
Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included worth booking?
Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included is a 4-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $145 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (6)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $145 per person
One of the reasons why you should know the Panama Canal is because a wonderful engineering attraction, linking the Pacific and Atlantic seas, through its lock systems dating back to 1914. Our experience is unique, because we travel the entire width of the Panamanian Isthmus, starting in Panama City, Pacific Ocean, through the locks of Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, Corte Culebra, Lake Gatún, Chagres River and the Gamboa Natural Park, where, will feel close and overflow with emotion with the only landscaping formed by its rich fauna in sight as monkeys, turtles, alligators, exotic birds, fish and a robust and thick flora. You can also enjoy our boats, our buffet lunch services, guided tour by a bilingual professional, drinks and much more... You will simply want to return to sailing with us the Panama Canal!!!
What you get
About this experience
One of the reasons why you should know the Panama Canal is because a wonderful engineering attraction, linking the Pacific and Atlantic seas, through its lock systems dating back to 1914. Our experience is unique, because we travel the entire width of the Panamanian Isthmus, starting in Panama City, Pacific Ocean, through the locks of Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, Corte Culebra, Lake Gatún, Chagres River and the Gamboa Natural Park, where, will feel close and overflow with emotion with the only landscaping formed by its rich fauna in sight as monkeys, turtles, alligators, exotic birds, fish and a robust and thick flora. You can also enjoy our boats, our buffet lunch services, guided tour by a bilingual professional, drinks and much more... You will simply want to return to sailing with us the Panama Canal!!!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Fees and Taxes
- Carbonated beverages
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
We begin our journey on the emblematic Amador Causeway or also known as Causeway, which is a very touristic place and space of high leisure for residents and tourists
Pass by without stopping
Bridge of the Americas
Opened in 1962, it is a vehicle bridge that crosses the Panama Canal, linking Panama City and Panama East. It was inaugurated on October 12, .1 it occupies the same location as the shuttle it replaced.1 we passed underneath
Pass by without stopping
Miraflores Visitor Center
The greatest experience of the tour is the passage through the locks of the Panama Canal, as it is the place where the ships undergo a process of elevation and descent to cross from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa. First we experiment with the first lock of the tour, located in Miraflores, is the best known and visited, which has a visitor center. Next, we access the second named Pedro Miguel and then enter the immense Gatun Lake. This engineering work was built of reinforced concrete and has steel gates, where each lock is composed of 3 chambers, which are 33.53 m wide and 320 m long.
Pass by without stopping
Gatun Lake
Gatun Lake is a large artificial reservoir located in the Panama Canal, and is located in the middle of the canal, between the Miraflores Locks (in the Pacific) and the Columbus Locks (in the Atlantic). Gatun Lake covers an area of approximately 425 km2, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. It supplies the necessary water for the canal locks and facilitates the passage of ships through the waterway. It is also home to natural beauty, surrounded by rainforests, and is home to a variety of fauna, such as monkeys, exotic birds and reptiles.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Panama City
The meeting point, and where you board is at Panama Cruise Terminal, Perico Island, Causeway de Amador, Panama City. Above Amador Avenue is the sign of La Vida Es Bella, Isla Perico, cross to the left and walk to the front of the National Aircraft Service.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point, and where you board is at Panama Cruise Terminal, Perico Island, Causeway de Amador, Panama City. Above Amador Avenue is the sign of La Vida Es Bella, Isla Perico, cross to the left and walk to the front of the National Aircraft Service.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Canal & Bay Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
satisfied customer
I was satisfied with this experience going through two of the three original locks of the Canal. The announcer had lots of information in English and Spanish. The two meals were nothing special, but acceptable. You can get a better seat or view going through the second lock, since most passengers crowded to the front for the first lock, but many ignored the second. If you are a Panama citizen, do not book here. Local citizens get a much lower price reserving directly with the company. This is the higher foreigner price. Since you need to present a passport or local ID, it is unavoidable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind comments. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your Panama Canal experience. We'll take your suggestions into account to improve our services, and we hope to see you again soon! C&B Team
via Tripadvisor
Great canal with poor food
The beginning of the trip was very disorganized. The 2 people in charge were late and seemed to have to clue as to organize the crowd of about 50 for a check in. The bus left late for Gamboa but the bus was airconditioned so it was OK. The boat was fine and not crowded at all. The running commentary in both english and spanish was almost nonstop and too way to loud. The buffet offered was of poor quality and tasteless with tamales, rice, salad, strange pieces of chicken, and dessert. The canal and especially the locks were interesting and great to see in person. The very late return to the starting point too a very long time.
