Panama is known for its incredibly diverse landscapes. You’ll find many travellers heading inland to explore the country’s sprawling national parks and lush forestry teeming with wildlife or milling around on its beautiful white-sand beaches. However, with more than one-thousand islands just off the coast, no trip to Panama would be complete without a short ferry trip or plane ride to its outlying regions.
With calm azure waters and palm-tree-lined shores, the islands of Panama are perfect for those in search of an untouched paradise. Trips depart daily from the Amador Causeway, situated at the southern entrance to the Panama Canal.
The dry season runs from January to April and is the best time to visit. Naturally, more tourists can be found on Panama’s popular islands during peak seasons, but those looking for a quieter experience won’t have trouble finding an island that suits their preferences.
As you might expect, Panama’s rural islands are underdeveloped. Most lack roads or public transport, so you’ll have to be happy to explore the area on foot. Usually, everything you might need is clustered around the ports, so there’s no need to travel far. Electricity is unreliable, and you’ll struggle to find WiFi—but this all adds to the experience and the rural beauty of the islands.
The San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands is one of the country’s most famous tropical archipelagos, comprising around 365 islands in the northwest of Panama. Here, you can walk amongst dense coconut palm forests, laze the day away on its tropical beaches, and even take to the waters for a snorkelling session.
If you fancy going back to basics in paradise, these islands are definitely worth the trip. Whole-day tours including hotel transfers, transport, meals, and other activities typically cost $100.
Pearl Islands
There are around two-hundred Pearl Islands sprinkled in an area 50 miles or so south of Panama City. A ferry takes around 90 minutes from the Amador Causeway to the main islands.
Isla Contadora is the most popular island in the Pacific Pearl Archipelago. Its name derives from “bookkeeper” as it was the place where Spanish Conquistadors took inventory of their looted treasures. In the 60s it became an exclusive hangout for the rich and famous, so its infrastructure is well-developed compared to the other islands of Panama.
Taboga Island
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Panama City, you’ll find the volcanic Taboga Island, also known as the Island of Flowers. It is home to under 2,000 people and is one of the most popular day trips for those in the Panama City area.
Playa Honda is the island’s main port beach, where you’ll find a selection of great restaurants, shops, and bars. Playa Restinga, however, offers unparalleled views of Panama City from the bay.
You might also like to take a wander down to the Church of San Pedro, which is supposedly the second oldest church in the western hemisphere.
Marino Golfo de Chiriquí National Park
Known for its beautiful mangrove forests and secluded beaches, this tranquil national park on Panama’s pacific coast is one for nature lovers, and worth the time it takes to get there.
It is home to coral reefs, mangrove swamps and marine meadows, plus more than twenty islands for you to explore.
The magnificent reefs surrounding the island of Parque Nacional Coiba make it the perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving. Keep an eye out for humpback whales further out, as this fascinating species are often spotted off the coast.
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