
Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour worth booking?
Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour is a 6-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $92 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $92 per person
This tour is designed for canal enthusiasts who appreciate the immense impact of these structures on global maritime trade. The Panama Canal, the most important waterway in Central America, has influenced trade since its inauguration in 1914 and was further expanded in 2016. This tour offers the opportunity to closely observe both the original and expanded canals, allowing visitors to appreciate their differences and witness the fascinating process of ships ascending and descending.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is designed for canal enthusiasts who appreciate the immense impact of these structures on global maritime trade. The Panama Canal, the most important waterway in Central America, has influenced trade since its inauguration in 1914 and was further expanded in 2016. This tour offers the opportunity to closely observe both the original and expanded canals, allowing visitors to appreciate their differences and witness the fascinating process of ships ascending and descending.
What's included
Included
- live guide in English or Spanish
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
- $17. 22 Miraflores visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on-site to the staff
- $10 agua clara visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on site to the staff
What you'll see and do
Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara
Here we will witness the new locks built in 2016, accommodating the world's largest ships.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Atlantic Bridge
Let's visit the newest bridge in the Panama Canal and enjoy the view of both the centennial and new sets of locks in a single picture, along with the maritime city of Colon and the Caribbean Sea.
15 minutes here
Miraflores Visitor Center
Enjoy this engineering wonder that changed the whole maritime industry forever, brought to this world by the United States and Panama in our Miraflores visitor center where you can see the Panama Canal in full action.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Built in 1913, with rocks from the excavation of the Culebra Cut during the construction of the Panama Canal, the Causeway joins Panama City with four islands: Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco. It is a site with a beautiful view of the city and the ships waiting to enter the Canal.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Solo traveler combo
Solo traveler : This option is created for solo travelers Canal tickets are not included Pickup included
Two Oceans Old and New Panama Canal Locks Private Tour
Pickup included
Private combo
Vip service : This is an exclusive and personalized experience Pickup included
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Panamanian Aventures
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It will take 1 hour and 15 mins to get to the place where we are conducting the experience and another hour and 15 mins to bring you back to your hotel
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour!
Jorge Salazar, our tour guide, was prompt, knowledgeable, respectful of our time and wishes, flexible and extremely accommodating. Highly recommend this tour!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely recommendation! We’re delighted that Jorge made your Canal experience so enjoyable and shaped the day around your interests and pace. Feeling well cared for makes all the difference, and your kind words will mean a lot to him. Thank you for exploring Panama with us—we’d love to welcome you back! Warm regards, Roderick & the Panamanian Adventures team
via Tripadvisor
Very great and happy again
Super service super guide. The tour is recommended 100%
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you were happy with the service and your guide, and that you would recommend the tour 100%. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure with Panamanian Adventures!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Interesting insights into Panama
Lovely tour of locks on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama canal. Charlie was great, and in addition to history, gave us an understanding of the Panamanian people.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Panama Canal locks on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides with Charlie. It’s wonderful to know that he went beyond the history of the Canal and helped you gain a deeper understanding of Panamanian people and culture. We truly appreciate your kind words and choosing Panamanian Adventures. We hope to welcome you back to Panama for another enriching and memorable experience!
via Viator
Excellent tour of Panama Canal
My guide Charlie was excellent. He answered all my questions about the Canal and information about Panama. He made the tour fun and enjoyable
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Charlie’s knowledge and enthusiasm made your Panama Canal experience both informative and enjoyable. It’s great to know he answered all your questions and helped make the tour fun. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another Panamanian Adventures experience!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent guide and tour!
The tour was very pleasant and the guide, Charlie, was excellent! He told us anecdotes of the Canal but also related to the country. Interesting and unexpected. Thank you Charlie! Visiting Panama Canal is definitely a must.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Charlie made it especially memorable by bringing the Panama Canal’s history to life through fascinating anecdotes and connections to Panama’s story. We truly appreciate you choosing Panamanian Adventures. Sharing the history and highlights of the Canal is something we love, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Panama adventure!
via Tripadvisor
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
- $92 to $165
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Panamanian Aventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.
See everything Panamanian Aventures runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $92 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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour 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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour 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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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Around 5 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 Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour 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, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. 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.
What is included in Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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Included: live guide in English or Spanish; and Bottled water. Not included: Gratuities; $17. 22 Miraflores visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on-site to the staff; and $10 agua clara visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on site to the staff. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 165 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Panama City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Solo traveler combo, Two Oceans Old and New Panama Canal Locks Private Tour, Private combo. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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