Gamboa
Mid-way through the transit of the Panama Canal is the town of Gamboa. Enjoy the relatively undisturbed rainforest where iguanas, crocodiles and many other species can be viewed. And birdwatchers can experience one of the premiere bird watching sites in Central California.
Panama City
The sights of Panama City are many, but much of it can be seen on foot. The Plaza de Francia is dedicated to the 22,000 workers who perished while building the Panama Canal. The ruins of the Church of Santo Domingo features an arch that has stood unsupported for hundreds of years. The golden altar of the Church of San Jose is the only original piece of architecture completely in tact after the Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed the city. There are many museums to explore in Panama City including: the newly restored Museum of Religious Art; the Museum of the History of Panama; the Atnthropology Museum; and the Museum of Natural Science. At Panama Viejo, view all the remains of the city’s original site.
Gatun Lake (Panama)
This small family recreational area is used by residents of the Atlantic community and employees of the Panama Canal Commission. While ashore experience folk dances and entertainment, marvel at excellent handicrafts or just relax. Nature walks are available from the club every hour and last from 30 to 40 minutes. The small lagoon is reputed to be home to an alligator. A local expert who will point out the flora and fauna of the area will accompany you. Gatun Lake abounds with fresh water peacock bass - avid fisherman may wish to join the fishing excursion. Go on wildlife watching expedition by boat and sail along the shore in search of the area's myriad species of birds, caiman, howler monkeys, and sloths. Visit Mono Island with its three capuchin monkeys. Another outstanding opportunity is to see Gatun Locks and the ships passing through. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, the Chagres River and surrounding rain forest.
Panama Canal
Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.
Mid-way through the transit of the Panama Canal is the town of Gamboa. Enjoy the relatively undisturbed rainforest where iguanas, crocodiles and many other species can be viewed. And birdwatchers can experience one of the premiere bird watching sites in Central California.
The sights of Panama City are many, but much of it can be seen on foot. The Plaza de Francia is dedicated to the 22,000 workers who perished while building the Panama Canal. The ruins of the Church of Santo Domingo features an arch that has stood unsupported for hundreds of years. The golden altar of the Church of San Jose is the only original piece of architecture completely in tact after the Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed the city. There are many museums to explore in Panama City including: the newly restored Museum of Religious Art; the Museum of the History of Panama; the Atnthropology Museum; and the Museum of Natural Science. At Panama Viejo, view all the remains of the city’s original site.
This small family recreational area is used by residents of the Atlantic community and employees of the Panama Canal Commission. While ashore experience folk dances and entertainment, marvel at excellent handicrafts or just relax. Nature walks are available from the club every hour and last from 30 to 40 minutes. The small lagoon is reputed to be home to an alligator. A local expert who will point out the flora and fauna of the area will accompany you. Gatun Lake abounds with fresh water peacock bass - avid fisherman may wish to join the fishing excursion. Go on wildlife watching expedition by boat and sail along the shore in search of the area's myriad species of birds, caiman, howler monkeys, and sloths. Visit Mono Island with its three capuchin monkeys. Another outstanding opportunity is to see Gatun Locks and the ships passing through. Visit Fort San Lorenzo, the Chagres River and surrounding rain forest.
Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.
