Gatun Locks, Colon Province, Panama

4.5 (761 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Colon Points of Interest & Landmarks

Man made engineering marvel!

We transited the canal on the Windstar Starbreeze. The operation of the locks is amazing and is much the same as it was when the call was completed in 1914. The transit is fascinating and the amount of earth that was removed and the amount of concrete poured is mindboggling. We would highly recommend the smaller Windstar ships for this as they anchor at the smaller ports and give you a lot more exploring versatility.
Colon review images

Address

, Colon, Panama.

Current local date and time now

Saturday, May 04, 2024, 18:35

User Ratings

4.5 based on (761 reviews)

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68%

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26%

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Reviews

5James W 5:00 PM Feb 10, 2020
Amazing engineering!
I’ve read about and heard about the Panama Canal since I was a youngster, so it was very exciting to finally see them in person. One can only imagine the hardships and sacrifices that the construction workers endured during construction. Unfortunately, we were on a smaller ship and didn’t get to see the newest lock system, since that is used only for the largest freighters. If you have an opportunity to get to the Visitors Center, do it. Great views of the canal and surrounding areas.
5coldy 5:00 PM May 22, 2012
Best place to view the Panama canal
The Gatun locks are far far better than the Mirafloes locks. First gatun has 3 locks travelling in both directions. So ships are heading both east and west at the same time. They move the ships up and down 85 feet. Awsome sight to see. Very few tourists and they have a full time tour guide to explain all about the locks at the viewing platform which is about 75 ft. above the ground so you get great views. You are much closer to the ships here than at the Miraflores locks. Probably 30 or 40 feet. All in All a great experience and well worth the extra time to drive here. It was funny to see the crews of the large ships taking pictures of us as we were taking picture of them.