Tours & tickets

Monkey Island, Panama

Enjoy one of the most epic activities you can experience during your visit to Panama! Start your adventure on the Chagres River, one of the main tributaries that feeds the Canal. As you cruise along Gatun Lake—inside the Panama Canal—you’ll have the unique chance to watch and sail beside the massive ships that pass through the Canal in both directions. Please note: this tour does not include visiting or crossing the Canal locks. This adventure also takes you deep into the tropical rainforest within the Canal’s watershed, where you’ll discover the rich variety of plants and animals that thrive in this lush environment. With over 160 species of wild animals and 25 species of protected birds, this experience is a paradise for nature lovers. The highlight of the tour is visiting the monkeys’ natural habitat, where you might spot Capuchins, Tamarins, and Howler monkeys.

Explore a rich variety of ecological attractions on a guided trip from Panama City to a butterfly farm, a frog exhibition, a sloth sanctuary, and an orchid garden. Ride a boat into the Chagres River and into the Panama Canal, watching large cruise ships sail by. Meet your guide at your hotel, starting the tour early to see more monkeys before their bellies are full from other visitors feeding them. As you begin the 40-minute drive, see colonial American neighborhoods that served as homes for the Canal construction families and pass the Culebra Cut. As you arrive at the shores of Lake Gatun, be greeted by the dense rainforest and all its intriguing sights and sounds. Embark on a boat ride into the Chagres River, which will lead you into the artificially created Gatun Lake, which is a hotspot for biodiversity. Spot wildlife such as the coati, howler monkeys, squirrels, and sloths, as well as beautiful birds like the toucan and parrots. Take a path parallel to the Panama Canal and into Soberanía National Park on your way to the Gamboa Public Docks, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. A couple of minutes into the boat ride, enter the Canal and take a quick ride past the Dredging Division's facilities and along the shipping lane toward the Monkey Island area. With Panama’s abundant biodiversity, a bit of luck, and your boat captains’ sharp eyes, keep an eye out for wildlife. As you land on Monkey Island, listen for the different primate sounds and the rustling in the trees as monkeys jump amongst the branches. Prepare for monkeys to come up to you and inspect your clothes, hats, and bags. Next up, visit the Sloth Sanctuary located inside the Gamboa region, nestled within the lush rainforests of Panama. As you arrive at the sanctuary, find yourself surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Upon entering the sanctuary, be greeted by passionate staff who will provide you with an introduction to the world of sloths. Listen to interesting facts about these slow-moving creatures, their behaviors, and their importance in the ecosystem. Next, visit the Orchid Gardens within walking distance from the sloth sanctuary to admire wild species native to the country, including some miniature ones and Panama’s national flower. Then explore the Frog Exhibition, home to hundreds of frogs native to tropical America. For your last stop, head to the Butterfly House to observe the endemic butterflies that live in the Panamanian rainforest such as the colorful Blue Morpho Butterfly. Finally, make your way back to Panama City.

After collection from your hotel in Panama City you'll head directly to the canal to see the Miraflores Lake, the Pedro Miguel Locks and finally, the journey continues by car until the town of Gamboa, in the middle of the Panama Canal. There, at the edge of the Chagres River, you'll take a trip by boat to the Gatun Lake - the biggest and most important lake in the Panama Canal. There you will share space with large ships during the journey through the Panama Canal until you arrive at a group of islands to find 3 monkey species who live there plus a variety of wildlife including birds, turtles, crocodiles, sloths and more. After the trip, you will go back to the Panama City and enjoy the view of the tropical rainforest and the canal on your way back to the hotel.

Spend half a day exploring the Panama Canal while learning about its history and creation. See the famed Miraflores Locks in action and take a scenic boat ride in the Panama Canal. Get picked up at your hotel or other location in Panama City, and journey to the Panama Canal Visitors Center for a detailed explanation about how the canal and famous Miraflores Locks work. Visit the museum to learn more about this important water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Drive by Miraflores Lake and the Pedro Miguel Locks as you make your way to the Chagres River. Climb aboard for a scenic boat trip across artificial Gatun Lake. Marvel at the surrounding landscape of the biggest and most important lake in the Panama Canal. Watch as large ships pass through the canal to get a sense of the magnitude of this masterpiece of engineering. Arrive at a group of islands to see different species of animals and monkeys. Return to Panama City and get dropped off at your hotel.

Travel to the Gamboa Marina in an air-conditioned tour vehicle with a guide and the rest of the tour group, before a transfer to a riverboat for a ride on the Chagres River, one of Panama's largest rivers, and head for Monkey Island. Observe the different species of monkeys that live on the island, from white-face monkeys, howler monkeys, and Geoffrey´s tamarinds, while taking some time to snap photos, and learn interesting facts and information about the different species from a knowledgeable guide. Return to the marina and to Panama City, and end the tour with drop-off at the hotel.

After a pickup from your hotel, head to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort in the Soberania National Park. From here board a boat and sail on Gatun Lake next to the huge ships that cross the Panama Canal. Admire the fauna and vegetation of the tropical forest, as well as Monkey Island where you have the chance to see white-faced capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue on to the Sloth Sanctuary to observe three-toed and two-toed sloths that have been rescued. Learn about the life and habits of the sloths, as well as the efforts for the conservation of the species through the volunteers and specialized guides. From the Sloth Sanctuary, move on to the Butterfly House where you can see the butterflies that live in the rainforest such as the colorful Blue Morpho Butterfly. You will also visit the orchid and frog exhibitions to discover more about the species that live in the rainforest.

