Tours and Tickets to Experience Miraflores Locks
What are people saying about 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
Helen_G, Dec 2025
A great experience to savour!
Dwayne was exceptional from start to finish.
His passion for sharing his knowledge about the history and culture of Panama was much appreciated.
Although thwarted by a sudden tropical rainstorm of biblical proportions he ensured our safety returning us back to the hotel.
Can highly recommend.
Stoyan_R, Mar 2026
The most memorable tour
This is must see tour when visiting Panama. It was so exciting visiting all emblematic sites in Panama. My wife said it was her most memorable trip she ever had. Our tour guide Dwayne was very thoughtful. He made our day. We will recommend it for all our friends.
klwoodby, Mar 2026
Panama
A great experience, very beautiful city, informative tour
Would book again, loved the IMAX movie on the canal
gatrjack, Mar 2026
Panama City & Miraflores Locks
This excursion covers new & old Panama City as well as the Miraflores Locks. Great excursion & Jenny was informative & fun.
Justin_B, Mar 2026
Agua Clara is the way to go!
Guillermo was a great guide and driver. The hour drive to Agua Claras was well worth it as the locks were clear of crowds. Well worth the trip!!
Adriana_C, Mar 2026
Great tour and tour guide/driver
We absolutely loved this tour. They were on time, friendly and very knowledgeable. Our driver was Ivan; he was careful throughout all day long. Our tour guide was Arsenio; he was prompted to answer any and all questions we had. He was extremely nice and my family and I had a great time with him. They also offered us a variety of cold beverages throughout the excursion. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Panama Canal was amazing and all the places we visited. Thank you guys!
Yin_N, Mar 2026
Wonderful full day tour @ Panama City
For a family of 5, our private full day tour is the way to go. Jose and his associate managed to get us to see both the ship passing the Miraflora lock and the iMax movie with smart planning and queuing technique. Jose completed the tour with precision even brought us to Chinese Dim Sum lunch. What a wonderful day!
Yerina_C, Mar 2026
Unexpectedly great
Jenny and Misael were wonderful. Jenny was very knowledgeable of the history of the Panama Canal and they were both very kind. The itinerary said no drinks included and they provided a drink and a empana during the trip. Super cool of them.
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.
Huiqi_W, Dec 2025
Our tour guide Dwayne is...
Our tour guide Dwayne is the best! We visited Miraflores locks, Panama sign, Poin and Casco Viejo. Dwayne introduced a lot to us. It's the easiest way to get an overall introduction of Panama on the first day. 5 star recommendation!
Jennifer_A, Feb 2026
Carlos did a great job in...
Carlos did a great job in giving us history and fun facts as we enjoyed the city. He created a fun day learning about Panama. Our group will be recommending him to our friends.
Miraflores Locks
5.0
(4,216)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
When to visit

On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a restaurant with a view over the locks.
Allow up to two hours for your visit, including time to watch the ships pass through the locks.
Exhibitions are in both English and Spanish, and films alternate between English and Spanish language screenings.
The Miraflores Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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