Panama Canal

The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is the best place to experience the Panama Canal up close. From the multi-level observation deck, you'll watch colossal container ships, tankers, and cruise liners transit through the locks just meters away — an awe-inspiring demonstration of engineering that hasn't lost its power to impress since the canal opened in 1914.

The visitor center's museum covers the full story of the canal — from the failed French attempt in the 1880s to the American construction (1904–1914) and Panama's takeover in 1999. Interactive exhibits explain how the lock system works, the role of the canal in global trade, and the massive expansion completed in 2016 that doubled its capacity.

Your Go Beyond guide will provide context that the museum can't — stories about the canal's impact on Panama's economy and daily life, the engineering challenges, and what it's like to live alongside one of the world's busiest waterways. The best ship-watching is typically late morning, when the largest vessels tend to transit.

Tour Highlights

• Watch colossal ships navigate the locks
• Expert guided commentary on history and engineering
• Breathtaking views of lush landscapes
• Learn about the canal's role in global trade

What to Bring

• Sunscreen
• Fresh Clothes