Canas Island Wildlife Refuge
The Cañas Island Wildlife Refuge is Panama’s most important nesting site for sea turtles along the Pacific coast. The island is visited by five species of sea turtles, including the olive ridley, Pacififc green, loggerhead, leatherback, and hawksbill. The refuge is set to the south of Pedasi on the Azuero Peninsula and is somewhat difficult to reach.
The most abundant turtle to visit the shores of Cañas Island is the olive ridley. The olive ridley is a grayish-green sea turtle with a heart-shaped top shell. Weighing just 35-45 kilograms, the olive ridley is the smallest of the turtles to visit Panama. The second-most frequent turtle to visit Cañas Island is the Pacific green. The three other species – hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback – are usually seen in small numbers. In total, some 20,000-30,000 turtles come to the island to lay their eggs.
The best time of the year to watch the turtles is between September and November. Some turtles do, however, come as early as May. The turtles only lay their eggs at night—if attempting to watch them, do not use flashlights or cameras with a flash, as the turtles are frightened of the light and can easily become disoriented. The moonlight is usually sufficiently bright to allow you to watch the turtles.
The island has a small village where around 900 people live, many of whom help protect the turtles.
Getting to the Cañas Island Wildlife Refuge is tough and involves a boat ride through a muddy mangrove. Given the logical hassle involved in reaching it, it’s easier to book a trip to Cañas Island with a tour operator.
Where to stay in Canas Island Wildlife Refuge
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Canas Island Wildlife Refuge accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Eco Venao
Eco Venao is a gorgeous eco-hotel set above Playa Venao on the eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula. The hotel lies within a 346-acre (140-ha) reforestation project and has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from well-equipped guest houses to simple cabañas.
Playa Venao Hotel Resort
The Playa Venao Hotel Resort is set along the shores of Playa Venao in the Azuero Peninsula. The hotel has well-equipped rooms, an infinity swimming pool, and unrivaled access to the coastline.
Villa Marina
Villa Marina is a bed and breakfast set along the shores of Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula. The hotel is small and comfortable and provides fantastic access to one of Panama’s best surfing spots.
Hotel Playa Cambutal
Hotel Playa Cambutal is located along the shores of Playa Cambutal in the southern Azuero Peninsula. The hotel has great accommodations and a stellar location.
Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is a cute and comfortable B&B in Pedasi. The hotel’s rooms are clean and stylish and have easy access to a swimming pool and rancho.
La Rosa de Los Vientos
La Rosa de Los Vientos is a quaint bed and breakfast just outside Pedasi. The hotel’s small size and friendly owners make it a pleasant place to stay while exploring the Azuero Peninsula.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
