Excursion Gatun lake kayaking & locks tour at Colon

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Agua Clara Locks and Gatun Lake in an active new way during this invigorating, half-day kayaking excursion.

Colon, Agua Clara Locks & Visitors Centre, Expansion Observation Platform, New Traffic Lane

Depart the pier for the short drive to the new Panama Canal locks, the Agua Clara Locks. The Panama Canal expansion is currently the largest engineering project in the world. Upon arrival at the Agua Clara Visitor Centre, head to the Expansion Observation Platform. Here, you can see and learn about how the canal has been expanded through the addition of a new traffic lane. This new lane created two new sets of locks, one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, which doubles the canal's capacity, and enables longer and wider vessels to transit.

Melia Hotel, Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Rainforest, Canal Zone

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Melia Hotel, located on Lago Gatún (Gatun Lake), the largest manmade lake in the world. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres (about 20,234 hectares) of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds, and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

Comfort Stop, Gatun Lake Kayaking, Rainforest Ecosystem, Monkeys, Toucans, Sloths

Upon arrival at the Melia Hotel, proceed for a comfort stop. Afterward, receive your safety and kayaking instructions and gear, then embark your kayak for scenic, approximately one-hour kayaking journey on Gatun Lake. Along the way, look for monkey, toucans and sloths whilst your guide explains the rainforest ecosystem and points out sights-of-interest. Gatun Lake is a large, artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake. Following your kayaking session, return to the hotel for some free time and snacks by the pool area, then commence the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colon, Agua Clara Locks, Expansion Observation Platform, New Traffic Lane, Melia Hotel, Gatun Lake Kayaking, Rainforest, Monkeys, Toucans, Sloths

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and natural ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the kayak, and ten steps at the Melia Hotel. This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition, and can swim well in water over their head. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory problems, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes they won't mind getting wet, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a towel, bottled water, camera (bring a dry bag or waterproof camera) and change of clothing from the ship; jeans and high-heels are not permitted. There are restroom facilities at the Melia Hotel. Guests must be at least nine years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests weighing more than 200 pounds (about 90 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. This kayaking tour operates in two-seat kayaks. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Guests weighing more than 200 pounds (about 90 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Life vests, helmets, kayaks and paddles are provided. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.