Agua Clara Locks are part of the Panama Canal Expansion, inaugurated in 2016 on the Atlantic side of the Canal near Colón. These modern locks were built to accommodate the massive Neo-Panamax vessels, which are too large for the original locks. The complex uses rolling gates and water-saving basins that recycle 60% of the water with each transit, making it an impressive feat of sustainable engineering. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic observation deck overlooking Gatun Lake and watch enormous ships pass through, while learning how the expansion has strengthened Panama’s role as a key hub of global trade.
The Atlantic Bridge is an impressive cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Panama Canal at its Atlantic entrance near Colón. Officially inaugurated in August 2019, it is 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 soaring pylons rise 212 meters (696 ft) above sea level, allowing a clearance of 75 meters (246 ft) so that the largest ships can safely pass beneath. Built entirely in reinforced concrete to resist Panama’s tropical climate and salinity, the Atlantic Bridge is both an engineering marvel and a stunning architectural landmark. Besides its functional role connecting the provinces of Colón and Panamá Oeste, it offers travelers spectacular views of the Canal, the rainforest, and the Caribbean Sea, making it a highlight for anyone visiting the Atlantic side of the Canal.
Gatun Locks, on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, are among the original locks opened in 1914. With three chambers, they lift ships 26 meters (85 ft) to Gatun Lake. The new Gatun Visitor Center features panoramic observation decks and interactive exhibits, offering visitors a modern space to watch vessels in transit while learning about the Canal’s past and expansion.
Bridge over the French Canal – Colón This bridge is located near the Gatún Locks in Colón Province and is connected to the original route of the French Canal, a project begun by the French in the late 19th century under Ferdinand de Lesseps. When the United States took over the Panama Canal project, many of the French excavations and infrastructure were incorporated into the new canal design. The Gatún area became especially important as the Americans transformed the original sea-level canal concept into the lock canal system that allowed ships to transit between the Atlantic Ocean and Gatún Lake.
This was an amazing. Especially being so close and seeing the mechanics, dynamics of how the canal works. It's a must for anyone coming to Panama city panama to see both old and new locks to get a good perspective.
Rafael picked me up a few minutes earlier than set time but that’s perfect, I appreciate that promptness. He was very knowledgeable about everything and the history of Panama as well as other countries and important figures back in history. He’s incredibly proud of his country and it shows in everything he says and does. His sunny sense of humor breaks the ice and makes everyone comfortable. He even quizzed the group at the end to win prizes. Awesome tour, and very captivating experience of the Agua Clara and Gatun locks. Seeing the massive ships come in leave you in awe and speechless. He even has the driver stop on the side of the road to find the sloths in their natural habitat and fire the group to get pictures. I will visit a different o e of the locks each time I come to Panama and even after I move here. Definitely worth the money. Make sure you don’t miss this one. Well done once again, Layover Panama!
Great experience watching the whole system of the locks working. Engineering marvel. Our driver/guide was great too.
Very enjoyable and informative tour!
This was really amazing experience. This is a really way to spend the day and get the full panama canal experience
We booked a private van tour for our family of seven, ranging from grandparents in their 70s to an 8-year-old. Coming from Boston on our first trip to Panama, we wanted a day that would work for everyone. This tour delivered. Our tour was the morning the day after a massive earthquake, which had us a little uneasy. Rafa Jr. and Eliel were responsive throughout, kept us informed, and made us feel completely at ease. They picked us up right on time at 8am. We toured Panama City, saw the canal locks on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides, and were dropped off at our cruise in Colón. Rafa was awesome. He’s knowledgeable and personable, and he mixed history with humor in a way that kept all of us engaged, even my 8-year-old. Highlight recommend!
It was an excellent tour, many thanks to Raphael for a great experience.
Saul was exceptional! He conducted a thoughtful and interesting tour of the locks. His knowledge was deep. I found the history breathtaking, and the passage of ships through the Agua Clara and Gatun locks magical. I had read much about the canal in preparation. I was still impressed by what I saw.
This was a wonderful experience from start to finish! From being picked up right at my hotel door to receiving a cold drink when we returned, everything was perfectly organized. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and truly embodied the warmth of Panamanian hospitality. The locks themselves are absolutely mind-blowing, and his detailed explanations helped us understand exactly what was happening at every stage. His storytelling skills made the entire journey engaging and fun, with absolutely no room for boredom. He even introduced us to some unexpected “friends” sloths! during our trip from one set of locks to another. Being able to experience both the new locks and the old locks was a fantastic experience and offered a wonderful contrast. I highly recommend this tour. It was informative, entertaining, and definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
We had visited Miraflores and because of poor timing, missed seeing any ships. This tour seemed like a good way to see what we had missed out on at a reasonable price. Note that in addition to the cost of the tour, you will need to buy a $10 ticket that will get you admission to both sets of locks. It's advised to buy them online ahead of time because there can be a line at the ticket booth which can cut into your limited viewing time at the locks. We were picked up right on time. The 15 seat bus was very nice, and our guide Rafael, made the hour or so ride to Colon go by very quickly by providing an informative and entertaining presentation about the history of Panama and the Canal. Then we arrived at the "New" Agua Clara locks. The viewing platform is amazing and sits high above the massive locks. Apparently there is a short film but we chose to just stay on the platform and marvel at the massive container ship passing through the locks. After about an hour we departed for the old Gatun locks, passing across the "Puente Atlántico" bridge. On the way we enjoyed a nice snack that was provided for us and even stopped on the side of the road, where Rafael guided us to a sloth in a nearby tree. We then spent about another 45 minutes at Gatun locks which present quite a contrast to the new locks. I think at Gatun we saw 4 or 5 ships go through. This is a two lane lock system so ships go in both directions at once although the size of ships is much smaller than Agua Clara. On the way back to Panama City, Rafael gave us more great information about things to do and places to eat in the city. For the money, you won't find a better value than this tour, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better guide than Rafael.
Very knowledgeable tour guide. Enthusiastic and personable. Highly recommend visitors to Panama Canal use this guide and driver.
Our guide, Saul, was absolutely the best of all the guides we've had so far. The tour was very interesting and educational. Saul is very knowledgeable.
Excellent tour, learning about the operation of a wonderful engineering feat is the best, Rafa is an excellent guide, he explains very well, he knows his job, he is very kind, he gave us the necessary time, he was attentive to everyone, the driver was very safe and kind... in summary I recommend the tour 100%.
Excellent experience. A knowledgeable and friendly guide. Thanks to him! 😊
Raphaël and Emanuel picked us up on time at our hotel. And we had a great time! Raphaël knows his tour by heart and with passion, I highly recommend it.
Excellent experience, highly qualified guide, explained everything the whole time, always attentive, with good knowledge, and uses educational tools.
Well-organized excursion in a comfortable minibus. Our guide Raphael spoke excellent English and was very enthusiastic and knew a lot to tell about the history and all the developments of the Panama Canal and the lock complex. Via his iPad, he showed several photos that further illustrated his explanation. No effort was too much for him. He even arranged a small lunch box for on the go and a can of beer for the enthusiasts. We have seen all the highlights and sights of the Panama Canal. Finally, Raphael went out specifically looking for sloths. Overall a great excursion for an acceptable price
From the guide and the driver, who were so into the stories, to the experience of seeing the locks and seeing the boats so close up, I loved everything! I recommend 100%
Interesting tour with good infrastructure and safety
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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