Panama Canal
Panama Canal
4.6
About
Operating since 1914 and considered one of the wonders of the world, this fifty-mile waterway transports ships by raising them from sea level to more than 85 feet via a series of gravity-powered locks.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
19,152 reviews
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JEAN MICHEL L
Le Mee-sur-Seine, France5,828 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Well it is a must of your visit of Panama this place, it is good to know that if you want to see boats pass in the lock with all the machinery that goes with (locomotives) it is only between certain hours: 7h/9h00 and 13h30/15h30, apart from no movement in general, there is not so much passage in both directions!!!
The visitor center entrance fee is a combined ticket at $17.22 per person (January 2025) that includes access to the terrace overlooking the Miraflores lock, and access to the Imax room (3D bezel provided) that beautifully retraces the history of the canal and its current operation (perfect for those who will not see boat movement during their visit). Very touristic place and on the terrace a person with a microphone comments on the passages of boats (if there are any) with explanation in English and explains the operation on quiet periods all day. Bar and restaurant naturally on site at price!! To do absolutely and on the right hours.
The visitor center entrance fee is a combined ticket at $17.22 per person (January 2025) that includes access to the terrace overlooking the Miraflores lock, and access to the Imax room (3D bezel provided) that beautifully retraces the history of the canal and its current operation (perfect for those who will not see boat movement during their visit). Very touristic place and on the terrace a person with a microphone comments on the passages of boats (if there are any) with explanation in English and explains the operation on quiet periods all day. Bar and restaurant naturally on site at price!! To do absolutely and on the right hours.
Automatically translated
Written February 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaniloNikiti
Rio de Janeiro, RJ390 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We went by quiet public transport: metro to the Albrook final line station (US$0.35 per trip), the ticket is debited directly when you put your credit card or international debit on the roulette, I used Wise and it worked perfectly. Then at the bus terminal attached to Albrook Station we picked up the bus C810 in sector D (US$0.50 per trip). The ticket is purchased at the bus terminal totem: first buy a card that costs US$2 to recharge as many tickets as you want (go and return) for your entire family. There in the canal there is a feeding square, an IMAX cinema telling the story of the work and if you go in the afternoon around 14:00 there is live ship crossing operation with archibancada and narration in English and Spanish. Adult tickets cost $17 and you avoid queues if you buy online.
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Written January 26, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion
50 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We cruised through three large locks into Gatin Lake and then back the same way. The locks are huge, just taking smaller cargo ships and cruise shops. As the shop enters the lock the gates start closing and water levels change. Ships quite by a make on each side with large cables attached to the ship
It was interesting seeing a large tanker following the cruise ship. We also went to Gatun Lake visitor centre where we saw a large container ship in transit
Fascinating wild life a well including toucans, frigate birds, pelicans, brown boobies, vultures, herons and crocodile. A fascinating experience
It was interesting seeing a large tanker following the cruise ship. We also went to Gatun Lake visitor centre where we saw a large container ship in transit
Fascinating wild life a well including toucans, frigate birds, pelicans, brown boobies, vultures, herons and crocodile. A fascinating experience
Written February 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kresten
Hinton, Canada211 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Visiting the Miraflores locks on the pacific side of the canal in Panama City was an awsome experience ! It is a stop on the hop on hop off bus and I highly recommend spending time there . The information center has some great exhibits and viewing platforms of the locks , the imax theater has a very good documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman that explains the history of, building and expansion of the canal . We were lucky enough to see a large cargo ship pass through the locks . My wife also quite enjoyed our afternoon there , staff were very friendly and informative . There is a restaurant/ theater style food court and of course a gift shop lol. If at all interested in the canal this is a must do .
Written November 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine L
Kissimmee, FL2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Visiting the Panama Canal was truly an incredible experience. I was highly skeptical to its value as a place to visit as a tourist but was proven quite wrong. The canal itself is not the most interesting to watch as some ships are quite slow to pass through, but with some snacks and friends, I'm sure it could be interesting to watch the progression. The true value is in the Imax movie, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that you can see the the visitor center. In the 45-minute movie, I learned about the history of building the canal, technical challenges, how it operates today, and the future outlook of the canal. The story was told in such a compelling manner that even as someone uninterested in international trades routes, I cried at how powerful it was. The film was truly one of the most informative and memorable movies I have seen. I highly recommend adding this to your stop in Panama City to both understand how this man-made wonder of the world operates and how climate change may threaten its very operation.
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aline Z
Curitiba, PR18 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
The Canal is worth a visit for those in Panama City. You pay $17.22 for access to a 3D display (half an hour) in the cinema room and access to the viewpoint, where you can see the ships passing. Amazing!!
The detail is that it does not pass ship all the time, but at specific times. The official channel website shows all the timetables.
Pay attention to which viewpoint you are going to visit (Miraflores or CĂłlon), as the ships pass at specific times in each of them. Access to the Canal is easy, quiet and cheap by public transport (subway to Albrook station and then Metrobus- Miraflores bus, which leads to the entrance door of Miraflores viewpoint) but you have to be patient to wait, as the buses pass by 1/1 hour.
The detail is that it does not pass ship all the time, but at specific times. The official channel website shows all the timetables.
Pay attention to which viewpoint you are going to visit (Miraflores or CĂłlon), as the ships pass at specific times in each of them. Access to the Canal is easy, quiet and cheap by public transport (subway to Albrook station and then Metrobus- Miraflores bus, which leads to the entrance door of Miraflores viewpoint) but you have to be patient to wait, as the buses pass by 1/1 hour.
