Home > Panama City > Panama Canal Partial Transit Sightseeing Cruise
USD $145.00
Panama Canal Partial Transit Sightseeing Cruise
Panama City, Panama
See for yourself how the Panama Canal works as you transit the Miraflores Locks, one of three locks used along the canal. The construction of the canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken at the time, and it made an enormous impact on shipping in the region. This is an amazing sightseeing cruise not to be missed!
You'll be picked up from your hotel at approximately 8am and head towards the La Playita pier. Along the way, you'll drive through both the old and modern areas of Panama City along the Amador Causeway, arriving at the pier to board the vessel at 9:30am.
Enjoy an approximate 60-minute scenic sightseeing cruise along the Panama Canal until reaching the famous Miraflores Locks. Depending on the number of boats present on your date of travel, you'll most likely have to wait a short while before cruising inside the locks. The wait is absolutely worth it, so relax and enjoy the scenery until it’s your turn!
When going through the Miraflores Locks, your ship is raised up to 54 feet (16 meters) in a two-step process. This activity is achieved by sending water from Pedro Miguel's lake to fill the chambers where the ship is locked. Once the process is finished, you'll continue cruising to the Pedro Miguel Locks before arriving at the Gamboa pier, where you'll jump back into the coach for the return transfer to your Panama City hotel.
It was an adventure for sure. They promptly picked us up at the time they said. They even were able to accommodate and pick us up at our hotel and saved us some walking to one of the hotels on the list. I called the day before to see if they would not mind picking us up to save us some walking to a different hotel, and it was not a problem! I will say, be prepared for some wait time, and this is not due to the tour group, it is due to the canal schedule. We did have a couple of hours to spend waiting to board our boat, but once we were under way it was exciting for sure. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, we all learned so much about the canal. After the tour was over, they dropped us back off at our hotel. We were gone from 9am until about 9pm, but we did not mind we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Review by: Janice C, April 2018
The partial transit was very interesting. The guide provided lots of information about the Canal. On board there was plenty of food and drink available. As the boat was not full, we had plenty of room to move about. A great day.
Review by: Karen T, April 2018
Very good experience for Partial Transit of Panama Canal! The canal is of course quite amazing, and our guide was very informative about it's history and operation._br/_ Smaller boat allowed good viewing, friendly feel.
Review by: Winnie K, April 2018
The partial transit is all you need to appreciate the Canal. Pickup was early but on time. Driver was great, took us to the correct location, and returned us promptly. However, neither the driver nor the guide pointed out any of the sights for the Panama City sightseeing part of the tour. Food was unimpressive but not bad. Guide was knowledgeable and crew was very accommodating.
Review by: Vickie B, March 2018
We booked the partial transit because we couldn’t see how to do a complete transit and get back to our hotel in Panama City. The partial was great. We had a knowledgeable, entertaining guide, Gus, who told us far more than we could remember about the history, economics, and population of the region
Review by: Kathleen M, March 2018
After reading some reviews, we were concerned, but bus pick up was on time, short wait at the pier, breakfast and lunch served. JC was the tour guide and he was fantastic. Boat is old so don’t expect a luxury cruise, but for a 4 hour transit through the canal, it was great. Very Friendly staff.
Review by: John R, March 2018
I would give the experience a five star rating, but we got stuck in the ocean to ocean bicycle race on the way back for 2-3 hours. The pickup was fine, the boat is funky, the food acceptable, the crew helpful, the guide disheveled and a bit too talkative, but o.k. Going through the locks and under the international bridge are worth the trip. Would have liked to see one of the big crocodiles.
Review by: Charles B, March 2018
This is all you need to appreciate the Canal. Pickup was early, driver great, took us to the correct location, and returned us promptly. Along the way, he pointed out spots in Panama City, an absolutely stunning city, to see. The tour took a little longer, due to the Canal bureaucracy, saw the Canal operation as well as the operation of the container terminals. Food was unimpressive, though not bad. The guide/host was informative, occasionally funny, and constantly moving around the boat to answer questions. Crew was very accommodating.
