Panama isn’t just about its famous canal. This country has some amazing islands that many people don’t know about. From busy spots with lots to do to quiet places where you can relax, Panama’s best islands have something for everyone.
As mentioned in the post with 11 things to do in Panama City and the guide to the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), the rest of the country has a lot to offer! I enjoyed discovering it.
Let’s explore the 13 best islands in Panama that you should visit in 2024.
1. Isla Contadora (Pearl Islands)
Best for: Luxury getaways and secluded world-class beaches.
Isla Contadora is one of the main islands in the Pearl Islands archipelago, located in the Gulf of Panama. It became famous in the 1960s and 1970s as a getaway for rich Panamanians and celebrities.
You’ll find a more fancy island experience here, with nice resorts and private houses. The island has beautiful beaches like Playa Larga and Playa Cacique, great for swimming and sunbathing. Even though it’s small, Isla Contadora has an airport, making it easy to reach from Panama City.
Things to do:
- Relax on Playa Larga or Playa Cacique
- Go whale watching (July to October)
- Rent a bike to explore the island
- Snorkel or dive to see marine life
- Try your hand at sport fishing
Best time to go: December to April for the best weather, but it’s nice year-round.
How to get there: Take a ferry for $98 or a 30-minute charter flight for $410 one-way.
Where to stay: Villa Romántica offers beautiful views and comfort. Contadora Island Inn is good for a lower-priced option. Panama City has a great option for a nice free hotel with Marriott points if you prefer a day trip to the island.
2. Isla Coiba
Best for: Diving and wildlife spotting.
Isla Coiba, off the southwest coast, is the biggest island in Central America and the main part of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. It’s in the Gulf of Chiriquí and used to be a notorious prison, which actually helped keep its nature safe as the access was very restricted.
Now, Coiba Island is known for its rich marine life, making it great for diving and snorkeling. You can see different kinds of sharks, whales, and sea turtles in the water. On land, Coiba has many animals, including some that you can’t find anywhere else. Because it’s far away and protected, the island is still very natural and full of life.
Things to do:
- Dive with whale sharks (June to September), manta rays, and a plethora of colorful fish
- Hike through a wild and untouched rainforest
- Spot rare birds and animals
- Embark on a kayaking safari to discover hidden coves, reefs, and mangrove forests
- Explore the old prison ruins
Best time to go: January to April for the best diving conditions.
How to get there: Take a boat tour from Santa Catalina on the mainland.
Where to stay: The only overnight accommodation available is at the ANAM ranger station, which offers a few simple 2-room cabins. For more options, we recommend you take a day trip from Santa Catalina, where you can stay at the Hostal Travelers for $31/night ($16 per person with 1 companion) or at Drosas Apartments for $41/night ($21 per person with 1 companion).
3. Isla Taboga
Best for: Quick trips from Panama City.
Isla Taboga is often called the “Island of Flowers” and is about 20 kilometers (~12 miles) from Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. It’s close to the city, so many people go there for weekend trips or even day trips. The island has an interesting history, including visits from pirates and one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
Isla Taboga has nice beaches, hiking trails, and great views of the ocean and Panama City. The main village has colorful buildings and narrow streets, which make it charming. Even though it’s small, Isla Taboga is a nice break from city life.
Things to do:
- Hike up to Isla Taboga’s highest points, Cerro Vigia or Cerro de la Cruz, for great views
- Visit one of the oldest churches in the Americas in a historic Spanish-founded town
- Relax on Playa Restinga
- Rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the coastline
- Try fresh seafood at local restaurants
Best time to go: Any time of year, but weekdays are less crowded.
How to get there: Take a ferry ($24) from Panama City – it’s only about 30 minutes away.
Where to stay: Hotel Vereda Tropical offers nice views. B&B Hotel Cerrito Tropical is a friendly, family-run option.
4. Isla Bastimentos
Best for: Eco-adventures and unique wildlife.
Isla Bastimentos, in the Bocas del Toro group, is one of Panama’s biggest islands. It’s home to Bastimentos National Marine Park, which protects both land and sea life.
