Panama Canal Locks Ocean to Ocean 3 locks

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  The Pedro Miguel Locks are one of the three lock systems that form part of the world-famous Panama Canal. Located just south of the Gaillard Cut, these locks raise and lower ships in a single step between the Pacific Ocean and Gatun Lake. Unlike the two-step Miraflores Locks nearby, Pedro Miguel is a one-chamber lock, offering a close-up view of the fascinating engineering that has connected oceans for over a century. Visitors can witness the massive lock gates in action and see vessels of all sizes making their way through this vital waterway, while learning about the history and global importance of the Canal.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  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 • Admission ticket not included
• Parque Nacional Soberania (Pass by)

  Soberanía National Park is one of Panama’s most important natural reserves, located just 25 kilometers from Panama City along the Panama Canal. Covering more than 55,000 acres of tropical rainforest, the park is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Its famous Pipeline Road attracts scientists and bird enthusiasts from around the globe, offering the chance to spot toucans, motmots, trogons, and even the rare harpy eagle. In addition to birds, the park is home to monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and countless plant species. With hiking trails, lush jungle scenery, and proximity to the Canal, Soberanía provides visitors with a unique combination of nature, history, and adventure right next to the capital city.

  Admission ticket free
• Atlantic Bridge (Pass by)

  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.

  Admission ticket free
• 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 • Admission ticket not included
• 4

  Gatun Dam is one of the largest and most important structures of the Panama Canal. Built between 1907 and 1913 across the Chagres River, it created Gatun Lake, which at the time was the world’s largest artificial lake. The dam measures about 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) long and up to 30 meters (98 ft) high, and its construction was a key part of making the Canal possible. Gatun Lake serves as both the main water reservoir that powers the Canal’s locks and a vital navigation channel for ships crossing between oceans. Beyond its engineering importance, the surrounding area is rich in wildlife and lush tropical forest, making it a scenic highlight for visitors to the Canal’s Atlantic side.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The 4 hours tour include the travel time

Tags