Top Panama City Day Trips

Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands

14 hoursFree Cancellation

Make the most of your time in Panama City on a tour that combines 3 experiences in one excursion. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and more on a motorboat ride through the Panama Canal. Walk through the jungle and hang from the vines like Tarzan. You'll also get to sample traditional snacks, including empanadas and fresh pineapple. The tour operates in all weather conditions, with ponchos provided if it rains.

Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Panama City is a lively place but it lacks its own beaches—the nearest sandy escape from the capital is the beautiful Isla Toboga. Enjoy a leisurely day at the beach and in the water with this group tour by catamaran to the island. Take advantage of the vessel’s facilities, including nets suspended over the water and chilled drinks from the open bar, and lounge on the beach at the island.

All-inclusive catamaran 7.5h Isla Taboga from Panama City

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel, Airbnb or Playa Bonita in Panama City. We’ll drive for about one hour to the Atlantic, to visit the impressive Agua Clara Locks — part of the Panama Canal’s expansion and the only place where you can see Neo-Panamax ships crossing. With 100% certainty of seeing ships in transit, either at Agua Clara or Gatun Locks, this tour guarantees an unforgettable Canal experience. We will continue to the Atlantic Bridge, the largest and tallest bridge in Panama, offering stunning views of the Canal and surrounding landscape. Along the way, we’ll stop to see the remains of the unfinished French Canal, an abandoned 19th-century project that paved the way for today’s canal. Our final stop is the historic Gatun Locks, in operation since 1914, where you can watch ships pass just a few meters away. After this enriching 6-hour experience, we’ll return to Panama City. This tour operates year-round, including during Panama's rainy season.

Panama Canal Tour: New Locks Agua Clara, Gatun & Atlantic Bridge

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included

Special Offer

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape Panama City on the newest and largest catamaran for a day of boating, swimming and dancing. During this 6-hour tour, you will swim on a beautiful virgin bay, visit the beach and the Island Village. Onboard the catamaran, enjoy sundecks, shaded areas, music, animation, morning snacks, lunch, and an open bar. This 6-hour tour is the perfect choice to avoid the afternoon tropical weather and have enough time for night plans.

All Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City

All Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private 6 Hours Tour - Discovering Panama VIP

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private or Small Group Panama Canal & City Half-Day Tour

Tourists watching a boat pass through the Panama Canal in the locks of Miraflores

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during this full-day tour of the Panama Canal. With your local guide, explore the canal by sea and on foot, viewing the ships passing through the locks and the variety of plant and animal life on the canal's shores. Explore Gatun Lake, home to howlers, capuchins, tamarins, and many more animals. Stop at the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center to get an overview of the canal's history through informative displays and exhibits. Explore San Lorenzo National Park and Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a picnic lunch. All activities, entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Panama City hotels are included.

Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks

Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Gatun Lake: Monkeys & Exotic Wildlife by the Canal

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Panama Canal With Entry Ticket & City Tour: Old Town & City Views

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Want to experience the real Panama beyond the typical tourist trail? This is your invitation to discover the Caribbean soul of Colón through the eyes of a local. Explore Afro-Panamanian heritage, vibrant Caribbean culture, historic neighborhoods, waterfront landmarks, iconic churches, local markets, and hidden corners most visitors never see. Hear the powerful stories of the Caribbean communities, railroad, maritime trade, and Panama Canal that shaped Colón’s unique identity. More than sightseeing, this unique experience connects you with local history, people, flavors, and everyday life through authentic stories and community perspectives. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Caribbean Panamanian cuisine at a favorite local restaurant. Don’t just visit Panama—experience the Panama most travelers never meet. Book your private Caribbean Gems adventure today and make Colón an unforgettable part of your journey.

Colon City Tour Exploring Caribbean Roots Food and Afro Culture

Colon City Tour Exploring Caribbean Roots Food and Afro Culture

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover one of Panama’s most authentic experiences on this Embera Indigenous Village & Waterfall Tour in Chagres National Park. Meet the Embera community and learn about their traditions, culture, music, and way of life in the heart of the rainforest. After hotel pickup, travel to the park and board a traditional Embera canoe for a scenic river ride through the jungle. Follow ancient waterways used by the Embera people for generations. Arrive at the Embera Tusipono Village, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and enjoy cultural demonstrations, handmade crafts, and a traditional Embera lunch prepared by the community. Continue to a hidden rainforest waterfall, where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of Chagres National Park. This shared cultural and nature tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Panama experience combining indigenous culture, jungle scenery, and a refreshing waterfall adventure.

Embera Indigenous Village & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover Panama's hidden Caribbean treasures on this small-group catamaran tour, crafted with over 20 years of sailing experience. Begin with hotel pickup and a scenic journey to historic Portobelo, then sail to the turquoise mangrove lagoon of Venas Azules and vibrant coral reefs of Playa Drake for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Enjoy a delicious onboard meal and exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path spots for an unforgettable escape.