Response from the operator: Dear Jhon, Thank you for your feedback, which helps us improve our services. We regret that you perceived a lack of organization on our part; however, departure times are not under our control but rather that of the Panama Canal Authority. Regarding the food, we will take your comments into careful consideration. Best regards, C&B Team
via Tripadvisor
Worst Shore Excursion Ever!
We booked this Panama Canal partial transit cruise through our cruise ship. It said that the entire excursion was seven hours. We we’re gone closer to nine hours. It was a 2 1/2 hour ride to the first set of locks. And then once we got to the locks it was an hour and a half before we actually got to go through them because we had to wait for additional ships to join us. The lunch was out as soon as we boarded but they didn’t offer it for 90 min so it was all cold and stale. It included rice, plain pasta, veggies, rubbery chicken, and plain sandwiches. There were way too many people on the ship for the facilities available. The seats were dirty and uncomfortable. There were 6 tables for over 250 people to eat at and they used one to sit out plates. It was so hot and there were no seats available in the shade because it was overcrowded. The narrator talked almost nonstop for over 6 hours but his mic went in and out and you could only hear him in certain parts of the ship. My poor child was bored to tears and ended up using all of my phone battery. To add insult to injury they dropped us off next to a playground and fair that we didn’t have time to visit because our ship was about to leave. I feel like I wasted my day in Panama and I’m so sad.
Response from the operator: Dear Cathry, we regret that the service provided by our company was not to your satisfaction. Unfortunately, the transit times are beyond our control; they are determined by the Panama Canal. Regarding the other services and the ship's condition, we will take this into account to improve the quality of our experience. Sincerely,
via Tripadvisor
The full Canal experience
Excellent "on the water" experience on Lake Gatun and traversing 3 locks to the Pacific Ocean. The boat is comfortable and has indoor and outdoor seating. The guide was enthusiastic and had thorough knowledge of the history and operation of the canal. The lunch was good and drinks were plentiful. The trip would be much better if it was possible to reach the company by phone, the signage for the location on the dock in Panama City is poorly marked/non-existent causing many passengers to wander around asking where to go, we were told to be at the dock at 9:30 but the bus to Lake Gatun didn't arrive and board until 11:30 and lastly since all passenger come from the City why not have the bus pick up in the City instead of a 20 minute taxi ride away.
Response from the operator: Dear customer, Thank you for your feedback, which helps us improve our services. We are delighted to know that you were satisfied with our services. Regarding transportation services, we will take your feedback into account to ensure a more satisfactory experience for everyone. Sincerely,
via Tripadvisor
100% recommended tour
Excellent tour, the company offers excellent service, weekends have DJ and there were 2 people dressed up in typical outfits, a very complete lunch, the guide very enjoyable and made us relive the history of the Channel from its beginning to the present, 100% recommended!!!
Response from the operator: Estimado cliente, Muchas gracias por sus buenos comentarios, nos encanta saber que el tour y nuestros servicios fueron de su entera satisfacción, los esperamos en su próxima visita por el majestuoso Canal de Panamá. Atte,
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included cost?
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Prices start at $145 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 6 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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Around 2 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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Included: Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; All Fees and Taxes; Carbonated beverages; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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The meeting point, and where you board is at Panama Cruise Terminal, Perico Island, Causeway de Amador, Panama City. Above Amador Avenue is the sign of La Vida Es Bella, Isla Perico. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included 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 Panama Canal Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch Included?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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