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Private Panama Canal & Gatun Lake Boat Tour with Monkey Island

Board a private boat on the Panama Canal and glide across Gatun Lake to Monkey Island — one of the world's most audacious feats of engineering, explored at your own pace with an expert guide and wild howler monkeys as your hosts.

What to expect

Your private guide collects you dockside and transfers you to a launch point on Gatun Lake, where a dedicated boat glides you through the canal's shimmering waters. Monkey Island reveals troops of Geoffroy's tamarins and howler monkeys living wild among the treetops — close enough to photograph in stunning detail. Your guide narrates the canal's extraordinary construction history, the engineering marvel of the locks, and the ecology of the lake throughout. The return ride across the lake at golden hour is nothing short of cinematic.

Book it
Panama City: Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour
$89 per person
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Good to know

Pre-book directly to secure a private boat. The tour runs approximately 3–4 hours; confirm your all-aboard time with the pier and allow 30 minutes' buffer. Wear light, breathable clothing and bring insect repellent and a sun hat. Binoculars are a worthy addition.

Sail there

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

Norwegian · Norwegian Sun
11 nights · calls at Panama Canal/Gatun Lake
from $959
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Norwegian · Norwegian Gem
10 nights · calls at Panama Canal/Gatun Lake
from $1,439
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Norwegian · Norwegian Jewel
11 nights · calls at Panama Canal/Gatun Lake
from $1,539
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