Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal worth booking?
Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal is a 6-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $90 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $90 per person
Two perspectives of the Panama Canal in a single day: visit the modern locks of Agua Clara and the historic locks of Gatún, combining the most recent engineering work with the original of more than 100 years ago. Less cr
What you get
- Entrance fees
- Water bottle
- Private transportation
- Government fees
- Stop for lunch (optional)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Two perspectives of the Panama Canal in a single day: visit the modern locks of Agua Clara and the historic locks of Gatún, combining the most recent engineering work with the original of more than 100 years ago. Less crowded visitor centers – experience the experience more relaxed and with more time to observe, without the usual crowds from other parts of the Channel. A touch of colonial history: complement the modern part with a visit to Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by rainforest and spectacular views of the Chagres River and the Caribbean.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fees
- Water bottle
- Private transportation
- Government fees
- Stop for lunch (optional)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission fees
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara
• You will observe closely how huge vessels pass through the most modern locks of the Panama Canal. • You will enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoint to Gatun Lake and the gate system. • You will learn about the history and operation of the Canal through an audiovisual projection. • You will have time to take pictures and appreciate this engineering wonder in action.
60 minutes here · Admission included
On the way to Columbus you will cross the Atlantic Bridge, one of the most modern structures of the Panama Canal. This cable-stayed bridge connects the city of Colón with the Caribbean coast and offers panoramic views of the Canal and the Caribbean Sea. Although there is no stop, the crossing allows you to enjoy and photograph one of the most impressive works of engineering in the country.
Pass by without stopping
Gatun Locks
• Explore the new Gatun Visitor Center, opened in April 2025, where you can see the original locks of the Panama Canal in action. • From the Gatun Viewpoint, enjoy spectacular views of Gatun Lake, the historic locks and Gatun Lighthouse. • Discover how this gate system, considered a jewel of 20th century engineering, worked for more than 100 years. • Enjoy interactive displays and short trails surrounded by rainforest and unique views.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Fort San Lorenzo
• Tour the historic Fort San Lorenzo, built in the 17th century to defend the entrance of the Chagres River and the Panamanian Caribbean from privateers and pirates. • Admire its colonial ruins, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you learn stories of battles and explorers. • Enjoy spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, perfect for panoramic photography. • Connect with nature in an environment surrounded by tropical forest, with the possibility of spotting birds, monkeys and other local fauna.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Panama City
Wait in the lobby of your hotel or entrance, the guide will contact you by call, or we will mail the vehicle information and name of the guide.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Wait in the lobby of your hotel or entrance, the guide will contact you by call, or we will mail the vehicle information and name of the guide.
Options you can book
Shared tour
Pickup included
Private tour from Panama
Private Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Panamaroutes
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Book this tour
Everything about our tour was exceptional. The booking and communication were excellent. The company and our tour guide communicated frequently about the tour. Mike was our tour guide. We enjoyed his commentary. He was very informative. He spoke in a conversational style not a lecture. We learned about the City of Panama history and present. I highly recommend this company and tour guide.
via Tripadvisor
You've to to see this.
Jennifer was amazing. She gave a rich history of the cnal and also took usin the more dense areas where we saw monkeys and sloths. Mainly it was educational and seeing the new extension of the Panama canal is the prideof the Panamanians. Jennifer our guide was amusing, engaging and informative
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $90 to $220
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Panamaroutes, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Panamaroutes runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.
Is Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover the new locks of the Panama Canal start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Panama City?
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On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Panama Canal With Entry Ticket & City Tour: Old Town & City Views, Legends of Casco Viejo Tour: Hidden Gems with Panama Vibes Tours. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Panama City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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