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>.

87 results

Sort by: Featured

Best Seller

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.

...More

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

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,851)

from $65

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Experience two of Panama’s top attractions in one unforgettable adventure with this Panama Canal & Monkey Island Tour. Start at the world-famous Panama Canal and visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can watch massive ships pass through the locks and learn about this engineering marvel. Then continue to Gatun Lake, located inside the canal, and board a boat for a scenic Monkey Island Tour through the tropical rainforest. Cruise across one of the largest artificial lakes in the world while enjoying Panama’s rich wildlife. During the boat ride, you may see howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and tamarins in their natural habitat. It is also common to spot crocodiles, tropical birds, and other native species along the shoreline. This shared tour is ideal for nature lovers, families, and travelers who want to combine history, wildlife, and adventure in a single day. A perfect way to experience both the Panama Canal and the natural beauty of Gatun Lake.

...More

Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

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".

...More

Panama Canal Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(34)

from $68

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

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(877)

from $67

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

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.

...More

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

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

...More

Marvelous Panama Canal Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(49)

from $40

Price varies by group size

Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Panama City tour and Miraflores Locks

The cruise port of Colon is the gateway to Panama City and the Panama Canal, and this shore excursion takes in all the highlights. Travel to Panama City across the famous Centennial bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the historic Panama Canal from the Miraflores Lock. Afterwards, discover the two contrasting sides of Panama’s capital as you explore the atmospheric Old Town of San Felipe then drive beneath the modern skyscrapers of Balboa avenue.

...More

Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Panama City tour and Miraflores Locks

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(237)

from $82

Special Offer

Private Layover Panama Canal & City Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

City Tour: Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo & Amador Causeway

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(84)

from $90

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!

...More

Miraflores canal Locks, Amador Causeway and Biomuseo private tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(25)

from $85

Panama Canal Tour: Miraflores Locks and Canal Zone

Have you ever wondered how a 300-metre boat rises and falls water levels to cross between two oceans? This private Pacific tour of the Panama Canal takes you beyond observing : you’ll understand how it works in real time as you witness vessels transit through Miraflores Locks. Explore the old Canal Zone and learn how it was lived, the restrictions that existed and the path to the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, key in the transfer of the canal to Panama. Enjoy spectacular views from the Amador Causeway and visit the Canal Administration Building, the Bridge of the Americas, the Centennial Bridge and the Corte Culebra. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families or groups — even better with 4+ people, preferential rates. Note: Miraflores Visitor Center is under renovation until 2027; ticket is not included. Why does the Channel remain key to global trade? Find out firsthand.

...More

Panama Canal Tour: Miraflores Locks and Canal Zone

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(44)

from $120

Price varies by group size

Panama Canal and Gatun Lake Wildlife Half Day Tour

Experience the perfect blend of Panama’s history and nature! Start your day with hotel pickup and a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you’ll uncover the fascinating story of the Panama Canal and watch ships cross the iconic locks. Next, cruise along Gatun Lake — part of the canal — on a covered boat as you explore rainforest islands teeming with wildlife. Spot playful monkeys, tropical birds, and with luck, sloths or crocodiles! Your certified guide keeps the journey engaging with stories about the canal’s impact and Panama’s incredible biodiversity. End your adventure with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. Highlights: Learn about the canal, sail on it, spot monkeys and exotic wildlife, and enjoy a fully guided experience.

...More

Panama Canal and Gatun Lake Wildlife Half Day Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $100

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.

...More

Panama City and Canal Miraflores Locks Tour

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $75

Special Offer

5hrs Panama City and Canal Tour + Amenities

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

...More

Panama City Tour and Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

3.7

(21)

from $172

Per group

From Riu Playa Blanca: Panama Canal & City Tour

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(14)

from $79

Price varies by group size

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

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

3.7

(41)

from $30

Special Offer

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.

...More

Exploring the Two Oceans Old and New Canal Locks Private Tour

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

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!

...More

City Tour y canal de panama

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(18)

from $65

Private and Personalized Half Day Panama Canal and City Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(92)

from $63

Price varies by group size

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.

...More

Excursion of the Panama Canal Miraflores Lock, Aguas Claras

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(4)

from $165

Price varies by group size

Full day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour with Private Guide

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(96)

from $120

Price varies by group size

Private express cultural excursion in Panama City

Discover Panama City in all its splendor with our exciting City Tour by vehicle. On this 4 to 5 hour tour, you will visit the most iconic sites of the city, including the famous Panama Canal, Casco Viejo and the Amador area. We will begin our tour with a visit to the Panama Canal, an impressive work of modern engineering that has been fundamental to world trade for more than a century. You will learn the fascinating history behind its construction while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the locks. Next, we'll head to Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City. Here, you will discover Panama's rich culture and history through its 17th century churches, plazas and government buildings. Finally, we will head to the Amador area, one of the most picturesque areas of the city. Here, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Panama and the city as you stroll along the Causeway, a set of man-made islands connected by a long causeway. Children from 2 to 10 years free.

...More

Private express cultural excursion in Panama City

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(7)

from $120

Price varies by group size

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.

...More

Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(82)

from $99

1 2 3 4

What are people saying about Miraflores Locks

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

kenny_o, Aug 2026

Worth it!

Was a great experience. Pablo was nice, fun, knowledgeable and knew his way around. Felt like I was on the fast track. Definitely worth it. Would recommend to everyone.

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

Pam_B, Aug 2026

A day in Panama Ciyy

Our guide Oscar was outstanding. He took us thoroughly around the city. Provided backstory about each spot. He eve de our expectations. It would be helpful to know about the additional entrance fees for the spots visited. Emphasizing to preorder the Canal experience in advance.

Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Panama City tour and Miraflores Locks

PAULA_B, Mar 2026

Panama Shore excursion

Full day, Milton our guide was very informative and knowledgeable about Panamanian history throughout the day. City tour was an excellent walk through the old city of Panama. Lunch was provided and very good. The Miraflores locks were very interesting and watched a cargo vessel and 3 x smaller vessels travel through The film was excellent too Hector our driver was very good The day was excellent value for money

Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Panama City tour and Miraflores Locks

Donna_C, Apr 2026

Epic

Our guide Milton was absolutely wonderful. Very knowledgeable about the history of Pana and ensured every question was answered. We will return

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

Saili_G, Jul 2026

Do this if on a long layover in Panama City!

Oscar was so fun and knowledgeable. He saved us so much time by knowing about all the lines and possible delays at the canal. Be listened to us and adjusted the tour accordingly. Super nice guy, and we really enjoyed chatting by with him. I highly recommend this tour if you have a long layover - we were picked up and dropped off at the airport.

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

Lynnetta_B, Jul 2026

A MUST Do Experience A++++

A wonderful introduction to the city or fun to do again on a second trip. This experience is definitely worth the purchase. Dewayne is an exceptional host, very knowledgeable and fun to tour with. We especially appreciate the passion he has about his Country. We could have not asked for a better touring experience and would recommend this to anyone considering this option.