Rainforest & Gatun Lake & Locks Cruise
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Port
Colon, Panama
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Depart the pier for a scenic transfer to a marina. Here, you'll board a boat for a 90-minute eco-cruise on Gatún Lake. Gatún forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. It was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatún Dam across the Chagres River. This is the perfect spot to experience firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you may see in their native surroundings. The more than 50,000 acres of rainforest here are home to an incredible 105 species of mammal, 525 species of bird and 124 species of reptile and amphibian. And, amazingly, this is one of the most accessible green zones in the world.
Afterward, re-board your air-conditioned transportation for a tour of the new Agua Clara Locks on the Panama Canal. Spend approximately one hour at the Visitor Center observing the locks in operation. Your guide explains the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. These New Locks offer a modern perspective of the Panama Canal as they are part of the expansion project to accommodate the larger neo-Panamax class.
Finally, reboard your air-conditioned transportation for the drive back to your ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Depending on canal scheduling, you may or may not actually see vessels in the lock chambers.