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Panama Canal Full Transit: Pacific to Atlantic by Boat

Board a private yacht and lock through all six chambers of the canal — from the Pacific Miraflores Locks to Gatun on the Atlantic side. Watching 50,000-ton vessels rise and fall beside you is one of the great engineering spectacles on Earth.

What to expect

You'll cruise through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, across the lush Culebra Cut, and into the vast Gatun Lake before locking down to the Caribbean. Expert English-speaking guides narrate every stage — the engineering triumphs, the human cost, and the geopolitical drama that shaped the canal. Lunch is served on board as you glide through the jungle-flanked waterway. Frigate birds and pelicans escort the boat as Panamax vessels loom just metres away.

Book it with
Canal & Bay Tours (official Panama Canal boat transit operator)
USD 270 per person + 7% tax (full transit); USD 220 per person + 7% tax (partial transit)
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Good to know

Full transit runs roughly 8–10 hours; departs early morning from Balboa pier. Pre-book well in advance — departures are limited and sell out months ahead. Confirm the all-aboard time with your ship and choose the partial transit if docking time is tight.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Panama Canal — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Journey
19 nights · calls at Panama Canal
from $6,039
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Azamara · Azamara Quest
19 nights · calls at Panama Canal
from $8,838
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Regent · Seven Seas Grandeur
14 nights · calls at Panama Canal
from $9,299
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Regent · Seven Seas Mariner
16 nights · calls at Panama Canal
from $12,099
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See all cruises to Panama Canal →
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