The bathtub wall panel extension comprises a panel, a panel seal, and a door. The panel installs on top of a front wall of a bathtub in place of a sliding shower door. The panel may use the side tracks of the shower door to stabilize it in an upright position. The panel extends the height of the bathtub. The door may provide access to the bathtub though a door aperture when the door is in an open position. The door may comprise a door seal to provide a watertight seal with the panel when the door is in a closed position. The bathtub wall panel extension may comprise handholds, a magazine holder, a soap holder, a cup holder, and one or more shelves.