Automatically translated
Written July 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LightPacker308286
Rockville, MD1,539 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The Panama Canal has a length of 50 miles between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Built in one of the narrowest areas of the continent, the interoceanic highway links North America with South America through a system of locks complex.
On the Pacific side, the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks (1914) and the Cocoli Locks (2016) link Lake Gatun to the Pacific Ocean. On the Atlantic side, the Gatun (1914) and Agua Clara (2016) locks link the Caribbean Sea and Lake Gatun.
From the Observation deck, we viewed the process of crossing through the three steps of Cocoli and Agua Clara Locks.
Our Cruise Ship Transit was scheduled to arrive Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side at 5:50AM and depart Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side at 3:45PM. Actually the Cruise Ship arrived Cocoli locks on time but departed Agua Clara Locks at 1:20PM that was 2 hours fifteen minutes earlier.
On the Pacific side, the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks (1914) and the Cocoli Locks (2016) link Lake Gatun to the Pacific Ocean. On the Atlantic side, the Gatun (1914) and Agua Clara (2016) locks link the Caribbean Sea and Lake Gatun.
From the Observation deck, we viewed the process of crossing through the three steps of Cocoli and Agua Clara Locks.
Our Cruise Ship Transit was scheduled to arrive Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side at 5:50AM and depart Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side at 3:45PM. Actually the Cruise Ship arrived Cocoli locks on time but departed Agua Clara Locks at 1:20PM that was 2 hours fifteen minutes earlier.
Written December 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeverStopTraveling
Wolfsburg, Germany459 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
What can you say about that? Just breathtaking though it is just “a lock”.
Standing here with this masterpiece is very impressive.
The Mirador Miraflores is well laid out. There are several viewpoints. Admission to the 45-minute film is also worthwhile. You learn a lot about the story.
Together for around 15€ per person you can not complain.
There are also restaurants, toilets and souvenir shops.
A great experience
Standing here with this masterpiece is very impressive.
The Mirador Miraflores is well laid out. There are several viewpoints. Admission to the 45-minute film is also worthwhile. You learn a lot about the story.
Together for around 15€ per person you can not complain.
There are also restaurants, toilets and souvenir shops.
A great experience
Automatically translated
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jochen W
Munich, Germany342 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
A magnificent technical masterpiece. The Miraflores locks are very busy because they are easily accessible from the city. It is very impressive when a large ship passes through. After the observation platform you go to the IMAX cinema, where there is a great film about the creation of the canal.
We did another tour of the Agua Clara lock. This is located on the widening of the canal and is suitable for even larger ships. Since it is much less busy here, watching the passage (in our case, a large container ship) is much more relaxed. You can also see the ships arriving earlier because the whole area is much more spacious and easier to see.
We did another tour of the Agua Clara lock. This is located on the widening of the canal and is suitable for even larger ships. Since it is much less busy here, watching the passage (in our case, a large container ship) is much more relaxed. You can also see the ships arriving earlier because the whole area is much more spacious and easier to see.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream294076
13 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The Panama Canal, one of the world's most iconic wonders, exceeded my expectations in October 2024. This awe-inspiring experience showcased human ingenuity and precision.
It is definitely an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend this tour which includes the IMAX 3D movie: A Land Divided, A World United narrated by Morgan Freeman for anyone interested in history, engineering or nature.
It is definitely an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend this tour which includes the IMAX 3D movie: A Land Divided, A World United narrated by Morgan Freeman for anyone interested in history, engineering or nature.
Written November 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qual a diferença entre o passeio de barco pelo Canal do Panamá na direção norte e na direção sul?
Written October 9, 2024
I wanted to take a partial transit tour through the Panama Canal but unfortunately I am only in Panama City during the week, and these tours are available only on the weekends. My question: has anyone tried a tour that goes alongside the canal? Is it worth it? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Written June 30, 2024
I wanted to take a partial transit tour through the Panama Canal but unfortunately I am only in Panama City during the week, and these tours are available only on the weekends. My question: has anyone tried a tour that goes alongside the canal? Is it worth it? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Written June 30, 2024
Is it possible to book for one person? The option isn't available on the site.
Written February 12, 2024
My family & I purchase the ticket when we arrived at there. We booked a Uber from our hotel. Not sure how the website work. There’s no hassle to get the ticket on the spot so don’t worry about getting in, just show up & purchase your ticket
Written October 22, 2024
Yes, lifts and ramps. With the visit
Written December 28, 2022
Can I get a tour to pick me at airport.
Arriving at 6:30am
Departing at 15:20
Written December 27, 2022
Personally I booked my flight & airport pick up to & from before my travel date. However Uber service is readily available everywhere and surprisingly you don’t have to book online to use Uber. You can just flag one down tell them where you want to go & hop in. It is that easy.
Written October 22, 2024
Can I get a tour to pick me at airport.
Arriving at 6:30am
Departing at 15:20
Written December 27, 2022
Are you already in country? Not sure the date of your travels but a trip in the morning to the locks is very doable. You can use this link to reserve a time. Panama Canal- visitcanaldepanama
Taxis are ready to help at the airport. You may ask if there is an English speaking taxi driver if you don't speak spanish. There are a few. Just negotiate what you want to do and the cost before you leave the airport.
Written December 28, 2022
Estaré viajando a Panama en abril 2020 pero quisiera saber si para conocer el canal debo comprar un tour en linea o fácilmente puedo adquirirlo estando en Panama?
y aproximadamente cual es el costo de un tour completo por el canal.
Written January 22, 2020
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