The Best Family Tours in Panama (That Your Kids Will Actually Love)
The Best Family Tours in Panama (That Your Kids Will Actually Love)
Introduction
The day my 17-month-old daughter fed a wild monkey from her tiny hand, I knew we’d found something special, the best family tour in Panama.
We were on a boat in the middle of Gatún Lake in Panama, surrounded by lush jungle, when a curious monkey reached out and gently took a piece of banana from Atlas. I’m not going to lie,I teared up. This wasn’t some staged zoo experience or tourist trap. This was real wildlife, treated with respect and care, in their natural habitat.
And it was all thanks to New Leaf Panama Tours.
Before we go any further, I want you to know I created a FULL Panama with kids guide, and it’s free! It includes lodging, itinerary, and the best family tours in Panama.Finding quality, family-friendly tours when you’re traveling with young kids is HARD. You need guides who understand that toddlers have short attention spans, babies need flexibility, and parents need experiences that are both educational AND fun (without the stress).
After two weeks in Panama with Alaska (5) and Atlas (17 months), we tested several tour companies,and New Leaf Panama stood out as the absolute best for families.
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what we did with New Leaf Panama, why their tours are perfect for families with young kids, and how you can book them for your own Panama adventure.
What you’ll learn:
- the best family tours in Panama
- Why New Leaf Panama is the best tour company for families
- Our experience on 3 incredible family-friendly tours
- What our kids loved (and what parents need to know)
- How to book + insider tips
Let’s dive in!
Why New Leaf Panama?
Before I get into the specific tours, let me tell you why New Leaf Panama became our go-to tour company during our Panama trip.
1. Female-Owned & Locally Operated
New Leaf Panama is run by Tereza, a local guide who genuinely LOVES what she does. She’s not just checking boxes on a tour itinerary,she’s sharing her country with families in a way that’s authentic, educational, and deeply respectful of Panama’s culture and wildlife.
2. Animal-First, Conscious Approach
This was HUGE for us. We’re very intentional about the wildlife experiences we choose for our kids, and New Leaf Panama’s approach is all about respecting animals in their natural habitat. Which is why this is one of the best family tours in Panama.
On the Monkey Island tour, Tereza made sure we understood how to interact with the monkeys in a way that was safe for both us AND the animals. No grabbing, no chasing,just gentle observation and feeding when the monkeys approached us on their own terms.
3. Flexible for Young Kids
Traveling with a 5-year-old and a 17-month-old means we need flexibility. New Leaf Panama understood that. Tours were paced perfectly for young attention spans, with plenty of breaks, and Tereza was incredibly patient with our girls. On top of that, we had a private van, and she catered the trip to our interests ( aka what the baby and kid needed lol)
4. Bilingual Guides
Tereza speaks perfect English & Spanish, which made everything so much easier. She explained everything in a way that Alaska (5) could understand, and she was happy to answer our million questions.
5. Easy to Book
Booking was simple,just a WhatsApp message to Tereza, and she handled everything. No complicated forms, no back-and-forth emails. Just easy, personal communication.
Contact New Leaf Panama:
- WhatsApp: +507 6308-9694
- Website: newleafpanama.com
- Instagram: @newleafpanama
Tour #1: Panama Canal (Atlantic Side) – Agua Clara Locks
What It Is
This tour takes you to the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal at the Agua Clara Locks,which is WAY less crowded than the famous Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side. You’ll watch massive cargo ships pass through the locks and learn how this engineering marvel works.
Pro tip: Tereza can customize each tour to fit whatever activities you’d like on each day, so you can combine this with other experiences or do it as a standalone tour!
Why the Atlantic Side is Better for Families
Most tourists visit the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side, which means crowds, long lines, and overstimulation for young kids. The Atlantic side (Agua Clara Locks) is quieter, easier to navigate with kids, and just as impressive.
We watched massive cargo ships pass through the locks, and Alaska was absolutely mesmerized. Tereza explained how the canal works in a way that even a 5-year-old could understand, and we had plenty of space to move around without fighting crowds.
Added perk: There’s a small playground on this side, which is great for the kids to play at while you try to understand the ingenuity behind the canal. (Game-changer for parents who need a break!)
What Our Kids Loved
- Atlas (17 months): Watching the big ships, playing at the playground, snacking (she ate half the fruit we brought!)
