Availability
***We offer two schedules - Pick up time at 7:45 AM or at 9:45 AM. Please select your preference during checkout in the Extra Items section***
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Monkey Island Panama & Sloth Sanctuary (From Colon Cruise Port)
Welcome to Colón, Panama! For cruise ship guests seeking an unforgettable adventure during your stop, our Monkey Island Panama & Sloth Sanctuary Tour is the perfect choice. Skip the huge tourist busses and join our personalized, small group tours (up to 6 guests in sedans, SUVs or minivans, depending on the size of your group).
Just a short drive from the Colon cruise port, this unique experience invites you to explore Panama's rich wildlife and lush rainforest. Encounter playful monkeys, gentle sloths, and vibrant tropical birds as you immerse yourself in the beauty of their natural habitat. Tailored to fit your cruise schedule, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience, leaving you with incredible memories before returning to your ship.
On our Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary tour you will get up close and personal with four different species of monkeys -the Mantled Howler Monkey, the White-Faced Capuchin Monkey, Geoffroy’s Tamarin Monkey, and the Lemurine Owl Monkey - as they climb on you and snatch food. On our tour you may also discover many other wild animals including crocodiles, toucans, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and numerous exotic birds.
Please note: While we strive to provide unforgettable wildlife experiences, we cannot guarantee encounters with specific animals in the wild during our tours. However, our expert guides are dedicated to using their knowledge and skills to maximize your chances of spotting the incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the renowned Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, where you can learn about the care and conservation of these fascinating creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! You’ll also explore beautifully curated exhibitions showcasing vibrant orchids, delicate butterflies, and colorful frogs. Each exhibit provides an up-close look at Panama’s stunning biodiversity, making this an enriching experience for nature lovers of all ages.
TOUR OVERVIEW - Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary tour
***This tour operates daily (except Mondays) with two available start times: 7:45 am and 9:45 am. Please select your preferred time during checkout.***
Your personal guide and driver will meet you at the Colón Cruise Port (please wait at the designated meeting point). The tour begins with a scenic 75-minute drive, offering a glimpse of Panama’s vibrant landscapes and the bustling activity of the canal region. Upon arriving at the shores of Lake Gatun, you’ll be greeted by the lush rainforest, alive with the sights and sounds of nature.
From here, we’ll board a boat and journey along the Chagres River into the expansive, man-made Gatun Lake, a sanctuary of incredible biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including playful monkeys, slow-moving sloths, colorful toucans, parrots, and other exotic creatures. The boat ride takes you through Soberanía National Park and into the Panama Canal, providing unique views of the canal’s operations and massive ships navigating its waters. As we approach Monkey Island, prepare for an up-close encounter with the fascinating wildlife that calls this tropical paradise home.
Thanks to Panama’s incredible biodiversity and the sharp eyes of your boat captain, you’re sure to see plenty of wildlife—so keep your camera ready!
Upon reaching Monkey Island, listen for the distinct sounds of various primates and the rustling of branches as monkeys swing through the trees. Some may even approach to inspect your clothes, hats, and bags. This close interaction with these playful creatures promises unforgettable moments and plenty of photo opportunities.
Next, we’ll visit the Sloth Sanctuary, located in the Gamboa region. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the rainforest, the sanctuary offers a peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by knowledgeable staff who will introduce you to the world of sloths. They’ll share interesting facts about these gentle creatures, their behavior, and their crucial role in the ecosystem.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the sloths’ natural habitat, observing them as they climb trees, eat leaves, and relax in their peaceful environment. You’ll also have the chance to see both two-toed and three-toed sloths up close. The guide will explain the differences between the two species and highlight their unique characteristics, from their slow metabolism to their strong grip.
This tour offers a special opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the fascinating world of sloths, and contribute to their conservation. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of these enchanting creatures and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Additionally, we’ll visit the Butterfly House, Orchid Gardens, and Frog Exhibition, all located within walking distance of the sloth sanctuary. At the Butterfly House, you’ll see a variety of butterflies native to the Panamanian rainforest, including the vibrant Blue Morpho Butterfly. The tour continues with visits to the orchid and frog exhibitions, showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity.
The 7:45 AM tour concludes at 12:00 pm, and the 9:45 am tour concludes at 2:00 pm. You’ll be returned to the Colón Cruise Port by 1:45 pm or 3:45 pm, respectively.
