Availability
This tour requires minimum 2 Guests to operate. Solo travelers please inquire before booking.
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Monkey Island and Aerial Tram Tour from Panama City
Our Monkey Island and aerial tram tour combines a guided boat trip on Gatun Lake with a ride above Gamboa’s rainforest canopy. Watch for wild monkeys along the forested islands, enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower and travel comfortably with Panama City hotel pickup included.
We arrange your transport, bilingual guide, boat excursion and tram admission for a morning exploring Panama’s rainforest from the water and the treetops.
Table of Contents
Monkey Island and Aerial Tram Tour at a Glance
Adult price: $143 per person.
Child price: $133 per child, up to age 10.
Experience: Monkey Island boat excursion, Gamboa aerial tram and observation tower visit.
Booking: Available for two or more guests. Solo travelers can contact us about joining an available departure.
Operating days: Tuesday through Sunday, subject to availability. Closed on Mondays.
Pickup: Around 6:30 AM from eligible central Panama City accommodations.
Duration: Approximately five hours from pickup until departure from Gamboa, plus the return drive to Panama City.
Aerial tram and tower: Approximately 75 minutes, including walking and stairs at the observation tower.
Guides: English and Spanish.
Return departure from Gamboa: Around 11:30 AM.
Lunch: Not included.
Monkey Island and Aerial Tram Tour Overview
Leave Panama City behind and join us for a morning in the rainforest around Gamboa. Your guide meets you at your central Panama City accommodation before the drive to Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal watershed.
Begin with a boat excursion through the Monkey Island area, where forested shorelines provide habitat for capuchins and other wildlife. Your guide and boat captain help you look for animals while sharing information about the lake and surrounding forest.
Back on land, ride the Gamboa aerial tram through the canopy and continue to the observation tower. From above the trees, take in views across the Chagres River, Panama Canal, Gamboa and surrounding rainforest.
This package includes the boat excursion, aerial tram and observation tower. Sloth Sanctuary exhibits and buffet lunch are available on other Gamboa tour combinations.
Your Monkey Island and Aerial Tram Itinerary
- About 6:30 AM: Meet your guide at your central Panama City lodging. Your pickup time is confirmed with your reservation.
- Morning boat excursion: Travel to Gamboa and board a guided boat to explore the Monkey Island area of Gatun Lake.
- Rainforest canopy experience: Continue to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve for the aerial tram and observation tower.
- About 11:30 AM: Begin the return drive to Panama City.
Allow approximately five hours from pickup until departure from Gamboa, plus the return drive to Panama City. Traffic, weather and resort operations may affect the timing and order of activities.
Monkey Island Boat Tour
Explore Gatun Lake by boat, passing tropical vegetation and forested islands along the way. Look for white-faced capuchins and other animals among the trees, and listen as your guide explains the wildlife and landscape of this part of the Panama Canal watershed.
Keep your camera ready for wildlife and rainforest scenery. The animals live freely, so sightings and proximity vary from day to day.
Look for wild capuchins during the boat excursion on our Monkey Island and aerial tram tour.
Gamboa Aerial Tram & Observation Tower
Trade the lake for the treetops as you board the Gamboa aerial tram. The open gondola moves through the rainforest canopy, offering views of tropical vegetation and opportunities to look for birds among the branches.
At the upper station, follow the short path to the observation tower. Climb above the canopy for panoramic views of the Chagres River, Panama Canal and rainforest surrounding Gamboa.
The tram and tower activity takes approximately 75 minutes. The resort rates it easy to moderate; reaching the tower involves walking and climbing stairs.
See the rainforest from the treetops aboard the Gamboa aerial tram.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Panama Canal and surrounding rainforest from the observation tower.
What’s Included
- Pickup and drop-off at eligible central Panama City lodging.
- Air-conditioned ground transportation.
- Bilingual English and Spanish guide.
- Guided boat excursion in the Monkey Island area of Gatun Lake.
