Partial Transit of the Panama Canal
Tropical birds circle overhead and the sound of the rainforest’s wildlife breaks the quiet calm as you make your way along this fantastic canal and engineering marvel. Navigating the Panama Canal is truly unforgettable.
Area
Panama City
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Leisurely
This tour could be operated from Northbound as well as Southbound, of course, everything will depend on the Canal Authorities, however, doesn't matter the direction this boat takes the experience is simply amazing. Northbound The tour starts at Flamenco Marina. You will board the Boat and set sail towards the entrance of the 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 Boat 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 boat 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 boat 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 your 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 boat 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 boat 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 boat 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.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHotel La Compania
A lovingly restored product of international designers, architects and historians, this fabulous hotel reflects the building’s long and interesting heritage. Akin to staying in a living museum, enjoy warm hospitality, grand design, and exceptional dining.
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View AccommodationAmerican Trade Hotel
In the heart of the historic Casco Viejo, the American Trade is a stylish boutique bolthole. Decor transports guests to the glamour of the 1920s, with hand-painted tiles, polished dark floors and shady courtyards. A small rooftop pool adds to the allure.
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View AccommodationAmarla Boutique Hotel
Boasting 1920’s architecture, the adults-only boutique hotel with eight guest rooms, is perfectly placed to explore the historic heart of Panama. An oasis of calm and steeped in history, it’s a beautiful space to retreat after your day of explorations.
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View AccommodationSofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Immerse yourself in the contemporary design and glamour of this sophisticated waterfront oasis with a fascinating cultural history and heritage, exquisite levels of service, destination dining options, upscale accommodation, infinity pool and spa.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceGamboa Wildlife Expedition
Take a once-in-a-lifetime boat trip on the Panama Canal alongside the mighty ships as they navigate this incredible triumph of engineering, while enjoying the opportunity to scout for the bird, marine and wildlife of the lake and surrounding rainforest.
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View ExperienceBoquete Cloud Forest waterfall hike
Enjoy a hike through the cloud forest around the edge of Volcan Baru National Park, through ridges and valleys, to beautiful waterfalls, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and can bathe in the falls. You should also see a wealth of bird life.
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View ExperiencePrivate Panama Canal Agua Clara Visitor’s Centre & City Tour
Immerse yourself in Panama City’s major attractions on a full day tour exploring the incredible Panama Canal, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, along with both a guided rainforest hike and tour of the capital’s UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo district.
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View ExperiencePrivate behind the scenes Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Centre & Casco Antiguo Tour
Go behind the scenes with a private tour of the historic Miraflores Locks and Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the magnificent Panama Canal, before enjoying a guided tour of Panama City’s colonial district, the UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo.
Call us on +65 6028 0820 to start planning