Canal Traverse

Boating

By Will Gray

Several companies offer trips on the Panama Canal—a great way to experience the workings of this engineering masterpiece first-hand. Partial transits, which takes you through three locks and the Gaillard Cut to Gamboa by cruise boat and back by bus, go weekly on Saturdays (although check for occasional day changes). Full transits with bus return go once a month, also Saturdays. It is a fascinating experience, especially if you end up following one of the big ships heading through, although some may be put off by the fact the boat is rammed with chattering tourists. A more 'real' way of doing the trip is as a line handler. To do this takes at least week to set up, but is never definite. Ask for boat contacts at the Balboa Yacht club.

Cost

$105 for partial (6hrs), $155 for full (12hrs)