Panama Canal

The Panama Canal transit is a full-day experience. Ships enter from either the Caribbean (Atlantic) side through the Gatun Locks or from the Pacific side through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. The newer Agua Clara locks handle the largest container ships. The channel passes through Gatun Lake, a large artificial lake surrounded by rainforest where you can sometimes spot wildlife from the deck. If your ship stops at Gatun Lake or Colón on the Caribbean side, excursions typically include the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre (with a viewing platform and museum), a boat trip through the lake, or a visit to the embera indigenous village. Colón itself has a duty-free zone but the surrounding area requires caution. Panama uses the US dollar alongside the Balboa (which is pegged 1:1). Spanish is the main language but English is spoken in tourist areas.