Panama: Pacific Cruise Terminal Recommendations for Excursions or Things To Do

[ajtraveler66]

We are looking at a Panama Canal cruise.  While at the canal, we are at port at the Pacific Cruise Terminal from 6 p.m. on Day 1 until 10 p.m. on Day 2.  Any suggestions on what to do?  Are there things to do right at the port?  Are there any beach areas that are safe?  ....  Any other pertinent info is welcome.  Thanks.  (This will be in January of 2024).

[BillB48]

Since the cruise terminal at Ft. Amador has become a work in progress, it is hard to tell just how conveniently it will be to access any of the nearby local restaurants and shops located on the "Causeway."  The cruise terminal is located on one of the islands just offshore of the mainland that is connected by a causeway.  There are not any real attractions beyond some local eateries, a great view of Panama City on one side and a view of the ships and islands in the bay on the other side.  Walking, jogging or biking are popular activities.

 

The nearest real beach is probably over on Taboga Island which is the largest of the islands in the bay.  There is a ferry that makes several trips a day that take a half hour or so, have a look at their website... https://tabogaexpress.com  The Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry located at the mainland start of the Causeway, just a few miles from the cruise terminal.

 

Other things to do would be shore excursions that would visits one of the locks of the Canal to see the the operation from a shore side perspective.  Tours into Panama City to old part of the city, Casco Antiguo may be something of interest.

 

I'm sure your ship will offer a number of other shore excursions  as well.