PANAMA OUTDOORS

 

In addition to the vibrant cities, fascinating culture, and delicious cuisine, one of the most incredible aspects of Panama is the country’s stunning natural beauty. From crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life to lush forests blooming with brilliant flora and fauna, there are countless natural wonders to explore. To fully appreciate Panama´s breathtaking scenery, make sure you fit in a few nature-focused excursions into your itinerary. There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Panama. Despite being a "small" country, Panama has a lot to offer. Some of the best activities include birdwatching, hiking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, etc. Here are some of the best outdoor activities available on a vacation in Panama.

 

Sail Boat off The Coast of The Pearl Islands

Snorkeling

If you want to explore the magnificent underwater vistas that Panama has to offer without straying too far from the surface, snorkeling is a great option. As you glide along the surface of the crystal-clear turquoise water, you will come across stunning views of lively coral reefs, vibrant fish, and a diverse array of exotic marine life. Introduce yourself to an amazing underwater world on a spectacular snorkeling trip on the remote San Blas Islands or the pristine Pearl Islands, for access to the barrier reef and the underwater creatures that call it home. Bocas del Toro also has a good reputation, with trips ranging from all-day snorkel tours to underwater exploration of shipwrecks and spectacular reef walls. Bocas can also have excellent surf, though it is seasonal and less consistent than on the Pacific coast, where Santa Catalina has the most popular break and is considered world-class.

 

Snorkeling off Coiba Island

 

Scuba Diving

Panama is home to some of the most incredible scuba diving sites that Central America has to offer. Particularly noteworthy sites reside around the Gulf of Chiriquí. It’s where you will find some of the oldest coral reefs in Panama, some of which are over 5,600 years old. Such sites include Isla Secas which dwells on a chain of 16 volcanic islands and Coiba Island diving which many refer to as the “New Galapagos” for its diverse wildlife. Divers will also regularly spot schools of jack, barracuda, and snapper at Isla Ladrones as well. Depending on the level of adventure you wish to experience, you can choose to stay closer to the surface or venture out on a thrilling deep water or wall dive. There is truly no better way to experience such priceless underwater treasures than viewing them up close on a once-in-a-lifetime scuba diving tour.

Whale Watching

Whale watching in Panama is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Panama is one of only two countries in the world where humpback whales from the northern and southern hemispheres migrate to give birth to their young. The best time to witness this remarkable phenomenon is between July and October. This is when 2,000 humpback whales migrate 4,000 miles to Panama’s warm safe waters. Despite this incredible occurrence, Panama remains a relatively-underrated whale watching destination. As such you won’t have to worry about excessive crowds and can enjoy an intimate and truly remarkable whale-watching experience.

 

Whale Watching in Panama

Ziplining

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Panama that will get your blood pumping, consider going on an adrenaline-boosting ziplining adventure. An ideal place to go ziplining in Panama is in the enchanting mountain town of Boquete. Located at the foothills of the Baru Volcano, untouched cloud forests surround Boquete. High amongst the canopies of such forests, you can glide through the trees as you pass by waterfalls, rivers, and other remarkable natural scenery.

Hiking

To fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural landscapes that comprise Panama, consider taking a hiking tour. Encompassing roughly 9,300 acres of land that includes pastures, tropical beaches, and indigenous forests, Isla Boca Brava is an especially ideal hiking destination in Panama. There, you will find numerous trails to guide you on a relaxing journey or exciting adventure through the jungles of Panama. While traversing through the jungle, you will likely spot a wide variety of wildlife that finds its home amidst the lush flora and fauna. Visitors often see howler monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, lizards, and even big cats on Panama hiking tours. In Panama City Hike on Ancon Hill. Ancon Hill is a historic and ecologically lush region, which sits at the western edge of Panama City. While technically within the capital city’s limits, it is far from the urban. Ancon Hill will surely give you a feeling as you have gone deep into the Panamanian rainforest, combined with a peaceful, historic neighborhood that mixes in seemingly with natural surroundings. And, you can hike from bottom to top in an hour, and see the most spectacular views of the city from the height.

 

Hiking in The Panamanian Rainforest

SUP or  Kayaking

For an activity that blends land and sea into one, consider trying your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking. Floating along the water’s surface on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak is a great way to admire Panama’s sparkling waters and incredible landscapes. If you are new to these enjoyable water activities, you can choose to paddle close to the shores and test out the waters. However, if you’re up for a more immersive experience, consider journeying down Panama’s mangrove-lined rivers. Here you will get a front-row view of rich island ecosystems. 

Bird watching

Panama’s abundant, tropical environment provides a home to an incredible variety of exotic winged creatures. As such, the country is a great bird-watching destination. To put things in perspective, Panama is home to almost 1,000 species of birds—a diversity that is greater than the United States and Canada combined. Common birds people spot in the jungles of Panama include warblers, parrots, osprey frigates, toucans, parakeets, and flycatchers. To maximize your chances of seeing the greatest variety of bird species possible, start your bird-watching journey early, so you can venture out before it gets too hot, and birds hide from the burning sun in the shade.

 

Scarlet Macaw

Cruise the Gulf of Chiriqui

Outdoor activities don’t have to be physically strenuous. If you’re seeking a way to relax while still experiencing Panama’s incredible natural environment, consider hopping on an island cruise. The Gulf of Chiriquí is an especially great destination for a tranquil cruise, as it is home to numerous unspoiled islands, such as Isla Games or Bolanos. The best part—they’re just a short 20-minute journey away from the mainland. After sailing along the turquoise waters, you’ll arrive at secluded white sand beaches where you can lounge beneath the shade from swaying palms.

 

 

Horse Riding

Whether you want to canter along Panama’s picturesque shoreline or journey deep into its jungles, horseback riding is an excellent option. This activity provides a memorable way to take in the country’s beautiful natural scenery. While a beautiful horse carries you along, you’ll have the chance to focus on fully admiring the environment around you. If you choose a jungle tour, make sure to keep an eye out for exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and birds as you ride. If you don’t have much (or any) horseback riding experience, don’t worry. Whether you’re a beginner horseback rider or an expert, there is the perfect horse riding excursion for you.

 

Horse Riding Ranch, Boquete

 

White Water Rafting

It doesn’t get better than the whitewater rafting in Boquete, Panama! With several world-class whitewater runs in Panama’s Chiriqui province alone, there is no Central American paddling destination more extraordinary than Panama! Boquete tops the list as offering some of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world. The combination of the region’s topography, abundant watersheds, and incredible biological diversity make Panama an extraordinary whitewater river rafting destination featuring breathtaking views of nature and wildlife. White-Water Rafting & Kayaking the Chiriquí & Chiriquí Viejo Rivers is also an excellent option. These two rivers produce serious white water ranging from technical Class 3 to Class 5, some portions of which are so difficult they've been named "Fear" and "Get Out If You Can." There are plenty of tamer floats on Class 2 rivers, such as the Esti, for families and beginners.

 

White Water Rafting

Find out more about the best outdoor activities available in Panama for your perfect Panama vacation here!