5.0 Brilliant tour

Allison_R, May 2026

A great tour. Covered everything we could ever need to know, knowledgeable host and great driver. Book this, you will not be disappointed.

5.0 Arsenio was a great...

Garnette_S, April 2026

Arsenio was a great guide. Always asking if we had any questions or special requests. He went out of his way to show us as much wildlife as possible. Also very knowledgeable about the history and culture.

5.0 If you are cruising...

Jeffrey_L, April 2026

If you are cruising through the Panama Canal, take this tour. Our guide Elio, took us to both locks in Colon and we were able to see and understand how it works. Made going through the canal the next day a better experience.

5.0 Excellent lock and rainforest tour. Our guides even brought homemade empanadas for our enjoyment!

Carla_B, April 2026

Great tour of the Agua Clara and Gutan Locks. Rainforest was lively and we saw monkeys and anteaters. San Lorenzo fort was interesting to see. Your guides were very knowledgeable and explained everything well

5.0 Panama

Leonid_S, April 2026

everything was good it was small group 12 people total included me and my wife one thingth was not so comfortable is the rest of the group was Spanish speaking and only two of us were English speaking and most of the time the tour guide was speaking Spanish

2.0 Not recommended

Debbie_W, April 2026

Booked the tour several months in advance. The tour description and what we received did not match. We were placed on a party bus with not enough seats for everyone. Two of us had to sit on speakers in the back because that was obviously enough space for a human to fit. No air conditioned van with small group, 4 inches to view out the window. Crowded, was constantly late starting and at each stop, and the 4 hour tour lasted 7 hours. Very unpleasant experience.

5.0 It was a great experience...

Carmela_P, April 2026

It was a great experience to go see the old and new locks. We were there for at least an hour by the new locks to get to see how they operate. We then went to the other side to see how the old locks worked.

3.0 No rainforest. The bus...

Dawn_M, April 2026

No rainforest. The bus stopped by the side of the road to point out monkeys. Meet up was very confusing. No person to advise. Bus had no markings. Trip did not leave on time. No stickers to identify people in our group. Very haphazard.

1.0 Badly organised and used a party bus as transport

Nigel_M, April 2026

A late night party bus for a general tour wasn’t a good idea for all age groups with hard seats and 4 hrs just to see the Panama locks only 7 miles away. It was a 4 hrs tour max to see lock jungle with monkeys that didn’t happen and a fort for 8 hours waste of time and money discussing

5.0 Panama canal

Ann_R, March 2026

The new locks and the old locks are very interesting to see. You get to watch the ships go through. The fort was ok

5.0 A journey from new to old in Panama.

Vipa, March 2026

Milton was an excellent guide. Full information given as required. It was good to visit the expansion of the Panama Canal as we had sailed through the original canal the previous day. We spent approximately an hour watching a vessel transit the lock to see the complete process start to finish. Fort Lorenzo was really interesting. Milton made sure that long explanations were in a shaded area as it was extremely hot. Some travellers asked for a short rainforest walk which was interesting. In fact the driver spotted howler monkeys along the road and stopped for a photo opportunity. Empenadas and beer/ water were given as snacks which was very welcome. A thoroughly enjoyable experience

5.0 Tour guide good; bus no air!

Robin_J, March 2026

The bus was actually a school bus that was a party bus with no air! Although the tour guide was wonderful and informative the experience ended with an accident close to the port and had to take another bus back.

2.0 Nice Effort but we wish we’d have booked another.

Sightseer775520, March 2026

Definitely not what was promised or expected. Seemed Iike they overbooked and we got put on the Sexy Lady disco bus. Despite asking and being assured it had good air conditioning, it was not good, rather hot and uncomfortable the entire trip. That was accentuated by a sound system that didn’t properly resulting in either not hearing the guide or very loud static when the system was such that you could hear the guide. The bus also squealed and was just generally uncomfortable as a used school bus from the USA. Our guide was very polite and friendly but not very informed or charismatic. Seemed inexperienced and not in his element. We stayed at the second let of locks for nearly an hour, about 30 minutes too long. Everyone was ready to go after about 30 minutes and was milling about looking for the bus, they didn’t get the hint. The Fort was impressive and historic but it turned into, essentially self-guided. We could have taken a cab. The “rainforest” consisted of pulling off to the side of the road. However, we did see monkey and sloths. The grand experience was capped off with the driver side-swiping another bus a mere 200 yards from the drop-off location which resulted in a long delay but fortunately they transferred us to another bus, one we wish we’d have been on. The smaller bus. I would not recommend this tour.

