Panama Canal: Wildlife Boat Safari & Casco Viejo Brunch

Summary

Wildlife close up on Gatun Lake then flavors of Casco Viejo

You’ll glide through Gatun Lake spotting monkeys and sloths up close before sharing a traditional Panamanian brunch in historic Casco Viejo. Expect real wildlife encounters, friendly local guides who know every sound in the trees, and flavors you might never have tried before—all with pickup included so you can just relax into it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how quiet it got when our boat left the main Panama Canal route—just the hum of the motor and a few distant bird calls. I’d seen photos of Gatun Lake before but didn’t expect to feel so small out there, with those giant ships sliding past and then suddenly nothing but jungle. Our guide, Roberto, kept pointing out things I would’ve missed: a flash of green that turned out to be an iguana sunning itself, capuchin monkeys leaping between branches like they owned the place (which I guess they do). Someone behind me gasped when a basilisk lizard actually ran across the water—like, literally ran. I almost missed it because I was fiddling with my binoculars.

I’m not sure what I expected from a “wildlife safari” on a canal famous for cargo ships, but this was way more about the animals than the engineering. We drifted into these narrow channels where you could smell wet leaves and something sweet—maybe mangoes? Roberto handed around some local fruit he’d brought; sticky fingers everywhere. The air felt thick, almost heavy, but in a good way. There was this moment when we all just sat quietly watching a sloth move (very slowly) above us. Nobody talked for once.

Afterwards, we headed back to Casco Viejo for brunch at El Nacional. It’s one of those old colonial buildings with high ceilings and tiles that look like they’ve seen everything. The table was already set with carimañolas and hojaldres—I still don’t know how to pronounce half of what we ate but it didn’t matter because everything disappeared fast. Li laughed when I tried to order coffee in Spanish; probably butchered it. The pollo guisado was my favorite—tender and kind of spicy—and there were fresh juices that tasted like sunshine (corny but true). If it rains, they just move everyone inside, so no worries there.

I keep thinking about that quiet stretch on Gatun Lake—the way the jungle pressed in and you couldn’t tell where water ended or land began. Not sure if I’ll ever see monkeys that close again or taste cheese quite like that queso blanco. So yeah… if you’re looking for something real in Panama City, this day trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Panama Canal boat safari and brunch

• Pick up in Panama City
• Board covered motorboat at Gatun Lake
• Wildlife safari on Panama Canal
• Cruise around islands and Monkey Islands
• See capuchins, howlers, tamarins, and more
• Enjoy traditional Panamanian brunch in Casco Viejo
• In case of rain, dine indoors at Restaurante El Nacional

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Panama Canal wildlife tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Panama City are included.

What animals can you see on the Gatun Lake boat safari?

You may spot capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, tamarins, sloths, iguanas, toucans, crocodiles, and basilisk lizards.

Does the tour include lunch or brunch?

Yes, a buffet-style traditional Panamanian brunch is included after the boat safari.

Are vegetarian options available during brunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at brunch.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

If it rains during brunch time, you'll be seated indoors at Restaurante El Nacional with the same menu.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 3+ can join as long as accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

How long is the drive from Panama City to Gatun Lake?

The drive from Panama City to Gatun Lake typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

Who leads the wildlife safari part of the tour?

An English-speaking nature guide leads the wildlife boat safari on Gatun Lake.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Panama City hotels, a covered boat ride on Gatun Lake with binoculars provided for wildlife spotting alongside your English-speaking nature guide, bottled water throughout the morning adventure, plus a traditional buffet-style Panamanian brunch—with fresh juices and coffee—in historic Casco Viejo before returning home relaxed (and full).