Panama question about locks

[KimisAwesome]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering, for those of you who have experience with this... if you are standing on the shore, can you really, truly get a good view of the operations of the locks, or is it something that you need to see from the ferry in the canal?

[sptrout]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering, for those of you who have experience with this... if you are standing on the shore, can you really, truly get a good view of the operations of the locks, or is it something that you need to see from the ferry in the canal?

 

If you take a tour of the Gatun Locks you will get very close to the ships. Below is a link to a series of pictures I took a few years ago when on the Galaxy. The first of the series were taken while on the ship and later picutes were taken at the Gatun Locks (the first picture while on land is a picture of a big red tanker) while tour and following those pictures it was on to an Indian Village. Please use the "Slide Show" mode to for the best viewing of the pictures.

 

http://cid-b7aec1ebf27abfaf.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Vacation%20Photos/Galaxy%20Cruise%202005%20Panama%20Canal/B%20Panama%20Canal%2001.JPG

[Jeff in Torrance]

The best view and experience is in going through the locks.

[Richard in Panama]

Of course the best view is from the deck of a cruise ship. Second best is the Canal Ferry Tour. Third best is from Miraflores Visitor Center IF you are there when a ship is actually in the locks. A lot of the time there aren't ships actually in the locks. A good cab driver or tour operator will call ahead and get you there when ships are scheduled to be in the locks. There is a recorded number that you can call to know when ships will be in the locks each day.

 

Regards, Richard

[Cornishpastyman1]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering, for those of you who have experience with this... if you are standing on the shore, can you really, truly get a good view of the operations of the locks, or is it something that you need to see from the ferry in the canal?

 

These show the lock operations quite close up

 

[KimisAwesome]

Thanks for all the advice!!!

 

GREAT pics, Sptrout!

[BillB48]

The best way to view the lock operations would from your cruise ship, if that is not possible then viewing the operations from the ferry tour is absolutley a great second choice. You get to see so much more than the operations at the locks... you will get to see the operations at two locks. Plus you will get to sail through Gaillard Cut where the bulk of the excavation took place in the constuction of the Canal, get an up close look at the third locks Canal expansion...... all from the ferry! Not trying to sell the land tour of the locks short, but you would get a lot more from the ferry tour. Enjoy!