Fuerte Amador cruise port: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW cruise guide

Welcome to the Fuerte Amador cruise port guide. Fuerte Amador cruise port is the gateway to Panama city. Most often cruise ships that transit the Panama Canal during the day will stay for an overnight in Fuerte Amador. Fuerte Amador is located right in between the southern entrance of the Panama canal and Panama city. Back in the days there used to be 4 islands Isla Naos, Isla Perico, Isla Culebra and Isla Flamenco (where the current tender pier is at). With the creation of the Panama canal the Amador causeway was build. The causeway is completely constructed from materials that became available during the excavation of the Panama Canal. They created a breakwater to keep the Panama Canal entrance from silting up. The causeway now links the islands and the mainland. It is a popular area for upscale shopping and fine dining, while you enjoy the best views of the skyline of Panama. Fuere Amador cruise port is just a few miles away from Panama city. We do highly recommend you to not stay in Fuerte Amador, but to also grab the opportunity to visit Panama’s largest city. Read our Fuerte Amador cruise port guide for all the information you need on docking location, transportation options and much more.

Fuerte Amador cruise port: tender port

Fuerte Amador does not offer a pier that is large enough for cruise ships to dock. Therefore your ship will need to drop anchor and ferry you to shore with their life boats. Cruise ships do not tender you straight into Panama city but to an area called Flamenco Marina or Flamenco Island.

Flamenco island is where yachts and other smaller boats dock in the marina. The island is connected to Panama city by the Amador causeway which is about 3 miles long.

The ride from Fuerte Amador to Panama city is around 5 miles and takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Fuerte Amador cruise terminal

The cruise ships most often tender you to the pier directly in front of the cruise terminal. If more ships are in town several piers in the marina will be used to welcome the tenders. These piers are always within short distance of the Fuerte Amador cruise terminal.

At the cruise terminal you will find ATM’s, restrooms, a Hop on hop off bus info booth and several duty free stores. Sometimes there is also a tourist information set up, but this is not always the case.

At the back of the cruise terminal is where you most often find the shore excursion busses, shuttle bus (if applicable to your cruise line) and the hop on hop off bus.

Taxis at Fuerte Amador

You will find private and official taxis waiting for you on the pier. The official taxis have a meter, although sometimes it turns out it is simply not working, according to the taxi driver. Please make sure to ask for a price and agree upon wether you are just going into town or if you are booking a taxi tour. Make sure you agree on a tour or ride and double check if you are talking about the same currency when setting up the price. Most often prices are in US dollars.
A one way ride from Fuerte Amador to Panama city should cost you about 15 to 20 US dollars per taxi, but this is just a guideline.

Alternatively you can also opt for an Uber ride, which they advertise takes about 25 minutes and 5 to 7 US dollars. Check the Uber app for more details. Make sure to set up an account before you leave home.

Hop on hop off bus

Fuerte Amador has a hop on hop off bus stop. The loop starting here also visits Panama city. Alternatively to a taxi or shore excursion this would be a great way to visit the city. Find a representative at the cruise terminal. Keep an eye on the time, because their loops are long and they have a limited amount of busses.

Using US dollars vs. Panamanian dollars

Panama has its own Panamanian dollars (PAB), but US dollars are accepted in any place. You will do just fine without the PAB in your pocket.

Public transport at Fuerte Amador

You could take public transportation from the pier into Panama city if you want to, but please know it will take you about 1 hour to get from the cruise pier to the city center. The bus stop is situated about 500 yards from the cruise terminal and you will need to transfer if you plan on visiting the downtown area. For this reason we recommend you to grab a taxi. If you share one you will be looking at the same price as when you would take public transportation.

Wi-fi at Fuerte Amador

There is wi-fi available in the cruise terminal as well as the cafes and restaurants on Flamenco island.

Photo opportunities

Right near the tender pier is where you will have one of the best photo opportunities. This is because Flamenco island is overlooking the skyline of Panama city which is on the other side of the water. You will have great welcome signs in the marina where you can take your photo with Panama city in the background.

But perhaps an even better spot for photos is right from your ship. The bay where your cruise ship will need to drop anchor is right in between Fuerte Amador and Panama city. Sit starboard or port side during breakfast and you might just enjoy the best view there is.

Fuerte Amador – Panama cruise port guide

Also visit our port guides for:

Fuerte Amador cruise port: tender port

Fuerte Amador cruise terminal

Taxis at Fuerte Amador

Hop on hop off bus

Using US dollars vs. Panamanian dollars

Public transport at Fuerte Amador

Wi-fi at Fuerte Amador

Photo opportunities

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