TOUR SUMMARY - Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary tour
- Tour (minimum 2 guests)
- Price - $189 per adult, $169 per child (until age 10)
- Duration - 6 hours
- Start times - 7:45 am and 9:45 am - Daily, except Mondays
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Pick-up and drop off at Colon Cruise Port
- Well-maintained, air-conditioned car
- Bi-lingual guides (English/Spanish)
- Tour to Monkey Island Panama, Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly house and Orchid & Frog exhibitions
- Boat Tour inside the Panama Canal
- Monkey Island entrance fees
- Entrance to the Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House and, Orchids and Frog exhibitions
- Water Bottles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting and for that reason we do not promote their use
- Comfortable and safe footwear
- Sun glasses
- Towel
- Camera
- Cap or hat
- A reusable bottle to fill with water during the day
- Cash for tips and souvenirs
Please Note:
- There are no ATMs in the area, vendors do not accept card payments either. Cash Only!
- ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.
FAQ
What wildlife can I expect to see?
During the monkey island tour, you may encounter various species of monkeys, such as capuchins, howlers, and titi monkeys. Sometimes we may even spot caimans or crocodiles. At the sanctuary, you’ll observe two-toed and three-toed sloths in their natural habitat. The butterfly house and frog exhibition also showcase additional wildlife. Please note that we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings outside of the sanctuary and exhibits.
How long is the tour, and what time does it start?
The entire experience, including transportation, lasts approximately 6 hours. We have two morning tours, which align with your Colon Cruise Port arrival, starting at 7:45 am and at 9:45am.
What should I bring for the tour?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. Light rain gear may also be helpful, as the weather can change quickly.
Are there age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions; the experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children under 10 enjoy discounted pricing.
OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS
Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your short visit and offer even more insights into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic sites. Check out the links below for more unforgettable adventures! We personally believe that the following adventures should not be missed while traveling to Panama.
Embera Indian Village and Chagres River - $109
Meet the ancient Embera tribe on a 6.5 hour cultural tour
Monkey Island & Zipline Panama Tour - $195
Soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline and meet Panama’s playful monkeys up close. Two unforgettable experiences in one epic day!
Monkey Island tour inside the Panama Canal - $129
Discover the wild side of the Panama Canal! Cruise through lush waterways and meet the playful residents of Monkey Island for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
CANCELATION POLICY
Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking our tours.
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TOUR CANCELATION POLICY
Tao Travel 365 strives to deliver the best possible customer experience. If at any point you have a question or concern about our service, please call us by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or email us at sales@taotravel365.tours.
The following cancellation policy applies only for Day Tours (DOES NOT apply for Multi-Day Tours).
TOUR POLICIES
Due to the nature of our business, the logistics involved with organizing tours and the high reservation demand following refund policies apply:
- 100% refund less credit card processing fees will only be granted if booked via our website www.taotravel365.tours AND if canceled more than 24 hours before the start of the tour.
- No refund will be granted for cancelations received less than 24 hours before the tour start date.
All sales are final.
For all bookings made via outside portals such as, but not limited to Viator, Expedia, Airbnb, please refer and adhere to the respective cancellation policy of the portal that you booked with.
If you are unable to realize the reservation, contact us as soon as possible and we will try to arrange and reschedule the same or different tour for you.
If you are not at the designated meeting point by the time of your scheduled reservation or pick up, Tao Travel 365 reserves the right not to provide a refund. However, we will always try our best to locate you at the meeting point and call your WhatsApp number, if one was provided. After all, we want you to participate in our tour and have fun. That is our goal!
CANCELED OR POSTPONED TOURS
Occasionally, tours are canceled or postponed due to weather or ocean conditions, mechanical failure, or other unforeseen events. Should this occur, we will attempt to contact you about the cancellations and to inform you of refund or exchange procedures for that tour. For exact instructions on any canceled or postponed tour, please contact us. In the case of a cancellation of your tour by Tao Travel 365, we will refund your tour or schedule you for another tour, as detailed below.
REFUNDS
All sales are final. No refunds are available unless a tour is canceled or postponed, or we are given 24 hours advance noticed whereby a 100 percent refund will be awarded. We will offer refunds of the full face value of the tour(s) that are canceled or postponed (or, if a discounted tour, then instead the discounted tour price paid). No refunds are offered on any service, payment processing or convenience fees. To receive a refund for a canceled or postponed tour, contact us at sales@taotravel365.tours within 2 days of the tour cancellation and write "refund" in the subject line. Instructions will be provided in order to obtain your refund.
TOUR EXCHANGES
No tour exchanges are offered by Tao Travel 365. While in some extreme cases we may offer this service (such as a cancellation by Tao Travel 365), it is not guaranteed and often impossible. Contact us directly by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or by email at sales@taotravel365.tours to inquire about tour exchanges. Fees may apply.
