Panama City travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Price from
- $175 / person
- Location
- Panama City, Panama
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- The Panama Tours Company
Description
This exclusive experience takes you past public observation decks to the restricted side-wall area of the Miraflores Locks. Stand mere feet from massive Panamax vessels as they navigate the lock chambers, gaining deep engineering and historical commentary unavailable on standard group tours. You will also enjoy the 3D IMAX presentation narrated by Morgan Freeman and seamless private round-trip transportation.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Thu
- Start times
- 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 22
- Adult (ages 18–61)
- $175
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Miraflores Visitor Center
This exclusive experience takes you past public observation decks to the restricted side-wall area of the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal and also includes the IMAX movie.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
VIP Access to restricted areas of Miraflores locks
Canal Visitor Center
Certified tour guide
Not included
Gratuities
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour take?
Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour cost?
Prices start at $175 per person for this Panama City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Thursdays, starting at 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
Can I cancel Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hilton Panama.
What languages is Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Compare similar tours in Panama City
- Lowest price: Private 6 Hours Tour - Discovering Panama VIP — $69
- Best rated: Private 6 Hours Tour - Discovering Panama VIP — 4.8 (414 reviews)
- Shortest: Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour — 3 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Panama Canal VIP Lock Access & Private Tour | 3 hours | — | $175 | |
 Private 6 Hours Tour - Discovering Panama VIP | 6h 30min | 4.8 (414) | $69 | View |
 Panama VIP : City Tour, History and Investment Secrets | 4 hours | — | $177 | View |
 Late Night VIP Speakeasy & Rooftop Tour with Panama Hat & drink! | 4 hours | 4.7 (12) | $175 | View |
 San Blas Island Hopping Tour with New Exclusive Paradise Island | 14 hours | 4.4 (24) | $140 | View |
 Exclusive Pineapple Farm + Tubing on Mini Canyon | 8 hours | — | $625 | View |
 VIP Private Tour in a BMW Convertible, feel like a Movie Star!! | 3–10 hours | 5.0 (1) | $350 | View |
from$175
Free cancellation