Panama Islands

Panama boasts over 1,400 islands, offering diverse and amazing experiences for visitors. The San Blas Islands in the Caribbean are known for the Guna Yala people and pristine white sand and turquoise waters, while the Pearl Islands in the Pacific offer a mix of luxury and adventure. Others, like Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for divers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is an archipelago and province on Panama's Caribbean coast. It's a destination that attracts eco-travelers, backpackers, surfers, and scuba divers alike, offering a relaxed getaway. Once in Bocas, you can easily visit the different islands: Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Carenero, Cayo Zapatilla, and Playa Estrella, among others. Isla Colón is the capital and where Bocas Town is located, the central hub for hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist services. Starfish Beach is located on Isla Colón and is famous for its abundance of starfish in the shallow, calm waters. Isla Bastimentos is one of the largest islands with beautiful, abundant wildlife, and is home to the first marine park in Panama and to Red Frog Beach. In Bocas del Toro, you can go scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, surf world-class waves (especially at Playa Bluff on Isla Colón), kayak in the calm Caribbean seas, or take a sailing adventure. The islands teem with wildlife like the unique strawberry poison dart frogs, sloths in the trees, and bat caves. Experience the local culture by taking a cacao plantation eco-tour to learn about chocolate making, or by simply wandering through the streets of Bocas Town, experiencing the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture with its calypso and reggae music and local cuisine.

San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands, a remote and stunningly beautiful archipelago on Panama's Caribbean coast, are a truly unique destination governed by the indigenous Guna Yala people. The Guna (also spelled Kuna) have a long history of resisting outside influences to maintain their culture, successfully revolting in 1925 to secure their autonomy. This self-governance has been crucial in protecting the islands from large-scale commercial tourism and development. Visitors to Guna Yala are not just tourists; they are guests in the Guna's home. The archipelago consists of approximately 365 islands and cays, many of which are uninhabited. The islands are known for their pristine beaches and marine life, making them an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs and sunken shipwrecks. A visit to the San Blas Islands offers a deep dive into the Guna's vibrant culture. The Guna are famous for their intricate textile art called molas and for their simple way of life. Their economy is based on fishing, agriculture, and the sale of coconuts and handicrafts. Visitors can see them in their daily lives, navigating the waters in their traditional canoes or preparing meals of freshly caught fish and plantains. The Guna have a long history of mercantilism, and the sale of goods and tourism services is a key part of their economy.

Pearl Islands
The Pearl Islands are an archipelago of over 200 islands and islets in the Gulf of Panama, on the Pacific side. They were named after the abundance of pearls found there by Spanish conquistadors. With a rich history, the islands are now a popular destination for both luxury and eco-friendly tourism. Isla Contadora is the most famous and developed island in the archipelago, known for its luxury real estate, beautiful beaches, and upscale accommodations. It has a small airport and is a common base for exploring the other islands. Isla del Rey is the largest island and it stills preserves some of the pre-Columbian culture, including artifacts from the Cuevas and Coclé tribes that used to live in the islands. It has a more traditional Panamanian feel and is less developed than Contadora offering a glimpse into local life. Isla Saboga, near Contadora, is also a great place to experience local life while still having access to beautiful beaches and some modern amenities. Isla San José is largely undeveloped and offers a more secluded, natural experience. It's a great spot for those looking for pristine beaches and untouched nature.

Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park protects much of the area and its islands including Isla Boca Brava, Islas Secas, Isla Parida, Isla Bolaños, Isla Gámez and Isla Palenque, to name a few. Located just a short water taxi ride from the fishing village of Boca Chica, most of these islands are covered by untouched rainforest and wildlife and feature beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise waters. Islas Secas and Isla Palenque are known for their luxury accommodations and provide an excellent base for island hopping and exploring the dozens of nearby islands. Some of the most popular activities include diving and snorkeling, sport fishing and island hopping. The islands and their surrounding mangroves are also ideal for exploring by kayak, where you can spot a wide variety of birds and other wildlife, including howler monkeys and iguanas.

Coiba Island
Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest island in Central America. It is a world-class diving and snorkeling destination, and its incredible biodiversity has earned it the nickname "the Galápagos of Panama." The waters are a haven for various shark species, including hammerhead, whitetip, and even whale sharks during certain seasons. From July to October the park is a major migratory route for Humpback whales. The island is also home to several animals found nowhere else in the world such as the Coiba Island howler monkey and the Coiba Island agouti. Additionally it boasts 147 bird species, including 21 endemic ones. Coiba is a crucial refuge for species that have largely disappeared from mainland Panama, such as the crested eagle and the scarlet macaw. Access to the island is regulated to protect the delicate ecosystem. The trip by boat from Santa Catalina takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and visitors must have a permit from the Ministry of the Environment, which is often handled by tour operators.

Cebaco Island
Cebaco Island is one of Panama's hidden gems, located on the Pacific coast in the province of Veraguas. As the third-largest island in the country (after Isla Coiba and Isla del Rey), Cebaco is a destination for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience focused on nature. The island's landscape features lush forests, diverse wildlife, and a variety of beautiful coastlines. The northern coast has gray-sand beaches with rocky shores, while the southern coast offers fine, white-sand beaches like Playa Grande and Punta Caña Brava. From July to October, it's a prime spot for humpback whale watching as they migrate through the area. Sea turtles also come to the beaches to nest during September and October. The southern coast of Cebaco has excellent surfing opportunities and is close to other famous surf spots in the Veraguas province, such as those in Santa Catalina. Cebaco is a great starting point for those exploring the surrounding islands and the broader Coiba National Park. Accommodations on Cebaco Island are limited and often rustic. For more variety and amenities, many visitors choose to stay in nearby towns such as Santa  Catalina and take day trips to the island.