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Quick Tips for the Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Center and Locks

When to visit during the day?
It is recommended to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon because around mid-day the canal changes directions that it allows ships to travel.  If you go during this time, there will not be any boats to watch going through the canal.  It’s also less crowded earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon.
Open daily (including holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Admission tickets sold until 5:15 p.m.
Exhibition halls, snack bars and gifts shop open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The restaurant has its own hours, so be sure to check before visiting.
 
Areas available to visit at Miraflores Locks & Visitor Center:
Exhibition area, observation decks (third is a great view!), IMAX 3D movie, gift shop and restaurant.
How much time to spend?
Of course, for everyone it can vary.  I would allow 30-60 minutes for the exhibition area.  I would spend another 30-60 minutes watching the boats pass through (it only takes about 8 or 9 minutes for the canal to fill).  The IMAX 3D video is 45 minutes, so figure an hour there.  Don’t forget the gift shop!  Another 15-30 minutes looking around (they have the softest shirts!).  If you want to go to the restaurant, which will depend on if you get a drink or a meal (the restaurant is expensive and we weren’t hungry, so we didn’t spend any time there).  I HIGHLY recommend watching the movie!!
All in all, not including the restaurant, you should anticipate spending two to three hours total there. 
 
Fees:
Non-residents:  $20 for adults and children aged 6-12 are $12.  Free admission for children 6 and under.
Residents pay a fraction of these fees and may have student and senior discounts. 
Additional:  IMAX 3D History of the Canal Video is $10 per person.

Is it worth it?
Yes!  This experience ended up being much more exciting and neat than I expected!  The IMAX 3D movie really puts the Panama Canal in such an amazing perspective.
 
Note:  Small kids may get bored with this visit, but early teens and older can really get something from this experience.  Of course, all kids are different, so don’t let it stop you from visiting.
 
There are tours of the canal you can purchase, check out the regular sites like Viator, TripAvisor, etc. if you wish to have a more “guided” visit.  There are also options to take a boat tour through the canal.
Do you have any other suggestions for a visit to the Panama Canal?

Watch the Panama Canal action here!

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KD's Korner

KD in a Nut Shell: God, husband, family, awesomeness, saving money, fun, travel, serious, Executive Assistant, laughter, eBay seller, yard sales, organization, integrity, loyalty, love, joy, financial goals, volunteering, church, new experiences, Florida girl, budgeting, board games, bargain hunting, LIVING LIFE!

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