PANAMA CITY ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
On the PAPI: A high‑speed Panama Canal run to Monkey Islands and the sloth habitat
A 5-hour Panama City excursion that combines a high-speed motorboat ride through the Panama Canal aboard The PAPI with stops at Monkey Islands and a jungle trek to look for monkeys and sloths.
On the PAPI: A high‑speed Panama Canal run to Monkey Islands and the sloth habitat.
From the churn of The PAPI's wake to the hush of understorey vines, this 5-hour eco tour threads the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake to deliver close wildlife encounters and a short jungle trek — all accessible from Panama City.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
High-speed boat through the Panama Canal
Hop aboard The PAPI and run alongside the big vessels transiting the Panama Canal for an energetic, photo-ready approach to Gatun Lake and the surrounding islands.
Monkey Islands and canopy residents
The tour visits Monkey Islands and nearby shorelines where guides point out capuchins, howlers, tamarins, sloths and a variety of birds.
Short jungle trek and a hands-on stretch
A walk into the jungle lets you move beneath the canopy, scan flora and fauna, and even try swinging from vines in the spirit of Tarzan before sampling traditional snacks.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
The day starts on The PAPI for a brisk canal and lake passage, slows for close-up observation at Monkey Islands, then shifts ashore for a guided jungle walk punctuated by wildlife viewing, vine-swinging and a pause for local snacks — with options for morning or afternoon departures and round-trip pickup from Panama City.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion lasts five hours and is offered with morning and afternoon departures; pickup and drop-off from Panama City are provided.
The tour includes a high-speed motorboat ride aboard The PAPI, wildlife viewing at Monkey Islands, a jungle walk, and traditional snacks such as empanadas and fresh pineapple; binoculars are provided for bird-watching.
The operator runs the tour in all weather and provides military-grade jungle ponchos when needed; bring quick-dry clothing and footwear suitable for a short jungle trail.
Tours operate with up to 18 people, so expect a small-boat group dynamic.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Monkey & Sloth Habitat Tour?
The tour is five hours long.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting location is Gatun Lake, Panama City.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Keep an eye out for capuchin and howler monkeys, tamarins, sloths and various bird species such as toucans during the canal and island portions of the tour.
Does the tour run in the rain?
Yes — the operator runs in all weather and provides military-grade jungle ponchos if it rains.
Are food or snacks provided?
Traditional snacks are provided, including empanadas and fresh pineapple.
What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 18 people.