Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary with Monkey Island Boat Cruise

Top rated operator ★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,093+ reviews
Panama City, Panama

Meet rescued sloths up close at the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, then cruise Gatun Lake to spot monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical wildlife — with hotel pickup and admission included.


Free cancellation

Full refund up to 12 hours in advance

Book now & pay later

Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

Duration 5 hours

Tuesday to Sunday · 7:00 am and 1:00 pm

Live tour guide

English · Spanish

Easy activity

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels

Meeting point

Your Panama City hotel

We pick you up directly at your hotel lobby. Covers all locations within Panama City and Playa Bonita Area.

TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice ★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,093+ reviews Across all Panama Vibes tours · verified

Full description

Meet rescued sloths up close at the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, learn about conservation efforts, and then enjoy a scenic boat ride on Gatun Lake to spot monkeys, birds, and rainforest wildlife

. Perfect for nature lovers and families looking for an easy and immersive jungle experience from Panama City.
No language barriers: Enjoy the tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
Travel in comfort: Air-conditioned transportation to and from Gamboa included.
Wildlife-focused: Spot monkeys, birds, and other rainforest species on Gatun Lake.
Door-to-door: Stress-free hotel pickup and drop-off from Panama City included.

Includes

Certified English-speaking tour guide.
Sloth Sanctuary admission — meet rescued sloths up close.
Monkey Island boat cruise on Gatun Lake.
Private A/C transport (SUV, minivan, or sedan) throughout the tour.
Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Cold bottled water.
Lunch.
This is not a Panama Canal transit tour — the boat does not go through the locks.

Itinerary

Typical itinerary — order may vary to ensure the best tour flow.

Panama City — Hotel Pickup

Comfortable pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle before heading towards Gamboa.

Private vehicle · ~30 min

Gamboa — Board the Boat

Arrive where the Canal meets the Chagres River and board a covered boat for our eco-cruise through picturesque waters and lush rainforest.

Departure point

Gatun Lake & Monkey Islands

Cruise alongside massive ships and visit the Monkey Islands to spot capuchins, howlers, and tamarins — plus crocodiles and exotic birds.

Boat cruise, wildlife spotting · 1.5 hours · Admission included

Return to shore · ~15 min

Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary

Meet rescued sloths up close while your guide explains their behavior, conservation, and natural habitat. A unique and unforgettable encounter with Panama's most beloved wildlife.

Guided visit · 1 hour · Admission included

Private vehicle · ~30 min

Centennial Bridge (Pass By) & Return to Hotel

Enjoy panoramic views of the Gaillard Cut and the Panama Canal locks from the bridge on our way back — dropped off at your hotel.

Important information

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Involves flat walking paths at the Sloth Sanctuary and boarding a covered boat — easy-paced and suitable for most travelers.
  • Not available on Mondays.

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes for the sanctuary paths.
  • Insect repellent — strongly recommended for the rainforest environment.
  • Hat and sunscreen for sun protection during the boat cruise.
  • Light rain jacket — useful in case of tropical showers on the water.
  • Camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting.

Have a question about this tour? Contact us before booking — we're happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to touch or hold a sloth?

No. To protect the well-being of these rescued sloths, physical contact is not permitted. You will get to see them very up-close, learn from their caretakers, and take amazing photos — always respecting their space and safety.

What is the difference between the Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island?

At the Sloth Sanctuary, you will see rescued sloths in a controlled environment where sightings are guaranteed. On Monkey Island, we navigate Gatun Lake to observe several species of monkeys in their completely wild, natural habitat.

How much time is spent at each location?

We spend approximately 1 hour at the Sloth Sanctuary, and the boat cruise on Gatun Lake to see the monkeys lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes — this tour is great for families and travelers of all ages. The walking paths at the sanctuary are flat and the boat ride is calm. Please note it is not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the paths and boarding the boat.

What should I wear or bring on the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Don't forget your camera — a light rain jacket is also useful for any tropical showers during the boat cruise.

From
$159 per person
Free cancellation
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/ 2. Date / 3. Checkout
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Tour with Hotel Pickup & Return

Pickup area

Covers all locations within Panama City and Playa Bonita area.

$159 / p.p. Kids from $129
Free cancellation up to 12 hours before the experience starts
Book now, pay later — reserve your spot and pay nothing today

Need help?   +507 666 89976  ·  hello@panamavibestours.com

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