Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour
5.0(13)Panama City6–7 hours
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(12)
+10 photos
At a glance
Duration
6–7 hours
Price from
$92 / person
Location
Panama City, Panama
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 13 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Panamanian Aventures
Description
This tour is designed for canal enthusiasts who appreciate the immense impact of these structures on global maritime trade. The Panama Canal, the most important waterway in Central America, has influenced trade since its inauguration in 1914 and was further expanded in 2016. This tour offers the opportunity to closely observe both the original and expanded canals, allowing visitors to appreciate their differences and witness the fascinating process of ships ascending and descending.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 18+)
$92
Youth (ages 11–17)
$60
Child (ages 4–10)
$40
Infant (ages 0–3)
Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Solo traveler combo
Solo traveler : This option is created for solo travelers
Canal tickets are not included
Pickup included
Two Oceans Old and New Panama Canal Locks Private Tour
Pickup included
Private combo
Vip service : This is an exclusive and personalized experience
Pickup included
Itinerary
Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara
Admission not included120 min
Here we will witness the new locks built in 2016, accommodating the world's largest ships.
Atlantic Bridge
15 min
Let's visit the newest bridge in the Panama Canal and enjoy the view of both the centennial and new sets of locks in a single picture, along with the maritime city of Colon and the Caribbean Sea.
Miraflores Visitor Center
Admission not included120 min
Enjoy this engineering wonder that changed the whole maritime industry forever, brought to this world by the United States and Panama in our Miraflores visitor center where you can see the Panama Canal in full action.
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
15 min
Built in 1913, with rocks from the excavation of the Culebra Cut during the construction of the Panama Canal, the Causeway joins Panama City with four islands: Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco.
It is a site with a beautiful view of the city and the ships waiting to enter the Canal.
What's included
Included
live guide in English or Spanish
Bottled water
Not included
Gratuities
$17. 22 Miraflores visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on-site to the staff
$10 agua clara visitor center entry tickets have to be purchased on site to the staff
Pickup Locations & Times
The guide will be meeting you in the lobby of the hotel with a logo of the company and the name of the lead passenger
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
13 reviews
5
13
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Panama City
Rated higher than 86% of 286 reviewed tours in Panama City
Starting price $92 is close to the typical $100 for tours of similar length in Panama City
Excurgo comparison of 857 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It will take 1 hour and 15 mins to get to the place where we are conducting the experience and another hour and 15 mins to bring you back to your hotel
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 this tour take?
Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour lasts about 6–7 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $92 per person for this Panama City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 4–10 pay from $40, adults from $92. Infants go free.
Can I cancel this 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. The guide will be meeting you in the lobby of the hotel with a logo of the company and the name of the lead passenger Pickup points include Hotel Parador Panama City, YOO Panama.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 30 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(13)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
9
999ellised
October 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Jorge Salazar, our tour guide, was prompt, knowledgeable, respectful of our time and wishes, flexible and extremely accommodating. Highly recommend this tour!!
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely recommendation! We’re delighted that Jorge made your Canal experience so enjoyable and shaped the day around your interests and pace. Feeling well cared for makes all the difference, and your kind words will mean a lot to him. Thank you for exploring Panama with us—we’d love to welcome you back!
Warm regards,
Roderick & the Panamanian Adventures team
W
waldemars639
February 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Very great and happy again
Super service super guide. The tour is recommended 100%
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you were happy with the service and your guide, and that you would recommend the tour 100%.
We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure with Panamanian Adventures!
J
Jeffrey_F
February 8, 2026 · via Viator
Interesting insights into Panama
Lovely tour of locks on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama canal. Charlie was great, and in addition to history, gave us an understanding of the Panamanian people.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Panama Canal locks on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides with Charlie. It’s wonderful to know that he went beyond the history of the Canal and helped you gain a deeper understanding of Panamanian people and culture.
We truly appreciate your kind words and choosing Panamanian Adventures. We hope to welcome you back to Panama for another enriching and memorable experience!
J
Jet31371213069
November 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Excursion to the new and old locks
It really was a very interesting and very well explained excursion by the guide Jorge demonstrating a knowledge of the history and technique of the Panama Canal.
Super Recommended
Operator response
Muchas gracias por sus amables palabras sobre esta fantástica experiencia y por elegir a Panamanian Adventures como su compañía de tours de referencia en Panamá. ¡Agradecemos mucho su apoyo!
B
BostonSkier
September 4, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour of Panama Canal
My guide Charlie was excellent. He answered all my questions about the Canal and information about Panama. He made the tour fun and enjoyable
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Charlie’s knowledge and enthusiasm made your Panama Canal experience both informative and enjoyable. It’s great to know he answered all your questions and helped make the tour fun. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another Panamanian Adventures experience!
S
Sunshine315278
July 11, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent guide and tour!
The tour was very pleasant and the guide, Charlie, was excellent! He told us anecdotes of the Canal but also related to the country. Interesting and unexpected. Thank you Charlie!
Visiting Panama Canal is definitely a must.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Charlie made it especially memorable by bringing the Panama Canal’s history to life through fascinating anecdotes and connections to Panama’s story.
We truly appreciate you choosing Panamanian Adventures. Sharing the history and highlights of the Canal is something we love, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Panama adventure!
C
Craig B
April 2, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Totally explains Panama Canal history and operations.
Very knowledgeable. Got to see total Canal system and learn some Panamanian culture. Was fortunate to see a few anteaters as well.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about the Panama Canal’s history and operations while also experiencing Panamanian culture. Seeing a few anteaters along the way was certainly a fantastic bonus!
At Panamanian Adventures, we’re passionate about combining Panama’s fascinating history, culture, and natural wonders into memorable experiences. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure!
R
ronw001
March 20, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great time at one of my bucket list items
Julio, driver and guide, was outstanding. He showed up at the appointed time. And was exceptionally versed in all aspect of the Panama Canal. Got us to the Milfprd locks in time to see a
Major ship.pass through and then to he Atlantic side to Auga Clar lock to see another.ship pass through. The videos at Milford was outstanding. We had a trrndpus day with Julio.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review! We’re thrilled that Julio made your Panama Canal experience so memorable and helped you check off a bucket-list adventure. Seeing ships transit both Miraflores and Agua Clara Locks was certainly a fantastic highlight! We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable Panamanian Adventures experience.
N
N5988VQalexr
March 8, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Excellent experience on the guided tour together with guide Charlie, you will really have a wonderful time. You will feel comfortable 👌
Operator response
¡Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia! Nos alegra saber que disfrutó tanto de la visita al Canal de Panamá junto a Charlie y que se sintió cómodo y bien atendido durante todo el recorrido.
En Panamanian Adventures nos encanta compartir la historia y las maravillas de Panamá con nuestros visitantes a través de experiencias personalizadas y guías apasionados. ¡Gracias por elegirnos y esperamos recibirlo nuevamente para descubrir más de Panamá!
S
S3320BMcarlosp
February 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The big Ditch
The tour has been one of the best I have done. Archie was our guide and he knew a lot information about the Canal and surroundings related to it. I would definitely come back. Thank you -Also, I know behind Archie there are others working to make our experience unique and enjoyable and thank for those that coordinated other aspect behind the scene.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your tour with Archie was one of the best experiences of your trip and that his knowledge of the Panama Canal and its surroundings made the journey so memorable.
We also truly appreciate you recognizing the team behind the scenes. Every Panamanian Adventures experience is a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who helps make each tour smooth, enjoyable, and unique.
Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Panama for another unforgettable adventure!
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour
