Miraflores Locks Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Miraflores Locks in 2026?

Tickets to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center for non-residents cost US$17.22 for adults and US$7.22 for kids aged 6–12. Discounts are given to Panamanian residents and to people with a registered disability. Guided tours with exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas of the locks cost an additional US$200.

Q: What are the Miraflores Locks?

The Miraflores Locks are one of the three sets of locks built on the Panama Canal. These locks enable vessels to pass to and from the Pacific Ocean. The Miraflores Locks are open for visitors to view the ships passing through; there is also a visitor center on-site.

Q: What can visitors expect to see and do at the Miraflores Locks?

Visitors go to the Miraflores Locks mainly to watch the ships pass through the Panama Canal. There is a viewing deck, terrace, and bleachers where visitors can watch the ships. Visitors can also explore four halls of exhibitions and watch a 3D movie in the IMAX theater.

Q: Is the Miraflores Locks experience suitable for children and families?

Yes, the Miraflores Locks is a popular Panama City attraction suitable for all ages, including families and younger children. The youngest kids will enjoy seeing the ships rise and fall, but be aware that crossing between the locks is a relatively slow process requiring patient viewing.

Q: How long does a typical visit to the Miraflores Locks take?

A tour of the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center takes approximately an hour and a half, but spending up to three hours at this attraction is relatively easy. The visitor center has four exhibition halls showcasing the Panama Canal’s history and an IMAX theater screening a 3D movie about the Panama Canal.

Q: What is the best time of day to visit the Miraflores Locks to see ships passing through?

Ships pass through the Panama Canal around the clock, but the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and its observation areas are only open during daytime operating hours. The best time to visit to see ships passing through is early when the Visitor Center opens and within a few hours before it closes.

Q: Are there any dining options or cafes at the Miraflores Visitor Center?

The Miraflores Visitor Center has a small concession area where visitors can purchase snacks and drinks. These light fare options are mainly meant for consuming while watching the vessels pass through the locks. There is no formal cafe or restaurant on-site that serves full meals.

Q: What are the best attractions in and around Panama City other than the Miraflores Locks?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Miraflores Locks. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Panama City:<ul><li><a href="/Panama-City-attractions/Panama-Canal/d950-a4314" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Panama Canal</a></li><li><a href="/Panama-City-attractions/Casco-Viejo/d950-a4309" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Casco Viejo</a></li><li><a href="/Panama-City-attractions/Amador-Causeway/d950-a4317" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amador Causeway</a></li><li><a href="/Panama-City-attractions/Bridge-of-the-Americas/d950-a14211" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bridge of the Americas</a></li><li><a href="/Panama-City-attractions/Gatun-Lake/d950-a4311" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gatún Lake</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to all <a href="/Panama-City/d950" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the best attractions in Panama City</a>.

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Panama Canal Round-trip: Miraflores Locks & IMAX - Afternoon

We begin the round-trip transfer by picking you up from your city hotel or AirBnB, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free start to the experience. From there, we head directly to the Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Center (entrance fee not included), one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. This visit is scheduled so that 100% you will see ships, including massive vessels passing through the locks just meters away, some of which pay over USD 120,000 to transit the Panama Canal, underscoring its vital role in global trade. You’ll have time to explore the observation decks and learn how the locks operate, as well as the history behind this world-famous engineering marvel. Before the movie, you can relax at the visitor center’s cafeteria and enjoy refreshments with Canal views. After the movie we will bring you back to the meeting point.

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Panama Canal Round-trip: Miraflores Locks & IMAX - Afternoon

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

During the Panama Canal tour, you will have the opportunity to witness up close the operation of the impressive locks that allow the passage of large vessels through this globally significant waterway. You will learn about the fascinating history of its construction, the engineering behind this monumental project, and its impact on global trade. Regarding the boat tour on Gatun Lake, you will delve into a fascinating natural environment where wildlife is abundant. You may spot howler monkeys and capuchins playing in the treetops. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to observe up close crocodiles basking in the sun on the lake's shores and turtles swimming in its tranquil waters, allowing you to connect with the unique biodiversity of this region and enjoy an unforgettable experience in harmony with nature.

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Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(20)

from $119

Price varies by group size

Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

There’s a lot to see in Panama City but group sightseeing tours can leave you feeling rushed or uncomfortable in crowded vans. Simplify your sightseeing and get a personalized experience during this private half-day tour. Hit the city’s highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Casco Viejo, the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, and more. Go at your own pace and get all your questions answered.

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Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(155)

from $77

Panama Canal & City Tour in Half Day: Old Town & City Views

If you’re a first-time visitor to Panama City, you’ll want to see the must-visit highlights. This five-hour Private or Share group tour, takes you to the atmospheric old town, the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, and the sweeping Amador Causeway, with its great views of the city. If you’re short on time or on a quick shore excursion, this convenient tour makes the most of your time.