The island is famous for the Red Frog Beach, named after the small red poison frogs that inhabit the surrounding forest. You can see lots of wildlife here, like monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The island has mangrove forests, rainforests, and coral reefs to explore. It’s a great place for nature walks and boat tours.
You can also learn about the island’s Afro-Caribbean culture in small local communities. Water lovers will enjoy activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing in the clear Caribbean waters.
Things to do:
- Sunbathe at Red Frog Beach, Wizard Beach, Palmer Beach, Playa Larga Beach, or Polo Beach
- Explore Bastimentos National Marine Park with its beaches, mangroves, and jungle
- Take part in a wildlife-watching tour
- Join a jungle walk tour through the island to see sloths, different kinds of monkeys, exotic birds, and much more
- Visit Coral Cay for snorkeling
- Embark on a trip to the historic Afro-Antillean community of Old Bank
- Visit the massive Nivida Bat Cave
- Try surfing at Silverback Island, Long Beach, or Wizard Beach
Best time to go: February to March or September to November for good weather and fewer crowds.
How to get there: Domestic airlines offer direct flights to Bocas Town, the archipelago’s main city. Alternatively, you can reach the port of Almirante by public transit or car. Then, from there, take a short 10-minute water taxi ride to Colón Island.
Where to stay: Try La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm or Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge for eco-friendly stays.
5. Isla del Rey
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Isla del Rey is the biggest island in the Pearl Islands group, but it’s less developed than its neighbors. This makes it perfect for travelers looking for a more natural experience.
The island has long, empty beaches and dense forests to explore. There are 4 small fishing villages — on the whole island — where you can see local life. Today, it’s becoming popular for eco-tourism. You can go fishing, watch for birds, or just relax on quiet beaches. The island gives you a glimpse of unspoiled Panama, away from crowds and tourist spots.
Things to do:
- Explore unspoiled and pristine beaches
- Go sport fishing with native guides to enjoy the best spots
- Visit local fishing villages
- Walk into the dense jungle to spot different kinds of wild animals
Best time to go: December to April for the dry season.
How to get there: Fly to San Miguel airport on Isla del Rey or take a boat from Panama City.
Where to stay: Isla del Rey has a few rustic accommodations available in San Miguel. However, you can take a day trip from Isla Contadora for more accommodation options.
6. Isla Iguana
Best for: Wildlife watching and snorkeling.
Isla Iguana is a small island that packs a big punch for nature lovers. It’s part of a wildlife refuge off Panama’s Pacific coast. The island has a beautiful white sand beach and very clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
One of the coolest things about Isla Iguana is its large group of Frigate birds (5000+ individuals). These big seabirds nest on the island, and you can often see them soaring overhead. The island is also a nesting place for sea turtles from April to September.
There are hiking trails where you can explore the island’s interior and maybe spot some iguanas. The coral reefs around the island are home to many colorful fish, making it a great place for underwater adventures.
Things to do:
- Snorkel around coral reefs
- Watch for Frigatebirds nesting
- Hike the island’s nature trails
- Relax on the white sand beaches of El Cirial or Del Faro
Best time to go: December to April for dry weather. July to October for whale watching.
How to get there: It is only accessible by boat from Pedasí on the mainland. It’s about a 20-minute ride.
Where to stay: No accommodation on the island — nor restaurant — just basic toilet facilities. There is a camping area, but it is not always open; you should check it out before your visit. We recommend that you stay in Pedasí and make a day trip to the island.
7. Isla Escudo de Veraguas
Best for: Unique wildlife and untouched nature.
Isla Escudo de Veraguas is a hidden gem off Panama’s Caribbean coast. It’s hard to get to, but that’s part of what makes it special.
The island is home to animals you can’t find anywhere else in the world, like the pygmy 3-toed sloth. These tiny sloths live in the mangrove forests around the island.
Isla Escudo de Veraguas has beautiful, untouched beaches and clear waters full of marine life. Because it’s so remote, there aren’t many visitors. This makes it perfect for people who want to see nature at its wildest.
The island is important for science, too, as researchers study its unique plants and animals.
Things to do:
- Look for the rare pygmy 3-toed sloth
- Explore mangroves and coastal lagoons
- Snorkel in clear waters
- Enjoy untouched beaches
Best time to go: Between March and November. The weather from December to February can be unpredictable, making the boat ride potentially dangerous.
