Monkey Island: Day Trips and Tours from Panama City

Discover breathtaking biodiversity in the Soberania National Park along the banks of the Panama Canal during a Monkey Island day tour from Panama City.

Admire the region’s exotic wildlife, explore Lake Gatun on a boat trip and marvel at  the Panama Canal engineering extension. Visit the local Embera people in their villages and learn about their fascinating way of life in Panama’s rainforests.

Here's all you need to know about Monkey Island, one of the most captivating destinations for day trips from Panama City.

What are the best Monkey Island tours from Panama City?

Monkey Island tour from Panama City

Travel by river boat from Gamboa Marina to Monkey Island and observe the different species of monkeys on this day tour from Panama City. For your convenience, morning or afternoon tours are available.

You will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your guide to the Gamboa Marina and transfer to a riverboat on the Chagres River. From Gamboa Marina you will depart on a 35-minute boat cruise on the Chagres River to Monkey Island.

At the island, you will spend around 80 minutes with your guide watching the various species of monkeys.

You will observe the familiar white-faced monkeys, Geoffrey´s tamarinds – a small, red-crested monkey – howler monkeys and lemurine owl monkeys. Learn more about these species from your guide and take the best photographs.

After the island visit, you will sail back to the Gamboa Marina and transfer back to your hotel.

Monkey Island and indigenous community

Go on a laidback private day tour to Monkey Island and explore the amazing biodiversity of Panama’s forests on this trip from Panama City. See the monkeys, other animals and rich birdlife on the Island and along the Panama Canal.

Visit the indigenous Wounaan community along the Chagres River and discover more about their way of life and customs in the rainforest.

Your first major visit is Monkey Island, where you will have the chance to see four species of monkeys and a fine variety of colorful birds. Also look out for other animals such as sloths, iguanas and crocodiles.

You will travel up the Chagres River to visit a traditional Wounaan village, known to be the original weaver craft people of Panama.

They have cultured ways of using their natural environment, in their crafts, their architecture and their means of survival.

Your guide will explain all these aspects and how they have embraced present influences while still adhering to traditional practices. After the tour, there’s a stop for lunch (at your own cost).

Full-day Monkey Island and Indian village tour

On this full-day Monkey Island tour from Panama City you can combine four popular day trips into one day’s adventure.

You will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Gatun, part of the Panama Canal, visit Monkey Island and the Soberania National Park. During the trip, you can spend some time with members of Panama's Embera indigenous people.

For the start of the tour, you can go directly to the meeting point or request pickup from your hotel. You will cruise on Lake Gatun, a large artificial freshwater lake, and explore the Soberania National Park near the Panama Canal banks.

The park boasts over 400 species of exotic birds, and more than 100 species of mammals, so you will see plenty of wildlife.

You will also visit the local Embera people, from whom you can learn a lot about the indigenous plants and its medicinal use in the community.

Which places are visited/seen?

Miraflores Visitor Center/Panama Canal

Here you can find a special Panama Canal experience. From the terraces and observation decks you can see how the big tankers transit through the locks of the Panama Canal.

The center has two levels for watching the Canal’s operation, the transit of ships past the locks and how they are moving. It provides a great opportunity for unique pictures of Panama’s marvel of engineering.

The center also accommodates four exhibition halls illustrating the Panama Canal’s history, its biodiversity and its functioning on the international shipping scene.

Ancon Hill

With views over the Panama Canal, Panama City’s center and the Casco Viejo old town area, the 200 meters high hill is the most popular viewpoint in Panama City.

You will find the climb quite steep up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon), but is along a gradual paved road and takes only 30 minutes. On the way up, you will have glimpses of Panama City through the thick forest.

Watch out for wildlife, including Panamanian guinea pigs.  At the top you will find two viewing platforms with views over Casco Viejo old town, the city center and the ocean.

How much do Monkey Island tours from Panama City cost?

The Monkey Island tour from Panama City and the Monkey Island and indigenous community tour cost US$70 per person.

The full-day Monkey Island and Indian village tour cost US$150 per person.

If your hotel is out of the operators’ range, you will be charged US$20 to cover the round trip transfer.

What is included?

The Monkey Island tours from Panama City include round-trip transportation from Panama City hotels, transport by air-conditioned minivan and a professional guide.

Where does it start?

Tours start with pickup from your hotel in Panama City, unless you go directly to the meeting point. For the full-day Monkey Island and Indian village tour the meeting point is Avenida Central España.

How long does it last?

The duration of the Monkey Island tour from Panama City is 4 hours, the Monkey Island and indigenous community tour lasts 6 hours and the full-day Monkey Island and Indian village tour 7 hours.

When is the best time for a Monkey Island tour from Panama City?

Panama has hot weather all year, with the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Most tourists to Panama visit during the dry season.

Is it safe?

Panama is safe for all kinds of travelers. According to a recent Global Peace Index, Panama is the 4th safest country in the Western Hemisphere out of 163 countries.

Panama City is safe as long as you follow precautions. These tours are not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children of all ages are allowed on these tours but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants must sit on laps or alternatively infant seats are available.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your Monkey Island tour from Panama City in advance.
• US dollars are accepted in Panama along with the Panamanian Balboa (PAB).
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.