10 Most Beautiful Islands in Panama, the nation that serves as a bridge between South America and Central America, is a remarkable and significant destination. While it is renowned for its world-famous canal, which links the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there is much more to this captivating country. Along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, numerous exquisite tropical islands await, offering breathtaking beaches and incredible wildlife. Mfinake sure to include a selection of these extraordinary islands in your travel plans.
Isla Carenero is one of the 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Panama
Isla Carenero, located on the Caribbean coastline, is part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. This slender island is situated adjacent to the larger Isla Colón. If you’re up for it, you can complete a hike around the entire perimeter of Isla Carenero in approximately one hour! Known as one of its premier surfing destinations, the island also attracts visitors with its popular activity of stand-up paddleboarding. While there are various accommodation choices available on the island, you can also choose to visit by boat for a day and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere and relaxed way of life that Isla Carenero offers.
Gulf of Chiriqui Islands[SEE MAP]
The Gulf of Chiriqui encompasses numerous islands, collectively referred to as the Gulf of Chiriqui Islands. While most of these islands remain uninhabited, a few resorts have recently emerged in the area. These islands are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, offering excellent opportunities for water-based activities such as snorkeling and surfing. Boca Chica Island, covered in lush rainforest, presents an ideal setting for hiking enthusiasts. For those interested in observing groups of howler monkeys in their natural habitat, the sister islands of Boca Brava and Isla Palenque are the perfect destinations. Many boat tours are available for island hopping adventures in the Gulf of Chiriqui, ensuring a memorable day at sea.
Isla Bastimentos[SEE MAP]
Isla Bastimentos is another island located in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. It is a serene and picturesque destination that does not have any cars or roads. The only settlement on the island is the small town of Old Bank, which is home to a few simple structures along the coastline. One of the main attractions of Isla Bastimentos is the stunning beaches that can be found there. Wizard Beach is a secluded spot that is quite remote, and it is also known for its excellent surfing conditions. Red Frog Beach is the most popular beach on the island, and it is the perfect place to grab a snack and a refreshing drink while enjoying the beachside atmosphere.
Isla Contadora[SEE MAP]
The Pearl Islands, form an archipelago that holds significance for being the filming location of several seasons of the popular TV show Survivor. Among these islands, Contadora stands out as the most developed, boasting the picturesque Playa Larga beach. While this beach showcases the typical beauty of it, and also offers a unique sight – a shipwrecked ferry boat resting on its sandy shores. Visitors to Contadora can indulge in whale watching and engage in fishing activities, targeting mahi mahi, sailfish, and marlin, adding to the allure of this captivating destination.
Coiba[SEE MAP]
Coiba Island, situated south of it and the Veraguas Province, is the biggest island in Central America. The island, along with several neighboring islands and islets, make up the Coiba National Marine Park. It was once a penal colony and was dubbed as Devil’s Island. However, today, Coiba Island is famous for its coral reef and diverse marine life. Visitors usually opt for guided tours that offer activities such as snorkeling, scuba-diving, and sightseeing. Surfing is also becoming a popular pastime on the island, and surf trips can be arranged from the mainland.
Isla Colon[SEE MAP]
Isla Colon is a part of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and is home to Bocas Town, the main destination on the island. Bocas Town is easily accessible by foot and boasts a few waterfront restaurants and souvenir shops. If you prefer to explore the island’s natural beauty, you can visit the Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden or take a leisurely stroll along the stunning Playa Estrella. At the dolphin preserve, you can even catch a glimpse of dolphins from the coast. For those with more time, there are boat tours available for dolphin spotting, scuba diving, or fishing, depending on your interests.
San Blas Islands[SEE MAP]
The San Blas Islands, located east of the Panama Canal and north of the Isthmus, form an archipelago consisting of over 300 islands and cayes, with only 50 of them being inhabited. The Kuna People are the main inhabitants of these islands and they govern themselves, giving the San Blas Islands a distinct character compared to the rest of it. The local language spoken in San Blas is known as Tulekaya. During your visit, you can appreciate the vibrant traditional attire worn by the locals and unwind on picturesque beaches. Exploring the uninhabited and undeveloped islands through island hopping tours is an excellent way to experience the beauty of this archipelago.
Isla Iguana[SEE MAP]
Isla Iguana, located just a short distance from the Azuero Peninsula in Southern Panama, is a captivating destination within the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Many visitors opt for a boat trip to Isla Iguana, where they can spend a day immersed in the island’s abundant offerings.
The presence of a thriving coral reef provides an exceptional opportunity for snorkeling enthusiasts, with a diverse array of over 200 fish species awaiting exploration. For scuba divers venturing further from the coastline, the chance to encounter humpback whales, moray eels, or octopuses awaits. Additionally, Isla Iguana is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, particularly due to the presence of a sizable frigate colony.
Isla Barro Colorado[SEE MAP]
Steve Ryan / Wikipedia
Isla Barro Colorado can be found in the heart of the Panama Canal, created by the construction of a dam that blocked the flow of a local river. This island is now a nature reserve, boasting an unparalleled range of biodiversity that makes it a truly breathtaking destination. To visit, you must book a formal tour and typically travel by boat from nearby Gamboa. Once on the island, you’ll be treated to a stunning array of colors as you hike, with the chance to spot toucans, green tree frogs, carpets of flowers on the forest floor, and even three-toed sloths in their natural habitat.
Isla Taboga[SEE MAP]
Isla Taboga, also known as the Island of Flowers. Originally inhabited by Indians, the island fell under Spanish control in the 16th century. Over the years, it faced frequent attacks from pirates and later came under the influence of the British, French, and Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, there are three main attractions that make Isla Taboga worth visiting: its beautiful beaches, historical hiking trails, and the island’s church. Playa Restinga, the most popular beach on the island, offers a picturesque sandy shoreline and crystal-clear blue waters. Additionally, you can explore the second oldest church in the western hemisphere, which remains open to the public, or embark on a hike to the island’s summit for a breathtaking view of Panama City in the distance.