- Alaska (5): Learning how the canal works, watching the ships move through the locks, running around the playground
Age Appropriateness
Perfect for all ages! Even Atlas at 17 months was engaged. There’s space to move around, a playground for active kids, and the ships are mesmerizing for toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Pro Tips
- Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller (easier to navigate!) This is
- ours!
- Pack sunscreen and hats (it’s sunny and hot!) My entire travel with kids shop is here
- Bring snacks and water for the kids (there’s a small café, but kid snacks are limited)
- Wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking around the observation deck)
- Book in the morning (cooler weather, less heat exhaustion!)
How Long It Takes
About 2-3 hours (can be combined with Monkey Island for a full-day tour, or done separately)
Tour #2: Monkey Island – Gatún Lake
What It Is
This is a boat tour across Gatún Lake to Monkey Island, where you can interact with wild monkeys in their natural habitat. The monkeys live freely on the island, and you’ll have the chance to feed them and watch them swing through the trees.
Pro tip: Each tour is customized by Tereza, so you can change the order and number of activities. Want to do Monkey Island first and the canal after? No problem!
The Experience: Pure Magic
We took a boat ride across Gatún Lake to Monkey Island. This is where the magic happened.
The island is home to several species of monkeys who live freely in the jungle. As we approached, monkeys started swinging through the trees and coming closer to the boat. Tereza gave us bananas and showed us how to offer them gently.
Atlas (17 months) was sitting on my lap when a small capuchin monkey reached out and took a piece of banana from her hand. She giggled. I cried. Roger got it all on video.
Alaska fed several monkeys and kept saying, “Mom, this is the BEST day ever!”
What Our Kids Loved
- Atlas (17 months): Feeding the monkeys, being on the boat, watching them swing through the trees, AND eating half the fruit we brought (classic toddler move!)
- Alaska (5): Feeding the monkeys, seeing them up close, learning about different monkey species
Age Appropriateness
Perfect for all ages! Even Atlas at 17 months was engaged the entire time. The boat ride is smooth, the monkeys are gentle, and the experience is paced perfectly for young kids.
Pro Tips
- Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller (you’re on a boat!) This is ours!
- Pack sunscreen and hats (it’s sunny on the water!) My entire travel with kids shop is here
- Bring snacks and water for the kids
- Wear water-friendly shoes (sandals or water shoes work great)
- Book in the morning (cooler weather, more active monkeys)
- Bring your camera (you’ll want to capture this!)
How Long It Takes
About 2-3 hours (can be combined with the Panama Canal for a full-day tour, or done separately)
Tour #3: Embera Village Cultural Experience
What It Is
This is a full-day cultural immersion experience where you visit an Embera indigenous village deep in the Panamanian jungle. You’ll travel by motorized canoe up the Chagres River, spend the day with the Embera people, learn about their traditions, eat their food, and participate in their dances.
Why This Tour is Special
This isn’t a “tourist show.” This is a real community welcoming you into their home. The Embera people have lived in the jungle for centuries, and they’re incredibly generous about sharing their culture with visitors.
Tereza has a long-standing relationship with this community, which made the experience feel authentic and respectful,not exploitative.
What We Did
After a scenic 30-minute canoe ride up the river (which the kids LOVED), we arrived at the village and were greeted by the community.
Here’s what we experienced:
1. Traditional Welcome Dance The Embera people performed a traditional dance, and then invited us to join! Alaska jumped right in and danced alongside them. She’s STILL talking about it months later.
2. Body Painting/ Tattoos with Natural Dye The Embera use a natural dye called jagua to create intricate designs on their skin. Alaska got a beautiful design on her arm, and she was SO proud of it.
3. Traditional Lunch We ate a traditional Embera meal,fresh fish wrapped in banana leaves, plantains, and fruit. It was simple, delicious, and we all loved it.
4. Craft Demonstrations We watched artisans weave baskets and carve wooden figures. Alaska was fascinated by the process, and we bought a few handmade crafts to support the community.
5. Swimming in the River After lunch, Alaska swam in the Chagres River. The water was cool and refreshing, and the kids had a blast splashing around.
