Agua Clara, Atlantic Canal Experience
The expanded Canal, on the Atlantic side.
- Panama City
- Colón
- Agua Clara Locks
- Panama City
- Location
- Colón
Agua Clara is a different Canal experience from Miraflores. On the Atlantic side, near Colón, the locks of the expanded Canal handle Neopanamax vessels, some of the largest ships that cross the isthmus.
From the visitor center you look over the new locks and toward Gatún Lake, with the historic Canal and its expansion in the same story. It is the in-depth Canal day, for travelers who want to understand how the waterway works today.
Know before you go
What is Agua Clara?
- Agua Clara is the Atlantic-side set of locks of the expanded Canal, near Colón.
- It opened with the Canal expansion in 2016 and handles Neopanamax ships.
- Its visitor center looks over the new locks and toward Gatún Lake.
Why it matters: It shows the Canal as it works today, at its largest scale.
What is Miraflores?
- The Miraflores Locks are on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, close to Panama City.
- Ships are raised or lowered in two steps between the Pacific and Miraflores Lake.
- The visitor center has observation terraces right beside the lock chambers.
Why it matters: It is the easiest way to watch the Canal at work, a short drive from the city.
What is Gatún Lake?
- Gatún Lake was formed in the 1910s when the Chagres River was dammed to build the Canal.
- Ships cross it for part of their transit between the two oceans.
- Its islands are former hilltops, covered in rainforest.
Why it matters: It is where the Canal and the rainforest meet.
Tell us what you’re planning.
Share what you know so far. A local coordinator will come back with questions, options and a proposal.
The Going To Panama team, here in Panama
Your request is with our team.
A local coordinator will reply by email or WhatsApp with the next steps.