Top 6 water & beach things to do in Gamboa

1. Embera community visit and waterfall experience near Gamboa

Half-day tour includes a 20-minute canoe ride to the Embera village, cultural insights, and time to swim at a waterfall.

2. 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.

3. Gamboa Rainforest adventure: hiking, boat tour, and ziplining

Half-day tour with hiking and a boat expedition in Gamboa Rainforest, including an optional zipline activity, depending on weather conditions.

“Mike was an outstanding guide. Throughout the hike, he skillfully identified various animals by their calls and ensured that the riverboat trip allowed us to see plenty of wildlife.”— TannerChappel

4. 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

5. Monkey watching and nature walk in Gamboa

Four hours including transport — boat ride on Gatun Lake, easy nature walk in Gamboa rainforest, led by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

“This tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore Panama's ecological landscape. If you're a nature enthusiast eager to see wildlife and plants while avoiding stereotypical tourist experiences, this is the ideal choice. Our guide, Juan, was both knowledgeable and insightful throughout the day, and the small group setting enhanced the experience. Juan collected us from our hotel at a convenient time, and we traveled a short distance to Gambia, where we learned about local wildlife and observed several animals. We also enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant away from the tourist spots. It was truly a wonderful experience.”— Sheetal_G

6. Kayaking on the Chagres River near Gamboa

One hour and twenty minutes of kayaking on the Chagres River with a bilingual guide — spot local wildlife and enjoy a short hike to a historic Embera port.

“Christian, our tour guide, arrived at our hotel punctually and was extremely knowledgeable about the local area, animals, and birds. He was friendly and easy to converse with. The weather was beautiful, and he proactively advised us to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated. Overall, the experience was truly worthwhile, and the adventure certainly does not disappoint.”— V6793YYconnier