- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
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Two oceans. One canal. One extraordinary flight.
Your Panama visit isn't complete without experiencing the world-famous Panama Canal from above. Most helicopter tours—whether in Hawaii or elsewhere in Panama—last just 30 minutes. We provide a full hour, giving you the complete ocean-to-ocean experience.
Departing from Panama City's Albrook Airport, your helicopter lifts off and ascends over this engineering marvel, where the shimmering blue channel slices through Panama's vibrant jungle, creating a mesmerizing fusion of nature and innovation.
As you hover above this vital global trade artery, watch Neo-Panamax ships navigate the intricate lock system with remarkable precision—a choreography of steel and water visible only from the sky.
Upon reaching the Caribbean Sea, history unfolds beneath you. Gaze upon Fort San Lorenzo, a centuries-old Spanish stronghold that once safeguarded South America's riches on their journey to Europe. Then, fly over the Colón Free Zone, the second-largest duty-free port in the world—a true economic powerhouse.
As your return journey begins, behold the majestic skyline of Panama City emerging on the horizon, the iconic Bridge of the Americas, and the vast Bay of Panama, where ships await their turn to traverse this legendary passage between two oceans. Cruise past Amador Causeway, home of the new cruise ship terminal, the iconic Museum of Biodiversity, and the largest convention center in Central America.
Your veteran pilot ensures unparalleled views and picture-perfect moments, while an optional guide enriches your journey with captivating insights into the canal's storied past and modern global significance.
What are you waiting for? Book now!
Trip Outline:
This 1-hour aerial tour follows a carefully planned route that maximizes your sightseeing experience:
Departure - Albrook Airport, Panama City Your journey begins at Panama City's convenient Albrook Airport with a brief safety orientation and introduction to your pilot and aircraft.
Pacific Approach - Miraflores & Pedro Miguel Locks Ascend over the Panama Canal's Pacific entrance, witnessing the famous Miraflores and Pedro Miguel lock systems from an unparalleled aerial perspective.
Gaillard Cut - Through the Continental Divide Fly through the dramatic Gaillard Cut where the canal slices through Panama's mountainous spine, surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
Gatún Lake & Gatún Locks Soar over the massive Gatún Lake and observe the impressive Gatún Locks—the largest lock system in the canal.
Caribbean Coast - Fort San Lorenzo Reach the Caribbean Sea and circle the historic Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Spanish colonial era.
Colón Free Zone Aerial views of the world's second-largest duty-free port, showcasing Panama's role as a global trade hub.
Return Journey - Panama City Skyline Follow the canal back to the Pacific, taking in Panama City's modern skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, Amador Causeway, and the ship-filled Bay of Panama.
Landing - Albrook Airport Return to Albrook Airport with a lifetime of memories and photographs.
Trip Includes:
✅ One hour helicopter flight time
✅ Bose noise-cancelling headset for each passenger with intercom and flight commentary
✅ Professional pilot commentary and guided tour (English or Spanish)
✅ Cold bottled water for all passengers
✅ Ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal route
✅ Departure and return from Albrook Airport, Panama City
✅ Safety briefing and orientation
✅ Other language commentary available upon request with our guide
❌ Hotel pickup and drop-off (Albrook Airport is easily accessible)
❌ Gratuities for pilot/guide (optional but appreciated)
❌ Personal travel insurance
❌ Food and snacks (no outside food allowed in helicopter)
❌ Professional photography services (you're welcome to use your own camera/phone)
Duration: a full 60 minutes (one hour) trip in the air. The flight takes off from Albrook Airport in Panama City and returns to same location.
Live tour guide commentary in English & Spanish. Others on request.
You will be flying with Captain Bonfante, one of the most experienced pilots in Central America.
Captain Bonfante is fluent in both Spanish and English and has flown VIP's from around the world including tech tycoons to their yachts, famous sports figures, European royal families.
You captain for your trip is dedicated to making your tour a memory for a lifetime.
The EC-130 B4 helicopter you will be flying in is designed for VIP tours and transportation.
The ultra-modern cabin is designed for a low noise signature and has six forward facing passenger seats for optimal sightseeing: 4 seats in back row, two seats in front.
Each passenger has a Bose noise-cancelling headset with pax to pax intercom and tour commentary.
We may substitute another equivalent helicopter depending upon the B4 availability. Also in our fleet we have Bell 407 helicopters that also seat up to six passengers, have a large comfortable cabin and a stable and quiet platform for your Panama Canal Tour.
How Does the Panama Canal Work?
https://youtu.be/hoQ7RHyG-EA?si=UP1O9y_20kwfkQST
How the Panama Canal Was Built | The Engineering that Built the World (Season 1)
https://youtu.be/zCx7_VzR1Ho?si=P2E_UwJx99NpNksf
How the Panama Canal Impacted Local Tribes and Communities
https://youtu.be/AGTaogmj4lk?si=xSsJaA8j5BBBuzw5
The Panama Canal's Centuries Long History
https://youtu.be/rNtEEOpVNsU?si=_DbzaJ5i4aNq_H5U
Your Hotel
If you have chosen the "Hotel Pickup" option we will pick you up at your hotel 45 minutes before your flight and then return you to your hotel after the flight.
Your Own Driver
We will send you instructions in your reservation confirmation. You MUST be escorted from the airport gate Golfo 1 to the departure area of the helicopter.
✖ DO NOT go to the main passenger terminal at Albrook Airport
Starting Location
Albrook Airport, Panama City
Cocoli, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks
Transiting ships are raised and lowered from Atlantic Ocean to Lake Gatun
Centennial Bridge
Second bridge over the canal and the Culebra Cut (Gaillard Cut)
Barro Colorado Island
Location of The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Aqua Clara and Gatun Locks
Transiting ships are raised or lowered from the Atlantic to Lake Gatun
Fort San Lorenzo
Dating to the 1600's, protecting the treasures of the new world from pirates
Puente Atlántico
Spectacular bridge crossing the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side
Colon and Colon Free Zone
Harbors, terminals and historical city
Lago Alajuela (Madden Lake)
Panama Canal watershed surrounded by lush jungle
Panama City Skyline
Spectacular skyscrapers and towering residential apartment towers
Bay of Panama & ships waiting for transit
Ships large and small waiting for their canal transit to the Atlantic Ocena
Amador Causeway
Home of the Panama Cruise Ship Terminal, Biodiversity Museum and expansive Panama Convention Center.
Arrive back at:
Albrook Airport