4.0 Knowledgeable Tour Guide

Zahra_O, March 2026

It was a good tour. Martin was very knowledgeable. Only reason I took off a star is because we weren't actually picked up at the port, we had to walk about 10mins to meet the bus. I want a fan of the large 'party bus' but that's more my preference. That aside, we learned a great deal and it was a very good experience

5.0 The guides were very...

Mark_M, March 2026

The guides were very friendly and helpful. The tour was on time and we got to see all the sights. They even stopped to see some animals along the way. The bus was really fun and unique!

4.0 Canal expansion was...

Emma_T, March 2026

Canal expansion was interesting, guide was really nice and friendly, very informative. Could possibly do with another stop as it felt we were on the bus a lot and didn’t see much else of Panama

4.0 Great day trip from Colon

Karen_T, March 2026

This was a nice introduction to sites in the Colon area. The canal was interesting. I enjoyed the drive to the fort and appreciated the short stops along the way for animals and the bridge. We would have liked more time at the fort.

5.0 Such an interesting visit...

Brian_G, March 2026

Such an interesting visit to the Panama Canal lock as well as to the only fort. We saw lots of different animals whilst travelling through the rain forest. Our guide Milton was extremely informative.

5.0 Great canal and fort tour. Great guide! Milton was our guide.

Julie_D, February 2026

We were a group of about 20. Perfect size compared to the big cruise ship buses. Our guide, Milton, was vey well versed in Panama history and culture & of course the canal. He took any questions and kept us engaged! It was hot. Nice that cold bottled water and beer were provided along with a traditional empanada snack. The canal history past and present was fascinating. We were able to see a cargo ship move through the locks. We stopped along the way to the fort for a couple of wildlife sightings. The history of San Lorenzo fort at the mouth of the Chagres river was interesting. FYI: this part of the tour requires a bit of walking with little shade. All in all, a great tour a “snapshot” of Colon and the canal, an engineering marvel

5.0 The Best Panama Canal and Rainforest Tour

Frances_K, February 2026

This was an amazing tour for cruise travelers whose ships aren't going thru the canal. To have a close up and birds eye view of how the locks work and the beauty of Gatun lake and the surrounding rainforest was better than any city tour. It was on my bucket list and the stop to walk around inside the San Lorenzo Fort was also worthwhile. The guide Elio was a wonderful historian and very good at finding wildlife - howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, coatimundi, aguti (?), etc. Our driver Randy was the best to get us photos from the tall bridge and we were treated to handmade empanadas. They made sure we had adequate (clean!) restroom stops. The best part was making sure we returned to port on time and we appreciated riding on a comfortable modern air-conditioned bus! This tour is typical of the Viator reputation for safe trips, terrific engaging guides. Don't book it with anyone else!

5.0 A great Highlite tour of Eastern Panama.

Randy_R, February 2026

A great Highlite tour of Eastern Panama. We visited both old and new locks. We got to see a ship working through the locks at Aqua Clare. The Guide and Van driver were very good and we stopped numerous times for Wildlife sightings on our trip through the rain forest. Very good Directions to the Meeting point. The GPS point on Google Maps was spot on. Easy to identify the guide holding up a Viator Sign.

