Panama canal excursion

[boxermama]

Has anybody ever taken a taxi to the canal? Is there a quick excursion available with ONLY the canal?

 

If not, is it SAFE to just get off the ship and "wander" for shopping, etc? Keep in mind, we will have a 10 and 11 year old along.

[BillB48]

The short answer to your question is, it is possible to get a cab and get to Gatun Locks, but........ Depends on where your ship docks. In Cristobal, from my experience, taxis to do not have easy access to the pier. There is an excellent shopping area on the pier proper, no problems going there. The shops at the Cristobal pier from my understanding are only open when there is a ship docked there. The other facility, Colon 2000 there are some stores very nearby, those are probably OK and where it would be the easiest to get a taxi. In general Colon is not the place to wander unless you are with a tour or at least in a taxi. Don't judge Panama from what you see in Colon but don't strike out on your own.