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Published: 21-04-2023
Panama is an adventure seekers' paradise nestled in the small corner of Central America. Explore the natural wonders of the Panamanian isthmus and discover the best Panama adventure tours on your vacations. With its unique geography as an isthmus land bridge between continents and oceans, Panama has more biodiversity per kilometer than the Amazon rainforest. Find out more here about the different Panama adventure tours on offer.
Coiba Island
Snorkeling
Panama has some of the most spectacular snorkeling in Central America, due to its diverse underwater ecosystems and easy access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. There is no shortage of good snorkeling spots in Panama’s amazing national parks and nature reserves. One of the best snorkeling spots has to be The Chiriqui Marine National Park which consists of over 25 small navigable islands and a total of 19 coral reefs. This underwater paradise is decorated with fire coral, the beautiful red spiraling coral that is stunning beyond words, and of course the colorful fish and sea anemones that live off the reef. It is a true privilege to be invited into their world!
Diving on The Panama Coral Reef
Diving
The Isla Coiba National Park was only recently opened to the traveling public. Once a notorious penal colony that closed here in 2004 kept tourism a distance, however now the park’s virgin waters rate as the best diving site in Panama. Isla Coiba is often described as the Galápagos Islands of Panama, and although the snorkeling is outstanding, diving gets you closer to under water species such as white-tipped sharks, sailfish, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and so much more. Coiba is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific Coast of the Americas.
Surfing
Panama is home to a few truly amazing surf spots. The best time to visit is between April and June. July and August are also good months to hit some of the bigger waves. Some of the most reliable and easiest to reach are in the island chain of Bocas del Toro, heading to the border of Costa Rica. Santa Catalina was once a small fishing village that was home to a few local surfers, but now its the most famous surf spot on Panama’s Pacific coast and hosts several large surfing competitions each year. Playa Venao, along the Azuero Peninsula, was also once primarily just a local surf spot. The water here is known to have plenty of long and easy waves, but boasts larger waves as well, making this beach suitable for beginner and intermediate level surfers. The town has plenty of amenities now, too. Other surf spots worth checking out are Playa el Palmar, Silverbacks, Playa Paunch, Playa Malibu, and Morro Negrito.
Surfer on Colon Island
Zipline
One of the best zipline tours by far in Panama is the Bastimentos Sky Zipline Canopy Tour. It could very well be the highlight of your trip to Bocas del Toro. This canopy tour has seven tree-based island zip lines, 13 elevated platforms, and a very exhilarating four-feature tree challenge comprising a traversable canopy net. It's a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful national parks in the world from a bird’s-eye view. Panama’s Cloud Forest Zipline Canopy Tour in Boquete and Zipline Gamboa, offers a unique view of the Panama Canal. Boquete Tree Trek Eco Adventure Park offers ziplining, as well as accommodation, a restaurant, a canopy tour, bird watching, a geisha coffee tour, a tea tour, and more. Ziplining is one of the best adventurous things to do in Panama.
Climb The Baru Volcano
The views from the top of the Baru volcano are an impressive sight. On a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The most popular trail is the Quetzals Trail, which runs between Cerro Punta and Boquete. The 8-kilometer trail takes about six hours to hike. Many choose to go all the way to the summit of Panama’s tallest peak, which is highly recommended, but please note it is a serious and rugged trek that will take a whole day, but the reward of spectacular views outweigh any negatives.
Baru Volcano
Island Hop
Did you know there are more than 1400 islands in Panama? With a stunning array of wildlife, wild nightlife, sandy beaches, and unparalleled beauty, there is something for every kind of beach adventurer. One of the most well-known and arguably the most authentically Caribbean island experiences is the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, made up of nine islands. There are plenty of nature tours, tranquil beaches, bird watching, bars, and restaurants. The perfect way to kick back and chill out on your adventure in Panama.
Visit The Pearl Islands
Named the Pearl Islands in 1503 by the Spanish conquistadors, because they were once at the center of the international pearl trade. The Pearl Islands are a group of more than 200 islands and islets lying about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. It’s more of a resort island chain, but stunningly beautiful and relaxing. Most of the islands are barely populated or entirely uninhabited. The largest in the chain is Isla Del Rey, and Contadora is well known for a variety of resorts and tourist attractions. Isla Saboga is the island for some authentic island culture or take a "survival" tour where the famous tv show filmed their show about being lost on a desert island for the ultimate survival adventure!
Deserted Pearl Islands
Hiking
Panama adventure tours have a lot to offer when it comes to adventurous hikes. You can check out the Lost Waterfall trail in Boquete, where you can hike through the thick jungle with amazing views of the valley below and breathtaking waterfalls. Another famous hiking destination is located in the Anton Valley. What makes this valley extra unique is that it’s in the crater of an extinct volcano. The valley is surrounded by mountains and cloud forests. North of the town is the Cerro Gaital National Park with three protected hills with trails that have spectacular views of the ocean and are home to hundreds of native bird species. Soberania National Park is another fabulous hiking destination in a dense tropical forest. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot an elusive jaguar. More likely, you’ll spot one of many species of monkeys or birds that inhabit the park.
White-Water Rafting & Kayaking
Depending on which section of the Chiriquí and Chiriquí Viejo Rivers you raft, these two rivers produce serious white water rafting, ranging from technical Class III to Class V. Some sections of the river are so difficult they’ve been named “Fear” and “Get Out If You Can.” There are plenty of tamer floats on Class II rivers, such as the Esti, for families and beginners. Virtual solitude, beautiful views, and lush surroundings are included in the rafting tour, too. Kayaking in the Kuna Yala Comarca is the perfect adrenalin-filled option, considering that diving is prohibited in the Kuna Yala, and offers travelers a way to intimately explore the mangrove swamps and the undeveloped beauty of the tiny islands this region is famous for. Along the way, kayakers stop at traditional Kuna communities for cultural tours, land-based hiking, and snorkeling.
Panama Kayaking
Bird Watching
There are over 1000 bird species in Panama, from the elusive quetzal to the zillion varieties of hummingbirds. Panama is home to a truly extraordinary abundance of beautiful birds and is an ornithologist's dream. Some of the most well-known bird-watching locations are Pipeline Road, the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, Soberania National Park, Chagres National Park, La Amistad International Park, Sendero de Los Quetzales, and Darien National Park. The top bird species to spot include the harpy eagle, the collared aracari, the resplendent quetzal, the lesser violetear, the keel-billed toucan, the great green or scarlet macaw, or one of 320 different kinds of hummingbirds. Get your binoculars to the ready for the perfect adventure in Panama.
Keel-Billed Toucan
If you are looking for adventure in Panama, contact us here and we can explain the different adventure trips available in this compact and diverse Central American paradise.
