The world's largest artificial lake at the time of its creation, Gatun Lake is a crucial part of the Panama Canal's operation.

Its reserves of water provide the millions of liters needed to open the canal's locks, which facilitate the passage of ships. You'll get to know Gatun Lake in the best way possible: on a kayak, provided to you at your first stop, the Rainforest Lodge & Marina. Paddle around and observe the region's abundant wildlife (birds in particular) before heading to Agua Clara Visitor Center, to see the Panama Canal's latest extension — and to witness the famous locks opening and closing in real time.

Energy Level

Duration

5 Hours

Type

ENERGETIC

Accessible

Shore Thing Highlights

Take an air-conditioned ride to Rainforest Lodge & Marina, where you'll rent a kayak to begin your exploration
Glide along Gatun Lake, a mostly freshwater reservoir that forms a major part of the Panama Canal
Keep an eye out for the lake's diverse array of wildlife — it's home to several critical discoveries in the tropical plant and animal kingdoms
Hop over to the Panama Canal's Agua Clara Locks Lookout for an impressive viewpoint of this industrial marvel

Need to know

This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent are highly recommended
This Shore Thing uses double kayaks; solo Sailors will be paired up
Maximum weight for this Shore Thing is 250 lbs

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Kayaking on Gatun Lake & Panama Canal Locks

The world's largest artificial lake at the time of its creation, Gatun Lake is a crucial part of the Panama Canal's operation.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies