Visit to the Panama Canal is inspiring, exciting and fun. But there are a few things to note when visiting the Canal.

Join us as we learn the hard way on how to best experience the canal… primarily checking the website for ship transit times through the canal.

Here are five short facts about the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal:

1. **TwoStep Lock**: The Miraflores Locks consist of two chambers that raise and lower ships approximately 54 feet (16.5 meters) to help them navigate between the Pacific Ocean and the artificial Gatun Lake.

2. **GravityFed Water System**: The locks use a gravityfed water system from Gatun Lake to fill and empty the chambers, allowing ships to move up or down. No pumps are required for this process.

3. **Massive Gates**: The gates of the Miraflores Locks are around 82 feet (25 meters) high, weighing up to 700 tons each. Despite their massive size, they can be opened or closed in just about two minutes.

4. **SpectatorFriendly**: The Miraflores Locks have an observation deck and visitor center, making them one of the most popular tourist spots along the Panama Canal for witnessing the lock operations.

5. **Tidal Impact**: Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the Miraflores Locks experience the most noticeable tidal variation within the canal, with changes in water levels of up to 13 feet (4 meters).

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