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Panama Canal & City Tour in Half Day: Old Town & City Views

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,831)

from $65

Price varies by group size

This tour features visits to the Amador Causeway, the Goethal's Monument and the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. We will visit the Amador Causeway, a road that connects four small islands on the Pacific, and offers stunning views of Panama City skyline and the entrance of the Canal. Then, we will stop at the Goethals Monument, a beautiful white Vermont marble structure built to honor George Washington Goethals for his achievements during the Canal construction. Behind the Goethals Monument, you will see the Panama Canal Administration Building. Our next stop is at the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, where you may see the ships while they pass through the Canal. At the Panama Canal IMAX Theater, we will watch the 45-minute 3D movie "Panama Canal, a Land Divided, a World United".

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Panama Canal Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(33)

from $68

Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(874)

from $67

Price varies by group size

By far the most famous attraction in Panama, the Panama Canal is a feat of engineering that this private tour helps you visit. Travel to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where your guide will explain the canal’s history and construction, then admire views of it, possibly with ships passing through if you’re lucky. See two additional locks, including the Agua Clara Locks near the Atlantic Ocean, with the longer tour.

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The Marvelous Panama Canal Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(48)

from $40

Price varies by group size

Panama Canal Tour: Miraflores Locks and Canal Zone

Explore the Pacific side of the Panama Canal on a private tour designed to understand its history and operation clearly. It’s not just about watching boats, it’s about understanding how the canal works in real time as you witness vessels transiting the locks at Miraflores Visitor Center. Also, tour the old Canal Zone and learn about the history behind the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Enjoy spectacular views from the Amador Causeway and get to know the Panama Canal Administration Building, the Bridge of the Americas, the Centennial Bridge and the Culebra Cut. The experience is complemented by the IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman, connecting each story with what you’re watching live. Ideal for : families, couples, group of friends, seniors and travelers in stopover. Attention: Miraflores Visitor Center is under renovation until 2027. The experience includes IMAX and the viewpoint overlooking the transit of boats.

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Panama Canal Tour: Miraflores Locks and Canal Zone

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(44)

from $120

Price varies by group size

Miraflores canal Locks, Amador Causeway and Biomuseo private tour

We invite you to experience one of Central America's most remarkable structures, which connects the two largest oceans in the world and plays a vital role in Panama's prosperity. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, you'll witness the canal's operations firsthand and enjoy an engaging 3D movie about the Panama Canal, narrated by the iconic Morgan Freeman. Moreover, our visit to the Biomuseo will immerse you in Panama's incredible biodiversity, showcasing its unique plants and animals, and illustrating how this country emerged from the ocean three million years ago, uniting the Americas. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Panama's natural and historical treasures!

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Miraflores canal Locks, Amador Causeway and Biomuseo private tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(25)

from $85

City Tour: Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo & Amador Causeway

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(83)

from $90

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Private Layover Panama Canal & City Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Panama City and Canal Miraflores Locks Tour

Discover Panama City’s best highlights on this 4.5-hour guided tour. Start at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you’ll learn the fascinating story of the Panama Canal and watch ships pass through its iconic locks. Continue to Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with charming plazas, colonial architecture, and centuries of history. Finally, enjoy the scenic drive along the Amador Causeway, with its sweeping views of the modern skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific entrance of the Canal. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable local guide will share insights into Panama’s history, culture, and way of life, giving you a well-rounded introduction to this vibrant city.

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Panama City and Canal Miraflores Locks Tour

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $75

Panama City Tour and Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

Panama City is pack full of sights, but ticking them all of without your own wheels can be a challenge. See the Panama Canal and Panama City’s UNESCO-listed, historic center on a half-day tour of Panama City that's the ideal way to get your bearings in the capital. Watch ships passing through the Miraflores Locks, follow the Amador Causeway for views back towards downtown Panama City, then see the colonial-era architecture of Casco Viejo.

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Panama City Tour and Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

3.7

(21)

from $172

Per group

Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases

The former Canal Zone tour starts from your hotel and takes you to the Miraflores Locks, where we will spend an hour. You can visit the exhibition room between the observation decks to learn about the history and see the boats pass through the second-largest locks in the Panama Canal. After that, we will head to the former base of Clayton, which dates back to 1919 and housed more than 20,000 people, including civilians and soldiers. Then, we will drive to Corozal, an old town in the Canal Zone, where we can visit the American military cemetery and the train station, which was the first transoceanic railway in the world. After that, we will travel to the first American airfield in Albrook, where we will learn more about the history of the place. Finally, we will visit the old town of Balboa, where we can see the Panama Canal Administration Building, and end the tour at the Amador Causeway.

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Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(13)

from $125

Panama City Tour

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from $60

5hrs Panama City and Canal Tour + Amenities

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(27)

from $65

Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

Whether you have a quick layover in Panama City or just want an overview at the start of your stay, this half-day private tour offers a handy introduction. Be impressed by the feat of engineering that is the Panama Canal with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center. Later, head to the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, where you’ll take a walking tour through the atmospheric lanes and past colonial-era buildings.

