panama canal cruises flamenco and perico islands, amador causeway, panama city, panama
Many excursions to Panama City include a visit to Flamenco Island, the third and southernmost island on the Amador Causeway. .
There is no port facility on Flamenco Island. Until recently, cruise ships anchored east of the island and ferried passengers aboard tenders to and from the island. However, with the christening of Panama's first and only dedicated cruise terminal on neighboring Perico Island (see below), cruise lines have shifted their operations to the new port.
The commercial complex consists of the Fort Amador Resort & Marina, a souvenir store, several eateries (restaurants, ice cream parlors, etc., ) bathrooms, corporate offices, and Panama City's only Duty-Free store. The complex is relatively small but well-kept and welcoming. And out back, you'll have terrific views of the marina, Panama City skyline, Ancon Hill — the tallest mountain in the canal basin — and the southern side of Perico Island.
Tour buses usually drop passengers off at the entrance to the Duty-Free store and retrieve them at the building's main entrance facing the parking lot. Near the entrance to Flamenco Island — on the left side of the circle when entering — is a "Metro" bus stop where you can board the Panama Sightseeing Bus Tour (Hop-On, Hop-Off).
Flamenco Island – This is an old photograph, but not much has changed. Of course, the marina has grown, and there are more boats, but otherwise, it remains the same.
Flamenco Island – A view of the Amador Resort & Marina's inland side. On the building's right corner is an ice cream parlor. To the left, under the overhang and adjacent to the palm trees, is the main entrance, where you will depart.
Facing Panama Bay and Panama City, Perico Island, home of the newly constructed Amador Cruise Terminal, is the second island along the Amador Causeway. The $165 million project began in 2017 and opened for business on May 20, 2019. Spread out over 21 acres, the new Amador Cruise Port has a berthing capacity of 2 ships simultaneously. It resides in front of Flamenco Island, facing Panama Bay and the city district.
And, like Flamenco Island, you'll find a sprawling commercial complex frequented by cruise ship passengers — souvenir stores, eateries, and retail businesses, e.g., bike rental, marine store, etc. Behind the complex and out of view is the cruise terminal. The main road that services the Amador Causeway is in front, running parallel to the storefronts.
To the right of the commercial center — when looking out over the water — is another "Metro" bus stop; it's a short walk. You can board the Sightseeing Bus Tour here as well.
The Biodiversity Museum is just a few minutes away, further north along the Amador Causeway. You can walk — about 30-45 minutes — but remember there is no cover from the tropical sun; you are in the open the entire time. You'll probably find hiring a taxi much easier and quicker. It shouldn't cost more than a few dollars per person.
Since Perico Island has several souvenir stores, your tour may or may not include a visit to Flamenco Island. It depends on your ship's itinerary and tour's particulars, which vary from ship to ship. Flamenco's Duty-Free store is likely the only reason your tour would visit the Island.
Casco Antiguo – a view of Perico Island from the main road leading to Flamenco Island. The cruise terminal is behind the complex.