How to get there: Take a 2-hour boat trip from Chiriqui Grande. It’s a long trip — about 5 to 6 hours — so be prepared. Some boats also depart from Boca del Toro on Isla Colón, and the journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Where to stay: No hotels on the island, nor water or food (except some daily catch from fishermen). We recommend that you join a guided camping tour if you’re leaving from Chiriqui Grande because that’s the only practical option for this remote island. However, some tours from Isla Colón include accommodation in a traditional fishing cabin.
8. Isla Cañas
Best for: Sea turtle watching and responsible fishing.
Isla Cañas is known as one of the best places in Panama to see sea turtles. The island is part of a wildlife refuge that protects these amazing creatures. From July to November, you can watch thousands of sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. It’s an unforgettable experience.
The island also has 1,200 hectares of mangrove ecosystem that you can explore by boat or kayak. These areas are home to many birds and marine species. Isla Cañas has a small local community where you can learn about traditional fishing and rural life in Panama. The island offers a mix of experiences in nature and cultural insights, making it great for those interested in eco-tourism.
Things to do:
- Watch sea turtles nesting (July to November)
- Kayak through mangrove channels
- Take a guided eco-tour
- Visit Cañas Village and taste the community gastronomy
Best time to go: July to November for turtle nesting. December to April for dry weather.
How to get there: From Pedasi or Tonosi, you must arrive in Puerto Cañas and take a boat for 10 minutes.
Where to stay: There are a few basic eco-lodges on the island, such as Hostal Pachamama or the Cabañas de Isla Cañas. However, for more comfort, other great options are available close by but outside of the island.
9. Isla Secas
Best for: Luxury eco-tourism.
Isla Secas is a private island that offers a high-end, more eco-friendly experience. It’s part of a small group of islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The island focuses on luxury tourism that’s also good for the environment at the same time. You can stay in fancy villas that blend into the natural surroundings.
Activities include fishing, diving, and whale watching when in season. The waters around Isla Secas are full of marine life, making them great for snorkeling and diving. The island tries hard to protect nature, using solar power and other eco-friendly practices. It’s perfect for travelers who want a luxurious stay with less harm for the environment.
Things to do:
- Embark on a whale-watching expedition (July to October) or spot them directly from your Casita
- Snorkel or dive in pristine waters for spectacular marine scenery
- Enjoy a full day alone on a deserted beach
- Join a sunset cruise aboard a 15 meters (50-foot) Maverick yacht
Best time to go: December to April for the best weather. July to October for whale watching.
How to get there: The resort arranges transfers from Panama City or David, as well as from San José and Liberia in Costa Rica.
Where to stay: Islas Secas Resort is the only option – it’s luxurious but pricey.
10. Isla Zapatilla
Best for: Day trips and pristine beaches.
Isla Zapatilla is actually 2 small islands at the eastern tip of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. They’re part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park and are known for their untouched beauty. The islands have some of the prettiest beaches in Panama, with white sand and clear turquoise water.
There is no tourist infrastructure on the islands, which keeps them natural and clean. Isla Zapatilla is great for a day trip if you’re staying in Bocas del Toro. You can snorkel in the coral reefs around the islands, relax on the beach, or take walks to explore. You might see turtle tracks in the sand as the beaches are also nesting sites for the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtles.
Things to do:
- Snorkel around coral reefs
- Spot nesting sea turtles (seasonal)
- Beach hop between the 2 islands
- Picnic on pristine beaches under the palm trees
Best time to go: February to April or September to October for good weather and fewer crowds.
How to get there: Take a boat from Bocas Town on Isla Colón. It’s about a 30-minute ride.
Where to stay: No accommodation on the islands. Stay in Bocas Town, Isla Carenero, or Bastimientos and make a day trip.
11. Isla Pedro González
Best for: Emerging luxury tourism.
Isla Pedro González is one of the larger islands in the Pearl Islands group. It has a long history, including ancient settlements and visits from Spanish explorers. Today, the island is starting to develop as a luxury tourist destination. There is even a project to create 7 walkable villages, all linked by trails and green spaces!
