Embark on an unforgettable Monkey Island Tour or Lake Gatun Expedition, a captivating boat journey through the stunning expanse of Lake Gatun—the world’s second-largest man-made lake. Your adventure begins at the Gamboa marina, where you’ll navigate the scenic Chagres River and glide beneath the iconic historic train bridge. Aboard a comfortable, covered vessel designed for your protection, you’ll cruise through the Panama Canal while witnessing colossal cargo ships, massive freighters, and elegant cruise liners passing remarkably close to your boat, creating an awe-inspiring sense of scale.
Your knowledgeable guide will actively search for the diverse wildlife inhabiting the Panama Canal watershed ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles and turtles gliding through the waterways. This biodiverse region boasts an impressive array of avian species—approximately 300 varieties thrive in the adjacent Soberania National Park. You’ll likely encounter vibrant toucans and graceful snail kites hunting along the shoreline.
The tour’s highlight features the remarkable monkeys! Three distinct monkey species inhabit the islands scattered throughout the Panama Canal: the famously vocal howler monkeys, the charming white-faced capuchin monkeys, and the adorable Geoffrey’s tamarin monkeys. The latter two species may playfully board your vessel, as some visitors enjoy offering them bananas and peanuts.
Monkey Island Tour
Embark on a memorable Monkey Island Tour or Lake Gatun Expedition, featuring a scenic boat journey on Lake Gatun, the world’s second-largest man-made lake. Starting from Gamboa marina, you’ll navigate the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, observing massive cargo ships and cruise liners up close. A knowledgeable guide will help spot wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, and around 300 bird species from Soberania National Park, such as toucans and snail kites. The tour’s highlight is the chance to see three monkey species—howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and Geoffrey’s tamarins—who may come aboard for treats like bananas and peanuts.
Trip Highlights
- Opportunity to see three different species of monkeys: howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and Geoffroy's tamarins.
- Navigate the Panama Canal as you pass alongside cargo ships, freighters, and cruise ships transiting surprisingly close to your vessel.
- Search for the diverse wildlife inhabiting the Panama Canal watershed ecosystem.
