Availability
This tour requires minimum 2 Guests to operate. Solo travelers please inquire before booking.
This tour starts from the Colon Cruise Port.
We are sorry, this tour is not available to book at the moment
Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour (From Colon) – Agua Clara Locks
Explore the wonders of Panama with our Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour. Embark on a captivating journey through history and nature as you visit the magnificent Agua Clara Locks and the legendary Fort San Lorenzo. Marvel at the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and immerse yourself in the rich stories of the past at the historic fort. Join us on this day tour and experience the best of Panama's natural and cultural treasures.
Fort San Lorenzo
During our Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour we will visit historic Fort San Lorenzo. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980, Fuerte San Lorenzo is situated at the mouth of the Río Chagres on a promontory west of the Panama canal. Despite its violent history, much of the original San Lorenzo fort is well preserved, including its moat, cannons and vaulted chambers. The fort also commands stunning views of the river and bay far below, which was one of the strategic reasons why the Spanish chose establish here.
San Lorenzo was constructed of blocks of cut coral and armed with row upon row of cannons. If you inspect the cannons closely, you’ll notice that some of them are actually British-made, dating from the time in the 17th century when Sir Francis Drake and his privateer crew occupied the fort.
Agua Clara Locks
This observation center offers stunning panoramic views of the Panama Canal expansion, including the three-chambered Agua Clara Locks. From the covered decks visitors can view Lago Gatún as well as the original Gatún Locks; the visitor center also offers a theater with two videos in English, a cafe and gift shop. With no on-site museum, the main focus here is mainly about getting a good look at the Panama Canal expansion. Visitors can hike on a short rainforest trail which is home to sloths, howler monkeys and toucans.
TOUR OVERVIEW - Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour - Agua Clara Locks
Join us for a 4-hour tour of the lesser-known Fort San Lorenzo on Panama’s Caribbean coast, along with a visit to the Agua Clara Panama Canal Locks. We offer flexible pickup times to align with your cruise ship arrival at the Colón Cruise Port. Your friendly, English-speaking driver and guide will meet you at the Colón Cruise Ship Terminal, from where you'll head to the Agua Clara Locks, located about 20 minutes away on the Caribbean side.
Here, you'll have the opportunity to watch massive ships navigate through the locks below. Explore the visitor center, watch an informative video, or take a short hike on a nearby rainforest trail. Learn how engineers raised Gatun Lake, constructed new locks, and widened existing channels to accommodate the enormous New Panamax ships.
Next, we’ll embark on a 30-minute drive to Fort San Lorenzo, crossing the recently built Puente Atlántico bridge, which offers stunning views of the Panama Canal and the ships below. Upon arrival at the historic fort, explore the well-preserved ruins while your guide shares fascinating stories of its colorful past.
After the Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour concludes , your guide will return you to the Colón Cruise Port. We also offer an optional drop-off at Tocumen International Airport for those concluding their cruise vacation.
TOUR SUMMARY - Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour - Agua Clara Locks
- Minimum 2 guests per booking!
- Price - $84 per adult, $74 per child
- Duration - 4 hours
- Visit Agua Claras Panama Canal Locks and Fort San Lorenzo
- Start times - 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am & 1:00pm - daily
- Pickup from Colón Cruise Port
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Well-maintained, air-conditioned car
- Pickup Service from Colon Cruise Port
- Bi-lingual guides (English/Spanish)
- Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour & Tour of Agua Clara Locks
- Water Bottle
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance Fee to Agua Clara Locks ($10.70)
- Entrance Fee to Fort San Lorenzo ($6)
- Entrance Fee to National Reserve ($5)
- Pickup from Panama City (please book here)
- Gratuities
WHAT TO BRING
- Wear comfortable clothes
- 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
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Don't forget to bring your smiles :)
FAQ
What is included in the Fort San Lorenzo & Panama Canal Tour?
The tour includes transportation from and to the Colon cruise ship terminal, an English-speaking guide, and opportunities for sightseeing, exploring, and photography at both locations.
How long is the tour, and what time does it start?
This is a 4-hour tour with four daily start times: 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 1:00 pm. We’ll arrange for pickup from your cruise ship terminal, and you can choose the time that best suits your schedule.
What should I bring for the tour?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, 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.
Will I get to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, there’s a good chance of spotting local wildlife, especially near the rainforest trail at the Agua Clara Locks. You may see animals such as sloths, howler monkeys, and various bird species, including toucans. Please note that we cannot guarantee wildlife encounters.
Is the Fort San Lorenzo & Panama Canal Tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, parents should note that there is some walking involved at both sites, and certain areas at Fort San Lorenzo have uneven terrain due to its historical architecture.
OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS FROM COLON
Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your 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!
Isla Grande Panama (From Colon) – Caribbean Island Hopping & Portobelo Fort - $129
Join us on our one-day Caribbean Coast adventure, visiting three pristine islands (Isla Grande, Isla Linton and Isla Mamey) and the old world town of Portobelo.
CANCELATION POLICY
Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.
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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 48 hours advance noticed whereby a 50 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 3 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.
