Contact a local tour company like Almiza Tours, Canal and Bay Tours or Panama Jones to investigate their options for full-day or half-day tours of the canal. You must book a trip with a tour company, as there is no local public ferry service nor are personal boats allowed on the canal. Almiza regularly offers full-day trips. Panama Jones offers a multi-day "Panama at a Glance" package with hotel stays along the canal. Canal and Bay Tours offers both full-day trips and the more popular half-day trips.
Make a reservation for your ferry trip by paying the appropriate tour company directly.
Check your reservations to see if they include free transport to the departure point. If you need to arrange your own transportation, ask your hotel desk to call a cab to take you to Flamenco Marina. Be sure to allow enough time to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the ferry's departure.
Be sure to bring all necessary supplies for the length of your journey---some full-day itineraries can be up to 12 hours long. In addition to a camera, remember to bring any medication you may need plus snacks (if your ticket doesn't include refreshments).
Board the ferry and find a comfortable seat (seats are not assigned). Ask about available translations for the tour narration to ensure you will hear directions and tour information in a language you understand.
When you get to a stopping point, disembark and explore, but be sure to take your personal belongings with you. Also be sure to confirm the next departure time so you can re-board well in advance. Choose a new seat for a different view of the canal.
When the tour finishes, hail a cab and present your hotel's address to the driver. If you're unsure of the city's layout---or your Spanish-language skills---ask your hotel's concierge to write down the address in Spanish.
