Things To Do in Panama: Travel Guide to Islands & Beaches

When you think of Panama you might first think of its canal or its nefarious financial centre.

However, nestled in between Colombia and Costa Rica, Panama boasts stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. From the beaches of the San Blas and Bocas del Toro to the tropical rainforests of Darien Gap and the Boquete region for coffee lovers.

Then there is Panama City, which boasts a dazzling skyline of modern skyscrapers, yet nestled in it you can find the historic gem of Casco Viejo packed with all the charm of Havanna.

Check out this guide for all the information you need to make your Panama trip the best you have ever had. 

How to get to Panama?

Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Known as the ‘Bridge of the Americas’ this thin country connects North and South America.

Panama is a small country, roughly the size of South Carolina in the United States, but it’s packed with natural beauty and cultural treasures. From the iconic Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, to the stunning beaches and lush rainforests, there’s something for everyone in this Central American gem. 

Getting to Panama

Getting to Panama is easy and convenient, with a range of transportation options available to travellers. Whether you’re travelling by air or sea, here are some of the best ways to get to Panama:

By air: Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport is the main gateway to Panama, with direct flights available from major cities in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Domestic flights are also available to other destinations within Panama.

For the best flight options and prices, we suggest using Flight Connections’ interactive map and the Hopper app. Although Google Flights is our preferred flight search engine, we recommend booking directly with the airline once you’ve found your flights. This will give you a preferential cancellation policy and a greater chance of being upgraded.

By sea: You can also sail from Colombia to Panama which takes you through the Caribbean Sea, passing by the beautiful archipelago San Blas islands and stunning coastlines. The most common route is from Cartagena, Colombia to San Blas Islands, Panama.

The trip typically takes around 4-5 days, depending on the weather conditions and the speed of the boat. 

Once you’ve arrived in Panama, getting around is easy. Taxis, buses, and rental cars are all available, and the metro system in Panama City is a great and efficient way to get around the city.

Best Time to Visit Panama

Panama is a great year-round destination with warm tropical weather, but there are some seasonal variations that can affect the best time to visit. Here are some factors to consider when planning the best time to visit Panama:

Dry season in Panama

The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkelling, and beach hopping.

The dry season is also a popular time for birdwatchers, as many migratory species are present during this time. This is the perfect season for our desert island expedition.

Rainy season in Panama

The rainy season in Panama runs from May to November, and while it can be wet and humid, it’s also a great time to visit for those who don’t mind a little rain.

The rainy season is when the countryside is lush and green, and the rivers and waterfalls are at their best. The rainy season is also a great time for surfers, as the swells are bigger and more consistent.

Festivals in Panama

Panama is famous for its lively festivals. The most famous festival is Carnival, which takes place in late February or early March, and is a week-long celebration of music, dance, and colourful costumes.

Another popular festival is the Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival, which takes place in January and celebrates the region’s coffee and floral heritage.

Whale watching in Panama

Humpback whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Panama from July to October, making it the best time to visit for whale watching. Several companies offer whale watching tours during this time, allowing visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Things to do In Panama

Panama is a beautiful country with a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to all kinds of travellers. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Panama:

One of our favourite companies that offers day tours in Panama is Panama Bubble Trips, who provide excellent tribe, fishing and jungle adventures, amongst much more. Be sure to check them out if you are adding on time.

Main Travel Attractions

Panama Canal

A visit to Panama wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Panama Canal. The canal is an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Boquete

Located in the highlands of Panama, Boquete is a charming town known for its cool climate, beautiful scenery, and coffee plantations. It’s a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the local culture.

Panama Viejo

This is the site of the original Panama City, which was destroyed by pirates in the 17th century. Today, it’s an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the country’s history and is home to several well-preserved ruins.

Panama Beaches & Islands

Bocas del Toro

This archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Bocas del Toro is a popular spot for surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

San Blas Islands

This chain of islands off the northeast coast of Panama is home to the indigenous Kuna people and is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Desert Island Adventure

Get the opportunity to learn invaluable bushcraft skills and techniques on a secluded island in Panama, where you’ll also put your survival abilities to the test during a rigorous 72-hour phase.

This experience is not for the faint of heart, so be prepared to face new challenges and discover your inner resilience.

What to do In Panama City

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, offers visitors a wealth of attractions and activities. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Panama City:

• Casco Viejo: This historic neighbourhood in Panama City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to beautiful colonial architecture, charming cafes, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to explore on foot and learn about the city’s rich history.
• Embera Tribe Village: The Embera people are an indigenous group that lives in the rainforest of Panama. A visit to their village offers a chance to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. 
• Discover the biodiversity of Panama at the Parque Natural Metropolitano, a large urban park that features a variety of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
• Visit the Biomuseo, a colourful and innovative museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Learn about the natural history of Panama and the importance of biodiversity to our planet.
• Take a walk or bike ride along the Cinta Costera, a scenic waterfront promenade that offers views of the city skyline, the ocean, and the nearby islands.
• Visit Gamboa, where you can see an array of wildlife such as sloths, caiman, toucans, and monkeys just 1hr from Panama City.
• Visit the Gatun Lake and join a fishing and/or wildlife tour with Miguel. 

