Lake Gatún

Gatún was created between 1907 and 1913 by damming the Chagres, and when it filled it was the largest artificial lake in the world, drowning a river valley, villages and railway and leaving the hilltops as islands. Ships crossing the canal spend most of their transit on it, which means small boats share the water with Panamax vessels, an odd and rather good experience. The drowned forest still stands as stumps in the shallows in places. Monkey islands, formed the same way as Barro Colorado, hold capuchins, howlers and tamarins that boats visit, and the fishing for peacock bass, introduced accidentally, is famous.

History

The lake was created on 27 June 1913, when the spillway gates of the Gatun Dam on the Chagres were closed, with the water then at about 14.6 metres and expected to reach operating level within six months. When it filled it was the largest artificial lake in the world, and at about 26 metres above sea level it carries ships for 33 kilometres of their transit (Wikipedia, Gatun Lake).

What's there

• The ship traffic - Panamax vessels crossing while you are in a small boat.
• The monkey islands - drowned hilltops with capuchins and tamarins.
• The drowned forest - stumps standing in the shallows.
• Peacock bass fishing - an accidental introduction that took over.

When to go

December to April is the dry season, though the lake level drops in prolonged dry years and has caused canal draft restrictions. Boat trips run in the morning, which is calmer and better for wildlife. Ship traffic is constant.

Before you go

Some operators feed the monkeys to bring them onto the boats, which is bad practice and has produced aggressive animals; choose one that does not. The lake is large and open, so trips can be rough and hot. Water levels in drought years have become a serious issue for the canal and for the trips.

Nearby

Gamboa is on the shore; the Gatún locks are at the northern end.

Key facts