Our guide to exploring the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal (one of the standout highlights of visiting Panama) was built in the 19th century, but to this day endures as one of man’s biggest achievements in maritime engineering. Read on for our guide to the history of this impressive site, and learn how to get the most out of a visit to the Panama Canal.

What is the Panama Canal?

Put simply, the Panama Canal is a man-made waterway, 82 km (51 miles) long, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Vessels carrying cargo can travel thousands of miles to their destinations, while avoiding the more treacherous routes around Cape Horn (the tip of South America) and Drake’s Passage (the stretch between South America and Antarctica). Its safety and speed has transformed international shipping and monumentally boosted global commerce; an average of 12,000 to 14,000 vessels navigate its waters every year.

As ships traverse the Canal’s intricate system of locks and artificial lakes, an astonishing feat of water management takes place. Each ship’s transit requires approximately 52 million gallons of freshwater, sourced solely from the abundant rains that fill nearby Gatun Lake.

A brief history of the Panama Canal

You may only know of the Panama Canal due to its prominence in shipping, but it’s the history and scale of human endeavor behind the Canal that makes it a marvel.

The story of the Canal dates back to the 1880s, when it was first taken on by the French. The ambitious project was marred by construction challenges and disease; so much so that the lives of around 22,000 workers were lost. The United States took over, and with monumental effort, managed to complete construction of the canal in 1914.

In over a century since, this impressive waterway has carried countless vessels between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1999, the canal’s control was peacefully transferred from the United States to Panama, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sovereignty.

What to see at the Panama Canal

So what can you expect to see when you visit? The Panama Canal boasts several highlights, including its impressive lock system, with Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun Locks being its biggest draws. The Miraflores Locks is the most popular for tourists, who can watch from the viewing platforms as huge ships pass through; the second, Pedro Miguel Locks are situated on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal just north of the Miraflores Locks. The newest and lesser-visited ‘Third Set of Locks’ which opened in 2016, allows larger vessels known as Neo-Panamax ships, to transit.

The canal’s engineering genius is largely due to its gravity-powered water flow system. It uses no pumps, yet the locks alone allow millions of gallons of water to be transferred during each ship’s transit. Visitors are often captivated by the sight of massive ships navigating the locks and the sheer amount of water that flows through.

Unique activities at the Panama Canal

As well as watching ships pass through the locks from a close vantage point, you’ll find intriguing exhibits to tour at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can learn about the canal’s history and the engineering feat that made it successful. Those who want to immerse themselves fully can even take a boat tour through the canal itself!

Beyond the canal, the surrounding areas are full of resplendent views, with opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring the rich biodiversity of Soberanía National Park. Soak in the lush scenery that surrounds Gatun Lake, the source of the Canal’s power – which is also teeming with wildlife. Though the nearest city, Colón, isn’t much to write home about, don’t miss the chance to visit nearby Casco Viejo; the UNESCO-protected colonial town hosts charming historic architecture and a glut of museums and art galleries.

Planning a Panama Canal visit

You’ll need to carefully plan a visit to the Panama Canal rather than just show up; a local guide or travel expert can help you with this while planning your tour of Panama.

• Start by checking the transit schedule for ships passing through the locks – this will make sure you catch the locks in action. Peak transit periods are usually in the morning (between 7-9am) and the afternoon (3-5pm).
• Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially at popular visitor centers like the Miraflores Locks.
• Going with a local guide could be worth your while, as you can gain deeper insights into the canal’s history and easily get to alternative viewpoints.
• Finally, be sure to allow enough time to explore nearby spots, and enjoy the natural beauty of the reserves around the canal.

The best times of year to go

The best time to visit the Panama Canal is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This offers higher likelihood of pleasant weather and fewer disruptions from rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds! If you prefer a quieter experience, the weather is still favorable during the months of November to May, when visitor numbers are lower.

Getting there: accessibility and travel tips

The Panama Canal is easily accessible from Panama City by car, taxi, or organized tour. If you want to take public transport, local buses connect to key visitor sites around the Canal, while renting a car offers the flexibility to explore the canal and surrounding areas at your own pace. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water, especially if you plan to make the most of the lake and reserves nearby.

Exploring Panama: trip ideas that include the Panama Canal

While the Panama Canal is a highlight, there’s so much to discover in Panama:

• Combine your canal visit with a trip to the vibrant Casco Viejo and Panama City.
• On a tour of Panama’s highlights you can visit Panama Canal alongside the highlands of Boquete – a glorious tour of contrasts for nature lovers. Add a side journey to the nearby rainforests and national parks, such as Soberanía and Metropolitan, for diverse wildlife and hiking trails.
• Take a boat trip on the Panama Canal as part of an incredible multi-destination tour of Panama and Colombia.

Make it happen

If you’d love to know more about the wonders of Panama, get in touch with our local travel experts. They’re equipped with plenty of local knowledge to help you plan the best tour imaginable.