Top Panama Water Tours

Many travelers to Panama City stick to city sightseeing and the canal, but if you want to see another side of Panama without traveling far from the capital, join an easy day trip to the Chagres National Park. Visit an indigenous Embera village to learn more about traditional culture, take a canoe ride along the Chagres River, and even cool off with a swim in a waterfall if you like.

Discover the wonders of the Panama Canal and learn about its operation on this private tour. Delve into the fascinating history and operations of this engineering marvel at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Then, venture to Gatun Lake for a boat tour, where you'll witness ships navigating the canal's locks and encounter diverse wildlife amidst the lush rainforest of Soberania National Park.

Join our Zapatilla Island Tour and experience the best of Bocas del Toro in one unforgettable day. Glide across turquoise waters as playful dolphins guide you toward Bahia Honda, where sloths rest lazily in the mangroves. Stop at Hollywood Cove to spot colorful starfish, then snorkel among vibrant coral gardens at Cayo Coral, surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish. Continue to the pristine Zapatilla Cays—two uninhabited islands of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Wander the lush walking trail through tropical forest, relax beneath palm trees, or swim in the calm lagoon. From March to September, you may even spot sea turtles nesting on the beach. Enjoy a freshly prepared Caribbean lunch at a waterfront restaurant before returning via the famous Starfish “Hollywood” Pool. This Zapatilla Island Tour is the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty—an essential Bocas del Toro experience.

Many tours visit the beautiful San Blas Islands but few give you the chance to swim and snorkel at several places in one day. On this small-group day tour you’re taken to some peaceful beaches, away from the crowds. Visit four different islands to make the most of the archipelago's variety. All snorkeling gear is provided so don’t worry about bringing your own.

Experience the enchanting magic of bioluminescence in Bocas del Toro with our unforgettable Bioluminescence Tour. As night falls, the ocean comes alive with a mesmerizing blue glow, created by millions of bioluminescent particles. Paddle or swim through the warm Caribbean waters, surrounded by this angelic light, while gazing up at the starry sky above. This rare phenomenon, produced by marine plankton known as dinoflagellates, illuminates the waves and shoreline, creating a breathtaking display that will stay with you forever. Our expert guides will lead you to the best spots around Bocas del Toro, ensuring you witness this natural wonder in a safe and awe-inspiring environment. Don't miss the chance to be part of this magical experience—book your Bioluminescence Tour today!

Many travelers visit the locks at the Panama Canal, but fewer venture to the surrounding islands to explore the biodiversity. On this half-day small-group tour, take a boat ride inside the Panama Canal, looking out for wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas, and sloths. Travel with a small group for personalized attention and a guide who can answer all your questions.

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.

Improve your chances of seeing Panama's wildlife in its natural habitat on this group boat tour of Lake Gatun. Cruise through this immersive setting with a guide, who helps point out monkeys, sloths, anteaters, crocodiles, capybaras, manatees, and a variety of exotic birds. Well-suited for travelers who want to take in the area's nature without risking sore feet on nature treks.

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.

Panama is a country with fantastic lights due to its geographical position and Panama City is unique in Latin America with its New York style. Mix these two reasons and that’s why you can’t return from Panama without doing this tour. Just look at the pictures and imagine yourself enjoying this show!

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.

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.

Take a break from Panama City and head to the Caribbean coast of Panama, to the beautiful San Blas Islands. Traveling by boat, check out a shipwreck and natural swimming pool, and enjoy the tropical scenery and atmosphere. Your tour includes activities—kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and more—and round-trip road and boat transport, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Refuel with a tasty included lunch, too, such as fresh fish and rice.

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.

Nature and wildlife-loving travelers will enjoy this full-day small-group tour on Gatun Lake with a nature walk in the Soberania National Park. You’ll cruise along the Panama Canal to Gatun Lake, learning about the local biodiversity from your naturalist guide. Look out for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, and more. Enter the national park on foot and encounter more diverse species along the way.

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.

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.

Welcome to an unforgettable adventure! An experience like no other, awesome blend of kayaking, hiking and native culture in the stunning rainforest in Panama. A day filled with adventure and cultural immersion that does not require previous expericence in kayaking. This is more than just a tour; it's a chance to create lasting memories in the heart of the jungle of Panama!

Travel southbound through the Panama Canal during this 6-hour tour from Panama City. With your local guide, board a bus for a 45-minute journey to Gamboa, home of the Panama Canal Dredging Division. Meet your vessel, the Pacific Queen, for a trip through the Gailard cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks and the Miraflores Locks. Admire scenic views of the Centennial Bridge, the Chagres River, and the Bridge of the Americas. Eat a complimentary lunch on board during your journey. Disembark at the Flamenco Marina in Panama City. Please Note: The exact check-in will be confirmed the day before your tour via email. Please make sure you check your inbox.

Shoot the rapids on Panama's Chiriqui Viejo River during this full-day tour from Boquete. With an experienced guide to ensure your group's comfort and safety, ride a raft over Class III rapids, through the region's scenic landscape filled with endemic plants and animals. Suitable for all levels of experience, this tour includes use of helmet, life jacket, and water shoes. Picnic lunch and beverages provided.

Some of the best freshwater fishing in Panama is in the Panama Canal. On this half-day private tour, experience one of the world's most impressive engineering wonders and try your luck catching bass, snook, tilapia, and tarpon in the Gatun Lake portion of the canal system. Catch and release, or enjoy your catch for lunch. Look for wildlife, including birds and monkeys, and observe ships big and small as they transit through the Panama Canal which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

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.

Cruise the Panama Canal to Gatun Lake on a nature tour from Panama City that includes round-trip transport from central Panama City and time to explore Gatun’s wildlife-rich shoreline by boat. Visit jungle islands that were cut off from mainland Panama by the construction of the canal, which protect a thriving population of monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and mammals.