City: Panama
Top Things to do in Panama
Top Hotels in Panama
- 1. Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel & Convention Center
- 2. The Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel
- 3. Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
- 4. The Westin Playa Bonita Panama
- 5. Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
- 6. Hilton Panama
- 7. Dreams Playa Bonita Panama
- 8. The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City
- 9. Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Panama Punta Pacifica
- 10. Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
What to do and see in Panama, Panama: The Best Islands
Coordinates: 9°N 80°W / 9°N 80°W / 9; -80
Restaurants in Panama
1. Isla Cavada
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Isla Pajaros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By rvrvwmike - Acra, United States
My first bit of advice is to try and get out here when the wind is down, it is a couple miles or so from shore and the ride can be rough if it is very windy. The Island is a very cool place, I enjoy fishing on the ocean side when the weather permits. The water is much clearer than the inshore spots, but the weather is key to having a good experience especially if some of your party members are uncomfortable on the water to start. That said I found the best bet in Bocas for water activities is to hire a boat for the day and plan to visit several places, like Dolphin Bay, Isla Pajaros (AKA Bird Island), Zapatilla cays, Coral Cay, Starfish Beach,The Chocolate farm. You get the Idea. We use the same boatman we hooked up with on our first visit each year we pay him $250 for the very full day and buy him lunch this covers the 25' outboard boat (panga), the very pleasant English speaking gentleman driver and the fuel for the day. This is probably top of the $ scale. Finding a good boat and driver is key, You have to ask around the better hotels and expat hangouts and be sure to get a look at the boat as well as meet your driver in person before making a deal. Our guy takes us pretty much anywhere we want and knows lots of spots for snorkeling and also a few fishing spots. For us this way beats the pants off of the cattle boats that crowd tourists on and just take them to the popular tourist spots.
3. Isla Bastimentos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 450olivias - London, United Kingdom
We stayed in Bocas town (3 nights) and although it's lovely it's so touristy so we decided to visit both Bastimentos island (2 nights) and solarte (4 nights)island both where so much better the Bocas town. We stayed in seapearl apartments which was great! We Love to have our own kitchen, it had a small balcony with a hammock which meant we could chill and just watch local life go by. It's will absolutely give you a more authentic view into Panamanian life. Each some delicious local fish and drink ice cold beer (the cheapest in panama) We would go back again! Don't miss it
4. Barro Colorado Island
5. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Located in Lake Gatun, this island gets its name for the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it.
Reviewed By O9772BOrobertc - Los Angeles, United States
We traveled with John from Panama Day Trips on their Lake Gatun Eco Tour. We began with a fresh morning on Lake Gatun motoring along next to giant container ships as they made their way across Panama. John was knowledgeable about the animals which were occupying the little man-made islands and it was a treat to see the Tamarin monkeys come out of the trees to have a look at us. Cynthia at Panama Day Trips office was so helpful in setting up our transportation. Truly a must see for a trip to Panama!
6. Perla Islands
7. San Blas Islands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,130 reviews
Reviewed By jackhammer73 - Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel
It’s a group of islands in the north of Panama, each one is unique and beautiful, operated by the local Indians. Great beaches, crystal clear water and good atmosphere. Extremely recommended
8. Isla Iguana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By jmizekc - Mahahual, Mexico
Just a short boat ride from Pedasi but it's like another world. Beautiful turquoise water and white sand make for a very Caribbean feel. Thousands of frigate birds, tons of iguanas, hermit crabs everywhere and nice snorkeling right off the beach. Bring your own snorkel gear to snorkel, the rental gear is cheap but bad. The easiest way to get there is to go to Playa Arenal in Pedasi and you'll see the boats and the captains. We paid $70 for an all-day trip. No reservations needed.
9. Isla Zapatillas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 588 reviews
Reviewed By SandraS392 - Prince George, Canada
This would be the perfect place to be stranded on! It’s nice that it has been kept so clean when many other places are littered. We walked around the entire island in about 40 minutes mostly barefoot as the sand was so soft with just enough beach & some shade. We passed other people who were on larger tours, but they didn’t stay long. We went on a private tour so had flexibility and spent over 4 hours here, mostly just splashing in the gentle waves! Other beaches we visited had rough water so enjoyed the calmness and quietness. The ride out included a successful sloth island & dolphin bay stop. I’d go private again!
10. Flamenco Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By caprikaren0 - London, Canada
We were staying the financial district but visited Flamenco Island a few times. There are lots of nice restaurants and great night life. Definitely recommend visiting if you are in Panama City. The Hop on Hop off bus goes there but it is easy to grab a taxi for a few dollars.
