
Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,784 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks worth booking?
Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks is a 8-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $76 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,784 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,784)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $76 per person
This unique tour of the Panama Canal goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean as you see the canal from the water and by foot. An exciting boat ride down the canal will introduce you to the transiting ships as well as the abundant wildlife on its shores, followed by the Agua Clara and Gatun Locks, See the original 1914 Gatun Locks, and the 2016 Agua Clara Locks, see over 100 years of engineering in one experience. This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
What you get
About this experience
This unique tour of the Panama Canal goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean as you see the canal from the water and by foot. An exciting boat ride down the canal will introduce you to the transiting ships as well as the abundant wildlife on its shores, followed by the Agua Clara and Gatun Locks, See the original 1914 Gatun Locks, and the 2016 Agua Clara Locks, see over 100 years of engineering in one experience. This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Panama Canal boat ride (NO EXTRA FEES)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Due to heavy traffic, no free pickup from hotels located near Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge) Playa Bonita. Separate transportation for the an extra charge
- Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own transportation
- This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
- Extra passenger - Minimum age to participate is 3 years
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Panama City
This tour begins with hotel pickups starting at 6:10am. I know it sounds crazy to get up so early on your vacation, but you will thank me for it later. Starting this early we can beat the crowds and see more wildlife in cooler temperatures.
Pass by without stopping
Panama Canal
We will ride along the waters of the Panama Canal right next to the ships passing through on their way to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our destination is Gatun Lake, where we will cruise around islands created during the canal construction and see the abundant wildlife on its shores.
Pass by without stopping
Lake Gatun
The second-largest artificial lake on the continent, the intact rainforest that surround the lake are one of the few accessible areas on the planet where a diverse flora and fauna endemic to Central America can be observed in its natural habitat.
90 minutes here
Agua Clara Locks
We will visit the Agua Clara Visitor Center to see the new expansion locks working up close. Located on the west side of the brand new Agua Clara Locks, the Agua Clara Visitor Center allows you to observe transiting vessels from a scenic lookout point and learn first hand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed. An observational deck lets you watch the ships pass through the Agua Clara Locks on their way to the Pacific or Atlantic oceans.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Gatun Locks
Gatun Locks: A newly inaugurated observation deck near the historical locks offers a scenic view of the original canal and Gatun Lake.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Panama City
Return to Panama City for Hotel Drop off
60 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
Canal Boat Ride and Locks
Boat Safari: Panama Canal and Gatun Lake. NO EXTRA FEES Duration: 6 hours SNACKS & WATER Agua Clara and Gatun Locks : See the original 1914 Gatun Locks, and the 2016 Agua Clara Locks, see over 100 years of engineering in one experience. Pickup included
Ocean to Ocean XL
Boat Safari: Panama Canal and Gatun Lake. NO EXTRA FEES Fort San Lorenzo: In addition to the boat ride and locks, add Fort San Lorenzo, a historic 17th-century Spanish fortress. Duration: 8 hours Panamanian Lunch: Hot and fresh Panamanian lunch served on-site, with sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding rainforest Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Panama Day Trips
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The tour starts in a very remote area and there will be no access to public restrooms around 9am or 11am
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
- Minimum age is 3 years
- If you will be staying at a hotel area that is not on the list, please contact your local operator prior to booking your tour
- This tour is in ENGLISH only, we cannot run the tour in 2 languages without the tour quality being compromised.
- Not recommended for travelers with walking problems or other serious medical conditions.
- No Wheelchair accessible
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,784 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
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,784 verified traveler reviews for Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This is an absolute must-do if you are in Panama City for a few days
The Ocean to Ocean Combo was money VERY well spent. We are so happy we signed up. It was everything described on the website. We visited wildlife areas in Gatún Lake by boat where we saw amazing birds, lizards, bats, iguanas and three species of monkey, toured the locks, and visited the remains of San Lorenzo on the Caribbean coast. The early start was worth it. We were given a delicious Panamanian meal prepared for us by a restaurant in Casco Viejo (El Nacional). The highlight of the trip was our guide John who is a fluently bilingual Panamanian who grew up in the US. He was incredibly articulate and knowledgeable about Panama, its nature, history, food, traditions, the Canal and also global events. I highly recommend this trip!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour—Huge Ships, Wildlife and a Great Guide!
Really enjoyed this tour! Getting so close to one of those huge container ships while out on the lake was breathtaking. We saw the ship at both ends of its journey and briefly watched it passing through the Agua Clara locks in Colón—an amazing sight up close. John is a fantastic guide, and his passion and experience really show. Everything was well organised, and his explanations were clear and easy to follow. Seeing the wildlife while learning about the history of the islands and surrounding area made the trip even more enjoyable. The delicious lunch was a lovely surprise, as the booking details said it wasn’t included. I’d definitely take this tour again with friends or family visiting me in Panama. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Alonso was a terrific...
Alonso was a terrific guide! We thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and we learned so much about the Panama canal.
via Viator
Great tour
Great tour with everything included. Guide was very knowledgeable and it was fun to ride in the Panama Canal, see a boat go through the locks and visit the fort. Incuded lunch was delicious
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional View of Many of Panama’s Diverse Facets
My husband and I, enthusiastic world explorers in our 60’s, were delighted to experience this tour with knowledgeable, funny, and capable guide, Enrique Ruiz. We had followed Enrique on a prior tour and would confidently follow him from tour to trek in Panama. We crossed from Panama City on the Pacific to Fort San Lorenzo on the Caribbean and saw sloths, various monkeys, toucans that Enrique had a knack for finding in the dense jungle. Riding on the Chagras River and seeing the Panama Canal Locks in action was a treat. The central highways were smooth and modern, the jungle roads were not so much! Our guide was expert at avoiding, as much as possible, the myriad of potholes. Queasy stomachs beware. It is a long day, but it goes by very quickly with the constant new adventures. We would highly recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $76 to $135
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 624
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Panama Day Trips, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 92.0 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Panama Day Trips runsWhy this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks cost?
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Prices start at $76 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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,784 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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Around 624 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks 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, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private, Panama City Visit an Indian town Embera and waterfall with lunch. 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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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Included: Snacks; Professional guide; Bottled water; Entrance fees; and Transport by air-conditioned minibus. Not included: Gratuities; Due to heavy traffic, no free pickup from hotels located near Amador Causeway, Clayton (Ci; Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own tran; and This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 146 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: No Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks 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 Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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Across 1,784 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Canal Boat Ride and Locks, Ocean to Ocean XL. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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