Colón, Panama

Flora & Fauna of the Panama Canal

Learn About the Canal Ecosystem and Watch for Local Wildlife Discover expansive rain forest jungle during an invigorating boat ride through the Panama Canal. Speed through the heart of this manmade wonder, one of the most difficult engineering projects in human history. Your vessel will reduce its speed as you reach your destination, Gatun Lake—a large artificial lake created when the Gatun Dam was built during the early 20th century. Its verdant islands and surrounding waters are habitats for an array of flora and fauna. Your trained naturalist guide will talk about this delicate ecosystem and point out wildlife. Sail past stumps of mahogany trees peeking out above water teeming with fish, caimans, crocodiles and turtles. Keep watch for capuchin and howler monkeys cavorting above you in the trees. The jungle is also home to three-toed sloths, butterflies and many species of birds, such as toucans. At the end of your tour, you will transfer back to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.