- Gamboa aerial tram admission.
- Observation tower visit.
- Bottled water.
What’s Not Included
- Lunch and other food.
- Sloth Sanctuary and other wildlife exhibit admission.
- Optional tips and personal purchases.
- Additional pickup charges outside the central Panama City service area, where applicable.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, a camera and a light rain layer. A reusable water bottle and a little cash for optional purchases or tips are useful. Bring a snack if you would like something to eat during the morning.
Before You Book
Monday closure: The Gamboa aerial tram is closed on Mondays for maintenance. Choose an available Tuesday through Sunday departure in our booking calendar.
Pickup locations: Included pickup covers eligible central Panama City lodging. Additional charges may apply for Costa del Este, Playa Bonita, Tocumen Airport or Amador Cruise Port. Select the relevant pickup option at checkout, and we will confirm your arrangements after booking.
Walking and stairs: The boat and tram are seated experiences, while the observation tower visit involves a short walk and stairs. Contact us before booking if you would like to discuss mobility requirements.
Learn more about the canopy ride and observation tower through the official Gamboa Rainforest Reserve aerial tram information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Monkey Island and aerial tram tour include?
The package includes a guided boat excursion in the Monkey Island area of Gatun Lake, the Gamboa aerial tram, an observation tower visit, eligible Panama City hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide and bottled water.
Will we see monkeys?
We explore habitat where wild monkeys are often observed. Sightings and close encounters cannot be guaranteed because the animals move freely through the forest.
Does this tour include the Sloth Sanctuary?
No. For a package with a sloth visit and lunch, explore our Monkey Island tour with Sloth Sanctuary and buffet lunch.
Is buffet lunch included?
No. This package is a morning boat and aerial tram tour without lunch.
Does the tour operate on Mondays?
No. The resort closes the aerial tram on Mondays for maintenance. Check our booking calendar for available departures from Tuesday through Sunday.
How much walking is involved?
Most of the boat and tram experience is seated. The observation tower visit includes a short walk and stairs, and the resort rates the tram and tower activity easy to moderate.
Can I book as a solo traveler?
Contact us about joining an available departure. This tour normally operates with two or more guests.
More Gamboa Tours
Explore more of the area with our Monkey Island, Sloth Sanctuary and buffet lunch tour, combining a boat excursion with wildlife exhibits and a resort meal.
For a canopy ride paired with the wildlife exhibits, see our Sloth Sanctuary and aerial tram tour.
Tour Cancelation Policy
Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.
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 at +1 (805) 826-3657 or email us at sales@taotravel365.tours.
The following cancellation policy applies only to Day Tours and does not apply to Multi-Day Tours.
TOUR POLICIES
Due to the nature of our business, the logistics involved with organizing tours and high reservation demand, the following refund policies apply:
- A 100% refund less credit-card processing fees will only be granted when the reservation was made through our website, www.taotravel365.tours, and canceled more than 24 hours before the start of the tour.
- No refund will be granted for cancellations received fewer than 24 hours before the tour start time.
All sales are final.
For reservations made through outside portals including, but not limited to, Viator, Expedia and Airbnb, please refer to the cancellation policy of the portal through which you booked.
If you are unable to use your reservation, contact us as soon as possible. We will try to reschedule the same or a different tour, but changes cannot be guaranteed.
If you are not at the designated meeting point at your scheduled pickup time, Tao Travel 365 reserves the right not to provide a refund. We will always try to locate you and contact the WhatsApp number provided with your booking.
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 and explain the applicable refund or rescheduling procedure. If Tao Travel 365 cancels your tour, we will refund the tour price paid or attempt to reschedule you for another tour.
REFUNDS
All sales are final. Refunds are available only within the cancellation guidelines above or when Tao Travel 365 cancels or postpones a tour. Refunds cover the tour price paid. Payment-processing, service and convenience fees are nonrefundable.
