canal & Locks Transit by Boat

Description

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

Experience the full wonder of the Panama Canal with a crossing of the canal by tour boat on this daylong adventure. Travel by ship's tender to the Gatun Yacht Club, where you will board an air-conditioned transportation for the narrated drive through the isthmus to the small village of Gamboa. Located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, Gamboa lies in the heart of Panama's 55,000-acre Soberania National Park. Large tracts of lowland tropical rainforests that nourish thriving plants and harbor enchanting animal populations surround the village.

From Gamboa, embark on your ferry tour boat for a partial transit of the canal. Cruise through the Gaillard Cut along your journey. The Gaillard Cut is an artificial valley that cuts through the continental divide in Panama. The cut forms part of the Panama Canal, linking Gatun Lake, and thereby the Atlantic Ocean, to the Gulf of Panama and the Pacific Ocean. Construction of the cut was one of the great engineering feats of its time; the immense effort required to complete it was justified by the great significance of the canal to shipping, and in particular the strategic interests of the United States of America.

After crossing the Gaillard Cut, enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, which lower your vessel 28 feet on its way to the Pacific. Your boat will settle on Miraflores Lake. Sail across Miraflores Lake to the Miraflores Locks. A light lunch is available during your scenic cruise of the lake and locks. The Miraflores Locks are part of the engineering marvel that makes up the Panama Canal. The locks will lower your tour boat the final 56 feet, matching the level of the Pacific Ocean.

The lock gates at Miraflores are the tallest of the three due to the extreme tidal variation that takes place in the Pacific Ocean; the tidal variation on the Atlantic coast is by far less. Miraflores Locks are slightly over one mile long, from beginning to end. Depending on the size of each vessel, one can see anywhere from 1 to 3 vessels make the transit simultaneously. From the minute the vessels enters the locks, it takes approximately 10 minutes for the process to be completed. The water enters and leaving the locks by means of gravity only, as there are no pumps or other man made devices that assist in this process.

Your cruise ends at La Playita in Panama City, where you board your air-conditioned ground transportation for the return trip to the ship.

Special Notes:

This excursion departs from Gatún Lake and ends in Colón, where you will re-board the ship. Canal transits are scheduled and controlled by the Panama Canal Authority. Water levels in the locks are impacted by rain and the tour may be extended during drier seasons; therefore, the tour duration varies and your patience with any delays is appreciated. The panoramic drive from Panama City at Colón to the ship is approximately 1¼ hours on a new four-lane highway. Re-boarding your cruise ship in Colón requires waiting for the ship's arrival; this can be a little unpredictable as the ship's transit time through the canal can vary. Please be prepared for delays and again your patience is appreciated. Plan on bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour. There are no wheelchair accessible restrooms on the ferry.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced