The Monkey Island and Gamboa Rainforest Zipline tour is the only trip in the lineup that pairs the classic Monkey Island boat sighting with a full 1.4-kilometer zipline course through the rainforest canopy next to the Panama Canal.

What makes the Monkey Island and zipline tour special?

Every other combo tour adds a walk, a sanctuary or a museum to the boat ride. This one adds genuine adventure: a 10-line, 13-platform zipline circuit soaring between 2 and 35 meters above the forest floor, supported by some of the tallest trees bordering Soberania National Park. It is built for both adults and children, with a full safety briefing before the first platform.

What should I expect on this wildlife and zipline combo?

Two early departures run each day, 6:30 AM or 8:30 AM, maximizing the chance of active wildlife before the day heats up. After a 40-minute drive past the historic Culebra Cut, you board a boat at the Gamboa Public Docks for a cruise along the Chagres River into Gatun Lake, spotting coatis, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and parrots along the way. At Monkey Island, monkeys frequently come close enough to the boat to inspect clothing and bags, which makes for closer encounters than some of the quieter boat-only tours. The zipline course follows, running from a launching platform through all 13 stations in sequence.

Is the Monkey Island and zipline tour worth the higher price?

Yes, if the zipline itself is something you actually want to do, since a standalone zipline experience of this length would often cost close to this on its own, making the bundled wildlife boat ride close to a bonus. It suits adventurous families and anyone who wants their Monkey Island day to include more than wildlife watching. It is not the right choice if heights or ziplines are not for you, since there is no way to skip that portion once you are booked on this particular tour.

What's included on the zipline tour?

Included: hotel pickup and drop-off at Panama City, a bilingual guide, the full zipline tour, the boat tour to Monkey Island, food for the monkeys, all entrance fees, and a water bottle. Not included: food for yourself, and a surcharge for pickup from hotels outside Panama City such as Costa del Este, Santa Maria, Tocumen Airport or Playa Bonita.

How much does the Monkey Island and zipline tour cost?

Listed pricing starts from €167 per person, the highest in the lineup, reflecting both the boat ride and the full zipline course. Confirm the current price and any pickup surcharges before booking.

Getting there and departure times

Pickup is included at your Panama City lodging, with two departure windows, 6:30 AM or 8:30 AM, to choose from at booking. Last-minute bookings require verbal confirmation from the operator's office before the tour is considered confirmed.

Insider tips for the Monkey Island and zipline tour

Choose the earlier 6:30 AM departure if wildlife sightings matter more to you than sleeping in, since animal activity tends to drop off as the morning heats up. Wear closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting a little sweaty in, since the zipline safety harness sits over your clothing for the full circuit. This tour runs rain or shine, so pack accordingly regardless of the forecast.

How does this compare to other Monkey Island tours?

If an adrenaline activity is not what you are after, the Panama Canal Monkey Island wildlife safari covers similar wildlife ground at a far lower price without the zipline. For another add-on built around walking rather than ziplining, see the Monkey, Sloth and Toucan jungle habitat tour. Compare every option on the Monkey Island tours page.