Panama Canal Tour: New Locks Agua Clara, Gatun & Atlantic Bridge

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Agua Clara Locks

   Agua Clara Locks are part of the Panama Canal Expansion, inaugurated in 2016 on the Atlantic side of the Canal near Colón. These modern locks were built to accommodate the massive Neo-Panamax vessels, which are too large for the original locks. The complex uses rolling gates and water-saving basins that recycle 60% of the water with each transit, making it an impressive feat of sustainable engineering. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic observation deck overlooking Gatun Lake and watch enormous ships pass through, while learning how the expansion has strengthened Panama’s role as a key hub of global trade.

   50 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Atlantic Bridge

   The Atlantic Bridge is an impressive cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Panama Canal at its Atlantic entrance near Colón. Officially inaugurated in August 2019, it is the longest span concrete cable-stayed bridge in the world, with a main span of 530 meters (1,739 ft) and a total length of 4.6 kilometers (2.8 miles). Its soaring pylons rise 212 meters (696 ft) above sea level, allowing a clearance of 75 meters (246 ft) so that the largest ships can safely pass beneath. Built entirely in reinforced concrete to resist Panama’s tropical climate and salinity, the Atlantic Bridge is both an engineering marvel and a stunning architectural landmark. Besides its functional role connecting the provinces of Colón and Panamá Oeste, it offers travelers spectacular views of the Canal, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea, making it a highlight for anyone visiting the Atlantic side of the Canal.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Gatun Locks

   Gatun Locks, on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, are among the original locks opened in 1914. With three chambers, they lift ships 26 meters (85 ft) to Gatun Lake. The new Gatun Visitor Center features panoramic observation decks and interactive exhibits, offering visitors a modern space to watch vessels in transit while learning about the Canal’s past and expansion.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Bridge over the French Canal – Colón This bridge is located near the Gatún Locks in Colón Province and is connected to the original route of the French Canal, a project begun by the French in the late 19th century under Ferdinand de Lesseps. When the United States took over the Panama Canal project, many of the French excavations and infrastructure were incorporated into the new canal design. The Gatún area became especially important as the Americans transformed the original sea-level canal concept into the lock canal system that allowed ships to transit between the Atlantic Ocean and Gatún Lake.

   Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

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

R&E Transfer Panama

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The 6 hours tour include the travel time from Panama City
• “No pickups are offered from the Cruise Terminal. Pickup is available only from hotels or Airbnbs.”
• This is a shared tour, so you’ll be joining other guests. We’ll be making a few pickups along the way to welcome everyone, so we appreciate your patience
• From Casco Antiguo we collect from Tantalo Hotel Meeting point
• No pickups offered from Sant Maria Hotel or any hotel near the airport

Photos