Entering Canal from Pacific

[Piper934]

I've done a Partial Transit from the Atlantic, under the bridge, into the locks, into Gatun and back out.  Fascinating and had a great time.

 

Doing I full transit starting from the Pacific next.  What stands out from this direction? What sites to look for, etc. 

 

Thanks. 

[CruiserBruce]

As from the Atlantic side, be up early. There are several large developments as you enter the area. The skyline of the cities is pretty. More city oriented views as opposed to the Atlantic side, and a major bridge,  whose name doesn't leap to my mind.

[Essiesmom]

Chances are you ship will either arrive early at the Pacific anchorage, or even spend the night there.  If you are out on deck, you can gawk at the mega-yachts also anchored there...

Then the next thing to note is the Bridge of the Americas, which you will be passing under at Balboa:

 

 

 

A while later, you will see the channel divide.  The new (Cocoli) locks will be to port, but if you not on one of the new large ships, you will keep to starboard and head for the Miraflores Locks

 

 

From then on, you will be occupied with the process of the locks themselves:

 

 

Once through the Miraflores Locks, and the Pedro Miguel Locks, you will pass under the Centennial Bridge:

 

 

From then on, it will be a few hours until you are in Gatun Lake and the Gatun Locks.  Sit back and watch the passing view, looking for crocodiles along the banks...  EM

[BillB48]

IMO entering the Canal from the Pacific in the morning is the more visually interesting of the two approaches.  The Bay of Panama where the Canal begins has numerous islands, the largest of the islands, Taboga  is on the the port side.  As mentioned previously the Panama City skyline is pretty spectacular and not to be missed.  One little unique thing to see is the sunrise.  Hopefully the skies won't be real cloudy and the precise positioning of the ship plays a part... you can see the sun rise in the Pacific and later that evening see it set in the Atlantic.  I don't know of any other place you can do that in the same day without the assistance of a supersonic airplane.  Enjoy!

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

We entered from Pacific early morning in January last year. Very little humidity, no rain, and a mild sunny day. We loved the trip and there was more than enough space to get good views throughout the day. We even saw a morning parade at what appeared to be a navy base. We could hear the band from the ship. There was a presenter on board throughout the morning narrating information about the canal from time-to-time. 

[ski ww]

Thanks for posting pictures of your transit. Next best thing to doing one your self.

[BillB48]

I see that Perico Island had to photo bomb what would have been a great Pacific sunrise!😉  Oh well, just a minor inconvenience😁.