Monkey Island & Gatun Lake Boat Tour
About This Day Trip
Trade cobblestones for jungle for half a day: a boat safari across Gatun Lake — the vast man-made lake at the heart of the Panama Canal — to the islets known as Monkey Island, home to capuchin, howler, tamarin and night monkeys.
Along the way you'll pass container ships mid-transit, spot sloths, toucans and crocodiles, and hear how flooding the Chagres River in 1913 created the lake and the islands. It's Panama's easiest jungle fix — no overnight required.
Operated with trusted local boat captains. Combine it with a Casco Viejo walking tour for a full Panama day.
What's Included
- Transport from/to Casco Viejo or your hotel
- Boat safari on Gatun Lake
- Wildlife spotting with a bilingual naturalist guide
- Canal transit views from the water
- Small group experience
Plan This Trip
Ask Us About This Day Trip
This trip runs with our trusted local partners and schedules vary by season. Write to us and we'll confirm dates, current rates and pickup details — usually within a few hours.
Contact Us to BookCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we definitely see monkeys?
Sightings are very frequent — several troops live on the islands — but these are wild animals; we never feed or bait them.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the boat ride is calm and life vests are provided in all sizes.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, water and a rain layer in green season. Binoculars if you have them.
Our Specialty
Back to Casco Viejo
Day trips are a side note — walking tours of the old town are what we do every single day. Start with the free colonial walk.