We all know that Panama is a link between South America and Central America, but it’s so much more than that. With more than 1,000 islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean, this “melting pot” of a country has plenty of unique experiences to offer. Exotic beauty, mysticism, and incredible culture are just some of the things that bring people from all over the world here. We want to take you on a journey and give you a glimpse of what you can expect if you set off exploring Panama’s islands. Spoiler alert – you’re going to love it.
Now, since so many US citizens are moving to Panama these days, we figured it’s a good idea to also talk a bit about Panama real estate along the way. It turns out it’s a nice place to live and a great place to invest, but more on that later on.
Taboga Island
The Isla Toboga, or Island of Flowers how people often call it, is a fantastic place. This volcanic island bustling with tropical plant life is only accessible by boat, and lots of people love it for that. When you get there, you feel like you’re isolated from the world — it’s an oasis of tranquility.
Initially, the Indians were the only inhabitants, but soon, the place became a favorite among pirates. British, French, Spanish, and Americans were all interested in it, so this small island has a lot of history behind it.
All of this makes it a perfect one-day gateway from Panama City if you’re there on vacation. You’ll have a full day of historic hikes, sightseeing, and sandy beach relaxation ahead of you. Feel free to visit it and thank us later.
Coiba National Park
Coiba Marine Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Despite it being the biggest island in the whole of Central America, you won’t find any Panama rentals there. On the contrary, you’ll get to see untouched nature and some of the greatest biological diversity anywhere on the globe.
Coiba is well-known as one of the best diving spots in the world, and for a reason. Here, you can come across manta rays, whales, and hammerhead sharks. Some serious diver’s bucket list mentions we’re talking about here. On a good day, you might even see a whale shark.
Still, if diving isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there’s plenty to do. A whale watching tour or a sightseeing walk through the rain forest are both experiences that you’ll talk about for decades to come. And how about some surfing on the finest waves Central America has to offer? Trust us — it’s a place you’ll want to come back to.
Pearl Islands
Once reserved for the rich and famous, the Pearl Islands have evolved into a place now accessible for anyone, and we continue our article on exploring Panama’s islands with them. More than 200 islands make this archipelago one of the most picturesque locations in Panama. And right there, in the middle of it all, on Viveros island, you’ll find Mara’naa Resort – one of the best couples resorts in the country.
Even if you go with one of the other islands, you won’t regret it. The crystal-clear waters in the area are great for whale watching, wind-surfing, and paddleboarding. It’s worth mentioning that this is one of the areas where you might come across Panama real estate for sale. So, if that’s what you’re interested in, the chances are that you’ll find an excellent investment opportunity during your next vacation.
Isla Colon
If you’re coming to Panama for the first time and want to experience as many things as possible — Isla Colon is the place you’re looking for. It’s the island with the most residents in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, and it’s home to Bocas Town, the capital of the province.
Here, you’ll find one of Panama’s most popular eco-tourism destinations, Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach). You’ll get to enjoy the Afro-Caribbean culture and food that’s unique to the area. It’s a great experience that will teach you a lot about the culture and locals’ ways.
We also advise you to visit Playa Bluff. It’s a mecca for surfers and a place where you can learn about local sea turtle conservation efforts. And while you’re there, you’ll also want to check out Paki Point and Playa Tortuga.
There’s a lot to see, and if you can afford it, there’s a good chance that the area’s laid-back vibe will make you stay for longer than you intended. And if you’re planning to invest, it’ll be a perfect excuse to book a hotel for a few more nights. So, for as long as you’re in Panama, keep your valuable possessions in one place back home. Renting a storage unit while traveling will give you peace of mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy the experience much more.
Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park
Isla Bastimentos is the second national park on our list, and like the previous one, it’s one of the largest islands in Panama. Most people see it as a laid-back retreat from the bustling streets and bars in the center of Bocas Town. So, if you need to take a break, take a ten-minute water taxi ride, and you’re here.
The jungle and beaches crisscross the island, and walking around it makes you feel special in a way. It’s hard to explain, but you’ll know what we’re talking about as soon as you step on it. The visitors are few, and at moments, you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole place for yourself.
And if that’s what you crave, just alongside, there are Cayos Zapatillas. These are two uninhabited islands, one of which is open to visitors and certainly worth spending some time on.
Isla Grande
Although it’s named “big”, Isla Grande is, in fact, a small island in the province of Colon. If we had to pick one place that might get you thinking about moving from the United States to Panama, this would be it. Not only are there no more than 1,000 residents on the island, but there are also no roads. People get around on footpaths, which adds quite a bit to the charm of the place.
Although you probably won’t be investing in Panama condos while you’re here, you’ll enjoy every minute you spend on Isla Grande. It’s a truly unique part of the country and a great spot to conclude your efforts of exploring Panama’s islands.