Where to stay in Panama City

Panama City is a bustling metropolis with a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and other lodgings to choose from.

For those looking for a luxurious stay, Panama City has many high-end hotels and resorts that offer top-notch amenities and services and very good rates.

Some of the most popular options include the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis, the Waldorf Astoria Panama, and the Bristol Panama. These properties offer stunning views, spacious rooms, and high-end dining and spa options.

One of our favourite hotels is the Riande Urban. Riande Urban Hotel is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Panama City’s financial district.

The hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay with its central location, just a short walk from some of the city’s top attractions, including the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo.

The hotel features spacious and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable bedding.

In addition to comfortable accommodation, Riande Urban Hotel boasts a variety of on-site amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a restaurant serving delicious international cuisine.

This is also where we will meet for our Panama Desert Island Survival Expedition.

If you’re travelling on a budget, there are also many affordable options in Panama City. Some popular budget-friendly options include the Luna’s Castle Hostel, the Magnolia Inn, and the Hostal Casa Margarita.

For a more unique and immersive experience, consider staying in the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood. This charming neighbourhood is known for its colonial architecture, trendy bars and restaurants, and boutique hotels. Some popular options in this area include the American Trade Hotel, Casa Nuratti, and Tantalo Hotel.

Panama Food and Drinks

Panama is a country with a rich culinary heritage, influenced by its unique location between North and South America. Panamanian cuisine is characterised by its diverse flavours, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences to create a distinct and delicious food culture.

One of the most popular dishes in Panama, and our favourite is ceviche, a dish made with fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and spices. Other popular seafood dishes include arroz con mariscos (rice with mixed seafood) and patacones (fried plantain slices topped with seafood or other meats).

Panama is also known for its hearty soups, such as sancocho, a chicken and vegetable soup that is a staple in many Panamanian households. Other traditional dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), tamales, and empanadas.

When it comes to drinks, Panamanians love their coffee, and the country produces some of the best in the world. Panama is also famous for its rum, with brands like Ron Abuelo and Ron del Barrilito being popular choices.

In addition, seco herrerano, a clear liquor made from sugar cane, is the national drink of Panama and is often served as a digestif.

Panama Wildlife

Panama is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting a diverse range of unique and fascinating species that thrive in its lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and other ecosystems. From rare birds to exotic mammals, there is no shortage of natural wonders to discover in this Central American country.

One of the most iconic animals in Panama is the sloth. These adorable creatures can be found throughout the country, often perched high in the treetops. As well as Bocas del Toro, the Panama Canal is also home to a population of manatees, which are gentle giants that can be seen swimming in the canal’s waters.

The tropical rainforests of Panama are teeming with wildlife, including toucans, parrots, and macaws, all of which can be spotted in the treetops. The forests are also home to a variety of monkey species, including howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and spider monkeys.

Other fascinating creatures that can be found in Panama’s forests include anteaters, armadillos, and peccaries.

Panama’s marine life is equally impressive, with an abundance of reef fish, sharks, and rays that can be seen while snorkelling or diving. Year-round when snorkelling you can spot stingrays, reef sharks, eagle rays, and turtles. Phosphorescent plankton and fireflies illuminate the night times. 

The country is also a popular destination for whale watching, with humpback whales migrating through its waters between July and November.

At any time of year, you might witness turtles nesting on our beach, these include olive ridley, green, and occasionally leatherback turtles. Nesting is more likely to occur during a full moon.

During our island survival expeditions, we will walk the beach most nights to try to spot a nesting turtle from a distance. On several mornings, we have walked the beach and seen tracks from the night before. On the last two trips we were fortunate enough to see the baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea.

At full moon, we also see the vibrant coloured Halloween moon crabs in impressive numbers as they nest on the beach to spawn, sometimes over a thousand in number.

Panama is also home to several national parks and reserves that are dedicated to preserving its natural beauty. These protected areas offer visitors the opportunity to explore the country’s ecosystems and observe its wildlife up close.

Interesting Facts about Panama

Panama is a country full of surprises and interesting facts. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about Panama that you might not know:

• The Panama Canal is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and has been a vital trade route since its completion in 1914.
• In 1690 Scotland sent 1,200 men to Panama and spent 10% of the nation’s wealth to develop its own colony. Most of the men perished from disease and the colony failed, it is believed this financial loss played a large part in Scotland eventually yielding to England in 1707.
• The Pan-American highway stretches 30,000 kilometres from Alaska to Buenos Aires unbroken apart from one place too wild to be tamed, Panama’s Darien Gap.
• Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
• Panama is home to over 10,000 different plant species and 1,000 species of birds.
• The currency in Panama is the US dollar, making it an easy destination for American travellers.
• Panama has two coastlines, with over 1,500 miles of shoreline in total.
• The Darien Gap, a dense rainforest region in eastern Panama, is one of the only places in the Americas where jaguars still roam free.
• The famous Golden Frog, a species endemic to Panama, is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• Panama is home to the Embera people, who live in traditional villages in the rainforest and offer unique cultural experiences to visitors (speak to us about adding this awesome experience to your adventure).

Overall, Panama is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

Join us on our Panama Adventure or check out our other travel guides.