Review by: Renee S, March 2018
Excellent tour. Highly informative. A great way to experience an engineering marvel, rather than just watching from the viewing gallery at the Locks.
Review by: c.wilson, March 2018
Overall the tour was well done. The guide was very informative and quick witted. The only thing that was a little annoying was one of the tour guides that worked with Carnival nothing to do with Viator. She tried to keep myself and my wife from going down a flight of stairs while all the participants were lining up for lunch. The irony, we already had our lunch and were simply returning to our table from upstairs. This is inappropriate behavior. Especially as she is not a member of the crew. I simply ignored her and we make our way past her. Funny enough, she no longer made eye contact or acknowledged our presence afterwards. Otherwise, great tour with one bad apple!
Review by: spud, March 2018
Great way to see the canal
Review by: David W B, February 2018
First, the good. The tour itself is very interesting. Experiencing going through a lock is fascinating, especially seeing the big ships being positioned by the Canal personnel. You get a much better perspective of how the canal operates during the tour than you do going to the visitor's center at the Mira Flora Locks. Our tour included two locks, which became a bit redundant. Unless you are a canal aficionado, I recommend the one-lock tour._br/_ Making arrangements for the tour: not so much. The time of departure for the tour from your hotel is set by the direction that the tour boat is assigned by the Canal the day before the tour, not before. So departure can vary as much as five hours, making it very difficult to plan your day. The arrangement to find out the departure time is to call a number the day before that either just rings and rings, or if you're lucky, someone answers in Spanish only. Don't try this unless you have assistance from a Spanish speaker. We had a Spanish speaker, and after 7 or 8 calls, someone finally answered. _br/_ The transport to/from the canal is by air-conditioned bus, which is very comfortable. Upon arrival at the canal, it may require as much as an hour before embarkation and there are no restrooms. Plan accordingly.
Review by: Michael Winstone, February 2018
Fab experience however the ship left at 8.45 and we were told by the services to be at port by 7Am so had a long wait on ship before we left and got up early for nothing,also the engines were running on this ship and other ships around and a large volume of carbon monoxide fumes entering where we were sitting enough to set the alarms off which were disconnected by the crew,_br/_ But very good breakfast and dinner and the captain and crew very helpful and would go on it again
Review by: Marcus M, February 2018
This was an amazing partial tour down part of the Panama Canal. Everyone I talked to told me to take the partial tour and this lived up to the hype. Unfortunately my partial tour took almost all day. However, this was not the fault of the tour. There was a lot of waiting to start the tour because of the scheduling of going through the canal. Also, we were going through the locks with another huge boat that was ridiculously slow. At one point we sat and waited an hour for this other boat to catch up to us before we could move forward. The tour guide was amazing and spoke great English. The staff was very friendly and everything went smoothly. Another downside was that we were sharing the tour bout with people from another tour company and these people had special stickers. They had a dedicated server, whereas the rest of us did not and had to serve ourselves. They also had a different beverage selection soda only from what I could tell. This made me feel like a little bit of a second class tourist, but I'm not really sure where the option was to buy the experience including a designated server. Overall, once the day was over I was highly satisfied with my experience of the canal.
Review by: Raymond G, February 2018
Worthwhile to see how the canal and locks work, but was a long, hot day with a great deal of waiting time. But that is the nature of the trip. I don't think anything can be changed. Crew and guide were great, and there were 106 tourists on board making it a little crowded. Glad we went. Enjoyed the experience, but don't want to do it again.
