Panama Canal Tours: Partial and Full Transit

About The Panama Canal

After the historic struggle that culminated in its recovery, and given the efficient, profitable, safe and transparent way that the Panamanian administration has managed the Canal after its turnover on December 31, 1999, today the Canal is a source of pride for all Panamanians.

Each generation made their own contribution to the Canal’s success: first, with the construction of the Panama Canal, then through the amendments to obtain fairer conditions for Panama and the signing of a treaty with the United States for the definite turnover; and finally, during the transition process and the more than five years of successful Panamanian administration. Together, all of these generations forged a history of sacrifice, passion and vision.

Today, the Canal is presented with new challenges and opportunities, defined by a sustained increase in international trade and the subsequent greater demand for the Panama transit route. We have already proven, both to the international community and to ourselves that we are capable of managing the Panama Canal with the highest standards of efficiency. But now we have to make the decisions that will optimize Panama Canal operations and sustain its growing profitability for present and future generations.

The Panama Canal Master Plan, the proposal for the third set of locks project and the reports from studies and investigations were developed in order to present for public debate a reference material in the appropriate context, as well as an adequate basis and technical foundation for the subject in discussion. Included here are the analysis, data, and key subjects of discussion that were researched and studied during the last five years since the Panama Canal administration became Panamanian, and support the proposal that to continue investing in the Canal is not only wise, but essential and beneficial for Panama.

About the Pacific Queen

Designed specifically for day tours and cruises, the Pacific Queen is a Norwegian built cruiser with a capacity for 300 passengers with 119 ft. in LOA and 25 ft. in Beam.

Passengers will enjoy its two spacious, enclosed decks, fully equipped with air conditioning and a comfortable seating arrangement. In addition, an open-air third deck serves as an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy your cruise and relax in a tropical setting. The vessel’s bow can accommodate additional passengers, and also enjoys an open-air setting.

For your enjoyment, the vessel is equipped with several television monitors, which are used during Panama Canal transits to present Panama Canal and Panamanian folkloric documentaries. As well, the Pacific Queen has a speaker system for music and tour guide narration of the cruises. The Pacific Queen has 6 conveniently located restrooms to ensure a comfortable trip.
On board there is a souvenir shop, complete with local handcrafts and Panama Canal souvenirs including Molas (handmade by Kuna Indians), postcards, books, t-shirts, mugs, caps, and more.

In the first floor you will find a lounge area with bar where food and drinks are served.

Partial Transit Tour

Tour description (4 –5 hrs):

Our tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina at 9:30 a.m. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board the Pacific Queen to start the water portion of the tour.

We enter the canal at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value.

The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal.

Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline.

Tour includes:

•    Bilingual guide/narrator.
•    Full lunch.
•    Soft drinks and water (all you can drink).
•    Transportation by bus from Panama City (Flamenco Resort & Marina) to Gamboa where the tour starts.

What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, hat, sun block, sunglasses, camera, umbrella or raincoat and money for souvenirs.

Schedules for transits: in high season (December – March) usually transits are done Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In low season (April – November) transits are done Saturdays and on occasions on Friday. Please enquire for exact dates.

Full Transit Tour

Tour description (8 – 9 hrs):

Our trip departs from the Flamenco Marina at 7:30 a.m., and you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean on the same day. Once in the Pacific Ocean, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline before passing under the Bridge of the Americas.

The vessel will then transit through the first set of locks, the Miraflores Locks, where it will ascend 18 meters in two distinct steps. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel Locks from Miraflores Locks. The vessel will transit through Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel ascends 9 meters in one step.

After exiting Pedro Miguel locks, the Pacific Queen will travel through the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

You will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. During your transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector.

In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Pier 6, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided.

Tour includes:

•    Bilingual guide/narrator.
•    Soft drinks and water (all you can drink).
•    Continental Breakfast.
•    Full lunch.
•    Snacks
•    Transportation by bus from Colon to Flamenco Marina.

What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, hat, sun block, sunglasses, camera, umbrella or raincoat and money for souvenirs.

Schedules for transits: One Saturday per month, please enquire.

Reserve this tour: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-202-1111 (Panama)   |    1-786-539-4731 (USA)