パナマ運河ボートツアー（ビュッフェランチ付き）

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

For people with allergies to some foods, they should be prepared in advance. The menu is standard for all passengers, which is understandable from the logistics involved.