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Diving

Panama is a world-class dive destination. Its Caribbean reefs are adorned with dozens of sponge and coral species and an array of fish and invertebrates. The Pacific has the country's most spectacular dives, with schools of big fish, sharks, and other creatures.

Bocas del Toro. With plenty of coral reefs and several dive shops, this popular Caribbean archipelago is perfect for scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts alike.

Escribano Bank, Central Caribbean Coast. This barrier reef east of Isla Grande holds some of the country's healthiest coral. It is so remote that few divers visit it, but it lies near the eco-resort Coral Lodge.

Isla Coiba, Chiriquí Province. Protected within a vast national park, Coiba Island is surrounded by excellent diving, with rocky reefs that attract legions of fish. Explore it on one-week dive cruises or shorter trips from Playa Santa Catalina.

Islas Secas, Chiriquí Province. This remote archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriquí has extensive reefs teeming with marine life that can be explored from the exclusive resort on the islands, or on day trips from Boca Chica.

History

The site of the first Spanish colony on the American mainland, Panama has remnants of five centuries of European influence, including ancient fortresses and colonial churches, as well as indigenous cultures that have hardly changed since Columbus sailed down the country's coast.

The Canal. The Panama Canal's creation only a century ago was a historic event that is celebrated by displays in the visitor center at Miraflores Locks and murals in the Canal Administration Building.

Casco Viejo. Panama City's historic quarter holds an enchanting mix of colonial churches, abandoned monasteries, 19th-century buildings, and timeless plazas that are perfect for a drink or meal.

Indigenous Panama. The country’s indigenous communities are living history, preserving centuries-old customs. Visiting them provides glimpses of the Panama that Spanish explorers discovered five centuries ago.

Panama Viejo. The ruins of Panama's first city—founded almost five centuries ago, and sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671—evoke the nation's start as a trade center.

Beaches

Panama holds a panoply of playas (beaches) ranging from pristine to full-blown resorts. The latter are on the Central Pacific coast, though Isla Contadora also has some splendid strands. The country's most spectacular beaches, however, are on the Caribbean isles of Bocas del Toro Archipelago and Guna Yala.

Playa Kobbe, Panama City. The closest beach to Panama City, Playa Kobbe (aka Playa Bonita) is backed by massive resorts and overlooks the Panama Canal's Pacific entrance, with dozens of ships moored in the distance.

Playa Farallón, Central Pacific Coast. Panama's longest beach, Playa Farallón (aka Playa Blanca) has a selection of resorts, golf courses, restaurants, bars, and casinos to complement the sand, sun, and sea.

Playa Cacique, Central Pacific Islands. The most picturesque beach on Isla Contadora, one of the Pearl Islands, Playa Cacique's beige sand and aquamarine sea are a short boat or plane trip from Panama City, yet a world apart.

Isla Bolaños, Chiriquí Province. The ivory sand and tropical foliage of this uninhabited island a short boat trip from Boca Chica are the stuff of tropical fantasies.

Red Frog Beach, Bocas del Toro. This pristine beach on Isla Bastimientos is named for the tiny amphibians that abound in the adjacent jungle, but it is also popular with sea turtles and globetrotters.

Cayos Zapatillas, Bocas del Toro. With coconut palms towering over white sand and crystalline waters washing across acres of coral, these twin atolls in Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos are the crown jewels of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.

San Blas Islands, Guna Yala. Though none of them have names, there are countless idyllic beaches on the remote San Blas Islands, many of which can be visited on excursions from the region's eco-lodges.