Panama City: Visit the Panama Canal

Visit the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal opened in 1914, but as a feat of engineering it's no less impressive today than it was when it transformed intercontinental trade routes a century ago.

Allowing passage between the Pacific and the Caribbean, the canal cuts through the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus – a mere 77km that spares ships the 15,000km voyage around Cape Horn. Little wonder then that the Canal Zone, owned until 1999 by the US, not only made a monumental impact on the world economy but also became a meeting point for goods, people and ideas from all corners of the globe.

Whether it's the historical perspective, the extraordinary human achievement or simply the sheer spectacle of watching gargantuan cargo ships slide through the locks that interests you, you'll be surprised at what an astonishing experience it is to see the Panama Canal in action. We'll take you on a guided tour of Miraflores Locks, where you can see water levels rise and fall with remarkable efficiency and huge vessels squeeze through the channel with barely 60cm of clearance on either side. There's also an excellent visitors' centre presenting the history of the canal's construction and explaining its modern economic context.

View all holidays

Signature Panama: Canal, wildlife and beach

Private journey

10 days from £1,998pp

Expedition cruise: Panama, the Canal and Costa Rica

Private journey

15 days from £6,990pp

Undiscovered Colombia, Providencia and Panama City

Private journey

18 days from £5,641pp

Alcion: Central America Discovery

Group tour

22 days from £2,938pp

View all things to do nearby

Walking tour of the Casco Viejo

Trek the Panamanian Camino Real

Meet the Embera indians of Chagres river

Take the Central American transcontinental railroad

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

A fascinating trip covering the entire length of the Panama Canal.

TF, Wakefield | June 2018 | 50 - 65 | Solo Traveller

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Mind Bogglingly Good!

KRL, Ripley | November 2017 | 65 and over | With Partner

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Excellent day with efficient transfers.

IB, Chesterfield | April 2017 | 65 and over | With Partner

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Brilliant if a long day.

MS, Twickenham | October 2016 | 50 - 65

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Although we booked for the full one day transit, we decided after a couple of hours to change to the half transit. The staff on the boat were very helpful in arranging this as were Ancon - much appreciated. A very interesting experience but a crowded, hot boat for a full day with a 2 hour transit back to the city was not for us as we wanted to see a bit more of the city on our last day.

EH, Edinburgh | November 2015 | 50 - 65 | With Partner

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

If you go to Panama City and don't do at least a partial transit of the Canal, then you are seriously missing out. Yes, the Visitor Centre at Miraflores Locks is great, but nothing beats experiencing the physical process of one of man's greatest creations.

JMG London | March 2015 | 65 and over

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Experiencing the canal from both land and water side was brilint. also gave me opportunity to take part in some of the Carnival preparations!

CS North walsham | February 2015 | 50 - 65 | Solo Traveller

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

As a sailor, I was very keen to travel along the Canal and it certainly didn't disappoint. The boat was good with commentary in English and Spanish, very comprehensive. There was also the bonus of an included buffet lunch. A great experience that I would thoroughly recommend. Made the visit to the visitors centre much more interesting. Thanks for arranging this.

HK Lymington | October 2014 | 50 - 65 | With Friends

Tailor-made holiday

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

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97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

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Panama City: Visit the Panama Canal

Visit Us

Visit the Panama Canal

Our holidays including Visit the Panama Canal

Signature Panama: Canal, wildlife and beach

Expedition cruise: Panama, the Canal and Costa Rica

Undiscovered Colombia, Providencia and Panama City

Alcion: Central America Discovery

Other ideas

Walking tour of the Casco Viejo

Trek the Panamanian Camino Real

Meet the Embera indians of Chagres river

Take the Central American transcontinental railroad

What our clients say

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Visit the Panama Canal | Rating: Excellent

Tailor-made holiday

Articles you may like

Panama in the 2018 World Cup

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Journey with the UK's NO1 specialist in travel to latin america

We love latin america

travel with confidence

The real latin america

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