Review by: jbarrowsrn, February 2018
One of the main reasons we went to Panama was for the Canal which I believe is true for most people. We were picked up at our hotel on time and a nice enjoyable ride to the area where we get our wristbands and then board the ship. So confusing as there were not any instructions given. Anyway, we were getting our wristband for a partial transit and I heard them talking about a full transit. Well, Hot Darn, that is what we wanted in the first place. They wanted 60 more dollars to make the full transit. No problem and then we were among the first group on our ferry. We copped a seat on the top in the shade. Free non-alcoholic drinks available all day. We were fed a breakfast that was not too great and a lunch that was ok. I went for the Locks and making the journey and not the food. After the 2nd set of Locks, the partial transit people departed and left about 15-20 of the original people. A long ride from there to the Atlantic Ocean and another set of locks. A very comfortable ride home from there.
Review by: Roy W, February 2018
I really enjoyed this tour. The tour company called me at my hotel the afternoon before my scheduled tour day. Next morning, about twenty minutes late, a large bus stopped in front of the hotel. Here we go! The bus continued making many stops at various hotels until finally we were on our way to the waterfront._br/_ Once near the water we turned in our tickets in exchange for wrist bands. Shortly thereafter, we boarded the boat. There were many different groups aboard the boat, including a large French contingent with their own guide._br/_ Aboard the boat, there were cold drinks, coffee, water and a continuous buffet of breakfast and lunch. The food was fine._br/_ Our guide was a charismatic Panamean well versed in the history, legends and lores of the Canal and Panama in general._br/_ In all, we went through three locks and ended our boat ride in Lake Gatun, about 17 miles into the 50 mile canal. I didn't time it, however, I think we were on the water 41/2 to 5 hours._br/_ We once again boarded the bus and returned to Panama City. I arrived back in my room at about 3pm. Total time was about eight hours._br/_ Very enjoyable experience and I'd do it again with the same company.
Review by: Ethel J, February 2018
Well organized, good commentary. Food ok. More fruit would be nice.
Review by: e bruce m, January 2018
It was great! We were picked up at the hotel and driven up to get our ship. Nice slow trip up the canal and through the locks. JP was the tour guide and he gave us information the whole way. We had a very good lunch on board. The bus met us at the end and as luck would have it two of the people on the tour were in the French Quarters so we even had a ride through there on our way to our hotel. A very full afternoon and very enjoyable.
Review by: George T, January 2018
Even better than described. Our guide JC spent to much time with us, we received a wonderful overview and then lots of details. Being in the canal and going through the locks will be a lifetime memory. Every one involved did their very best to make it a great day.
Review by: Patricia H, January 2018
Tour was expensive but when you hear how much it costs to go through the Panama Canal you can understand why. Breakfast, lunch, water and coffee were all provided as was a free pick up/ drop off at our hotel and it was a lovely and interesting day out.
Review by: Donald B, January 2018
Couldn't connect with the tour provider for them to pick me up.No answer on the phone number it was Sunday for a Monday tour. No reply to my email. Waited in vain for a pickup Monday morning in lobby in case I was scheduled but not informed. No call, no email from them. A complete disaster!
Review by: Lawson C, January 2018
This is a bucket list type of experience. The logistics were handled very well by the tour company. They picked us up and returned us to our downtown hotel. The trip through the locks was amazing. And the meal they served was very good. We really enjoyed the experience.
Review by: Patti P, January 2018
Tour was outstanding, Moises picked us up from hotel on schedule and the partial transit was amazing! He was waiting for us upon return as well. Our tour guide, Juan Carlos was knowledgeable, friendly, explained everything in Spanish, English and more than happy to answer all questions! We werent sure of which tour to book, there were some that took you to the locks but the extra money to actually go through and experience it was worth every penny. We saw the sun come up, had a light breakfast and full lunch all while learning so much history of the canal! A tour every visitor should take!
