Panama Canal
Engineering marvel connecting two oceans
Overview
The Panama Canal remains one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and transforming global shipping. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers the best viewing experience, with ships passing through massive lock chambers just meters away. The expanded canal (completed 2016) added larger Neopanamax locks at Agua Clara on the Caribbean side. A must-see for visitors and a point of pride for residents.
Highlights
- Watch massive ships transit locks
- Miraflores Visitor Center museum
- IMAX theater with canal documentary
- Restaurant with lock views
- Historic and engineering significance
- Photo opportunities
Getting There
Nearby City
15 km away (NaN hours)
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
The premier viewing location, Miraflores offers four observation decks, an excellent museum detailing canal history and operations, an IMAX theater, and a restaurant with lock views. Arrive early for best positions during ship transits. The museum is surprisingly good and worth the time.
Agua Clara Visitor Center
On the Caribbean side, Agua Clara showcases the expanded canal's Neopanamax locks that accommodate larger ships. Less crowded than Miraflores but requires separate trip. The massive scale of the new locks is impressive. Can be combined with Colón visit (exercise caution in Colón city).
Canal Transit Cruises
For a unique experience, partial transit cruises ($125-200) take you through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, across Miraflores Lake, and through the Culebra Cut. Full transits are occasionally available. Book in advance, especially for weekend departures.
Location
Coordinates: 9.0800, -79.6800
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