Caribbean Catamaran Day Cruise: Beaches, Snorkeling & Lunch

6 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Monkey & Sloth Panama Canal Boat Safari with Casco Viejo Brunch

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Travelers short on time in Panama can experience the highlights of the beautiful San Blas Islands on an easy day trip from Panama City. Start early to reach the islands in good time. Travel by boat out to tropical islands with white-sand beaches and warm waters. Swim and snorkel in the ocean and in the shallow natural swimming pools offshore. Refuel with a freshly cooked lunch of fish or chicken.

San Blas Islands Full-Day Tour + Transport from Panama City

San Blas Islands Full-Day Tour + Transport from Panama City

14 hoursFree Cancellation

Legends of Casco Viejo Tour: Hidden Gems with Panama Vibes Tours

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

The Caribbean side of Panama was frequented by pirates and Spanish conquistadors alike. Now, the history and natural beauty of this part of the country make it a compelling destination for curious travelers. On this full-day tour from Panama City, visit the port town of Portobelo (part of a region protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was built by the Spanish in 1597 and played an important role in their extraction of silver and gold from the Americas. From the dock, take a speedboat to a waiting catamaran to tour the Caribbean coast including Blue Veins Island and Drake Beach. Experience the calm clear water while snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding to appreciate mangroves, coral reefs, and reef fish.

Full-Day Caribbean Catamaran Cruise: Beaches, Snorkeling & Lunch

Full-Day Caribbean Catamaran Cruise: Beaches, Snorkeling & Lunch

6 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on an enchanting tour that promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the jungle. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous Embera people, gaining insight into their captivating lifestyle. As you glide through the verdant landscape in a canoe, you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views surrounding you. Wander through the vibrant rainforest, navigate the shimmering Chagres River, and indulge in the refreshing experience of swimming or hiking to a stunning, hidden waterfall cherished by locals. To top it all off, treat your palate to the delightful flavors of authentic local cuisine. This is more than just a tour; it’s an unforgettable journey into nature and culture.

Embera Village Excursion plus Waterfalls experience private Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Boat tour in the Panama Canal to Monkeys and sloths islands

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Panama’s location connecting Central and South America makes it a wonderful place for unique wildlife viewing. Spend a day outside of Panama City and explore the country’s natural landscape with this day trip. Your bi-lingual guide will take you to the Gamboa rainforest region where you’ll get up close and personal with wildlife. You’ll also pay a visit to a sloth sanctuary to learn about these rescued animals.

Gamboa Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Pickup

Gamboa Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Pickup

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore the Panama jungle on this guided tour. Starting at Gamboa, enjoy a boat trip across the Gatun Lake and hiking through Soberania National Park. Take in local wildlife and plantlife along the way, and learn about the history of these native ecosystems from your local guide. Perfect for nature lovers and those wanting to take the time to discover and appreciate Panama’s natural heritage.

Jungle Adventure & Gatun Lake Cruise with Panama Vibes Tours

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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Top Attractions in Panama City

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Attractions

What are people saying about Panama City

Private or Small Group Panama Canal & City Half-Day Tour

Crystal_M, Sep 2026

Learning about casco viejo, panama canal and panama city from Jenny is the best

She was an amazing tour guide. She was animated and was very informative. Following the tour with Jennifer, we felt we knew the city pretty well as well as some of its history. She also knew all the great places to eat and take photos. We would highly recommend Jennifer to anyone wanting to learn about the city.

Panama Canal with entrance included and Gatun Lake Boat Tour

Dennis_D, Sep 2026

Terrific trip!

The tour was wonderful. Dimetriou was a terrific tour guide. We first visited Lake Gatun and had a great ride on the Lake, seeing the wildlife and container ships. The IMAX movie was fun and informative and watching tankers and container ships progressing through the Canal was amazing; it really brought it home.

Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

Vivienne_B, Sep 2026

Thrilling

The boat ride across the Gatun Lake was a thrilling experience! Riding the route of the canal and even overtaking a mega container ship and seeing the enormity of it was a bonus. Our guide Manuelo was very entertaining and knowledgeable and extremely good at spotting (on the lake and in the jungle): sloths, toucans, various species of monkeys, birds, bats to name but a few. I had a really enjoyable experience. Plus, we were all well fed and watered :)

Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included

Stacia, Aug 2026

This was an awesome...

This was an awesome experience. Very different from the usual amusement parks. A trip through nature was so much fun, beautifully and relaxing,. Was wonderful to meet the itribe. It was just amazing and would recommend. The tour guide was fun and very helpdul

Caribbean Catamaran Day Cruise: Beaches, Snorkeling & Lunch

Faith_O, Aug 2026

Do it !

