Know Before You Go: Visiting the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal cuts through the Central American country of, well, Panama, joining the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Most canal tours depart from Panama City, on the country's Pacific coast. The Miraflores Locks—perhaps the most popular point of access for visitors to the Panama Canal—are a 20-minute drive from downtown, as is the Bridge of the Americas, which spans the entrance to the canal. Gatun Lake is located roughly in the center of the canal and provides the water needed to fill the locks and the drinking water for Panama City and Colón.

A trip to the Miraflores Locks is an excellent option for those based in Panama City. The site is a 20-minute drive from the city, and the Miraflores Visitor Center offers a viewing terrace, fascinating exhibits, and an IMAX theater where you can watch a documentary about the canal’s construction. Other viewing areas are located at the new Agua Clara Locks and visitor center, constructed on the Atlantic side in 2016.

If you have more time, join the parade of boats in transit with this tour through the canal—you’ll be surrounded by ships from around the world and watch the massive locks in action.

Insider tip: If you're looking for a longer trip, book passage on one of the many cruise ships that pass through the canal.

Taxis to the Miraflores Visitor Center should cost about US$10, while tickets to the center are around US$20 for non-resident adults. This is one of the most affordable ways to visit the canal. Tours vary in price—the more expensive ones will often serve a meal and snacks during the transit, while more affordable ones typically explore Gatun Lake without passing through the locks. Otherwise, cross the beautiful Bridge of the Americas and stop at the observation spot on the western side—you’ll be able to see ships entering and leaving the canal, all for free. If you’re based in Colón, tickets to the Agua Clara Visitor Center are around US$15.

Insider tip: Taxi drivers may try to drive up the prices for tourists, so practice your bargaining skills.

Pick a time between February and April to visit Panama—the end of the tourist season means smaller crowds but pleasant weather. When visiting the canal itself, February is one of the peak months for boats, so you’ll see plenty of action as ships transit back and forth. If you’re visiting the Miraflores Visitor Center, the Miraflores Locks are typically busiest from 9am–11am and then after 3pm—plan your visit to coincide with those hours, as an empty canal isn’t very exciting to watch.

Insider tip: Call ahead to the visitor center to check in on the current number of boats going through the locks before committing to an outing.

If you’re on a whirlwind trip, opt for a tour that takes in the Miraflores Locks and Visitor Center—you’ll get to see the boats in action while learning about the canal’s history. If you’re interested in the history, check out the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum in historic Casco Viejo and take a walking tour of the old city. Housed in an elegant 19th-century building, it’s a stunning example of the area’s architectural style.

Those with more time should choose a tour that gets you out onto the water—explore the expansive Gatun Lake and hike through the lush jungle of Soberania National Park. Keep your eyes out for monkeys and other wildlife. On the Atlantic side, tours that visit the Agua Clara Locks will often take in San Lorenzo Park and the 18th-century ruins of San Lorenzo Fort.

Insider tip: When exploring the rainforest, watch for sleepy sloths!

With frequent showers and unpredictable weather, it’s a good idea to layer. Bring a light raincoat which can double as a windbreaker during the windy days of the dry season. You’ll also want comfortable, close-toed shoes for a boat cruise or a nature tour. Loose, long pants are a good way to escape the mosquitos and remain cool when temperatures rise, while hats and sunglasses are a must to protect yourself from the sun.

Insider tip: Don’t forget a lightweight umbrella—if it gets too humid for a jacket, you can still try to stay dry.

The Miraflores Visitor Center and accompanying observation platform are wheelchair accessible, and plenty of taxi and ride share options are available for transit to and from the center. Many canal transit tours are also wheelchair accessible, as you’ll be traveling on a large boat. If you have any questions about accessibility, it’s always best to contact your tour operator. The Miraflores Visitor Center can also be contacted for specific information relating to your needs.

• When was the Panama Canal built? The project was started in 1881 by the French government and experienced constant setbacks—in 1904, it was turned over to the US and finally completed in 1914.

• How long is the Panama Canal? The canal runs 51 miles (82 kilometers) across the narrow Isthmus of Panama, with Gatun Lake in the middle. As ships pass through the canal, they’ll be lifted 85 feet (26 meters) above sea level.

• Who owns the Panama Canal? Originally controlled and operated by the United States, it was officially handed over to the Panamanian government in 1999. It is now run by a government office called the Panama Canal Authority.

• Why was the Panama Canal built? Before the creation of the Panama Canal, ships wanting to travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic would be forced to take a long, dangerous trip around Cape Horn, Chile’s southernmost tip. The canal made for faster, easier, and safer transit for both goods and passengers.