The island has beautiful beaches with clear water, great for swimming and water sports. You can also hike through the forests in the island’s interior. Isla Pedro González is trying to balance new development with protecting nature. It’s a good choice for travelers who want comfort but also care about the environment.
Things to do:
- Relax on private beaches
- Try sport fishing in the Viking Enclave
- Explore historical ruins
- Hike through the island’s interior
Best time to go: December to April for the best weather.
How to get there: The resort arranges transfers from Panama City.
Where to stay: The residences from Pearl Island Panama are the main luxurious option.
12. Isla de Cébaco
Best for: Fishing and quiet beach time.
Isla de Cébaco sits in the Gulf of Montijo, not far from Panama’s Pacific coast. It’s one of the biggest islands in the area and is known for great fishing conditions. The island has small communities of about 500 people who live from fishing and farming.
Isla de Cébaco has nice beaches and clear waters that are favorable for snorkeling and diving. The island isn’t very developed, which makes it perfect for a quiet getaway. You can enjoy its natural beauty, go fishing, or just relax on peaceful beaches. Staying on Isla de Cébaco gives you a taste of simple island life in Panama.
Things to do:
- Go surfing at Playa Grande
- Try sport fishing to catch Makarel, yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi, and more
- Dive or snorkel around coral reefs at La Pita Beach or at Caleta Cayman
- Relax on uncrowded beaches
- Hike the Almácigos trail or the Haystack trail
Best time to go: April to November for the surf conditions or December to April for the best weather.
How to get there: There is a 10-kilometer (6 miles) road from Mariato to Palo Seco, and from there you can take a boat at the Puerto El Mulle. You can also leave from Puerto Murtis or Playa Santa Catalina.
Where to stay: Check out Cébaco Sunrise Lodge for a comfortable stay.
13. Isla Parida
Best for: Nature lovers and peace seekers.
Isla Parida is the largest island in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park and a protected area renowned for its flora and fauna. It’s a place of unspoiled natural beauty.
The island has lovely beaches surrounded by lush forests. It’s great for kayaking along the coast and exploring hidden coves. If you visit between July and October, you might see humpback whales. The waters around Isla Parida are clear and full of fish and coral reefs, making it favorable for snorkeling.
There aren’t many facilities on the island, so it’s best for day trips or camping if you’re prepared. Isla Parida is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature in a quiet, undeveloped setting.
Things to do:
- Kayak around secluded coves
- Go whale watching (July to October)
- Hike through tropical rainforests
- Snorkel in clear waters and find spectacular fish such as the king angelfish or the bicolor parrotfish
- Sunbathe and swim at stunning palm tree-lined beaches
Best time to go: December to April for dry weather. July to October for whale watching.
How to get there: Take a boat from Boca Chica or Puerto Pedregal in David on the mainland.
Where to stay: There are a few eco-lodges on the island. For more options, stay in Boca Chica and make a day trip.
Bonus: Best archipelagos in Panama
Panama houses over 1400 islands, so 13 is probably a very small number. Here are the 2 best groups of islands the country has to offer so you can widen your list a little bit.
1. Bocas del Toro Archipelago
Best for: Nightlife, water sports, culture, and eco-tourism.
Bocas del Toro is a group of islands in the north-westernmost province of Panama that’s full of life. The main islands are Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Carenero, with Isla Colón being the busiest.
You’ll find everything here, from dense green forests to beautiful coral reefs. You can surf, snorkel, watch wildlife, or learn about the local culture. What makes Bocas del Toro special is how it mixes amazing nature with a lively atmosphere. It’s great for people who want adventure or just want to relax on pretty beaches.
I went to Bocas del Toro in October 2019 and loved it. We stayed in an overwater bungalow on the quieter part of the island. It wasn’t fancy, but the view was amazing! We did the island pub crawl where you visit different bars by boat. It was a lot of fun. Getting around the island was easy with the affordable taxi boats. To get there, we had to take a boat ride from the mainland, which was an adventure in itself.