Execellent experience - from the guys on the boat, the driver, and all the communication leading up to the outing. My mom and I were the only ones on the boat on a Monday, and we hooked up to the speaker and laid out on the net for the ride. They provided a delicious lunch, kayaks and paddle boards, and were gracious hosts. The island was beautiful. Definitely recommend.

Panama Canal Partial Transit - Official Operator

Monica_R, Aug 2026

This locks experience is a must!

I have read books, watched documentaries and been to the Panama Canal visitors center countless times. When I passed through the locks, the magnitude of the science was astounding. I also have a great deal of admiration and respect for the Panama Cana Authority and how it requires sovereignty. Wow! Our tour guide was fantastic. He was extremely well informed, very personable and was everyone’s new best friend before the tour ended. Shout out to all of the staff. They were warm, and also very personable. Breakfast and lunch were more than substantial. One of my friends is a vegetarian and was able to enjoy lunch, as well. All around thumbs up!

All-inclusive catamaran 7.5h Isla Taboga from Panama City

Nikolas_F, Aug 2026

Last Minute Saturday Excursion with Coworkers

With a weekend in between the work weeks on our international trip a group of 7 (3 women & 4 men) we were eager to get in the water. This tour delivered. Clear communication in both Spanish & English. Chill vibes fostered by the phenomenal crew. We were at ease all day. We followed a schedule but they planned it well to where you were ready for the next step each time. Weather conditions were great and when the storm approached Taboga just as we had already planned to head back. Captain Rico navigated around the perimeter for a smooth sail back to port. The food was the only thing not 10/10 but that’s not what we came for. As always, be wary of other groups aboard as some relations seemed potentially connected to the crew (seemed like 2 girls may have been invited to bring the energy up) but that’s just an assumption. I got stung by a jelly in the finals moments in the water & Miguel was prepared with ointment. The crew had a high regard for safety throughout the trip.

Discover Panama: History of the City and the Canal

Melissa_C, Jun 2026

Mr. Fernando was the best!

This experience was amazing! Fernando gave us all of the history that we asked for and timed the canal perfectly. He swapped out a stop for us to see more of what we really wanted and we were very grateful. His car was nice and air conditioned and he made sure to get us some waters for our journey. This was such a memorable time and he was an outstanding photographer. I was so happy to have photos of my husband and myself. We only had one day to spend in Panama City after being in Bocas and it was easily our favorite day of our entire trip. Book this one! We had great communication from the time of booking on.

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

Sarah_S, May 2026

This is a great...

This is a great introduction to the Panama Canal and some city highlights. Dimos was our guide and he knew exactly how to get us the best Panama Canal experience. We were first in line, first on the observation deck, and he even had an app tracking ships to make sure we'd see one coming through and we did! I truly appreciate his knowledge and hustle in getting us to the right spot at the right time. He shared lots about Panama history, what it's like living there and more while we were driving and was open to questions. We drove by and made some smaller stops before ending in Casco Viejo for a walking tour. Would highly recommend this tour and Dimos for the Canal and a Panama City introduction. I will add, we took the tour on a Sunday and I'm so glad we did because we experienced no traffic in the areas and we were able to slow down as we drove by certain spots. Something to consider!

Panama Canal Partial Transit - Official Operator

timothy_g, Apr 2026

Running My Fingers Thru Panamá's Locks

The tour was all I had hoped it would be! I remember reading about the Gaillard Cut (aka the Culebra Cut) back in elementary school. To cruise through this monument to human endurance and engineering ingenuity was a thrill. It was equally thrilling to enter the original hundred-year-old locks, sharing the chambers with a gigantic oil tanker as we descended in stages from Lake Gatun to the Pacific Ocean. The staff was friendly and the bus and boat were very comfortable. My only complaint is that the check-in process was hot and hectic. I got there quite early to myself time to find the check in spot (which turned out to be fairly easy. It's a small office-like kiosk outdoors, next to the big Panama letters.) But no one was there until 15 minutes before the check-in time and no check-ins were done until 5 minutes before the check-in time. In the meantime, travelers must wait in an area with little seating and less shade. However, once that was done, you can enter the air-conditioned bus. So, all was soon well.

Full-Day Caribbean Catamaran Cruise: Beaches, Snorkeling & Lunch

Brian_D, Apr 2026

What a great crew and boat

Fantastic experience the captain and the crew were very attentive. The food was great. I’m vegan and they made me a special dish. They took us to some very nice spots to go snorkeling. The boat was much larger than I thought and in good condition and everyone seemed passionate about the work they were doing.

Panama City and Canal Private Tour

Megan_S, Dec 2025

Exploring Panama

This was an incredible experience. Our guide, Oscar, was so friendly and personable. He answered our questions throughout the trip and even went out of his way to pull over to make sure that we got all of the pictures we wanted. He was such a sweetheart. If anyone is thinking about booking this excursion, I would highly recommend Oscar!