Panama Canal Helicopter Tours

The ultimate experience is to fly over the Panama Canal in a helicopter tour. Soar through the sky and see the impressive Panama City Skyline, as you head over the Panama Canal, Gamboa Lake, Culebra Cut, Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun Locks, and even go as far as the Fort of San Lorenzo in the Caribbean coast of Panama!

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There are several options for doing a Panama Canal Helicopter Tour: thirty minutes, one hour and one hour and twenty minutes. Prices depend on the helicopter that is chosen, on time and the amount of passengers.

Canopy Tower Lodge

Thirty Minute Panama Canal Helicopter Tour: is the shortest and most economic option to see the Panama Canal from a bird’s perspective. Fly 800 feet above Panama City and to your left side you will see the impressive Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. This special view will give you a better understanding of how the locks system works, as you see cargo ships, oil tankers, and cruise ships crossing.

After passing the Pedro Miguel Locks you will reach the Culebra Cut, which is the shortest par of the Panama Canal and the Canopy Tower, an old radar tower, converted into a popular birdwatching hotel and destination. Surrounding the Canal path you will see the Canal Expansion work and then a lush tropical rainforest.

Along the same path you will reach the Gatun Lake and fly over the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. This area is great for taking photography, since the Lake and the River have countless islands, and it is even possible for you to see the wildlife from above!

Gatun Light House

As you return to the city, the helicopter will reach a higher elevation of 1,300 feet. As you head into the city you will see the skyline, the Amador Causeway, Taboga Island, the Bridge of the Americas and the Bay of Panama! You will slowly descend into the Albrook airport, ready to share your amazing photos of your Panama Canal Helicopter Tour with your friends and family!

One Hour Panama Canal Helicopter Tour: is similar to the half an hour tour, with the exception that you get to see the Panama Canal complete, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean! After passing Gamboa, the helicopter will turn left and head straight towards the Gatun Locks, which is the only set of locks in the Atlantic side. The flight to this area offers a truly spectacular sight! You will see lush rainforest, small islands, bays, shallow water, and even crocodiles and manatees on most trips!

The Gatun Locks will be visible to your left, as you loop around the locks and fly above the Gatun Dam. On a clear day it is possible to see Colon City. Because of security reasons, the helicopter has to fly above 2,500 feet to cross the locks, but you will have plenty of time to see them. Return to Panama City, keeping the main shipping channel on the right side. Once again, the helicopter will descent 1300 ft, as we pass over shallow water, islands, and inlets.

San Lorenzo Fortc

One Hour and Twenty Minutes Panama Canal Helicopter Tour: is similar to the one hour Panama Canal Helicopter Tour, with an additional 20 minutes that will allow you to fly over the Caribbean Coast west of Colon! After passing the Gatun Locks you will head northwest towards Fort Sherman, a former US Army base. Then you will head southwest, to Fort San Lorenzo, an old colonial fort situated on a point overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Fort San Lorenzo contains numerous internal chambers and walkways, as well as wide open spaces. Photographic opportunities abound here, as they do throughout your trip!

Pass the Fort and continue up the Chagres River, flying low to get a close view, until you reach the Gatun Dam and follow the same path than in the one hour tour.

To book a Panama Canal Helicopter Tour contact Panama Travel Group or