Panamá City Travel Forum

hello
we are planning on a short stopover in panama city this summer - and would like to do the partial or full canal transit. So far we have found the transit dates, what's missing is a reputable tour operator that organizes it.

Can anyone please recommend a trusted one?
Thanks a million

Rhia

Hi Rhia

Well... lucky you!
We went through about 6 weeks ago: a full transit East to West on the Island Princess cruise ship. Wow.....

I don't know a company but I strongly suggest

Be there before dawn for the amazing photo opportunities: the ships are queuing and the fairy-lights are amazing...and as it becomes lighter you see that they are dozerns of ships all waiting their turn. You'll need a reasonable camera.

Then when it's your ship's turn you'll be escorted by tugs to the entrance of the first lock.It's a fantastic experience. DO THE WHOLE TRANSIT or you'll regret it!

Check this: I think that passenger ships have priority over freight ---so don't be conned into being passengers on a cargo ship....it could be a long wait!

If you want to see my photos then let me know and I'll put them on my site sooner rather than later.

Oh, one more thing... the Panamanian leaflet about the canal and the changes to it is worth reading as you make the 8 hour trip.

Have fun!

Stephen

There are numerous cruise ships that do this, and also some local small ships (sorry, I don't know a good operator there). If you are not on a tight time schedule and want a more novel approach you can consider this: there are private yachts that go through the entire canal and are required by law to have a certain number of "line handlers". We had to have six total line handlers when we went through. The yachts raft up to each other during daylight and go through as a group, each also with a local pilot. You might have to spend the night on the yacht in Gatun Lake, but that place is very interesting and a haven for fabulous birds. You'd have to research this in advance.

The place the yachts gather at either end of the canal are the Colon and the Balboa Yacht Clubs. Many of the boats will be looking for crew. You just need to find out more info about which days of the week the "convoys" go, and maybe contact the two yacht clubs for more information. This is one unforgettable experience! For the adventurer only ....

Because they have a lot positive feedbacks including me, I highly recommend you ViajesAlmiza , they have Partial and Full Transit as per your request.

good lucks,

thank you very much, wapanda... i have found their webpage and the prices look interesting. I will email them tonight.
Can't wait to be in panama :-)