What Our Kids Loved
- Atlas (17 months): The canoe ride, watching the dancers, splashing in the river
- Alaska (5): Dancing with the Embera people, getting face painted, eating the traditional food, swimming
Age Appropriateness
Great for ages 3+. Atlas at 17 months was a bit young to fully engage, but she still enjoyed the canoe ride and the sensory experience. She also danced, walked and ran around and ate the food, but we know Alaska will remember this, which is what made it to our list of the best family tours in Panama. Alaska at 5 was the PERFECT age,she asked a million questions and was fully immersed.
Pro Tips
- Bring swimsuits (you’ll want to swim in the river!)
- Pack a change of clothes for the kids
- Bring cash if you want to buy handmade crafts (support the community!)
- Wear water shoes or sandals (you’ll be in and out of the water)
- Don’t forget bug spray (jungle = mosquitoes)
How Long It Takes
About 7-8 hours (including pickup/drop-off from your hotel in Panama City)
Booking with New Leaf Panama: What You Need to Know
How to Book
Booking is super easy ( wouldn’t have the title of “the best family tour in Panama” otherwise ):
- Message Tereza on WhatsApp: +507 6308-9694
- Tell her which tours you’re interested in and your travel dates
- She’ll send you pricing and availability
- Confirm and pay (she accepts multiple payment methods)
Pricing
Pricing varies depending on group size and which tours you book. New Leaf Panama is transparent about costs, and there are no hidden fees.
What’s included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Panama City area)
- All transportation (boat, canoe, etc.)
- Entrance fees
- Bilingual guides
- Snacks and water on some tours
What’s NOT included:
- Lunch (on some tours)
- Tips for guides (always appreciated!)
Best Time to Visit
Panama’s dry season is December to April, which is the best time for tours. However, we visited in August / September (rainy season) and still had amazing experiences. Just pack rain jackets and be flexible!
How Long Tours Take
- Monkey Island + Panama Canal: 6-7 hours
- Embera Village: 7-8 hours
- Half-day options: 4-5 hours
Why New Leaf Panama is Worth Every Penny
Look, we’ve done a LOT of tours in a LOT of countries with our kids. And New Leaf Panama ranks in the top 3 experiences we’ve ever had. It’s why we stand by our opinion that they have the best family tours in Panama.
Here’s why:
✅ Authentic, not touristy – These experiences felt real, not staged
👏 Perfect for young kids – Paced well, flexible, engaging
✅ Educational – Our kids learned SO much about Panama’s wildlife and culture
🙏 Safe and respectful – Animal-first approach, culturally sensitive
✅ Easy to book – No stress, just a WhatsApp message
✅ Memorable – Our kids are STILL talking about these experiences months later
If you’re planning a trip to Panama with kids, do not skip these tours. They were the absolute highlight of our trip.
Planning Your Panama Trip? Here’s What You Need
1. Grab Our Free Panama with Kids Guide
We created a complete 80+ page Panama Family Travel Guide with everything you need to plan your trip including the best family tour in Panama with kids:
- Family-tested accommodations in 4 regions
- Activities rated by age group
- Restaurant recommendations (picky eater approved!)
- Packing lists, safety tips, and logistics
- Sample itineraries (1-day to 2-week trips)
2. Essential Gear for Panama Travel
Here’s what we packed (and actually used!):
Our Go-To Travel Stroller: Panama is NOT stroller-friendly (cobblestones everywhere!), but we still brought our compact travel stroller for airports and Panama City.
Our Complete Panama Packing List: Check out our Amazon storefront for everything we packed:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (CRUCIAL for Coiba snorkeling)
- Quick-dry clothes (humidity is no joke)
- Water shoes (rocky beaches + river tours)
- Baby carrier (better than stroller for most activities)
- Bug spray (jungle tours = mosquitoes)
3. Read More Panama Content
4. Join Our Panama Family Retreat!
We loved Panama SO much that we’re bringing families back in June 2026 for a Panama Family Retreat at The Hideaway in Santa Catalina!
Dates: June 30 – July 5, 2026
What’s included:
- 6 nights at The Hideaway
- Curated family activities (including tours with New Leaf Panama!)
- Meals and local experiences
- A community of adventurous families
Family Tours in Panama: Common Questions
What is the best tour company for families in Panama?