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Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(80)

from $99

Get to know the city on board CitySightseeing Panama (24 Hours)

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

3.6

(38)

from $30

Full Day - Panama Canal Coast to Coast - By Land

This tour takes you through the locks of Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, Gatún and Agua Clara, to understand its history, its engineering and its impact on the world. ✅ THE ONLY TOUR COVERING THE ENTIRE CANAL Travel from Pacific to Atlantic by land in one day. Exploring the Panama Canal from Coast to Coast. ✅ PRIVATE AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE No crowds or hard schedules. Just your group, at your own pace, on a VIP tour. ✅ DISCOVER THE PROVINCE OF COLÓN Time to appreciate your history and daily life. Optional lunch/snack—we recommend local food to learn about your culture. ✅ FOLLOW THE TRANSCONTINENTAL ROUTE Learn about the historic path linking two oceans and understand the Channel’s impact on global trade. Excludes : tickets to Miraflores and Agua Clara Visitor Centers. Ideal for : families, couples, friends, seniors and travelers in stopover. Ready to go coast to coast?

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Full Day - Panama Canal Coast to Coast - By Land

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(41)

from $200

Price varies by group size

Gatun lake wildlife expedition and Miraflores locks private tour

Discover the incredible Panama Canal with the expertise of certified tour guides. Start your visit at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you'll witness canal operations firsthand and enjoy an exhilarating 45-minute IMAX 3D movie that explores the history and engineering marvels of the canal. After this engaging introduction, your adventure continues with a wildlife safari expedition on a boat ride through Gatun Lake, where you’ll have the chance to spot monkeys and various other animals in their natural habitat. Book now for an exceptional experience with us!

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Gatun lake wildlife expedition and Miraflores locks private tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(7)

from $85

From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(14)

from $65

Price varies by group size

Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour

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.

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Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(12)

from $115

What sets us apart: Cool Comfort: Travel in modern, spotless vehicles with powerful Air Conditioning—your private sanctuary from the tropical heat. Stay Refreshed: Don't worry about the humidity; we provide complimentary cold bottled water throughout the entire tour to keep you hydrated. Weather-Ready: Panama’s sun is bright and rain can be unpredictable. We provide complimentary umbrellas to keep you comfortable, rain or shine. Expert Storytellers: You won’t just see landmarks; you’ll discover their secrets through our expert bilingual guides. Book your spot today and let’s turn an ordinary day into a lifelong memory!

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City Tour y canal de panama

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(18)

from $65

Excursion of the Panama Canal Miraflores Lock, Aguas Claras

Why book this tour with us? Because it’s not just a tour of the Canal — it’s an experience carefully designed to let you see, understand and feel the magnitude of the Panama Canal from two unique perspectives: the Pacific and the Atlantic. ✅ Full and balanced visit: It includes Miraflores and Aguas Claras in a single day, something few operators offer efficiently and comfortably. ✅ Expert and passionate guides: Clear explanations, historical data and curiosities that transform the visit into a living history. ✅ Comfortable and punctual transportation: Private vehicles with air conditioning and personalized attention from the beginning. ✅ Local touches: Recommendations, special stops (like viewing points or photo spots), and direct attention throughout the tour. ✅ 24/7 assistance and flexible coordination, ideal for cruise passengers, families or travelers with stopovers. You don’t just visit the Channel: you live it, you understand it and you get it as a unique experience.

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Excursion of the Panama Canal Miraflores Lock, Aguas Claras

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(4)

from $165

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Miraflores Locks

Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

Dawn_P, Jul 2026

Great experience with Elena!

Elena was an awesome guide! She was knowledgeable, patient and flexible. We were to adjust the time and activities to accommodate our wants and needs for the several hours we were with her. She knew where to go and when to make things as smooth as possible. I selected a private tour just for those reasons. She felt like a friend more than guide. Will definitely contact her on a return visit. Thanks for everything Elena!

Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

Shanaiya_M, Jun 2026

Great Experience And...

Great Experience And Wonderful Service The Driver Was Nice And Informative Will Recommend To Do If You Want To Experience Panamá

Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

Krystle_A, May 2026

Panama City Layover

We had a great time with our tour guide, Carlos. He spoke fluently in English & very attentive to our needs & requests. Picked us up & dropped us off at the airport. Very convenient. Lunch at the fresh market was superb. The fish ceviche was amazing! All in all, highly recommended!

Private City Tour + CANAL + Old Town + Amador + 360° VIEWS

Frederick_R, May 2026

Great times!

We had a great time in the tour and we would definitely do it again. Our guide was very hospitable and professional. The only thing was it was a little hard understanding him because of his strong accent. Other than that it was great.

Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

Cynthia_C, Nov 2025

Fascinating tour with extra-special culture details

Charlie was so enthusiastic and helped me see his beautiful country and culture clearly. The family involvement and being outside in their parks, restaurants was nice to see. Visiting churches of great history with an amazing nativity scene and papal visits was special.