Tours and Activities in Panama

Bird Watching

Panama is internationally known for its spectacular diversity of bird species. There are colorful local and migrant species, including various types of toucans, macaws, and eagles. Bird watching tours bring travelers to some of Panama’s best birding sites. Accompanied by a naturalist guide and equipped with a pair of binoculars, you’ll search forests, rivers, and estuaries for these incredible creatures.

Zip Lines

Zip-lines are slowly becoming popular in Panama, although nowhere near the level they are in Costa Rica. Zip-lines are composed of steel cables strung between platforms in the forest canopy. During a canopy tour, participants are fitted into a harness, attached to the cable, and sent down the cable between platforms. Canopy tours are an exciting way to get outdoors and also learn about the ecology of Panama.

Rafting

Panama has several rivers that are fantastic for white-water rafting. These include the Río Chiriquí, Río Chiriquí Viejo, Río Gariché and Río Dolega, most of which are in highland areas near Boquete. There are thrilling stretches of water for experienced rafters, as well as slower sections that are perfect for beginners. These tours are a great way to see beautiful outdoor areas that most visitors to Panama miss.

Hiking

The Panamanian landscape – with its mountains, forests, and plains – is ripe with hiking opportunities. There is everything from leisurely strolls through dry tropical forest to all-day treks up the Barú Volcano, Panama’s highest peak. These guided hiking tours provide travelers with a safe and enjoyable way to experience the Panamanian outdoors.

Boat Tours

No matter where you are in the narrow Isthmus of Panama, you’ll never be far from the sea. This country has both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Boat tours will bring you the Panama’s most popular spots for marine life observation, and to Panamanian islands with pristine, quiet beaches. Some tours combine a boat tour with a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. And don’t forget – a boat tour is the only way to truly experience the Panama Canal, as well as its many locks and lovely lakes.

Snorkeling

Panama’s coastal waters are filled with all kinds of tropical fish and marine life. Coral gardens protect small colorful fish, while sea cucumbers and starfish move slowly about the ocean floor. Snorkeling tours allow travelers to jump into the water and watch these incredible creatures. Knowledgeable local guides bring tour participants to the best snorkel spots and equip them with snorkels, masks, and fins. All you have to do is look down and enjoy the view.

Coffee Tour

Panama’s coffee plantations are mainly found in the highland areas surrounding Boquete. Touring one of these plantations is a wonderful way to understand the work that goes into producing your favorite morning beverage. On these tours, you’ll learn about the growing, harvesting, drying, and roasting process. You’ll also enjoy one of the freshest cups of coffee you’ve ever had.

Horseback Riding

Riding horses in Panama is a pastoral and even historical experience—this is, after all, the way locals have been getting around for hundreds of years. Even better, riding horses allows you to see several areas within the span of a day. You can visit waterfalls and mountaintops, pasturelands and coastal coves. These tours are safe and open for both inexperienced and experienced riders alike.

Shopping

Go shopping in Panama to experience the hustle and bustle of and outdoor market. Visiting one of these markets will give you a change to browse a superb selection of local goods. Exotic produce grows abundantly in Panama, and your shopping trip will introduce you to the many fresh ingredients Panamanian cooks get to use.

Night Tour

Rainforests are unpredictable places. After the sunset, you’ll find that the landscape completely transforms. Many of the animal and insect species that live here are nocturnal. Hiking through the rainforest at night is the only way to see many of these species in the wild. With the help of a naturalist guide, you’ll use your flashlight to illuminate a world that most humans never get to see.

Nature Walk

Panama is an isthmus – a thin stretch of land that connects two lands masses. In the western highlands, mountains and volcanoes create a challenging terrain for intrepid hikers. Off the coast, Panama’s island chains have every type of beach you can imagine, and rare mangrove forests. The tropical rainforest here is known for its huge diversity of animals and insects, including many species of butterfly. With a naturalist guide, you’ll get an education in biodiversity as you traverse Panama’s intense landscape.

Guided Tours

These guided gours in Panama range from ATVing to discovering Hot Springs to experiencing the Panama Canal like few travelers get to.

Catamaran Tour

Sailing is an idyllic way to see Panama’s incredible coastline. On catamaran tours you can visit spots where dolphins are especially active. Your captain can sail you to thriving tropical reefs and calm beaches for swimming and snorkeling.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in Panama is unmissable. Anywhere.com can book tours for beginners all the way up to Divemasters and Rescue Diving courses.

Species Exhibits

Panama’s greatest resource is its wildlife. Going to a species exhibit will increase your awareness of animals that have become dangerously rare, and introduce you to a huge variety of insects, birds, and mammals. Panama has the most diverse bird population of any country in Central America. Over 100 species of animal make their homes exclusively in Panama, so at a species exhibit you’re all but guaranteed to see an animal you’ve never seen (or heard of) before.

Sport Fishing

Sport fishing in Panama is incredible—there are locations along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts where you can hook some seriously big fish, including marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper, and yellowfin tuna. During one of these tours, you’ll head out into the ocean with a professional fishing guide. You’ll be set up with all the necessary equipment and learn how to angle for the fish. Any fish that are caught can usually be brought back to land and cooked for dinner.

City

Museum

Panama has a wild outdoors, and visitors will feel tempted to leave it to Mother Nature to stage the exhibits. But your Panamanian travels would be incomplete without a closer look at the country’s culture. Go to a museum to see artwork inspired by Panama’s bright tapestry of sounds and colors.

Historic

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Ecuador was a part of the Inca empire. Historical structures still remain from both the Spanish and the Inca cultures. During a historical tour, you'll explore cities and archeological sites with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll learn the stories behind the structures and buildings you encounter, and walk away with a better understanding of Ecuador's past.

Marine Wildlife

Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are home to all types of marine mammals, including dolphins, whales, and even manatees. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen at Dolphin Bay in Bocas del Toro, and humpback whales can be observed in the Gulf of Chiriquí and near the Pearl Islands. Marine mammal observation tours give travelers an opportunity to watch these creatures in the wild. As you glide along in the boat, keep your eyes out for manta rays and sea turtles. It’s also common to spot a variety of birds along the coast and near islands.

Chocolate Tour

Rappel

Learn to rock climb and rapel with these tours in the gorgeous highlands of Panama.

Kayaking

With nearly 1,550 miles (2,495 km) of coastline and crisscrossed by around 40 rivers, Panama has ample opportunities for kayaking. Kayak tours allow both experienced and inexperienced kayakers to get into the water and enjoy. These tours are a fun and active way to encounter nature and search for wildlife.