Excursion to San Lorenzo Fort plus Old and New Panama Canal locks

Presented by Preview World

From £105.00

Embark on an unforgettable journey through one of the world's engineering marvels: The Panama Canal. Our tour will take you to both the visitor centers, Aguas Claras' new set of locks, and the original Gatun set of locks. Both are located on the Caribbean side of the canal. Witness the canal's operations firsthand and marvel at the striking contrast between the two sets of locks and be captivated by them. In the second half of our tour, prepare to be immersed in the lush beauty of the rainforest, teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. We'll make our way through the remnants of Sherman's former military base, an American jungle operation training center, until we arrive at the stunning San Lorenzo Fort, also known as San Lorenzo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site, perched at the entrance of the majestic Chagres River, offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea that will leave you speechless. Join us for this remarkable adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!

4 hours (approx)

Instant Confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free Cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance

Group Size: 15

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Gratuities
  • $10 per person admission fees Agua Clara Visitor center must be paid on site to the staff
  • $5 per person admission fees Fort San Lorenzo must be paid on site to the staff

Meeting point

The guide will be meeting you, holding a sign with the company's logo and the lead passenger's name

End point

No end description available

Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara

60 mins

Atlantic Bridge

60 mins

Fort Sherman

30 mins

Fort San Lorenzo

60 mins

(Pass By)

– including Gatun Locks

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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


Reviews

0.0

25 Reviews

5.0 A thorough tour of Colon and the Canal Areas

Patrick_K, April 2026

The tour was very informative, José showed us the beauty of Panama's National Park. The old and new Canals, and a drive through the city of Colon and lunch at a local restaurant. The weather was very changeable through the tour, providing a variety of conditions.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

2.0 Poor Communication

Crystal_d, April 2026

While this tour went to the places it was advertised as. If you are looking for a guide, this isnt the tour. The meeting location provided wasn't correct admitted by the provider after. The driver was almost 30 minutes late to the pick up and we had no communication about this until we reached out. This lead to a stressful begining in a port that was a little sketchy. Then when in the van he didnt know what tour we were doing and had us verify it. The tour itself was fine but he took us to places and read the signs to us and provided very little additional information. We also felt rushed in some places and then in others we had no idea what was happening and the communication on the tour was poor. Advertised as providing water but they do not. Very expensive for what you get.

Response from Host, June 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the meeting location and the delay at pickup. We understand how stressful that must have been, especially when arriving at a cruise port and trying to start your day smoothly. Clear communication is extremely important to us, and we regret that we did not meet your expectations in this regard. We are also sorry to hear that the tour experience felt more transportation-focused than guided. Our goal is to provide guests with meaningful insights into Panama's history, culture, and engineering achievements, and we appreciate your comments regarding the level of information provided during the visit. Your observations about timing, communication during the tour, and the water provision have been noted and will be reviewed with our team so we can improve future experiences. We are pleased that you were able to visit San Lorenzo Fort and both the old and new Panama Canal locks as planned, but we understand that the overall experience did not reflect the value you expected. Thank you again for your honest feedback. It helps us identify areas where we can improve and provide a better experience for future travelers. Sincerely, Panamanian Adventures

5.0 Panamá perfection

Miriam_B, April 2026

The old and new Panama Canal locks are a fascinating part of world commerce as well as part of our history. José is very knowledgeable and attentive to his clients. His English is great. The Agua Clara and Gatún visitors centers are clean and welcoming. We had a better understanding of the canal when our cruise ship passed through it because of this tour. The fort was also very enjoyable. Would recommend the tour to anyone with an inquiring mind.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Roderick is the best!

barigby, April 2026

We had a wonderful experience with Roderick showing us the Colon area as well as the Agua Clara and Gatun locks. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the history and the technology of the locks and the canal in general. He was very accommodating and made sure we saw exactly what we wanted to see. He also enhanced our overall experience by taking us to areas not usually visited on this private tour. Roderick’s English is excellent. He is exceptionally thoughtful and kind and he made sure we spent the time required to have an in-depth experience rather than just a “pass-by”. We highly recommend Roderick to anyone wanting a comprehensive tour of the Colon area, its history, the Panama Canal and its locks. Many thanks, Roderick!

5.0 The tour was very...

Adrienne_M, March 2026

The tour was very interesting and informative Our tour guide JORGE SALAZAR was excellent He was knowledgeable, friendly and considerate. I would highly recommend him,

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 What a great tour,...

Wayne_B, March 2026

What a great tour, especially when on a cruise. Instead of being cooped up on a bus with a huge bunch, being herded about to their schedule, take this personal tour that moves by your timing. Have the whole attention of your guide. Our guide, Charlie, who is half Panamanian and half American, was fantastic. Would recommend highly.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Perfect day in Panama thanks to this excursion!

Brenda T, March 2026

We had an amazing and perfect experience visiting Panama thanks to Jorge with Panamanian Adventures. Great communication before and throughout our tour. Jorge is passionate about his job and was extremely knowledgeable when answering our many questions! It was truly a fascinating and enjoyable day spent touring the Old and New Panama Canal Locks and the San Lorenzo Fort. Thank you Jorge, for a perfect day in Panama!

