Shortly after the Pedro Miguel Locks you'll
fly alongside the famous Culebra Cut, which
is a relatively short, narrow and winding
passage. The Cut accommodates only one ship
at any given time, and due to the continual
flow of traffic passengers are almost assured
of seeing a vessel transiting through this
portion of the Canal.
Just after passing the Culebra Cut, with the
Canal still to your left, you'll then fly
over one of Panama's most celebrated birding
locations, the Canopy Tower. The Canopy Tower
can be seen nestled among the lush, verdant
mountainside. Its' distinctive dome roof peaks
just above the surrounding trees, which is
home to one of the most abundant and varied
bird populations in the region.
Continuing along the same path, still at low
level flight, the newly built Gamboa Rainforest
Resort and the Chagres River, which empties
into the Canal, will appear. Ample opportunity
exists, as always, for those interested in
taking photographs.
Shortly after passing Gamboa Resort the Canal
turns to the left en route to Gatun Lake.
Dotted with countless small islands, the Canal
at this point is still relatively confined
and offers breath-taking sights. As the helicopter
flies just above the treetops you'll feel
exhilarated and poised for your journey home.
Just prior to entering into Gatun Lake your
helicopter will turn left and cross over the
Panama Canal for the first time, heading towards
Panama City.
You'll begin your return to Panama City by
climbing to approximately 1,300 feet, where
you will stay for the remainder of your flight.
As you return to the city, The Panama Canal
will remain on your left side for what remains
of your flight, or until you reach the Bridge
of the Americans. Both sets of Locks will
appear out the left side of your helicopter,
as will Gamboa Resort and the Canopy Tower,
but from a much higher elevation.
When you reach the bridge, who's construction
began on October 12, 1959, you can overlook
la Calzada de Amador and the Bay of Panama.
You'll have an expansive view and should be
able to see Taboga Island in the distance
and Panama City. The Causeway, or La Calzada
de Amador as it is known, is frequently visited
by local Panamanians and tourists alike, and
will soon be home to a new cruise port, enabling
passengers to disembark and enjoy many of
Panama's numerous offerings.
Shortly after making the loop around the Bridge
of the Americas, the helicopter will return
back to Albrook Airport, or to where your
flight began. Descending slowly, as your trip
comes to an end, the helicopter will pass
alongside the Panama Canal Commission Building,
which sits neatly on the ridge overlooking
the airport, bridge and Canal.
ONE HOUR PANAMA CANAL TOUR
The one hour Panama Canal tour is an extension
of the 30 minute tour mentioned above, thus
the first and last 15 minutes are the same.
An additional 30 minutes are added permitting
you to reach the Atlantic coast and view other
areas of interest.
Shortly after passing Gamboa Resort the helicopter
will veer left and head straight towards Gatun
Locks, which is the only set of Locks situated
on the Atlantic side of the Canal. While en
route, the helicopter will fly relatively
low compared to the first portion of your
trip, flying over lush rainforest, small islands,
bays and shallow water. In this particular
area sightings of crocodiles and manatees
are common, but not guaranteed. About midway
between Gamboa Resort and Gatun Locks the
Canal opens dramatically, allowing passengers
to view the vast network of rivers and inlets
that make up the Panama Canal. Truly a spectacular
sight!
Gatun Locks will be soon become visible ahead
and towards the left. The helicopter will
pass the Locks to the left and make one loop
around the Locks, and at the same time fly
by the Gatun Dam, which is located just to
the northwest of the Gatun Lake. On a clear
day you should be able to see the city of
Colon. Due to flight restrictions, all flights
that cross over the Locks must be done at
a minimum of 2,500 ft., however, you will
have ample time to see the Locks, which differ
in many ways to the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel
Locks you pass earlier. You’ll then return
south, en route to Panama City, keeping the
main shipping channel on the right side. Once
again, we will climb to1300 ft, as we pass
over shallow water, islands, and inlets.
ONE HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTE PANAMA CANAL TOUR
The one hour and twently minute Panama Canal
tour is a further extension of the one hour
tour mentioned above, thus the first and last
30 minutes are relatively the same. An additional
20 minutes are added permitting you to fly
along the Caribbean Coast, in particular the
area just to the west of Colon city.
After passing the Gatun Locks you’ll head
further northwest toward the point where Fort
Sherman is located. An old US Army base, the
helicopter will keep the base to the left
as it flies along the coast. After reaching
the point we’ll turn left and head to the
southwest, at breathtaking sealevel flight,
towards Fort San Lorenzo, which is also situated
on a point overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Adjacent to the Chagres River, Fort San Lorenzo
is one of Panama’s most frequented ruins.
Different in layout when compared to Fort
Portobelo, Fort San Lorenzo contains numerous
internal chambers and walkways, as well as
wide open spaces. Photographic opportunities
abound here, as they do throughout your trip.
After passing the Fort you’ll turn left and
head straight up the Chagres River. Flying
low, you’ll be treated to a close up view
of the river below and the lush green forest
that straddles both sides. This river continues
southeast, until it reaches the Gatun Dam.
At that point your head back towards Panama
City, following the same route mentioned above
in the one hour tour.
