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If you want to relax while in Panama City, there’s the Amador Causeway. This two mile causeway connects collection of four small islands, Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco, to the mainland.
The islands were once part of the Panama Canal Zone and used for the defense of the canal during WWII. The construction of marinas, hotels, a shopping center, and several restaurants have turned the islands into a recreational area. It’s also a place where ship lovers can spot all the big ships lining up to transit the Panama Canal.
Isla Flamenco
The island at the end of Amador Causeway, Isla Flamenco, is the most developed. It has a beautiful marina surrounded by several restaurants.
Other Islands
The other islands aren’t as built up but have some attractions of their own. Isla Perico has a small strip of restaurants and shops.
Punta Culebra is the home of the Punta Culebra Nature Center, which is the visitor center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. It’s open Friday through Sunday with an admission of US$8 for non-residents (as of June 2023). Isla Naos contains the laboratories of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a hotel. Ferries to Isla Taboga leave from the dock at Punta Culebra.
Biomuseo
The Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, which opened in 2014, is located on the mainland at the beginning of the causeway. It’s open from 10am to 2pm on Fridays, and 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Adult admission is US$18 for non-residents (as of June 2023). I didn’t have a chance to visit.
Getting There
There’s a bike and walking path along the causeway making it a popular place for locals to get some exercise. It’s easiest to take a taxi to get there.
