The Best Ways To Spend A Day Outside In Panama

Panama’s Top 6 Outdoor Activities

Panama Is A Nature Lover’s Dream Destination

There is an incredible amount of outdoor activities available in Panama, almost too many to mention. Though Panama is only 78,046 square kilometers, there is an abundance of outdoor activities throughout the country. Here is a look at some of my favourites.

Panama Is Home To Great Snorkeling

1. Snorkeling
Both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts offer tremendous reefs which can be enjoyed by expert snorkellers and beginners. Most dive shops around Panama rent equipment for about $15 a day if you didn’t have enough room in your suitcase to bring your own. My two favourite spots for snorkeling are at Isla Iguana on the Pacific, near the town of Pedasi, and Portobelo on the Caribbean side. At Isla Iguana you can swim out from shore to the reef where you can spot various types of multi-coloured fish and sea turtles. In Portobelo you will have to hire a boat to take you to the good spots. Just be careful because in certain areas there are some large rocks that can leave you pretty scratched up if a big wave comes.

Lake Gatun Offers Great Fishing

2. Fishing
Those of you that read this site often know that I love to fish. Panama is one of the top destinations in the world for fishing. In the oceans you will find a vast array of tasty fish as well as catch and release varieties. If it’s not in your budget to take a fishing trip out on the ocean, another great option is to go fishing in Lake Gatun, in the Panama Canal watershed. There are many fish species in the lake but most often the catch is peacock bass and snook. You can sometimes see giant crocodiles in Lake Gatun as well, just don’t get too close!

The Remains Of A Fort In Portobelo

3. Explore History
Panama’s rich history means there are incredible ruins in the country. If you’re in Panama City check out Panama La Vieja or Casco Viejo. Both are incredible sites to be seen. Panama La Vieja was founded in 1519 and was the first European settlement along the Pacific. Casco Viejo dates back to 1674 and features colonial buildings, cobblestone streets and original Spanish cannons. Portobelo on the Caribbean coast, has some forts dating back to 1601.

The View Of Panama City From Parque Metropolitano

4. Take A Walk
Panama City has two great parks within the city limits. Parque Metropolitano is the largest consisting of 265 hectares. Within the park you can spot more than 250 species of birds and 40 mammal species. The best time to spot the animals is early morning. Parque Omar is in the San Francisco area of Panama City and is great for an afternoon stroll. There are paved walking trails and children’s playgrounds throughout the park. Panama has many national parks, all worth exploring.

An Empty Beach In Los Santos Province

5. Discover A Secluded Beach
Because Panama offers 2850 kilometers of coastline (Pacific and Caribbean combined) there are many nearly deserted beaches throughout the country. Why not pack a lunch and go discover some? When driving out of Panama City to the west, once you get past the town of Chame, nearly every road to the left will lead you to a beach. Some of my favourite, lesser known beaches are: Sol y Mar (Cocle province), the beach at Isla Canas (Los Santos), and any of the beaches in the southern part of Veraguas province.

Looking For A Thrill? Go Rafting!

6. Whitewater Rafting
The province of Chiriqui offers the best whitewater in Panama. During the rainy season, near the town of Boquete you can find up to 20 different runs. The runs vary in difficulty from easy to scary! If you’re not an experienced rafter, now is not the time to become bold. Stick to the runs that are within your ability level.

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