Things to do:
- Join an island-hopping pub crawl (it’s as fun as it sounds)
- Surf powerful waves at Playa Bluff on Isla Colón
- Visit Isla Carenero and Playa Carenero, then walk through the jungle by the beach to a cliff with stunning views
- Go to the Blue Lagoon with its incredibly blue waters and cave to visit
- Admire an amazing sunset at Bocas del Drago
- Walk through the jungle to Playa Estrella (20 minutes from Bocas del Drago), which has crystal-clear water and loads of huge starfish
- Visit La Amistad International Park (PILA), the largest and most remote nature reserve in Central America, to spot sloths and monkeys in the tropical forest
- Go on a boat at night to see the bioluminescence
- Rent a bike or ATV and tour the island
- Go out at Selina, Space, Barco Hundido, or Aqua Lounge
- Snorkel or dive in the clear waters
- Immerse yourself in the culture of the Indigenous communities such as the Naso Tjër Di
Best time to go: February to March or September to October for the best weather and fewer crowds.
How to get there: From Panama City, you can take a 45-minute flight to Bocas del Toro Airport (BOC) on Isla Colón, or take a boat from Almirante on the mainland. Once you’re there, getting around is a breeze; taxi boats can take you anywhere on the island for a few dollars.
Where to stay: I stayed in an overwater bungalow on the quieter end of the island, and it was incredible. The place was called Koko Acqua Lodge. For a similar but more luxurious experience, check out Azul Paradise Bocas del Toro or Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge. If you’re on a budget, Cliff’s Hostel and Skully’s House are great options for shared and private rooms.
2. San Blas Islands
Best for: Pristine beaches and authentic cultural experiences.
The San Blas Islands, also called Guna Yala, are a group of over 365 islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast. These islands are run by the Guna people, which makes visiting them a unique experience.
San Blas is known for its untouched beauty, with white sandy beaches and very clear blue water. Many islands are empty, while some have small Guna communities. You can go island hopping, snorkeling, or learn about Guna traditions. The places to stay are usually basic, showing how the Guna people live.
Things to do:
- Go island hopping to find your perfect beach
- Learn about Guna culture and traditions
- Snorkel in crystal-clear waters
- Taste fresh seafood caught by locals
Best time to go: From January to May, it’s the dry season. It’s busier, but the weather is best (however, it is windy). The rainy season from June to December can also be a great time to visit as the climate is awesome all year round in this country. You’ll still have plenty of sunshine to enjoy on the beach, even on rainy days!
How to get there: Take a 4×4 from Panama City to the port of Cartí and then a boat to your chosen island. Some tour operators offer flights from Panama City.
Where to stay: Accommodations are simple. Try Yandup Island Lodge for a bit more comfort or Cabañas Ukuptupu for a more rustic experience.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about the best islands in Panama
Here are some more commonly requested answers.
What is the nicest island to go to in Panama?
It’s hard to pick just one, but many people love Bocas del Toro archipelago for its mix of fun and nature or the San Blas Islands for their beautiful, untouched beaches.
What is the most beautiful of the Panama islands?
Beauty is different for everyone, but the San Blas Islands and Coiba Island are often called the most beautiful for their clean beaches and rich sea life.
What is the best island to visit in Panama for the first time?
For first-time visitors to the country, the islands of Bocas del Toro are a great choice. They’re easy to get to, offer good places to stay, and have a bit of everything — beaches, nightlife, and nature.
What is the safest island in Panama?
Generally, all the tourist-friendly islands in Panama are safe. Isla Contadora, in the Pearl Islands, is known for being particularly safe and well-managed.
What is the least popular island in Panama?
Some of the less-visited islands, like Isla de Cébaco or Isla Escudo de Veraguas, don’t get as many visitors. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting. They offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.
Learning how to travel for less
Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less (and inspire you, too)!
Summary
Panama’s best islands offer a wide range of experiences, from lively spots like Bocas del Toro to the untouched beauty of the San Blas Islands. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, eco-adventures, or cultural experiences, there’s an island for you. Some islands, like Coiba and Escudo de Veraguas, are great for seeing rare wildlife. Others, like Isla Contadora and Isla Secas, offer a more upscale experience.
What would you like to know about the best islands in Panama? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: San Blas Islands, Panama (photo credit: Max Herrmann)
.jpg){kind=link}
