Can I expect to see wildlife in Panama?
How much wildlife you see depends on where you are. In most parks and reserves, you can see birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and sometimes monkeys. There are many other creatures prowling the parks, but you may not see them. These include Panama’s big cats – jaguars, pumas, margays, jaguarundis, and ocelots. Panama’s offshore parks provide the opportunity to see marine life, including an assortment of tropical fish, several types of reef shark, sea turtles, dolphins, and even humpback whales. To learn more about biodiversity in Panama, visit our page on 'flora and fauna.'
Related Questions
- Are national parks and reserves safe in Panama?
- Are Panama's parks and reserves well developed?
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- I want a nature vacation. Where should I go in Panama?
- How much does it cost to visit a national park or reserve in Panama?
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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.
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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.




