panama canal transit tour the panama canal transit excursion
The Panama Canal Transit Tour lasts approximately 5-6 hours and includes a partial transit through the canal. If I had to pick one excursion, this would be it, especially if your cruise ship is not conducting a full or partial transit. Likewise, this tour is probably not your best option if your vessel is transiting the canal, as it is unlikely you will see something on this excursion that you can't see from aboard your cruise ship.
These tours typically depart from Flamenco Island and transit northbound and include a trip under the Bridge of the Americas; through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks; through Gaillard (Culebra) Cut; under the Centenary Bridge; and on to Gamboa, where you will disembark. On those rare occasions when your tour consists of a southbound transit, you will begin your tour in Gamboa and proceed in reverse order. It depends on where and when you disembarked and your ship's departure schedule.
The initial portion of your excursion is somewhat uneventful as you depart the marina and proceed towards the Bridge of the Americas. It is an opportune time to find your place, get accustomed to the vessel, and meet fellow passengers. Once you reach the bridge and during the remaining portion of your tour, you will have lots to see.
Without question, the highlight of your transit will be when you are approaching, entering, and departing from the locks. You will be treated to a close-up view of the tugboats and locomotives, see the chamber doors open and close, and feel the vessel seesaw back and forth while being lifted or lowered inside the chamber. It's unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Photographic opportunities abound. When arriving at the locks, it's best to be towards the front. Once inside the chamber, make your way towards the back to photograph the closing doors.
It's important to remember that transit vessels are relatively small compared to most commercial vessels, so it is unlikely you will enter the lock chamber unaccompanied; that would only happen if canal traffic were abnormally slow. Instead, it is more likely that you will share the chamber with another vessel, in which case, your transit vessel will be proceeded by a larger ship.
After clearing the bridge, your trip will proceed northbound towards Miraflores Locks, just 20-30 minutes away. Depending on the transit schedule and canal traffic, your vessel will likely need to pause before entering the lock chamber. During the wait, you'll have terrific photographic opportunities of the locks and their surroundings, transiting vessels, tugboats, and canal personnel.
After your vessel has been raised and departs from the locks' two chambers, which takes approximately 55-60 minutes to complete, you will cross Miraflores Lake en route to Pedro Miguel Locks. Immediately off to the right, you should see Miraflores Dam, despite being the smallest of the canal's three dams.
Upon reaching Pedro Miguel Locks, you'll repeat the same process, except this time in just 40-45 minutes; Pedro Miguel Locks has only one chamber, whereas Miraflores has two. When the chamber doors open and your vessel departs Pedro Miguel Locks, you will have reached the height of Gatun Lake, 85 ft. above sea level. I took these pictures from Luisa Hill, which resides east of the locks and offers panoramic views of Miraflores Locks, Miraflores Lake, Pedro Miguel Locks, and the southernmost section of Gaillard Cut.
Then, your tour will proceed under the Centenary Bridge and into the famous Gaillard (Culebra) Cut, a narrow sliver of waterway that carves through the Continental Divide. Stretching 8 miles (13 km) in length, Gaillard Cut culminates in Gamboa. Generally speaking, there isn't much to see in the Cut, but it is one of the canal's most important landmarks and exciting to experience.
If partaking in a partial transit, you will disembark in Gamboa. From there, buses will bring you to your next destination or the port for departure. If your excursion consists of a complete/full transit, your vessel will continue northbound en route to Barro Colorado Island, Gatun Lake, and Gatun Locks.
Currently, two companies offer such tours: Aventuras2000 and Panama Marine Adventures. Their schedules vary, depending on the time of year. The months between November–April are considered high season, during which time both companies schedule several weekly departures. Partial transits are far more common, whereas full transits are often limited to weekends. At the moment, both of these companies only offer tours through the old set of locks, not the new ones completed during the expansion period.
Throughout the tour, bilingual speakers are present to narrate your transit, offer insightful and pertinent facts, and answer any questions you may have. They're Panamanian citizens who have spent considerable time working in and around the Canal, so they know it well. Overall, they are eager to please and do an exceptional job. Both companies have onboard souvenir stands and provide snacks and refreshments throughout the transit.
I highly recommend this tour. You won't be disappointed.