Caribbean Expedition: San Lorenzo Fort, Rainforest & Canal Locks

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 If you’re visiting Colón on a cruise and want to make the most of your limited time, this private tour is absolutely the way to do it. Being on a private itinerary meant we could explore at our own pace without waiting on a large group, which made the experience much more enjoyable. Our guide, Roderick, was outstanding—friendly, thoughtful, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about Panama’s history. He brought places like Fort San Lorenzo, the original and new Panama Canal locks, the remnants of the French canal project, Fort Sherman, and Colón itself to life with fascinating historical context. Our driver, Robert, was equally excellent, making the day comfortable, smooth, and stress-free. My only suggestion for improvement would be clearer pickup instructions, as it took a little effort to locate Roderick at the cruise terminal. Once we connected, however, everything was flawlessly organized. This was one of the highlights of our cruise and an experience I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Panama beyond just seeing the canal. :::writing

The tour was very informative, José showed us the beauty of Panama's National Park. The old and new Canals, and a drive through the city of Colon and lunch at a local restaurant. The weather was very changeable through the tour, providing a variety of conditions.

While this tour went to the places it was advertised as. If you are looking for a guide, this isnt the tour. The meeting location provided wasn't correct admitted by the provider after. The driver was almost 30 minutes late to the pick up and we had no communication about this until we reached out. This lead to a stressful begining in a port that was a little sketchy. Then when in the van he didnt know what tour we were doing and had us verify it. The tour itself was fine but he took us to places and read the signs to us and provided very little additional information. We also felt rushed in some places and then in others we had no idea what was happening and the communication on the tour was poor. Advertised as providing water but they do not. Very expensive for what you get.

The old and new Panama Canal locks are a fascinating part of world commerce as well as part of our history. José is very knowledgeable and attentive to his clients. His English is great. The Agua Clara and Gatún visitors centers are clean and welcoming. We had a better understanding of the canal when our cruise ship passed through it because of this tour. The fort was also very enjoyable. Would recommend the tour to anyone with an inquiring mind.

We had a wonderful experience with Roderick showing us the Colon area as well as the Agua Clara and Gatun locks. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the history and the technology of the locks and the canal in general. He was very accommodating and made sure we saw exactly what we wanted to see. He also enhanced our overall experience by taking us to areas not usually visited on this private tour. Roderick’s English is excellent. He is exceptionally thoughtful and kind and he made sure we spent the time required to have an in-depth experience rather than just a “pass-by”. We highly recommend Roderick to anyone wanting a comprehensive tour of the Colon area, its history, the Panama Canal and its locks. Many thanks, Roderick!

The tour was very interesting and informative Our tour guide JORGE SALAZAR was excellent He was knowledgeable, friendly and considerate. I would highly recommend him,

What a great tour, especially when on a cruise. Instead of being cooped up on a bus with a huge bunch, being herded about to their schedule, take this personal tour that moves by your timing. Have the whole attention of your guide. Our guide, Charlie, who is half Panamanian and half American, was fantastic. Would recommend highly.

We had an amazing and perfect experience visiting Panama thanks to Jorge with Panamanian Adventures. Great communication before and throughout our tour. Jorge is passionate about his job and was extremely knowledgeable when answering our many questions! It was truly a fascinating and enjoyable day spent touring the Old and New Panama Canal Locks and the San Lorenzo Fort. Thank you Jorge, for a perfect day in Panama!

Jorge was great! Wonderful overview of the canals.

Personal experience. Private easy paced tour. Guide Jorge is very knowledgeable, professional and accommodating. Tour is worth the price upgrade to private. Few extra cost with entry fees, but it is well documented and wasnt a suprise. Time at each location was flexable.