
Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake worth booking?
Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake is a 3-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $160 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Experience the wildlife of Panama on this exciting private safari in Lake Gatun, within Soberania National Park. The journey begins in Gamboa, a key historical area of the Canal, where you will sail through the Panama Canal basin, sharing a route with large vessels crossing between oceans. Explore the famous Monkey Islands for capuchin monkeys, tamarins and howler monkeys, as well as exotic birds, reptiles and other wild animals. As in a real safari, sightings depend on nature, although we will do our best to find them. We recommend the tour in the morning to live more wildlife. This is a private experience, with a boat exclusively for you and your group. It is not allowed to feed the animals. We promote a respectful experience with wildlife. This is a real encounter with nature. Each moment is unique, making each experience unforgettable.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the wildlife of Panama on this exciting private safari in Lake Gatun, within Soberania National Park. The journey begins in Gamboa, a key historical area of the Canal, where you will sail through the Panama Canal basin, sharing a route with large vessels crossing between oceans. Explore the famous Monkey Islands for capuchin monkeys, tamarins and howler monkeys, as well as exotic birds, reptiles and other wild animals. As in a real safari, sightings depend on nature, although we will do our best to find them. We recommend the tour in the morning to live more wildlife. This is a private experience, with a boat exclusively for you and your group. It is not allowed to feed the animals. We promote a respectful experience with wildlife. This is a real encounter with nature. Each moment is unique, making each experience unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off service to place of stay included
- Private Boat Tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Personal tour guide
Not included
- Does not include lunch
- Does not include tips
What you'll see and do
The tour begins at the Gamboa Pier. Includes transfer time to Gamboa Pier.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
We head towards the Panama Canal, passing under the ancient bridge of Gamboa, a historic point, there we will make a small stop to show you a little of the history of the place and continue to Lake Gatun until we reach the Island of Monkeys where we will appreciate the wildlife and also see vessels in transit within the Panama Canal.
90 minutes here
Panama City
Transfer time to the pick-up location.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Home : Outside City/Amador
Start your tour from: Puerto Cruises Amador, Playa Bonita, Tocumen Airport, Santa Maria, Costa del Este, Gamboa or Summit. Pickup included
Home: Panama City
Option for those who start the tour in Panama City. 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cositas De Panamá
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Recommended
Excellent tour We had a very good guide!!! Communication, punctuality, information, he fulfilled everything
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia! Nos alegra saber que Kathiuska hizo del recorrido un excelente momento y que su comunicación, puntualidad y conocimiento estuvieron a la altura de sus expectativas. Para nuestro equipo es muy importante cumplir con cada detalle y lograr que nuestros viajeros se sientan bien atendidos durante toda la experiencia. Fue un placer acompañarlos y esperamos volver a recibirlos para seguir compartiendo lo mejor de Panamá. 🫶🏼 Cositas de Panamá Team 🇵🇦
via Viator (translated)
Holidays
We stayed with our family on Monkey Island in Panama and it was a really overwhelming experience. The monkeys get incredibly close to you and even eat straight out of your hand – that was an absolute highlight for all of us. Fernando and his company were great on the road. Both took a lot of time to explain everything and you could see how much experience and passion they have. During the tour we not only learned a lot about the monkeys, but also got exciting information about Panama and the Panama Canal. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and very informative. For our family, it was an unforgettable trip that we can only recommend to any Panama visitor.
Response from the operator: Thirumaran, thank you so much to you and your family for this beautiful review! 🫂 We’re love to read that Monkey Island was such an overwhelming and unforgettable experience for all of you, those close encounters really are magical moments. Fernando and the new trainee guide will be very happy to know their passion, patience, and detailed explanations made the day even more special. We love creating relaxed, friendly, and informative experiences for families, and it means a lot that you felt that throughout the tour. Thank you for recommending us 🫶🏼, and whenever you return to Panama, you’ll have local friends ready to welcome you again. 🤝 Warm regards, Mario & the Cositas de Panamá Team 🇵🇦
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing experience.
Amazing experience! Kids as did we loved it all! Everyone involved was brilliant! Special thanks to mike for all the extra information!
Response from the operator: Hey Gareth, thank you for choosing us, and for bringing the whole family! 🫶🏼 It’s fantastic to hear that all the family loved everything. Mike will be delighted by your shout-out, he truly enjoys adding those extra stories and details to make the Canal come alive for all ages. When you’re back in Panama, we’d love to plan another private day tailored for your family. Warm regards, Mario & the Cositas de Panamá team ✌🏼
via Tripadvisor
Fun informative tour with lots of animals
Our guide Mario was so nice and informative. Just the two of us, Mario and the boat captain on the trip. They went out of their way to find animals. We saw and interacted with three kinds of monkeys, shy capybara, crocodile, hawks and tiny bats. Great tour. Just the right amount of time. Got to see the Canal at a more personal level. Very enjoyable
Response from the operator: Liz and Ken, it was an absolute pleasure sharing this adventure with you! Your love for animals made this experience even more special. Seeing capybaras in Lake Gatún was a rare treat, and I'm so glad we got to witness them together! Thank you for your kind words, I'm thrilled you enjoyed the jungle, the wildlife, and the magic of the canal.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent / fun nature trip!
What a fun trip! Saw all the animals. Our guide Mario and boat captain were both excellent with sharp eyes to spot all the animals. Interacted with Three kinds of monkeys, saw a sloth, two capybara, many hawks, and crocodiles! Private tour. Just the right amount of time to see the jungle islands around the canal. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Liz and Ken, you were fantastic guests, and I truly enjoyed guiding you through this incredible experience! Your excitement for wildlife was contagious, and spotting those shy capybaras was a moment to remember. I’m so glad you felt the tour was the perfect balance of adventure and discovery. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope to welcome you back for more Panama explorations!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $360
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cositas De Panamá, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything Cositas De Panamá runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake cost?
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Prices start at $160 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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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Around 3 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake 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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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Included: Pick-up and drop-off service to place of stay included; Private Boat Tour; Air-conditioned vehicle; Bottled water; and Private transportation. Not included: Does not include lunch; and Does not include tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 169 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake 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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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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 Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Monkey Island: The Wild Life Safari at Gatun Lake?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Home : Outside City/Amador, Home: Panama City. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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