Gutan locks??

[Beth]

Can anyone recommend a tour to the locks we will be on Colon on a Sunday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.? Thanks for any info. Beth

[cb at sea]

I'm assuming you're doing a partial canal trip....

 

Well, you will see the locks as you go into Lake Gatun! We didn't feel the need to "go to" the locks, since we passed through 3 sets of lock entering the lake. Once you're IN the Lake, that's where any excursions leave from...and you get off the ship (onto tenders) and go on your excursion. Before you return, the ship will go back out of the locks (again, the 3 sets!) and your excursion will meet up with the ship at the dock outside of the canal.

 

For us, staying on the ship IS the excursion! You see everything! Different sides of the ship, different deck levels is key!! And, it doesn't cost a thing, and while the ship is sitting in the lake, it makes a lovely "sea day", with many passengers gone!!

Edited February 12, 2015 by cb at sea

[Richard in Panama]

I would agree with CB on several accounts. Yes, you get the best view of the existing locks from the ship going through. However, you do not see the construction of the new Atlantic Lock complex. The tours include both observation complexes.

 

While I agree with CB that to be on the ship, with half or more of the guests out exploring Panama, is nice, however ... the trip back through the locks on a turn around itinerary is EXACTLY the same. Unless you want to work out in the gym, play Bridge, or something, having seen the same thing 2 hours before isn't very exciting. Not to get off the ship would be like sailing into New York Harbor and never getting off to see the Big Apple, or sailing into Sydney and staying on the ship. You've come all this way, why not see something of Panama???

 

Assuming you are on a turnaround itinerary, you will have to book the tour through the ship. It's the only option. The Canal, like an airport, is a secure area and only pre-screened guides and drivers are allowed in the area where the ship disembarks guests on tour.

 

If on the other hand you ship is just stopping in Colon ... again Colon sucks big time! There is nothing there but a few shops, and you DON'T want to walk around Colon for your own safety. So take a tour. If you haven't seen anything of the Canal, the lock tour might be a good idea (or if you're a little more adventurous get a cab driver to take you out and remain with you until you're ready to come back) or, if you really want to experience something of the Canal, take the Canal Ferry all day tour.

 

Regards, Richard

[BillB48]

Sounds to me with 11 hours in port that this is a port call at Colon and not a partial transit. As far as private tour operators go, there just doesn't seem to be anyone particular that seems to be the go to person for non ship excursions. Have you looked at the ship's offerings? Many ships have excursions that will take you to Gatun Locks and to the visitors center at the construction site of the Atlantic Locks which is about a year away from opening. The visitors center has some good video presentations and a great view as well.

 

You could of course hire a taxi at the shopping center that is connected to the pier. As Richard pointed out Colon is certainly not the place for on your own exploration, but there is nothing inherently unsafe about getting a cab to Gatun Locks. The "down" side to this is you may just getting a ride to and from the locks as many of the cabbies are not the best tour guides in a lot of instances. Just make sure you agree on what you are going to do and a firm price beforehand. You may also want to make sure your driver's English skills are sufficient.

[chamima]

We were just in Colon this past February and did a FABULOUS tour with Robtad's.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294480-d2343952-r198896682-Panama_Canal_One_Day_Tours-Panama_City_Panama_Province.html

I got his name and info from a CC post by Mike Preisman, who posts extensive picture reviews of his cruises.

http://www.thepreismans.com/pan_can_page2.htm

The owner , Roberto, also works for the Panama Canal authority and knows everything about the construction and operation. He took us to see the last new lock before it was put in place and we walked from South America to North America.

 

It was a really wonderful day.

I can't recommend him highly enough!!!!