Review by: Sandra R, December 2017
Just back from the trip amazing day. JC gave Lot of information very interesting trip _br/_ A must see!!!_br/_ He was very thoughtful all the way excellent
Review by: M, December 2017
The reason I choose this specific tour was that it included pick up and drop off at the hotel. The actual cruise through the canal and locks were great! It was exciting to experience the locks filling with water and sharing the locks with a huge container ship. I recommend bringing a rain jacket and umbrella and to sit in the front row of ship. The commentary throughout the canal tour was informative and entertaining. There was unlimited free bottled water available.
Review by: John W, December 2017
Excellent trip, the old boat was lovely and breakfast and lunch very good._br/_ The commentary was very good, not all at once so you had time to take it all in.
Review by: Deborah H, December 2017
fabulous trip. After trip delivery back to hotel a bit disorganized .
Review by: annieoakwood, December 2017
Grayline tours was the company that this cruise was booked with. We were on a small vessel called the Islamorada. There is so much history with this boat and all of the facts that we learned about the Canal. This is a smaller boat and we only had about 90 people on board. Going through the locks is a once in a lifetime experience.
Review by: edward, November 2017
A perfect experience from start to finish. We did the northbound transit, entering from the Pacific side. Hotel pick up was right on time. A great way to experience the canal close up. Breakfast and lunch were both provided and exceeded our expectations for quality and quantity. Unlimited free beverages to combat the heat and humidity. Juan Carlos narrated an informative and entertaining passage in both English and Spanish. We liked that we were free to wander around the entire boat to get the best views. Good seating available everywhere. Even though November is the height of the rainy season and the forecast called for a 90 chance of thunderstorm, we had sunny skies the entire transit. We went through each of the locks together with a container ship, a small sailing yacht and a luxury cruising yacht.
Review by: michelle_rentsch, November 2017
We really enjoyed this tour and our guide JC was amazing. His knowlege and humour really made the trip. Be aware that Tours can run for different lengths of time. They need to go through the lochs with another ship and we had to wait on the Canal for a compatable ship. Our tour picked us up at 10.30 only advised the evening before and we didnt get back to our hotel until 9pm. You really need to allow the whole day and be flexible with times. Lunch was good and beer was available for purchase.
Review by: Matthew L, November 2017
We really enjoyed this trip.Wonderful to have the Panama Canal experience. JC, the guide was very informative and did a good commentary. We were lucky with the weather and the boat wasn't even half full. The pick up and drop off from the hotel worked very well, and as we were the second pick up and second last drop off we were able to enjoy seeing more of the city as it went from hotel to hotel. It took about an hour to get to the marina where we transferred onto the boat. There was about an hour and a half wait before we could set sail though. It was OK as we chatted to some other passengers but I'd advise taking a book if you are a single, or unsociable! During that time a breakfast was served of cereals, pineapple, ham, frankfurter sausage, cheese slices, hard boiled eggs, bread and sponge cake. The delay before sailing is because they have to wait to be allocated their time slot for the locks. Scenery is great, lock experience fascinating. Lunch was served beginning at 10.45! It seemed to be breakfast leftovers, rice, beans and salad from what we could see, but we didn't bother with it. I would definitely recommend this tour. I think perhaps they need to review the meals, a brunch mid morning would be better than trying to squeeze in breakfast and lunch.
Review by: Daniel S, November 2017
The tour provided a great experience, However, the tour guide did not provide as much information as we were hearing coming from the other tour boats around us in the locks. Our guide seemed more interested in playing his music playlist, which was too loud and worked to drown out the other tour narrations. For the money, it appears the other tour companies would have provided a better overall experience.
Review by: SportsFanTravel, November 2017
First of all, our guide on the boat JC - was AMAZING!! He knew everything there was to know about the Panama Canal and was only too happy to answer all my questions. I'm glad I went in off-season as having a half-full boat was much more relaxing._br/_ The lunch was nice - nothing fancy, but good all the same._br/_ The day itself is a long day - and there are hours of waiting around to transit through the locks - but that's just part of being in a smaller boat. I would definitely recommend this tour - as you get the best vantage point of the Canal.
