In a nutshell

A place where nature and technology harmoniously combine: we will explore the Panama Canal with an exciting catamaran cruise on Gatún Lake, immersed in the unspoilt setting of the rainforest with its exotic birds, monkeys and a myriad of other animals, before discovering up close how the canal’s complex lock mechanism works and understanding the strategic importance of this masterpiece of hydraulic engineering.

Main stops

Jungle Eco Marina
Catamaran cruise on Gatún Lake
Rainforest with exceptional biodiversity
Agua Clara locks visitor centre

The programme

We will begin our excursion leaving the port of Colón on a comfortable coach for a journey to Marina, on the banks of Gatún Lake and surrounded by lush rainforest. The complex has wonderful gardens and a swimming pool.
When we reach the Marina, we will board a catamaran for a relaxing cruise on Gatún Lake, during which our guide will explain the forest’s ecosystem and indicate the main points of interest. If we are lucky, we may even spot monkeys, toucans and sloths.
Gatún Lake is a large artificial lake used to provide water to operate the Panama canal’s locks, and it is crossed by ships as they pass through the isthmus. It was created between 1907 and 1913 along with a dam of the same name on the Chagres river, and it is dotted with more than 100 islands with a huge variety of flora and fauna.
As we cut through the waters of the lake, we will have the chance to spot exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and many other specials of animals. The lush, dense rainforest of Gatún Lake is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It is home to over 100 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The rainforest is also very important for the national economy and the entire canal area, both from a tourism and nature perspective.
After the lake cruise, we will head back to base and catch the coach to Gatún Lake locks, specifically the Agua Clara visitor centre, where we will stop for around an hour to observe the lock system in operation and listen to our guide explaining the mechanisms used to move ships across the isthmus that separates the two oceans. Gatún locks are the first locks at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. A series of three lock chambers lifts the boats to a height of 27 metres above sea level inside the lake. Each lock is 30 metres wide and 305 metres long and takes up to 15 minutes to fill with water. After being lifted to 27 metres above sea level, the ships are lowered at the end of their transit in the other ocean.
After seeing how the locks work, we will board our coach again and return to the ship.

Good to know

We recommend wearing light clothing.