Panama City , Panama

Panama Jungle Boat Cruise

Active

4h - 5h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in Panama’s natural beauty on this unforgettable half-day tour. Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up and a boat ride across the stunning Gatun Lake, part of the iconic Panama Canal and home to abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes open for playful monkeys, lazy sloths, crocodiles, and vibrant tropical birds. Next, enjoy a guided walk along the renowned Pipeline Trail, famous for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest scenery. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this experience combines the best of Panama’s waterways and jungle. After your exploration, relax on a boat ride back before being comfortably dropped off at your hotel.

Available options

Panama Jungle Boat Cruise

Pickup included

What's included

Bilingual Tour Guide

Boat ride through Gatun Lake (life jackets included)

Bottled water

Umbrella (if it rains)

Boat entrance to Gatun Lake & Pipeline Trail entrance fee

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Pickup from your lodging: The tour begins with a pickup from your Panama City lodging. Your guide will pick you up in a cozy, air-conditioned vehicle.

Enjoy a scenic trip to Gamboa: From Panama City, it will take your guide around 30 minutes to reach the town of Gamboa. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Panama Canal along the route.

Stop 2

Take a boat ride through Gatun Lake: After landing in Gamboa, take a boat ride through Gatun Lake, a section of the well-known Panama Canal, for 90 minutes. If you're lucky, while you cruise, you'll see crocodiles, sloths, toucans, and monkeys in their natural habitat. Along with sharing their expertise, your knowledgeable guides will enlighten you on the local history and animals.

Embark on a short yet exciting hike along the famous Pipeline Road, one of the world’s premier trails for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. As you walk through the lush rainforest, your expert guide will reveal the secrets of this unique ecosystem, pointing out hidden species and fascinating details along the way. Perfect for nature lovers, this jungle trek offers an unforgettable glimpse into Panama’s incredible biodiversity in just a short amount of time.

Afterward, you'll board the boat once more for a leisurely journey back to Gamboa. This will be your reward for finishing your hike. This is a perfect time to sit back, unwind, and think back on the incredible time you just had.

Return transportation to your lodging: Upon your return to Gamboa, your guide will take you back to your Panama City lodging. You'll be back to your lodging in time for lunch or any additional plans you may have for the remainder of the day.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Bring light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent spray or lotion, and camera

Estimated cash needed: 10-15 US Dollars (for personal expenses or optional souvenirs)

This is not a transit tour; we won’t travel by boat inside the locks.

Light hiking involved

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center

By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands

300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón

80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment