What a partial transit is
A partial transit is a boat tour through part of the Panama Canal. You do not cross from ocean to ocean. Instead you pass through some lock chambers and sail along the Culebra Cut. The published route covers the Miraflores Locks, the Pedro Miguel Lock, the Culebra Cut and the approach to the Pacific entrance. The program runs 5 to 6 hours.
This page uses the 2026 program of one operator as an example. Other operators can differ, so check the description of the tour you pick. The page on map and locks explains the route in detail.
Partial transit prices in 2026
Per person, as published. A tax surcharge is added.
| Traveler | Price | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $220 | Plus 17% as shown on the product page |
| Child, 2 to 5 years | $160 | Plus 17% |
| Baby, 0 to 1 year | $90 | Plus 17% |
| Child, 6 years and older | – | Ask which fare applies |
The operator's FAQ names a lower percentage than the product page, so the final total is not fixed. Ask for the full amount in writing before you pay. A hotel transfer is not automatically part of the price.
Our picks: transit by boat
The six-hour partial transit and the full passage from ocean to ocean.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ocean to ocean: the full canal in one day
An 11-hour passage with breakfast, a lunch buffet, afternoon snacks, unlimited water and soft drinks and a bilingual guide. Other food and drinks are extra, and the return from Colón is by shuttle.
Check availability →
Southbound partial canal transit with lunch
Six hours by boat with lunch, unlimited water and soft drinks and a bilingual guide.
Check availability →Canal boat tours and day trips
Partial and full transits, lake cruises and canal day trips around Panama City, with live prices and availability.
How the day works
The program as published for 2026.
Before the day
The operator confirms your departure time around 5:00 pm the day before and asks you to reconfirm two days ahead. The FAQ names 4:00 pm, so keep your phone and e-mail available from the afternoon.
Meeting point
Boats leave from Flamenco Marina, La Playita or Brisas de Amador, all in the Amador area. The operator tells you which pier. The reverse direction, starting at Gamboa, is also offered, with a bus transfer.
Departure
Most departures fall between 6:00 and 10:00 am. Arrive at the pier on time and keep to the operator's instructions.
On the water
The boat goes through the Miraflores Locks and the Pedro Miguel Lock, sails the Culebra Cut and approaches the Pacific entrance. The guide speaks English and Spanish.
Meals
Lunch is included, as are coffee, water and soft drinks. Breakfast is served depending on the start time. Alcohol costs extra.
What to bring
Bring sun protection and a camera. The Panama sun is strong on the water, and a long day starts early.
Dates in autumn 2026
The 2026 program lists partial transits on Saturdays and Sundays. Status as of 19 October 2026.
| Month | Published dates |
|---|---|
| October | 24, 25, 31 |
| November | 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 |
| December | 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 |
These are dates on a list, not free seats. Check availability when you book.
Partial or full transit
The two boat options side by side, with the same 2026 operator.
| Partial transit | Full transit | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 to 6 hours | 10 to 11 hours |
| Adult price | $220 plus tax | $280 plus tax |
| Route | Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, Culebra Cut | Panama City to Gatún and Colón via Gatun Lake |
| Return | – | Bus included |
| Dates left after 19 October | Weekends | 21 November, 19 December |
Choose the partial transit if you want the locks and a half day. Choose the full transit if you want the lake and the Atlantic side as well. For a shorter, cheaper way to see ships, see the Miraflores Visitor Center.
Water levels and your tour
What the drought rules mean for a visitor.
Daily slots
As of 15 October 2026 the Canal Authority allows 33 daily slots, 10 of them for Neopanamax ships. A shortage of water is the reason.
Draft limit
The maximum draft for Neopanamax ships is 49 feet (14.94 m) until further notice, according to a notice published on 28 September 2026. The notice concerns the largest ships. Whether it affects your tour is for the operator to say.
What it means for you
No general closure of the canal exists. A specific tour can still change because of conditions, so ask the operator what happens if your date moves. The cruise page covers the same rules for ships.
More to plan
Pages that help around your transit day.
Partial transit: frequently asked questions
How long is a partial transit of the Panama Canal?
The 2026 program lasts 5 to 6 hours. Most departures are between 6:00 and 10:00 am, so the tour ends between about 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, depending on your start.
How much does a partial transit cost in 2026?
Adults pay $220, children from 2 to 5 years $160 and babies up to 1 year $90, each plus a tax surcharge. The surcharge is shown as 17% on the product page, so ask for the total before you pay.
Does a partial transit go through the locks?
Yes. The route covers the Miraflores Locks, the Pedro Miguel Lock and the Culebra Cut. It does not cross the whole canal. The lake and the Atlantic side belong to the full transit.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch, coffee, water and soft drinks are part of the program, and breakfast is added depending on the start time. Alcohol is extra.
Is a hotel transfer included?
Not automatically. Boats leave from piers in the Amador area. Check with the operator whether a transfer can be added, and plan an early start.
Does the tour run every day?
No. The autumn 2026 program lists weekend dates only. Book a date from the list and wait for the confirmation the day before.