Embark on a unique boat adventure through the serene waters of Lake Gatun, surrounded by lush tropical jungle and teeming with incredible wildlife. This vital part of the Panama Canal offers the perfect opportunity to marvel at Panama’s natural beauty. As you navigate the calm lake, you'll have the chance to spot a wide variety of birds, animals, and vibrant flora along the way. The highlight of your tour is Monkey Island, a protected nature reserve where you can observe capuchin, tamarin, and howler monkeys in their natural habitat. In addition, you may sometimes have the rare opportunity to spot sloths, iguanas, and caimans along the shore. As you cruise through the peaceful waters of Lake Gatun, you'll also have the chance to see ships passing through the Canal, heading in both directions, adding excitement to your journey. Whether you're an animal lover or a nature enthusiast, this boat tour will immerse you in the incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Lake Gatun.

Leave the city behind in the morning and head to the Chagres River where you will board a boat for a 2-hour tour of Lake Gatun (once the largest manmade lake in the world) and the Panama Canal. Explore the ins and outs of the nearby bays, search for wildlife, and visit the famous Monkey Island, home of the amazing white-faced monkeys. Also, keep an eye out for turtles, crocodiles, caiman, tons of bird life, and all kinds of other surprises. Return towards Gamboa, pass the dock, and head upstream to the Indian village. Unlike most Indian village tours, this one is authentic. Learn about the local culture, history, and crafts. Then, hike along a short trail to see the plants that grow in this area and how the locals use them (practical, artist, or medical uses) and see dance that is part of their custom. After visiting the village, return to Panama City and stop along the way for lunch and arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Between 8:00:00am - 8:30 am, your personal driver (if selecting the transportation option during checkout) will meet you at your Panama City lodging. As you commence the 40 minute drive, you will have the chance to see the old, colonial American neighborhoods, which served as homes for the Canal construction families and we will pass the famous Culebra Cut. At the shores of Lake Gatun you will be greeted by the dense rainforest and all its intriguing sights and sounds. The tour starts at 9:15am. We will start the day with a Gatun Lake Boat Expedition, looking for monkeys and other wildlife. Embark on a captivating journey as you cruise through Gatun Lake and the Chagres River. Our bilingual guides will enrich your experience by sharing the site's history. Explore various islands in pursuit of monkeys, from playful capuchins and resonant howlers to charming titis. Witness the bustling activity of different ship types navigating the Panama Canal's waters, adding an extra layer of fascination to your adventure. As we return to the shores of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, we will head to the Sloth Sanctuary and wildlife Exhibits. The Sloth Sanctuary is located inside the Gamboa region, nestled within the lush rainforests of Panama. As you arrive at the sanctuary, you will immediately be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Upon entering the sanctuary, you will be greeted by knowledgeable and passionate staff who will provide you with an introduction to the world of sloths. They will share interesting facts about these slow-moving creatures, their behaviors, and their importance in the ecosystem. Accompanied by an experienced guide, guests explore the sloths' natural habitat, observing them as they climb trees, munch on leaves, and simply relax in their own peaceful world. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see both two-toed and three-toed sloths up close. The guide will educate you about the differences between the two species and highlight their unique characteristics. You will also learn about their slow metabolism, their specialized diet, and their surprisingly strong grip. Further up the path, we will also visit the awe inspiring Butterfly House, filled with countless species of endemic butterflies, the Orchid gardens and a Frog Exhibition, all located within walking distance from the sloth sanctuary. We can't wait to take you on this extraordinary journey and show you memories that will last a lifetime. By the time we finish our tour through the wildlife exhibits, you will without doubt be ready for a delicious buffet lunch at the resort, where guests will sit on a terrace, overlooking the lush rainforest below. At 1:30pm, we start to make our way back to our to Panama City.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure that combines the best of Panama’s wildlife and thrilling activities. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping excitement, starting with an early morning expedition to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife. From the lush rainforests and playful primates of Monkey Island to the exhilarating zipline ride through the tropical canopy of Gamboa, every moment is crafted to provide an unforgettable experience. Discover the rich history of the Panama Canal, explore the biodiverse wonders of Lake Gatun, and soar above the forest for breathtaking views of the Chagres River. Join us for a day filled with discovery, adventure, and awe-inspiring sights. Pickup: We offer 2 tours per day (pickup at 6:30AM or at 8:30AM). Your guide and driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging. Please wait in the lobby of your lodging. Scenic Drive Through History: Enjoy a 40-minute drive through old colonial American neighborhoods, home to the families who built the Canal. Pass the famous Culebra Cut, a key site in the Canal's construction. Lake Gatun and Rainforest Adventure: Upon arriving at the shores of Lake Gatun, be greeted by the dense rainforest's intriguing sights and sounds. Embark on a boat journey along the Chagres River, leading into the biodiversity hotspot of Gatun Lake. Spot wildlife such as coatis, howler monkeys, squirrels, sloths, toucans, and parrots as you navigate parallel to the Canal into Soberanía National Park. Monkey Island Excursion: At the Gamboa Public Docks, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, take a quick ride past the Dredging Division's facilities and along the shipping lane toward Monkey Island. Listen for the primate sounds and watch monkeys jump among the branches. Experience the thrill of monkeys inspecting your clothes, hats, and bags, providing unforgettable photo opportunities. Zipline Canopy Tour: This exhilarating zipline adventure is designed for both adults and children, soaring between 2 and 35 meters above the ground atop the tropical forest, bordering the Panama Canal and Soberania National Park in Gamboa. Supported by some of the tallest and strongest trees, this 1.4-kilometer zipline Panama circuit, which features 10 lines and 13 platforms promises both safety and excitement. Before starting, your guide will provide a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Begin your journey from the Launching Platform, where you will glide from station to station, completing all 13 stations in a thrilling sequence. As you zip through the forest canopy, relax and take in the fascinating wildlife and lush surroundings for an unforgettable adventure. At 11:30am (or 1:30pm) we start to make our way back to Panama City.