Description of Panama Canal Transit: Partial & Full
During your transit, you will have the unique opportunity to see the Canal up close in operation. You will transit with the big ships and see the tug boats in operation and of course, the locks themselves. You can feel the sensation of going up or down to get from one ocean to the other. A once in a lifetime adventure and experience, whether it be a partial or full transit.
Both partial and full transits through the Panama Canal are available. Depending on your time schedule, you can select the most appropriate option.
PARTIAL TRANSIT Tour description (5-6 hrs):
Our tour starts at the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa which is located at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. Our ship will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.
Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, we will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.
Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline.
Tour includes:
Bilingual guide/narrator
Lunch is served on the boat and includes various Panamanian dishes.
Soft drinks and water
Transport to and from The Executive Hotel
Partial Crossing Dates All Saturdays of the year (2007)
Also Thursdays and Fridays...
available January through March 2007
Partial Crossing Price
$124
(Children under 12: $59)
Includes breakfast
TO RESERVE THIS TOUR... email us at the following email. Please include your name, planned tour date(s), and number of people in your party. We will respond promptly. Thank you.
FULL TRANSIT Tour description (8 – 9 hrs):
Our trip departs from the Flamenco Marina at 7:30 a.m., and you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. You will experience all that is mentioned above in the partial transit, but in the other direction. In addition, you will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. During your transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Pier 6, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided.
Tour includes:
Bilingual guide/narrator
Continental Breakfast
Full lunch which includes various Panamanian dishes
Soft drinks and water Transport to and from The Executive Hotel
Full Crossing Dates
DATES AVAILABLE 2007
January 4, 6, 16, 20
February 1, 6, 8, 17, 20
March 1, 3, 17, 20
April 7, 17, 21
May 5, 19
June 2, 16
July 7, 21
August 4, 18
September 1, 15
October 6, 20
November 3, 17
December 1, 15
Price
$175
(Children under 12: $69)
Includes breakfast, lunch and snacks.
TO RESERVE THIS TOUR... email us at the following email. Please include your name, planned tour date(s), and number of people in your party. We will respond promptly. Thank you.