To request a refund for a tour canceled or postponed by Tao Travel 365, email sales@taotravel365.tours within two days of the cancellation and write “refund” in the subject line. Instructions will be provided.
TOUR EXCHANGES
Tour exchanges are not generally offered by Tao Travel 365. In exceptional circumstances, such as a cancellation by Tao Travel 365, an exchange may be possible but is not guaranteed. Contact us directly by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or email sales@taotravel365.tours to inquire. Fees may apply.
Reviews
EXCELLENT
1165 reviews
Posted on Google
Vanjo CosinoJune 27, 2025
This Gamboa wildlife and sloth sanctuary tour is definitely worth doing while in Panama. My tour guide was Ana and she was wonderful. She picked me up right on time at my hotel for the tour, her English is very good too. We went on a boat ride at the lake and saw some monkeys then feed them. She took great pictures and videos for memories for me. The sanctuary was also nice to visit. Thanks again Ana for the great tour you provide!Posted on Google
Martin WarneckeMay 30, 2025Our warmhearted and experienced guide, Señor Miguel, showed us the fascinating Panama Canal with its ocean-going giants, the cheeky monkeys, the cute sloths, and much more. This splendid tour I can highly recommend!Posted on Google
Nicole FeuerhermApril 29, 2025EXCELLENT! Javier our driver made this trip worth while! He was an excellent driver & host, & very considerate, driving slower on the downhill drive to the beach when some of us became nauseous. ADVICE-take your nausea meds when you stop at the gas station! Not later! Trust me! He also made the tour extra special when he spotted a sloth, toucan & a monkey in the trees & stopped to allow us to take pictures & see them up close. He has the eyes of an eagle! Don't know HOW he spotted them while driving! Regarding the San Blas Island tour- BREATHTAKING! Absolutely LOVED this tour. If I had one negative comment it would be to skip the last island (unnecessary) & allow guests to enjoy the island where we had lunch. Getting in/out of the boat is NOT easy. 2 islands+sand bar is enough for this tour! Also, 6 people don't fit "comfortably" in these SUV's! Let guests know they have the option to purchase the extra seats! So grateful we requested only our group of 4 people in our SUV & paid $I10 extra ($55 per seat)!Posted on Google
Ron BurnsApril 28, 2025Tao was the only tour agency we could find that offered both the Gamboa aerial tram and Monkey Island boat experience in one booking. So glad we found them. Smooth communication (email and WhatsApp) and pickup/dropoff from our hotel in the city. Daniel our guide was excellent! The boat ride and Daniel spotting all the different wildlife and monkeys was the highlight of our time in Panama. Highly recommended, 5 star experience all around.Posted on Google
Elaine FongApril 7, 2025Tao Travel 365 is a very responsive travel agency. I booked a tour the night before, and they were able to confirm within minutes. Daniel, my Guide, reached out shortly to introduce himself, and then he picked me up from the hotel exactly at 6:30 AM. The group was small, which I prefer. Daniel is a very informative, energetic, and enthusiastic guide. He was on time, and a very safe driver. He even made recommendations on what to do and where to eat/drink in Panama City. At Monkey Island, were we spent most of our time, we saw more animals than I expected. Daniel had fruit with him to feed the monkeys, which I liked. I’ve read reviews where other Companies were handing out chips and other food that weren’t safe for animals. Afterwards, we went to the Sloth Sanctuary, where we also saw frogs, orchids, and butterflies. I would book with them again. You’re lucky if you get Daniel as a Guide.Posted on Google
Jackie LuedersMarch 15, 2025Ana was great. We did the mo ey island and sloth sanctuary. She really knew her information and was able to get the monkeys to eat out of our hands. It was like she was friends with her. LOL. Would highly recommend Ana and will come back to see her. Simply outstandingPosted on Google
Eran Ben TovimMarch 7, 2025Richard was wonderful and provide comprehensive information about the region throughout the whole experience. We got to see the monkeys, sloths and more of the unique wildlife in that area.Posted on Google
