Panama Canal Wildlife Boat Safari & Panamanian Brunch

Panama City , Panama

Panama Canal Wildlife Boat Safari & Panamanian Brunch

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(645 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the legendary Panama Canal, get up close with wildlife on Gatun Lake, and enjoy a traditional Panamanian brunch in the heart of historic Casco Viejo.

Your buffet-style Panamanian brunch includes:
• Pollo Guisado (traditional stewed chicken)
• Carimañolas (yuca stuffed with cheese or meat)
• Empanadas
• Hojaldres (Panamanian fry bread)
• Local queso blanco (fresh white cheese)
• Fresh local tropical fruits
• Vegetarian options available
• Fresh juices and Panamanian coffee
In case of rain, you'll be comfortably seated indoors at Restaurante El Nacional, where the same delicious menu and cultural storytelling will continue in a stylish, colonial-era dining space.
This unforgettable day combines nature, culture, history, and cuisine into a seamless, enriching experience—perfect for travelers looking to connect with the true essence of Panama

Available options

Morning Tour

Pickup included

PRIVATE OPTION

Breakfast or Lunch, WATER<br/>Roundtrip Transportation<br/>Private Tour<br/>Pickup included

Afternoon Tour

1:30pm : Enjoy the afternoon Panama Canal boat ride with a visit to the Monkey Islands<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Boat Ride included on the price

Bottled water

Pick up and Drop Off

Binoculars

English speaking Nature Guide

Brunch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

We start the day with pick ups in Panama City. Your day begins with a journey into one of the most fascinating intersections of nature and engineering in the world: Gatun Lake, a vast manmade lake that forms a critical part of the Panama Canal. You'll board a covered motorboat and set off on a wildlife safari through its winding channels and jungle-lined shores.
As you cruise across the iconic Panama Canal, you’ll glide past enormous cargo ships and ocean liners, sharing the lake with vessels from around the world. Your expert local guide will take you off the main canal route and into the hidden backwaters and narrow inlets where the jungle comes alive. Keep your camera ready for capuchin monkeys, tamarin monkeys howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, crocodiles, and even basilisk lizards that run across the water. The boat ride offers both awe-inspiring views and rare up-close encounters with Panama’s diverse wildlife.

Stop 2

Our destination is Gatun Lake, where we will cruise around islands created during the canal construction and see the abundant wildlife on its shores. We will visit the famous Monkey Islands where we can see capuchins, howlers, and tamarins up close in their natural habitat. Once we finish with our canal and lake boat ride.

Stop 3

In case of rain, you'll be comfortably seated indoors at Restaurante El Nacional, where the same delicious menu and cultural storytelling will continue in a stylish, colonial-era dining space.

What's not included

Gratuities

Not a transit tour and Doesn't include any locks visitors center.

Pick Up from Playa Bonita Hotels need to pay extra $10 per person for Roundtrip Transportation

No pick up or drop off at the Airport or Airport Hotels

Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall, Arraijan or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

343 reviews

5★

307

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

302 reviews

5★

278

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required on Shared tours

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. If it rains you might get wet.

Minimum age is 3 years

Tour is guided only in English

Important notes

• You can expect your hotel pick-up to be between 1:00pm and 1:15pm for Hotels in Central Panama City Areas. For Hotels located in Outside Panama City Areas, pick-ups start at 12:30 or 12:15pm Please do not call us since we will not know your exact pickup time until the afternoon before the tour (around 5:00pm) at that time we will have the list complete of Hotels and we will send you an email with your hotel pickup details.

• The tour starts in a very remote area and there will be no access to public restrooms until around 1 hour after pick up.

• During the tour we will be entering some remote areas and it is up to you how much you want to explore outside of the bus. A short sleeve shirt and shorts are fine, closed toe shoes that you won't mind getting muddy.

• The boat has a roof, but if it rains there is a chance you will get wet. We have umbrellas and ponchos for your use, but rain is a fact of life in the rain forest and must be prepared for no matter what time of year.

• In case of emergency call +507 6628-7246

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center

By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands

300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón

80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment