Stand on the premier observation deck above the Agua Clara New Locks and watch Neopanamax vessels — some of the largest ships afloat — navigate the $5.25-billion expansion that doubled the Canal's capacity. An expert guide decodes every gear-turn of the world's greatest waterway.
What to expect
A private air-conditioned vehicle collects you from the pier and transfers you directly to the Agua Clara Visitor Centre on the Atlantic side. Your guide narrates the 2016 expansion story — the engineering challenges, the water-saving basins, and the global trade implications — as a parade of Neopanamax container ships and tankers glide through below. The interactive museum inside the centre adds multimedia depth to what you've just witnessed. The full circuit, including transfers, typically runs 3–4 hours.
Good to know
The Visitor Centre is open daily; book private guide and transport in advance to secure your preferred slot. Keep your cruise ship's all-aboard time in mind — Colón port is approximately 10 minutes from the centre.