New Leaf Panama stands out for families specifically. They are female-owned, locally operated, bilingual, and genuinely structured around making experiences work for children of all ages. The guides have patience with kids, the pace is flexible, and the three core tours, Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and Embera Village, are all genuinely educational and engaging rather than adult-first. For families based in Panama City, New Leaf is the operator we recommend without hesitation.
What is the best tour in Panama for young children?
Monkey Island on Gatún Lake is the single most magical experience for children under 8. You are on a boat watching wild monkeys come to you , not in an enclosure, not on a tour bus, just wild animals making a choice to approach. The Panama Canal tour (Atlantic side) works well for older children who can engage with the engineering story. The Embera Village is appropriate for all ages but most resonant for children old enough to ask questions about culture.
How far in advance should families book tours in Panama?
Book 2 to 4 weeks in advance during high season (December to April) as the best tour operators fill up quickly. New Leaf Panama is bookable via their website at newleafpanama.com. Off-season (May to November) has more flexibility, and the rain actually adds atmosphere to jungle and lake tours without making them unpleasant for families.
Final Thoughts: Book New Leaf Panama!
- Bocas del Toro with Kids
- Boquete, Panama with Kids
- Santa Catalina, Panama with Kids
- Is Panama Safe for Families?
If there’s ONE thing you take away from this post, it’s this:
Book your tours with New Leaf Panama if you want to ensure your family enjoys the best family tour in Panama.
Tereza and her team created experiences that our kids will remember for the rest of their lives. The Monkey Island tour, the Embera Village, the Panama Canal,these weren’t just “things to do.” They were moments that deepened our connection as a family and gave our kids a real understanding of Panama’s incredible wildlife and culture.
Ready to book?
📞 WhatsApp Tereza: +507 6308-9694 🌐 Website: newleafpanama.com 📸 Instagram:@newleafpanama
Tell her we sent you! 💚
What family travel insurance actually costs
We never travel or live abroad without it. Here is the live price from SafetyWing:
Plan Your Panama Trip
- 🏨 Hotels in Panama: Booking.com Panama · Trip.com
- 🐊 Tours & Experiences: GetYourGuide Panama · Klook · Viator
- 🚗 Car Rental (23–54% off): DiscoverCars Panama
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance (altitude & medical): SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- 🛍️ Family travel gear: Shop the Amazon storefront
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For everything we actually travel with for kids ages 2-8, browse our Worldschooling Supplies list on Amazon, curated from real trips to Spain, Italy, Japan, and Peru.
For everything we actually travel with for kids ages 2-8, browse our Worldschooling Supplies list on Amazon, curated from real trips to Spain, Italy, Japan, and Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Tours in Panama
What is the best family tour company for Panama with young kids?
New Leaf Panama (newleafpanama.com) is our top recommendation for families with babies and toddlers. Founder Tereza tailors every tour to the family’s specific children, ages, and interests, and has deep knowledge of the Panama Canal, Gamboa rainforest, Monkey Island, and indigenous communities. Her tours are not group tours, they are private, flexible, and genuinely educational without being lecture-heavy. She worked patiently with our kids from age 1 up, and every activity was genuinely engaging at their level. For diving and marine experiences in Bocas del Toro, Panama Dive School is the family-friendly operator we recommend.
Are Panama tours safe for babies and toddlers?
Panama is safe for babies and toddlers in the context of guided family tours. Reputable operators know how to structure activities for young children, avoid unnecessary risks, and keep itineraries flexible for nap schedules and energy levels. The main considerations are heat and sun (both intense), mosquitoes (use DEET or picaridin-based repellent), and altitude change if visiting Boquete. The Panama Canal boat tour, Monkey Island, and Gamboa rainforest are all genuinely manageable with a baby in a carrier or stroller. Bocas del Toro snorkeling is suitable from toddler age with the right operator.
What age can kids start snorkeling or diving in Panama?
Children as young as 4 can do supervised shallow snorkeling in calm, protected waters like those around Bocas del Toro’s Starfish Beach. PADI Bubblemaker (first underwater experience with scuba gear) is available from age 8. Full Open Water certification is available from age 10. For younger children, snorkeling gear fitted correctly and a calm, clear water location is enough to experience Panama’s extraordinary marine life. Panama Dive School in Bocas del Toro and the operators around Contadora Island (Pearl Islands) are experienced with young first-time snorkelers.