Enjoy a trip by boat around the Gatun Lake in the middle of the Panama Canal to get up close with the monkeys in their natural environment at the Monkey Islands.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English, Spanish
Pickup included: You will be picked up from the entrance of your hotel or accommodation in Panama City.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Sashika – United States

Our guide shared fascinating facts about the region's biodiversity and the monkeys’ behaviors, making the tour both educational and thrilling. The combination of stunning scenery and wildlife interaction made this adventure a highlight of my trip to Panamá.

Hollie – United States

We had a great time, and we were lucky that it turned into a private tour for the four of us. My husband and I are ex-pats and have had this experience many times, because it is one of our favorite things to do with visitors. We were a little worried that the monkeys would not be hungry because we were leaving later than we ever have in the past, at 8:30. However, our guide Luis offered the monkeys a natural food that we have never given them before, and they loved it! So we had a fantastic experience. Luis ended up helping the other boats by giving them some of his food to entice the monkeys to their boats. We saw capuchins, tamarins, and howler monkeys. We did not see toucans, bats, nor crocodilos on this trip. We did see three new-for-us bird species, though. Overall it was 5/5 stars!

Itinerary

Pickup location:
Panama City
Van
(30 minutes)
Gatun Lake
Boat cruise (2 hours)
Van
(30 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Panama City

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Enjoy getting up close to the mokeys as they approach the boat
Admire the huge ships navigating the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal
Discover the beauty of the tropical rainforest around the Panama Canal

Full description

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.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air-conditioned car
Boat tour
Water

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Important information

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

This tour is entirely outdoors, therefore there is no access to a toilet
It is not guaranteed to see all mentioned wildlife during the tour, guides do their best to find animals during the experience

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

Panama City: Monkey Island Boat Tour