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Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Ride, Locks, Fort San Lorenzo

1,647 Reviews 4.89 out of 5 stars Based on 1,647 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Panama City, Panama

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On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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 a visit to Fort San Lorenzo and the new Agua Clara Locks.

This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.

What's Included

  • Lunch A traditional Panamenian lunch is provided ( Rice, chicken, bean, plantains and salad)
  • Bottled water
  • Panama Canal boat ride (90 minutes)
  • 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
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pickup from centrally located Panama City hotels in the following areas: • El Cangrejo • Obarrio • Punta Pacifica • San Francisco • Punta Paitilla • Avenida Balboa • Bella Vista • Casco Viejo • Marbella • Financial District • El Dorado • Bethania

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Panama City (pass by)

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.
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Panama Canal (pass by)

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.
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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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket 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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Fort San Lorenzo

The next stop will be a visit to San Lorenzo National Park where you will visit a remote rainforest full of flora and fauna, followed by a freshly made picnic lunch and a tour Fort San Lorenzo. A 400 year old Spanish fort on a scenic cliff overlooking the Caribbean, here you will recount the many attacks by pirates and privateers that happened at one of the most historically important places in Panama. The Fort of San Lorenzo, located on an 80 foot (25m) cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea at the estuary of the Chagres River, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 along with the fortifications of the city of Portobelo. It was part of the defensive system for the transatlantic trade of the Spanish Crown, and is a fine example of military architecture of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Fort of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest fortresses in Spanish America. Here you will recount the many attacks by pirates and privateers that happened at one of the most historically important places in Panama.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Panama City

Return to Panama City for Hotel Drop off
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking problems or other serious medical conditions.
  • Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
  • Minimum age is 3 years

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Ride, Locks, Fort San Lorenzo?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-13010P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.89
1,647 reviews

Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 1,647 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,513
4 stars
97
3 stars
25
2 stars
8
1 star
4

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On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchA traditional Panamenian lunch is provided ( Rice, chicken, bean, plantains and salad)
  • Bottled water
  • Panama Canal boat ride (90 minutes)
  • Entrance fees
  • Transport by air-conditioned minibus
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
  • Professional guide
  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking problems or other serious medical conditions.
  • No Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • The tour starts in a very remote area and there will be no access to public restrooms around 9am
  • Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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