is a massive freshwater reservoir—slightly brackish only near the canal locks—located just south of Colón, Panama. Sitting at roughly 26 meters (85 ft) above sea level, it forms the central section of the Panama Canal, carrying ships for 33 km (21 miles) across the Isthmus of Panama.

The lake was created on June 27, 1913, when the spillway gates of the newly built Gatun Dam were closed. At the time, water levels rose from about 14.6 meters (48 ft) above sea level and were expected to reach full operating height over the following months. Formed by damming the Chagres River, Gatun Lake instantly became the largest artificial lake in the world and remains one of the canal’s most critical components. Each ship transit requires millions of liters of freshwater, all supplied directly by the lake.

Surrounded by dense, nearly untouched rainforest, the region around Gatun Lake has long served as a natural protective barrier for the canal. These forests remain some of the most pristine and accessible habitats in Central America, home to an enormous variety of wildlife. Today, the lake is not only a vital part of global maritime trade but also a world-class destination for fishing, eco-tours, and wildlife exploration.