5.0 Great excursion

Dawn_K, February 2026

Tour was Just as described, we had a wonderful time. We saw lots of monkeys and cuatis in the wild and learned about the Panama Canal history

5.0 A must do tour

Kay_B, February 2026

What a great experience. I’ve never given much thought to the Panama Canal but was amazed by it and we saw a tanker going through the new lock. We then were driven to the old lock which was equally amazing. We then drove through the rain forest and saw monkeys and sloths and ended at the old fort which was very interesting. Our guide Elio was lovely and didn’t take us anywhere he would get a cut, which I appreciated. Our driver Brian drove safely and was a great wildlife spotter. We got bottled water , Panama beer and crisps the only downside was we didn’t stop for coffee

1.0 Horrible, they don't respond.

Andrés D, February 2026

I was canceled tour 1 day earlier due to lack of passengers, they do not reply messages to know when they will refund me, talking to 2 whatsapp

5.0 Fantastic Tour

Daniel_K, February 2026

This was a great tour! Milton was very knowledgeable and a great tour guide. Panama Canal was amazing and enjoyed the fort!

5.0 Great Insights

John_T, February 2026

Milton was very knowledgeable and informative. He gave a very thorough and interesting history of the canal.

4.0 A long day

Kerry_B, February 2026

We had the misfortune of going to the fort before going to the canal. We spent so much time at the fort that we didn't get to see the ship actually go through the canal before we had to leave. Was it worth it? Yes. I just wish we had flipped the two stops.

5.0 Amazing experience!

Mindy_P, January 2026

We had the best time! Seeing the canal was a bucket list experience! Our guide, Elio was so knowledgeable and friendly! Highly recommend!

5.0 Better than the cruise line

BELLASCHILLY, January 2026

Great excursion, easy to find meeting place. Great communicator. Staff worked hard to make sure you had a great time!!!

5.0 Great cruise ship excursion

117naomif, January 2026

Our guide Wendell Martinez was great. Very friendly and knowledgeable. He was making sure everyone is having a great experience. The bonus was that he spotted a sloth in the tree on our way back to the ship and everyone got to see it and took some photos. Yes I would recommend this excursion to everyone. The pick up spot was very close from the ship and very easy too.

3.0 Great Guide & Driver…But

Elizabeth_W, January 2026

Our guide, Arsenio, and our driver were both fantastic! Arsenio shared a wealth of information about Panama and the fort. Our driver made frequent stops for us to see the wildlife. We have nothing but praise for our experience with Arsenio and our driver. The bus on the other hand, not so good. We had a group of 25 people crammed into a small tour bus with even smaller bench seats. One person could sit comfortably while the second person sat half way in the isle. The bus was far too small and crowded for a longer tour like this. We also weren’t aware that we would have to pay to enter the second stop on the itinerary which was the lock. In addition to paying $80 for the tour, we each had to pay another $10pp to get in to see the ships pass thru the canal. I don’t believe this extra cost was explained accurately in the tour summary so I wanted to call it out. The excursion cost is actually $90/person if you want to pass thru the gates to see the locks.

5.0 Outstanding Excursion

James_J, January 2026

Excellent tour. Helo and Brian were great. We seen a lot of wildlife . You will be sorry if you miss this tour.

5.0 Great driver and guide

Alicia_K, January 2026

The driver (Brian) and guide (Ello) went out if there way to find us all types of animals to take pictures of. Very informative. Highly recommend.

5.0 Great small group tour!

Q1559URmicheleg, January 2026

We had a fabulous day touring the canal! We were glad to see it from both sides and enjoyed the day. Arsenio was terrific. Snacks and drinks were great. The bus was comfortable. Small group and we were able to beat the big crowd at the canal! Saw lots of animals along the way and at the fort.

1.0 Horrible

105brandend, January 2026

We were late getting into port and I text the company and they said they were aware of the delay and were going to wait. They did not

3.0 No animals no rainforest, we were really disappointed.

Tanja M, January 2026

No animals no rainforest, we were disappointed. Advertising was done by visiting the rainforest and you would see many animals. We visited the canals and continued lorenzo then it was we drove back to the port. Only on request of all guests was then stopped somewhere on the roadside to run 10 meters into the bushes. Never again

5.0 Very informative

EvaMaria_P, December 2025

The guide has told a lot. Very nice and informative. A stop in the rainforest would have been even nicer. Maybe you just had to ask. Eerily nice people and crazy nature.

