Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks Tour
About this experience
Discover the Panama Canal's locks, scenic views, and the stories behind this engineering icon with a licensed tour guide who has over 15 years of experience in Panama tourism. Your host Sharon is a Tourism and Hospitality Professional from Panama City with extensive experience in tours, hotel management, and event planning. Sharon loves sharing Panama's culture, history, and local flavors with visitors from around the world. Begin at Cafe Unido for a coffee before embarking on your Canal adventure. Drive over the iconic Bridge of the Americas, the first bridge to span the Panama Canal, with great photo stops along the way. Continue along the Amador Causeway, enjoying stunning coastal views of Panama City's skyline and the Pacific entrance to the Canal. Visit historic landmarks including the Goethals Monument, honoring the chief engineer who completed the Canal, and the impressive Canal Administration Building. Learn the fascinating history of how the Panama Canal transformed global trade. The highlight is Miraflores Locks, where you'll watch massive ships pass through the locks from the observation deck. The engineering precision required to raise and lower ships is remarkable to witness in person. Explore the Visitor Center and its exhibits about the Canal's construction and operation. Cap off the experience with the 3D IMAX film about Panama Canal's history and global impact. Sharon's explanations often receive praise for being even more engaging than the documentary. Note: Panama Canal entrance tickets are not included. Admission is $17.22 for adults and $7.22 for children ages 6-12, payable at the Visitor Center. Guests ages 2 and up welcome. Family-friendly experience.
What you'll do
599 reviews
Susanne
Copenhagen, Denmark
Sharon was a very pleasant tourguide, who knew so many interesting facts about the Panama Canal and also about Panama in general. I can highly recommend Sharons tour of the Panama Canal.
Capri
Baltimore, MD
I do not know where to begin in praising Sharon. We had a group of 5 visiting. First, several of our guests kept changing their minds, and I had to get in touch with Sharon several times, and without any hesitation she handled it. Then we found out that one guest was using a wheelchair. Sharon offered to pick them up from their hotel before getting the others. Everyone later talked about her depth of knowledge and how great the tour was. They never mentioned that it had poured. They only gushed about Sharon. so. yes, Sharon is the BEST!!!
Shang
Chicago, IL
Sharon is an expert on the history of Panama City and the Panama Canal. She explained the entire past and present of the city and the canal in a way that was clear, organized, and very informative — even my 11-year-old could understand everything easily. We all think she did a better job than the documentary we watched at the visitor center of Miraflores locks! Watching the massive ships pass through the canal locks was also a unique experience and absolutely worth the visit. Sharon made our half day very productive (we visited many places) and smooth. Highly recommend!
Gaby
Heredia, Costa Rica
An extraordinary and unforgettable experience with Sharon ❤️🇵🇦 exceeded all our expectations. He is incredibly kind, patient and with deep historical knowledge, which made every part of the tour even more special. We enjoyed crossing the Bridge of the Americas, touring the Amador Causeway, visiting historic sites, seeing the Miraflores Locks in action, and learning about the Canal at the IMAX. I must confess that Sharon's explanation was better than the movie 🍿😅clear, exciting and full of details that really bring Panama's story to life. Sharon, with a gesture of enormous consideration, took us to a place that was not even included in the tour: the Presidente Roberto F. Chiari Library. Listen to the story of the 21 brave students who died in that process. It was a deeply moving moment. 💔😭 Sharon is one of those guides who makes a difference: professional, human and passionate about her country. Translated from Spanish.
John
Spartanburg, SC
Sharon is professional, helpful, committed and humorous. We are so glad we chose her experience; btw, she's a great driver.
Susanne
Copenhagen, Denmark
Sharon was a very pleasant tourguide, who knew so many interesting facts about the Panama Canal and also about Panama in general. I can highly recommend Sharons tour of the Panama Canal.
Capri
Baltimore, MD
I do not know where to begin in praising Sharon. We had a group of 5 visiting. First, several of our guests kept changing their minds, and I had to get in touch with Sharon several times, and without any hesitation she handled it. Then we found out that one guest was using a wheelchair. Sharon offered to pick them up from their hotel before getting the others. Everyone later talked about her depth of knowledge and how great the tour was. They never mentioned that it had poured. They only gushed about Sharon. so. yes, Sharon is the BEST!!!
Shang
Chicago, IL
Sharon is an expert on the history of Panama City and the Panama Canal. She explained the entire past and present of the city and the canal in a way that was clear, organized, and very informative — even my 11-year-old could understand everything easily. We all think she did a better job than the documentary we watched at the visitor center of Miraflores locks! Watching the massive ships pass through the canal locks was also a unique experience and absolutely worth the visit. Sharon made our half day very productive (we visited many places) and smooth. Highly recommend!
Gaby
Heredia, Costa Rica
An extraordinary and unforgettable experience with Sharon ❤️🇵🇦 exceeded all our expectations. He is incredibly kind, patient and with deep historical knowledge, which made every part of the tour even more special. We enjoyed crossing the Bridge of the Americas, touring the Amador Causeway, visiting historic sites, seeing the Miraflores Locks in action, and learning about the Canal at the IMAX. I must confess that Sharon's explanation was better than the movie 🍿😅clear, exciting and full of details that really bring Panama's story to life. Sharon, with a gesture of enormous consideration, took us to a place that was not even included in the tour: the Presidente Roberto F. Chiari Library. Listen to the story of the 21 brave students who died in that process. It was a deeply moving moment. 💔😭 Sharon is one of those guides who makes a difference: professional, human and passionate about her country. Translated from Spanish.
John
Spartanburg, SC
Sharon is professional, helpful, committed and humorous. We are so glad we chose her experience; btw, she's a great driver.
Edro
Sharon was a great host. She met us on time and was very knowledgeable about the history of Panama. Great personality and overall a great experience
Meet your host
Carlos
Local Guide
Reviews
Rating
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
About your guide
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Where you'll be
Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
Meet at Cafe Unido - Torre Banistmo. Exact address and directions sent after booking confirmation.
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