Quite an experience with a large ship coming right at you. Much better than Miraflores Locks.

We were going through the Panama Canal from east to west and stopped at Colon Panama before entering the Panama Canal. We took an excursion the Gatun Locks and got a complete review of the process and some of the history. We also got up close and personal experience of the ships transitioning the locks. (this is not guaranteed, however).... More

We took a cruise through the Gatun Locks then got off and toured the actual locks. There are 3 locks that are used to raise or lower a ship 85 feet. The viewing platform has an upper level where you can see ships entering the upper and lower locks. There is also bleacher seating beneath the upper level and you... More

Good viewing platforms - uncrowded. English commentary and clean toilets.

We were extremely fortunate in our opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal for our first canal viewing. During our two hours on the observation platform, our group of six was joined by no more than ten other visitors the entire time. We felt like we had a private viewing of the canal.... More

See Canal tour; take sun lotion and a hat and plan for a full day!

It gave you a closer look at the locks than Miraflores...

A really amazing process as our cruise ships went thru this set of locks along side of a Panamax container ship. You got to see exactly how the locks worked and it is amazing.

These locks are located on the Caribbean side of the canal and have a closer view of the operation compared to Miraflores locks. You will need to visit them with a tour guide since the road is no well signed. With the canal expansion this observation deck might be closed in the near future.