Plan a CruiseFuerte Amador is situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, approximately twenty miles southwest of Panama City center. The port is built along a one-mile causeway that connects four small islands: Flamenco, Perico, Culebra, and Naos. This causeway features the cruise port, a marina, shopping and restaurant plazas, and a convention center. While a new pier is nearing completion, traditionally, ships at Fuerte Amador have used tenders to bring passengers ashore. Culebra Island is home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. A key consideration is that due to strict local taxi union rules, direct shuttle buses from the port to Panama City are not allowed.
Getting Around from the Port
Fuerte Amador is not within walking distance of Panama City center, which is about twenty miles away. Private taxis, monitored by FARM, are the only authorized transportation inside the port area. Local taxis must wait outside the island entrance. Please note that shuttle buses to the city are not permitted. Taxis are a practical way to get around and accept U.S. dollars. Always agree on the fare with the driver before your journey. For general exploration within Amador or nearby, taxis can be hired for approximately $15-20 per hour. A three-hour taxi tour to explore Panama City sights typically costs around $90 per taxi.
Attractions and Activities
For safety reasons, especially concerning public transportation, booking ship-organized tours is often recommended for excursions beyond the immediate port area. Independent options include:
- Panama City Exploration: Hire a taxi for a three-hour tour (around $90 per taxi) to visit key attractions in Panama City. Alternatively, you can hire a cab for $15-20 per hour for more flexible sightseeing.
- Miraflores Locks Visitor Center: If your cruise ship is not undertaking a full Panama Canal transit, a visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center provides an excellent opportunity to observe the canal in action. The best viewing times are usually between 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. This would typically be part of a taxi tour.
- Amador Causeway & Smithsonian Institute: Explore the causeway itself, which offers various shops and restaurants. You can also visit Culebra Island, home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research.
Shopping
The Fuerte Amador Mall is a large duty-free shopping plaza offering electronics, jewelry, food, perfume, and clothing at competitive prices. The Flamenco Shopping Center, along with a newly built modern shopping center on Flamenco Island, features boutique stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The marina also has specialty shops and stalls selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. *
Dining
A variety of restaurants can be found along the causeway. If your ship is in port during the evening, consider finding a restaurant with good views of Panama City.
- Local Crafts: For traditional Panamanian crafts, including the well-known Kuna mola (intricate reverse-applique handwork), the artisan markets in Panama City are your best bet. The market in Balboa offers the cheapest crafts, with the Panama Viejo market being a close second. Molas can also be purchased from vendors on the seawall in Casco Viejo. Most shops and stores operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some remaining open until 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Safety
Public transportation in Panama is generally not considered very safe, so independent travelers are advised to consider ship-organized tours for excursions. If opting for a taxi, always ensure you agree on the fare with the driver before your journey begins.
Currency and Language
Panama uses both the U.S. Dollar and the Panamanian Balboa. The Balboa is equivalent to the U.S. Dollar at a 1:1 rate and primarily circulates as coins. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted, including by taxi services. The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken by approximately 14% of the population, and many Panamanians are bilingual.