The isthmus of Panama is known as the ‘land bridge of the America’s’ as it connects North America to South America. It has been blessed with over 2,800 km (1,775 miles) of coastline between the Caribbean and Pacific and literally hundreds of islands in each ocean.
With this package you do not have to choose between the two as this week-long, island-hopping package will have you spend three nights on an island off each coast. After an overnight stay in Panama City your adventure begins on the Caribbean and the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Stay on Isla Bastimentos, a gorgeous island removed from the crowds of the main island, covered in lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, and is surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters. Enjoy days filled with wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and beach combing as you enjoy the Caribbean’s laid-back pace.
You will then head south across the country to the Pacific Coast where your final three nights will be spent at the gorgeous Isla Palenque. This intimate, eco-luxury resort offers delicious dining, amenities, and beachfront accommodations. Spend a day island hopping from one white sand beach to another as you snorkel and snack the day away. Your final day can be spent relaxing at Isla Palenque’s infinity pool, hiking various trails on the 400-acre island looking for wildlife, or enjoying one of seven beaches on the island!
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Trip may include activities like walks, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking, all adventure tours are optional.
This morning you will do a half day guided tour of the Panama Canal. Here you will learn about the incredible engineering feats of the canal that took place 100 years ago while watching ships pass through the Miraflores Locks. After a short tour we will drop you off at the Albrook Airport for your domestic flight over to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean Coast. Your lodge will be waiting for you at the airstrip and then you will enjoy a short boat ride to your remote island. Despite your remote location, enjoy air-conditioned accommodations, great service, and an all-inclusive setting at this boutique eco-luxury lodge.
Spend today playing in the warm tropical waters that make Bocas del Toro so popular. The lodge offers complimentary SUP boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear dow at the dock or you can book a guided snorkeling trip to visit one of the nearby reefs. Don’t overlook all the incredible wildlife found on Isla Bastimientos as the lodge has 200 acres to explore and two full time naturalist guides on staff so hiking and birding tours as something you should make time for as well.
Leave your home island today for a short boat ride to two uninhabited islands, the Zapatilla Cayes, both of which are within Isla Bastimientos National Marine Park. Enjoy a day of gorgeous white sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and some of the best coral reef and marine life in all of Panama. If you want to try something different and spend more time on land we can arrange an organic chocolate farm tour at Green Acres Chocolate Farm, a visit to a nearby indigenous village, or you can hike the miles of trails on Isla Bastimientos with the on-site naturalist guides.
After breakfast we will take you back to Isla Colon for your domestic flight from Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean to David on the Pacific (after a short layover in Panama City). A private transfer will be waiting for you at David Airport will take you down to the small fishing town of Boca Chica on the Pacific Coast. Isla Palenque will greet you upon arrival to Boca Chica for a short boat ride over to their 400-acre island paradise. Explore the property with a refreshing cocktail in hand as they offer hiking trails, nature tours, and seven beaches. Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood dinner prepared by the gourmet chef and then fall asleep to the sound of the surf at your beachfront casita.
After a poolside breakfast with ocean views, spend the day boating or sailing around the over 200 islands found in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Options include Isla Bolanos, Isla Gamez, Playa Grande, or the stunning Islas Secas. As you hop from island to island, keep your eyes open for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Enjoy a picnic lunch, beer, and cocktails and then spend the afternoon snorkeling and enjoying a beach that does not have anyone else on it. Return to Isla Palenque in time to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Enjoy your last full day in Panama! Swim in the calm bay waters, take advantage of their complimentary kayaks or SUPs, or of course you have every right to simply lounge alongside the infinity pool and act like an iguana all day. For the nature and wildlife lovers, take a guided tour of Isla Palenque’s rainforest and mangroves as you learn about the flora, fauna, and history of this island paradise. The word ‘Panama’ is believed to be an indigenous word that means “an abundance of fish”, so the Gulf of Chiriqui is home to some of the world’s best inshore and offshore sport fishing if you want to try and catch your own dinner.
Your private transfer will take you back to David airstrip (1 hour) for your domestic flight to Panama City. Fly home from Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