Review by: Eduard g, October 2017
very good trip
Review by: Amal G, October 2017
Good way to see the canal and learn the history.
Review by: paul.wakelin, October 2017
Fantastic experience on the Panama Canal....The partial transit means you spend a good 5 hours travelling up the canal through the locks giving you a great taster. Our guide JC was the dogs and full of additional information. BF and lunch was very good and as much water and soft drinks you can drink. The bus driver dropped me off at the Miraflores locks on the way back so you can pay the 15 to enter and see the ships from above from 4pm....Highly recommended...
Review by: Randall B, September 2017
This is a very rewarding tour, lots of information, and well worth the cost. I have already been telling people about it. It is so much more than just going to Miraflores locks and looking at it. If anybody is thinking about visiting the locks, this is the way to see it, and learn so much more.
Review by: Doug H, September 2017
great trip all round. Good value.
Review by: Angie C, September 2017
This was an exceptional experience!! Do not miss it! There is no words to describe what going through the locks of the Panama Canal is like, to experience this feat of engineering from within the walls of the locks is worth the time and money to do it. This company had a great guide and did an fantastic job of the commentary and history of the canal all through the tour. Great breakfast and lunch served with coffee and cold drinks!
Review by: SHARON S K, September 2017
Because everything went so smooth for the Panama Canal cruise..........that is the reason I booked with Viator again for 5 tours in London.
Review by: ARI, August 2017
We took this tour in november and really like it. It was a fun experience passing trough the canal. It a been there, done that moment. The food was really good and the guide spoke both english and spanish and had really good knowledge of the canal history and make the trip interesting. The only thing is that the chairs on the tour are not confortable, bathroom is small and the tour is long.
Review by: Rodney H, August 2017
The only problem with the trip was the early start. My pick up time was between 5 and 6 a.m.
Review by: Laura L, August 2017
Although the cruise tour through the Panama Canal was wonderful, we were very disappointed in both of our tour guides the land. The bus driver spoke no English at all so he was unable to tell us about the country that we were driving through. Our other tour guide whom we picked up off the highway along the way to the boat, also spoke very limited English. She was more concerned with selling her souveniers than with providing us any information about the canal or areas that we were seeing. The tour guide on the boat was wonderful! Although I had contacted Viator tours and our bus company via email several times, no one responded. No one from Viator or the bus company contacted us with our pick up information. Finally late on the day prior to our tour the hotel finally managed to contact the tour guide service. They finally sent me an email with our tour info.
Review by: Irene D, August 2017
Very nice tour, good lunch on the ship. It was an experience going through the locks.
Review by: charles l, August 2017
Great trip!_br/_ Many photo ops._br/_ The food is minimal._br/_ Would highly recommend it for the photos!!
Review by: charles l, August 2017
Great trip!_br/_ Many photo ops._br/_ The food is minimal._br/_ Would highly recommend it for the photos!!
Review by: MICHAEL F, August 2017
The tour itself was fantastic, but there is a fair amount of confusion about pickup times. The literature says 6 AM and I was picked up at 9 AM. The person that picked me up commented on the times and said he didn't know why they have that 6 AM time. I highly recommend the tour but be prepared for a long lag time between pick-up even at 9 and actually getting on the boat. The guide on the boat did a great job also.
Review by: Jules, July 2017
The actual quality of the tour ON the canal merits a 5. The only reason I've given it a 4 is that we were picked up at 7 in the morning, unable to even have breakfast, and were not loaded on to the boat until after 12:00 noon. This is NOT because we had to drive some great distance. Instead, we had to sit and wait in a locale that did not so much as sell an ice cream cone for over 90 minutes. None of us could grasp why. VERY POOR PLANNING. All that said, I would still recommend this tour. Just be sure to be able to grab some coffee at your hotel there won't be ANY anywhere else, and to know that you could sit around for numerous hours throughout the day.
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