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Fuerte Amador/Panama City Excursions

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While many cruise lines provide a full transit of the Panama Canal, very few cruise ships actually make port in the Pacific Coast metropolis of Panama City. Princess and Holland America are the only cruise lines that currently offer stopovers in Panama City. Panama is more than just the canal passage, which is spectacular in itself, as those who find themselves making the voyage to Fuerte Amador will discover. Despite the heat and humidity, you'll enjoy your time in Panama City, and exploring the countryside of Panama.

Your ship will lay anchor in the bay, and your ship's tenders will take you to shore at the Flamenco Island Marina on Flamenco Island, a man-made island adjacent to the Panama Canal and just 10 minutes from downtown Panama City. All excursions will commence from the Flamenco Island Marina.

If you have taken any of the tours listed below, we'd like your feedback on your experience. Please click on the link of the tour you took, and then click the "Write a Review of This Tour" link and tell us what you think.

Plaza in Casco Viejo
©2004 Dirk van der Made, under cc-by-sa license

Additional tours

City Tours

Tour Name & Brief Description

Offered By1




National Theater of Panama

Colonial Panama by Night
2½ hours

Discover the history of Panama City as you walk through the narrow streets of Casco Viejo, founded in 1673. Then visit the Canal Zone and its buildings, followed by a stop in the modern downtown area.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus    




Ruins of a Church

Reprosa & Old Panama Museum
4 hours

The architectural and archeological treasures of Panama City await you as you visit the La Vieja neighborhood and the Old Panama Museum. Then end your tour at Reprosa, a handicraft boutique.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus    




Houses in Old Panama City

Scenic Drive & Walking Tour of Old Panama City
4 hours

This fun and enlightening tour begins with a visit to La Vieja, the original Panama City. Then take in a stop at the National Theater, and conclude the day with a walk through scenic Casco Viejo.

video

Activity Level:

Moderate Bus snack  





Ruins of a Church

The Shaping of Panama
3½ hours

See the ruins of La Vieja, the original Panama City built in 1519. Then take in the sights of Casco Viejo, founded in 1673, with its unique colonial architecture, narrow streets, chic boutiques and cafes.

video

Activity Level:

Moderate Bus    


Cultural/Historical Tours

Tour Name & Brief Description

Offered By1




Embera Indian

Authentic Embera Indian Village
6½ hours

Spend an unforgettable day with a visit to an Embera Indian village. You'll learn about their culture as you watch their ritualistic dances, interact with the villagers and view their handmade arts and crafts.

video

Activity Level:

Moderate Bus snack  




La Pollera

Panama's History in Dance
3 hours

Enjoy the spectacle of Panamanian folkloric dance traditions on this fun tour. The performance takes you through Panama's history in dance, from the Spanish colonial era through the early 20th century.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus    


Eco Tours

Tour Name & Brief Description

Offered By1




El Valle

El Valle Ecological Paradise & Waterfall
8 hours

Just 2 hours from Panama City is the small town of El Valle, set in the crater of an extinct volcano. Here you'll visit the edenic El Chorro waterfall area, followed by a lunchtime visit to Thermal Waters.

video

Activity Level:

Moderate Bus meal  




Toucan

Monkey & Wildlife Nature Cruise on Gatun Lake/ Monkey Watch & Canal Nature Cruise
4 to 5 hours

Experience the wildlife of Panama on a boat trip on Gatun Lake. You'll learn about the area's flora and fauna as you spot the monkeys on Monkey Island, and see birds and animals in their natural habitat.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus snack  


Scenic Tours

Tour Name & Brief Description

Offered By1




Gatun Lake

Gatun Lake Cruise & Locks/ Eco Cruise & the Locks on Gatun Lake
5¼ to 5½ hours

Tour the Panama Canal at lake level, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as you cruise past the many islands that dot Gatun Lake. Then enjoy an up close and personal view of the Gatun Locks.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus snack  




Miraflores Locks

Miraflores Locks & Old Canal Zone Scenic Drive/ Miraflores Locks Observation Center
3½ to 4 hours

No visit to Panama City is complete without a visit to the Miraflores Locks Observation Center, as enormous tankers pass by just a few feet away. Then take in some of the old Canal Zone facilities.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus    




Miraflores Locks

Miraflores Locks by Night
3 hours
Get up close and personal with the ships that are making their way through the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks Observation Center. You'll also pay a visit to the Canal's Administration Building.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus    




Miraflores Locks

Panama Canal Locks Transit by Boat/ The Canal Experience
5 to 6 hours

Pass through the Miraflores Locks from the Pacific Ocean to Gatun Lake on a canal boat. From the perspective of the canal boat, you'll learn first hand about the operation of the Panama Canal locks.

video

Activity Level:

Low boat meal  




Panama Canal Railway

Panama Canal Railway (Dome Car)/ Panama Railroad Dome Car Car & Motor Coach Experience
5½ hours

Enjoy a ride on one of the world's great train adventures. The train to Colon features large picture windows with panoramic views of the Canal. You'll also have time to explore the Gatun or Miraflores Locks.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus snack  




Panama Canal Railway

Panama Canal Railway/ Panama Railroad Standard Rail Car & Motor Coach Experience
5½ hours

Enjoy a ride on one of the world's great train adventures. The train to Colon features large picture windows with panoramic views of the Canal. You'll also have time to explore the Gatun or Miraflores Locks.

video

Activity Level:

Low Bus snack  




Howler Monkey

Panama's Rainforest Aerial Tram/ Aerial Tram and Ecological Encounter
4 to 4½ hours

See what lurks in the Panamanian rainforest on a trip through the trees of Soberania National Park. This eco-adventure will take you on an aerial ascent into the canopy for spectacular sights and sounds.

video

Activity Level:

Moderate Bus    


Important Information


Notes on the above cruise excursions:

  • The information on the cruise excursions listed above was developed from publicly available sources.
  • The cruise lines may elect to add to, change, delete or otherwise alter the itineraries of the excursions above;
  • The cruise lines may restrict the number of passengers allowed to go on any particular excursion.
  • The cruise lines may impose other restrictions on any particular excursion, including height, weight, minimum age, etc.; make sure to check with them to determine if there are such restrictions.
  • There may be seasonal limitations on certain excursions or tours, such as whale watching. Be sure to check with your cruise line to determine if the tour in which you're interested is available when you're on your cruise.

Why buy a tour through the cruise lines?

  • They have selected tour operator partners who are safe, reliable, licensed and insured.
  • They offer a wide selection of tours, purchasing convenience and can provide expert advice on the most appropriate tour for you.
  • They offer a one price, no surprises policy, with no hidden fees.
  • They will be happy to credit your onboard account if you've already booked an excursion and there is a change in itinerary of the ship.
  • They will wait for you if your tour is late.

Footnotes


1

Princess Holland America


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