Top 9 luxury & private things to do in Gamboa

1. Half-day tour of the Panama Canal and Old City

Four hours of private guided exploration — the Panama Canal and a walking tour of Old City with highlights like the Cathedral and historic squares.

2. Private Panama City and Canal tour

Four hours exploring Panama City and the Panama Canal, with personal guide and transport for a tailored experience.

3. Private airport, port, or hotel transfer service in Gamboa

Convenient and reliable transfer service covering airport, port, or hotel connections in Gamboa, accommodating special requests when possible.

4. Ecotour of Gatun Lake and an Indigenous Village visit

Private boat tour through Gatun Lake, observing wildlife and visiting an Indigenous village, led by an experienced guide with 21 years of expertise.

5. Private fishing trip on Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal

A full day of private fishing on Gatun Lake, with access to diverse fishing scenarios and a variety of baits.

“This fishing experience was excellent. We opted for a pickup from our Casco Viejo hotel, which made for a comfortable 45-minute drive to Gamboa, where we met Rene, our guide for this private fishing adventure. His quick, well-equipped boat provided cover and he took us straight to the best spots in Gatun Lake. We quickly caught several bass and even an Oscar, practicing catch and release. Rene was patient and an exceptional guide. On our return, he also showed us a spot to see some monkeys. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable outing that I would love to experience again. Rene even shared high-quality photos and a video from our trip. I highly recommend him and this fishing tour.”— murray l

6. Private tour of Agua Clara and Gatun Locks on the Panama Canal

Three-hour private tour — visit the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center for views of Neo-Panamax ships and Gatun Lake with a certified guide.

“The information provided was excellent. The guide effectively aligns the timing of lock visits with the arrival of large ships. The program can be tailored to some extent based on preferences.”— Sylvia_H

7. Private airport transfer from Tocumen Airport to Gamboa

Smooth 24/7 transfers from Tocumen Airport to Gamboa in a private air-conditioned vehicle, accommodating up to five passengers.

“Amber Moon is a highly professional and reliable service. I arranged airport transfers to Gamboa and back, and the payment process through Paypal was straightforward, receiving vouchers immediately. The drivers were punctual, friendly, and professional. They provided helpful information prior to my arrival and the day before my return. Overall, I was very satisfied with the service. Nathalie Mori”— Nath007Nice

8. Beach day at Santa Clara with seafood dining

A full day at Santa Clara beach, two hours from Panama City — enjoy white sands, seafood meals, and facilities like bathrooms and changing rooms.

“They often say that the journey matters more than the destination, and my trip to Playa Santa Clara was a testament to that. My guide Mike took pride in sharing his extensive knowledge about the landmarks and towns we encountered en route to the beach. Upon arriving in Santa Clara, he coordinated with the restaurant staff to get my wristband for the amenities. I was in search of a more genuine experience than what I anticipated in Coronado, and I certainly found it. The ranchitos, which were thatched-roof huts equipped with a picnic table and hammock, offered a refreshing alternative to the typical beach umbrella and chair setup. The crowd was modest that Wednesday, consisting mostly of families on school vacation. The water was pleasantly warm, and even with the surprisingly high tides, I felt safe swimming. The food at the restaurant was delicious. I initially didn't know that corvina was sea bass and opted for salmon instead, but I regret not trying the corvina, as it's a local specialty. Mike was proactive and arrived early, allowing us to beat the afternoon traffic. All in all, it was a fantastic experience. While I covered the cost for myself, I highly recommend this authentic Panamanian beach excursion to couples, friends, and families.”— Tony_H

9. Private tour of Miraflores Locks, Sloth Sanctuary and Gamboa rainforest

Seven hours, private transport — visit Miraflores Locks, a Sloth Sanctuary, and zip line through Gamboa Rainforest with an experienced guide.

“Jose, our guide, was knowledgeable, punctual, and a good communicator. He arranged our tickets in advance, which was efficient, and he was also a competent driver. However, the overall experience didn't justify the cost and the promotional material was misleading, as we expected a private tour. The Panama Canal was certainly interesting, but having a guide felt unnecessary since we were with the larger crowd, and we ended up with a poor viewing position. Despite arriving early, we missed out on the best spot and had to rush to the IMAX movie, which wasn’t needed as all seats were good. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but we felt rushed and didn't enjoy it fully. The sloth sanctuary was disappointing—we waited for a big group, and the tour was underwhelming with minimal interaction and just a few sleeping sloths. Zip lining was fun, but we had to wait for other large groups as well, making the guide's presence less essential since there were lockers available. Overall, this "private" tour didn't meet our expectations, and we could have saved money doing it independently.”— HLG305