From $40Gatun Lake
What it is
Gatun Lake is the vast artificial lake at the heart of the Panama Canal, created in 1913 by damming the Chagres River and once the largest man-made lake in the world. Ships transiting the canal sail across it between the locks, but for visitors it is best known as a wildlife haven. The flooded forest left small islands where capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and crocodiles thrive, just 45 minutes from downtown near Gamboa. Boat safaris glide between these islands, making it the easiest rainforest wildlife encounter in Panama.
How to visit
Most visitors reach Gatun Lake on a half-day boat safari from Panama City, often combined with a visit to an Embera indigenous village or the aerial tram at Gamboa. Tours leave early, around 8am, when wildlife is most active and the lake is calm. The boats nose close to the islands so monkeys sometimes hop aboard, though responsible operators do not feed them. Bring binoculars, a hat and insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for cameras as the open boats can splash.
Hours & practical info
Boat safaris run daily, usually morning departures around 8am from Gamboa.
Insider tips
- ✓ Go on an early morning tour when monkeys are most active.
- ✓ Bring binoculars for birds and sloths in the canopy.
- ✓ Combine with an Embera village visit for culture and wildlife in one day.
Tours featuring Gatun Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far is Gatun Lake from Panama City?
- Gatun Lake is about 45 minutes from downtown Panama City near Gamboa. Most wildlife boat safaris include round-trip transport.
- What animals can you see on a Gatun Lake safari?
- Boat safaris commonly spot capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans and many bird species among the lake's forested islands.