We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 14 Colon Attractions »

Gatun Locks

Colon, Panama
Ranked #1 of 9 attractions in Colon
4.5 of 5 stars 28 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Update attraction details
Write a Review

28 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    22
    5
    1
    0
    0
Date Rating
calgary,alberta
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

The Gatun locks are far far better than the Mirafloes locks. First gatun has 3 locks travelling in both directions. So ships are heading both east and west at the same time. They move the ships up and down 85 feet. Awsome sight to see. Very few tourists and they have a full time tour guide to explain all about... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chicago
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

Quite an experience with a large ship coming right at you. Much better than Miraflores Locks. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Temecula, CA
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were going through the Panama Canal from east to west and stopped at Colon Panama before entering the Panama Canal. We took an excursion the Gatun Locks and got a complete review of the process and some of the history. We also got up close and personal experience of the ships transitioning the locks. (this is not guaranteed, however).... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
florida
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 30, 2012

We took a cruise through the Gatun Locks then got off and toured the actual locks. There are 3 locks that are used to raise or lower a ship 85 feet. The viewing platform has an upper level where you can see ships entering the upper and lower locks. There is also bleacher seating beneath the upper level and you... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
West Midlands
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 20, 2012

Good viewing platforms - uncrowded. English commentary and clean toilets. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jasper20 for Colon
Massachusetts
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 2, 2012
5
people found this review helpful

We were extremely fortunate in our opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal for our first canal viewing. During our two hours on the observation platform, our group of six was joined by no more than ten other visitors the entire time. We felt like we had a private viewing of the canal.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chicago, Illinois
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

See Canal tour; take sun lotion and a hat and plan for a full day! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
usa
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012

It gave you a closer look at the locks than Miraflores... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ginnyBeamer for Colon
Roswell, Georgia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012

A really amazing process as our cruise ships went thru this set of locks along side of a Panamax container ship. You got to see exactly how the locks worked and it is amazing. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 3, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

These locks are located on the Caribbean side of the canal and have a closer view of the operation compared to Miraflores locks. You will need to visit them with a tour guide since the road is no well signed. With the canal expansion this observation deck might be closed in the near future. More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed Gatun Locks also viewed

Fort San Lorenzo
4.5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
Colon, Colon Province
Panama Canal Railway
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Colon, Colon Province
 
Colon and Panama Canal Tour
4 of 5 stars 22 Reviews
Colon, Colon Province
Isla Grande
4 of 5 stars 21 Reviews
Colon, Colon Province
 

Been to Gatun Locks? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Gatun Locks, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »