Panama Islands

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Whether you need a little bit of peace and quiet or a lot, a Panama island vacation can offer you everything you want out of a vacation — adventure, sunshine, excitement, tranquility, and fun! Panama has hundreds of islands, and they each offer a unique experience — from the colour of the sand to activities you can enjoy. On the Caribbean coast, you'll find the Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala archipelagos. Along the Pacific side, there are the Pearl Islands and islands within the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Actually, there is something that Panama’s islands have in common — they are picturesque and often have unrivaled access to secluded beaches and marine areas. It’s easy to arrange snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing trips during your stay. Some islands are well developed, like those within Bocas del Toro; others are entirely uninhabited, which means you have a great chance of seeing wildlife before you see another person.

Peruse this list and discover which of Panama's islands most appeals to your travel needs.

Destinations

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Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Panama
Isla Colon

Isla Colon

Go to Isla Colón for some of the most interesting islands in the archipelago, which are nearby incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. This is where you’ll find Bocas Town and some of the most exciting nightlife in the archipelago. There are also lots of resorts and hotels to choose from right on the beach. There are excellent places to surf on Isla Colón, like the reef break called the Paunch and the Playa Bluff beach. Playa Bluff is also an important site for sea turtles. For more surfing, you might want to take a quick trip to Isla Carenero for more impressive waves. If you want to swim, check out the Laguna Piscina or the white-sand beach of Bocas del Drago.
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Isla Contadora Archipelago Perlas

Isla Contadora Archipelago Perlas

Isla Contadora is named for the contadoras — the “counting houses” where Spanish merchants would count pearls before they continued on to Spain. Today, it offers an abundance of opulent vacation getaways right on the beach. These islands aren’t overly developed, and the beaches offer white sand, clear water, and the chance to truly get away from it all. Most travelers (and locals) get around the island on golf carts or bikes, and there isn’t a lot of nightlife — both factors that make this island for guests who want to bum around the beach and explore the scenery. You will have an abundance of beaches to choose from, as well as coral reefs and gorgeous snorkeling attractions. You can find reefs off of the coast of beaches like Playa Galeón and Playa Larga. For more diving options, consider following a guide to some of the uninhabited nearby islands.
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Destinations

Find your joy

Take a look at other fascinating destinations to explore while you visit Panama.

Bocas Town
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Isla Boca Brava
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Yandup Island
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Sapibenega Island
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Achutupu Island
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Isla Popa
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Guanidup Island
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Uaguitupo Island
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Pearl Islands
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Isla Taboga
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Carti
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Coco Blanco Island
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San Cristobal Island
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Playon Chico
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Aguja Island
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Isla Solarte
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Isla del Rey
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Corazon de Jesus
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Corbiski Island
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El Porvenir
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Isla Diabla
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Isla San José
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Senidup Island
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