Explore the Panama Canal’s engineering wonders on a 3 Locks Tour, from Atlantic to Pacific, with stunning views and rich history.
Explore the Panama Canal’s engineering wonders on a 3 Locks Tour, from Atlantic to Pacific, with stunning views and rich history.
- Agua Clara Locks - The Agua Clara Locks, part of the Panama Canal Expansion, were inaugurated in 2016 on the Atlantic side near Colón. These state-of-the-art locks are designed to accommodate the enormous Neo-Panamax vessels, which are too large for the original locks. The complex features rolling gates and water-saving basins that recycle 60% of…
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Agua Clara Locks - The Agua Clara Locks, part of the Panama Canal Expansion, were inaugurated in 2016 on the Atlantic side near Colón. These state-of-the-art locks are designed to accommodate the enormous Neo-Panamax vessels, which are too large for the original locks. The complex features rolling gates and water-saving basins that recycle 60% of the water with each transit, showcasing an impressive achievement in sustainable engineering. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic observation deck overlooking Gatun Lake, watching massive ships pass through, while learning about how the expansion has bolstered Panama’s position as a vital hub of global trade.
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Atlantic Bridge - The Atlantic Bridge is a remarkable cable-stayed bridge that spans the Panama Canal at its Atlantic entrance near Colón. Officially opened in August 2019, it holds the record as the longest span concrete cable-stayed bridge in the world, with a main span of 530 meters (1,739 ft) and a total length of 4.6 kilometers (2.8 miles). Its towering pylons rise 212 meters (696 ft) above sea level, providing a clearance of 75 meters (246 ft) to allow the largest ships to pass safely underneath. Constructed entirely of reinforced concrete to withstand Panama’s tropical climate and salinity, the Atlantic Bridge is both an engineering marvel and a stunning architectural landmark. In addition to its functional role connecting the provinces of Colón and Panamá Oeste, it offers travelers breathtaking views of the Canal, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the Atlantic side of the Canal.
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Gatun Locks - Located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, the Gatun Locks are among the original locks that opened in 1914. Featuring three chambers, they elevate ships 26 meters (85 ft) to Gatun Lake. The new Gatun Visitor Center offers panoramic observation decks and interactive exhibits, providing visitors with a modern space to watch vessels in transit while learning about the Canal’s history and expansion.
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Gatun Dam - The Gatun Dam is one of the largest and most significant structures of the Panama Canal. Constructed between 1907 and 1913 across the Chagres River, it created Gatun Lake, which was the world’s largest artificial lake at the time. The dam spans approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) in length and reaches up to 30 meters (98 ft) in height, playing a crucial role in making the Canal possible. Gatun Lake serves as both the primary water reservoir powering the Canal’s locks and a vital navigation channel for ships crossing between oceans. Beyond its engineering significance, the surrounding area is abundant in wildlife and lush tropical forest, making it a scenic highlight for visitors to the Canal’s Atlantic side.

- Experienced guide (English or Spanish)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- City Hotel pickup and drop off
- Tour available on rainy days
- 1 Bottled Water
- Experienced guide (English or Spanish)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- City Hotel pickup and drop off
- Tour available on rainy days
- 1 Bottled Water
- Canal Entrance fees
- Lunch or Dinner is not included
- Canal Entrance fees
- Lunch or Dinner is not included
The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Panama City. The journey takes about an hour to reach Colón on the Atlantic side, where you’ll visit the remarkable Agua Clara Locks, part of the Panama Canal’s expansion. This is the only location where you can witness Neo-Panamax ships in transit. With a guaranteed view…
The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Panama City. The journey takes about an hour to reach Colón on the Atlantic side, where you’ll visit the remarkable Agua Clara Locks, part of the Panama Canal’s expansion. This is the only location where you can witness Neo-Panamax ships in transit. With a guaranteed view of ships either at Agua Clara or Gatun Locks, this tour promises an unforgettable Canal experience.
After roughly 35 minutes, the tour proceeds to the Atlantic Bridge, Panama’s largest and tallest bridge, providing breathtaking views of the Canal and its surrounding scenery. Along the route, there will be a stop to view the remnants of the unfinished French Canal, an abandoned 19th-century project that laid the groundwork for the current canal.
The final destination is the historic Gatun Locks, operational since 1914, where you can observe ships passing just a few meters away, maneuvered by powerful electric locomotives.
Following this enriching 4.5-hour adventure, the tour returns to Panama City.
- The 4.5 hours tour include the travel time from Panama City
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.