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.
#1: 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.