Deirdre LindFebruary 19, 2025What a nice day! Mario and Joseph were right on time and we all headed to the Canal. Hopped on a small boat and coasted around Gatun Lake. We saw capuchin and tamarind monkeys, egrets, and iguanas. Very fun! Then we went to Gamboa for the butterfly and sloth exhibits. This was very simple but educational and very interesting. Would definitely recommend!Posted on Google
Lina BarkawiFebruary 11, 2025We had so much fun getting on a boat and seeing monkeys in their natural habitat! We got to learn about different species of monkeys and experience the Gatun lake where ships crossing the Panama Canal go through. Then we got to learn about sloths and other animals native to Panama! Recommend to anyone visiting Panama as a must given the rich biodiversity of the country. 🐒🦥Posted on Google
Sherry MaguireFebruary 8, 2025
We had a wonderful time on this tour!! Highly recommend. Mario was a great guide, super knowledgeable and informative. The Panama Canal boat ride and monkey island portion was hands down our favorite part.Posted on Google
E. H.January 18, 2025Ana was a great guide. The monkeys were great. She was rightfully concerned about others feeding the monkeys junk food so we stopped and got bananas for them. The sloth sanctuary was cool too.Posted on Google
Bobbie BernetJanuary 2, 2025Excellent tour with Mario. Highly recommend. We saw three kinds of monkeys, sloths, butterflies and frogs, as well as learning a lot about the history and landscape of Panama.Posted on Google
Russ and Pat MikelOctober 29, 2024Oscar was a great tour guide. He shared Panamá history and information as we traveled to get on the boat! Saw 3 types of monkeys and just a pleasant ride in boat.Posted on Google
yakov ludmirAugust 27, 2024The monkey island tour was very nice and exciting. Our guide Mario was very helpful and knowledgeable about how to get the monkeys to come to our boat. The sloth sanctuary was more like a butterfly plant garden if you like that, then it's definitely something worth doing. Mario was a very gracious tour guide and worked with us to accommodate our schedule and extra activities that we wanted to do.Posted on Google
Leigh BlackburnAugust 15, 2024Ali was a fantastic guide! Really enjoyed the boat trip and tram ride through the rainforest.Posted on Google
Stacy BurnettJuly 26, 2024Ana was so friendly and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed her and Monkey Island did not disappoint.Posted on Google
Michele KingJuly 13, 2024What a great day! Ana Lorena was prompt to pick us up, full of great information and personal perspective, and gave us a wonderful tour of gambola, monkeys, wildlife, and food recommendations. Highly recommend this tour!Posted on Google
Derek NormanJune 27, 2024We had an absolutely incredible experience with this tour group! We first did the monkey island tour with Aura (our tour guide). The tour was very well planned and so enjoyable. Aura was very knowledgeable and friendly and professional. We enjoyed our tour so much that we booked another tour to visit the Embera tribe and venture on the Chagres River. Aura was once again our guide and made the experience one to remember! She shared personal stories and spoke about life in Panamá. She even brought us to a local fruit stand and even helped us find medication we needed and brought us to 3 different pharmacies until we found what we needed. Above and beyond!! We would highly recommend a tour with this group, particularly Aura. Thank you!Posted on Google
Malcolm CarwayJune 6, 2024I had the most pleasant experience. Mario was so full of knowledge and was so humble and just the most kindest person I've met on my trip to Panama City. I will surely go back home and tell my friends about the experience with the monkeys the sloths the butterflies and the frogs and the knowledge that I obtained from Mario about the history of the Panama CanalPosted on Tripadvisor
Mark SDecember 8, 2023Verified
Gamboa We got our own driver there (30 m drive) No Uber back so make sure driver is waiting. Tram $45 pp and boat tour $40 pp. well with it. Saw rainforest, monkeys, etc. fantastic experience. Total time about 5 hours door to door. Great couple or family day trip from Panama. Highly recommendLoad more