5.0 Great, a great trip...

Kordula_D, December 2025

Great, a great trip our guide was very competent, very friendly and very accommodating. He explained all the sights to us exactly. We can highly recommend him. K.D.

5.0 Good Tour

Andreas_S, December 2025

Great guide and an exciting tour. Animals were enough to see and the explanation to the canal and fortress were excellent.

5.0 Aqua Clara locks and Ft Lorenzo

Karen_S, November 2025

Our guide Arsenio was friendly and full of information. He made our tour fun as he educated us. We loved seeing the container cargo ship go through the new locks at Aqua Clara . The history of the fort and its place in Panama history was interesting.

5.0 Worth It

Ruth_S, October 2025

This tour takes you to see the Agua Clara lock at the new expansion canal & then you cross the Atlantic Bridge & stop at the older Gatun lock. Then there’s a drive through the rainforest to spot animals on your way to Fort Lorenzo. The remains & history of the fort are interesting, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. We were very fortunate so see a family of monkeys there. The tour bus was very comfortable. Arcinio was very knowledgeable about the area and it’s history.

5.0 Alonso was great!

Dahlia_H, June 2025

Learned so much! Our tour guide was Alonso who did a fantastic job of providing so much information about the history of Panama and the canal as well as the Fort. I speak fluent Spanish but he speaks English very well! Our tour was a personal your due to low cruise season and that made this even better as it felt so personal. We would definitely recommend 👌

5.0 Wonderful way to see up...

Cornelius_H, May 2025

Wonderful way to see up close how the canal functions. Our guide was great explaining the workings in an understanding manner. Fascinating

5.0 Panama canal and fort.

Quinn_H, May 2025

Our guide was fantastic. Great day. Learned about the history and culture. Experienced the locks in the canal. Saw animals in there natural habitat and thoughally enjoyed the entire day

4.0 Excursion Colon, Panama…

capitolgal, May 2025

Had a great experience in Colon, Panama excursion… staff was very prompt , friendly, and informative! Highlighting recommended and great get away!

5.0 Kenny was fantastic!

Michelle_H, April 2025

Amazing experience. Kenny was extremely knowledgeable and considerate. Took us to see the new and old canal locks at Gatun and Agua Clara and also into the rainforest to see a sloth and coatimundi. Also ended up going to San Lorenzo fort and chagres river. So very knowledgeable, no question too silly. Also very easy to find from cruise ship and they make sure to get you back on time, so if you're worried about booking an external cruise excursion, this is a good one to do.

5.0 Awesome Tour!

A4757CNsharont, April 2025

Our guide Kenny was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the Canal and the San Lorenzo fort. We loved having a small group and seeing the new canal and learning how it is different from the original canal was very interesting.

5.0 Panama In a Bottle

adrielynj, April 2025

Our guide was awesome! He was very knowledgeable about the history of the Panama Canal, the San Lorenzo Fort, the Chagres River, and the local culture. He and the driver pointed out different rainforest animals during the tour. He also provided refreshments, including meat pies and sweet pies . . . Yummy! I'd recommend to anyone!

5.0 Excellent Excursion

Michael_M, April 2025

Great excursion, smaller van with good AC, provided drinks and snacks. Tour guide was great with wonderful info. So glad i booked here instead of with Carnival. Picked up and dropped off close to the port.

4.0 A great day despite the misconception

bones089, April 2025

We were picked up on time at the port. However, the tour was offered for the same bus at two times. So participants have been waiting on the bus for an hour. Our guide spoke very understandable English and showed us two points at the locks. Also at the fort we got a small guided tour. The rainforest tour we had imagined a little differently. Throughout the journey, they drove along paved roads, mostly past the rainforest. The bus stopped when you could see an animal. That was the case twice with us. A monkey far away and an anteater. 1 point deduction due to the rainforest tour all were returned to the port in time.