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Canals and Fort Tour

66davief, March 2026

Jorge was great! Wonderful overview of the canals.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Private and no rushing!

SHAWN_W, March 2026

Personal experience. Private easy paced tour. Guide Jorge is very knowledgeable, professional and accommodating. Tour is worth the price upgrade to private. Few extra cost with entry fees, but it is well documented and wasnt a suprise. Time at each location was flexable.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

4.0 Around success

Roman S, March 2026

We were very surprised that we had the taxi exclusively - in pairs - to ourselves. So nothing stood in the way of a nice tour. Our driver Christian took away any time tension and told us several times to take the time - our time - and as much as we like. We visited Aqua Clara - the new lock, then stopped again at the railway line by the canal. A wonderful spot with views of the canal, the Atlantic Bridge, the PanamaCanal Railway and back to the new lock. From there we crossed the bridge to Gatun - the old lock system. Again, we could take as much time as we liked. The comments by the controller transferred to the public gallery were helpful to understand more of the process etc. On the way to Fort San Lorenzo we had the encounter with numerous nose bears on the side of the road, which were lured by Christian with his breakfast bread. The return trip with a short stop on the Atlantic Bridge and at a supermarket completed our trip at the end.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Roderick is very...

Richard_D, February 2026

Roderick is very knowledgeable and entertaining. His experiences come through and related very well with the group.

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Happy Canadian Tourists :)

Sandra_M, February 2026

Excellent tour! Jorge was extremely knowledgeable in telling us about Panama's history and sites. He took extra care to ensure we were comfortable, safe and secure throughout our tour. We had an amazing day before he dropped us off at the airport in record time. He even made a stop at Starbucks for us on the way. Thank you Jorge!!!

Response from Host, March 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

5.0 Monkey watching

Jack B, February 2026

Jorge was a fantastic guide as well as the man driving the boat. Both were very knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour.

5.0 Fantastic trip !!!!

Happiness62002288620, January 2026

What a fantastic experience with Jorge, our tour guide. He was so kind and patient and super knowledgeable!!!! We were on a carnival cruise but booked this tour ourselves and recommend them highly!!!!

5.0 Jorge was the BEST!!

Erin_O, January 2026

This tour was amazing and worth every penny. Our guide Jorge was very knowledgeable and friendly, he made sure that we saw both canals in use even though we were only scheduled to see one. I cannot stress enough how great this was. Don't be afraid to schedule tours this way, they are very invested in making sure you make it back in time!

5.0 A great trip with great people and many impressions of Panama

859okm, April 2025

It was a great trip, Roderik with whom we were traveling explained everything to us great. In the end we were still with him in a local restaurant, which was a great conclusion. Always happy to. Thank you

5.0 We had a private tour to...

Julie_H, April 2025

We had a private tour to the Panama locks, fort and then lunch in Colon. Bill, our driver/tour guide, was friendly, informative, was able to answer any questions we had, and was fun to be around. Our only negative was that the meeting instructions were not clear and we were unable to find our transportation. The tour director I spoke with was very helpful and was able to connect us with our driver after an hour. However, the excursion was fabulous, and more than made up for the rocky start. I would recommend, though, that clearer meeting instructions be given for this excursion.

5.0 Opinion

alemh2025, January 2025

Excellent tour, guide Archie knows too much, is very attentive and full of information. It is a different part of Panama, as a personal opinion it is better to see the canal in colon than in miraflores

5.0 Dependable company

Patrick_C, December 2024

Everything went as planned. Guide was very knowledgeable and took time to discuss the history of the region.

4.0 The Panama Canal

RicardoSancheze, October 2024

Ultimately a marvel of engineering, nature gives Panama the creation of the locks to form the Panama Canal, large ships transiting between the Pacific Sea and the Atlantic Sea, and vice versa, seeing the operation of the locks grows your understanding of the capacity of the human mind

5.0 The best option to visit the Panama Canal.

jessicacQ5483XW, May 2024

Roderic recommended that we visit the Panama Canal from the Agua Clara locks, we asked him for his opinion and as a great expert he told us that this area was unmissable and without a doubt it was the best to take the advice of someone expert, the tour was very enjoyable and The guide's attention was undoubtedly wonderful, I insist that the experience begins from the moment you book, they are aware and giving the best possible service. Thank you so much!!!!

5.0 Great Experience

tamaralZ2218TY, October 2023

I really enjoyed this tour! Roderick was the best and very relatable! He was very informative about the history of San Lorenzo Fort and the Canal. If would definitely book another tour with this company. I felt safe traveling through Panama as well. We also ate at a local restaurant and the food was fantastic. I wish I could have taken the restaurant back to New York with me, hence why I bought their hot sauce! I had such a great time! Thank you for making this a memorable trip!

5.0 I really enjoyed this...

gyongyike_k, November 2022

I really enjoyed this tour, San Lorenzo and the Panama Canal was interesting to see. Tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable.

5.0 Necessary tour with great guide

Stanley_S, October 2022

This tour is a must when visiting Panama. Ok was get a Pacific locks tour, just take Uber. But you need this tour for Caribbean looks, rain forest, and Fort San Lorenzo. Don't rent a car and try it yourself unless you are an extremely aggressive driver. Roderick is an excellent guide. He is knowledgeable, articulate, and a great guy.

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