Best islands to visit in Panama | Our top picks

Golden beaches with barely a footprint, coral reefs buzzing with life, dense jungle spilling into turquoise waters. The Panama Islands are nothing short of wild. But there’s more to them than hammock days and coconut cocktails. Some were once pirate hideouts, others are home to Indigenous communities who still live off the sea. With over 1,400 islands scattered across both the Pacific and Caribbean, narrowing down where to go can be a challenge. This guide to the best islands in Panama gives you the ones worth your time.

What are the best islands to visit in Panama?

A good Panama itinerary should include at least one island stay. With coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Panama has a wild mix of island experiences. Some offer coral reefs and hammock days. Others are better for diving, surfing, or connecting with Indigenous communities.

The San Blas Islands are one of the most distinctive spots in the country. Managed by the Guna people, this Caribbean chain has over 300 islands, many of them uninhabited. There are no big hotels or paved roads here, just white sand, palm trees, and a slow pace.

Bocas del Toro is livelier. It draws a younger crowd with its laid-back bars, boat taxis, and surf breaks. But it’s not just about the party. Head to Isla Bastimentos or the Zapatilla Cays for jungle hikes and empty beaches.

On the Pacific side, Isla Coiba stands out. It’s a former prison island turned national park and one of the best places to visit in Panama for marine life. Isla Contadora, part of the Pearl Islands, is easier to reach and has a more polished feel, with calm waters and decent infrastructure.

These islands in Panama all offer something different. Pick one that fits your pace and go.

#1 San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

If you’re planning a trip to Panama and want to leave the tourist trail behind, put the San Blas Islands at the top of your list. This chain of over 300 islands stretches along the Caribbean coast and is governed by the Guna people. They’ve kept the area low-key, with no big resorts, no chain restaurants, and no cruise ships pulling in.

Expect simplicity. Most accommodations are wooden cabins with sand floors, hammocks, and a generator that runs for a few hours at night. Wi-Fi is rare. So are crowds. What you’ll find instead are calm turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and some of the best snorkeling in the country. You might spend the day paddling to an uninhabited island, eating fried fish and plantains, or learning about Guna traditions from your hosts.

These are some of the best islands in Panama for unplugging completely. You won’t find resorts or restaurants here, but you will find a hammock strung between two palms, shallow water with stingrays drifting past, and beaches where the only footprints are your own. The sand is soft, the water stays warm, and the sunsets are worth sitting still for. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Panama with no background music or beach chairs, this is where to come.

Tourism here supports the local economy, but it also runs on trust and respect. Come with patience, and leave your expectations behind.

How to get to the San Blas Islands

Take a 4WD from Panama City to Cartí, the entry point to the Guna Yala region. The road is steep and winding, and you’ll need your passport for the checkpoint. From Cartí, small boats take you to your island stay. Tours often include transport and meals, so book ahead and confirm details before you go.

When to visit the San Blas Islands

The dry season, from January to April, is the best time to visit. Seas are calmer and skies are usually clear. From May to December, expect more rain and rougher crossings, but also quieter beaches. The islands stay warm year-round, but heavy storms can disrupt boat access, especially in October and November. Avoid weekends and holidays if you want to skip the local crowds.

#2 Bocas del Toro

If you're looking to explore the Panama islands without giving up comfort or variety, Bocas del Toro is one of the best places to start. This Caribbean archipelago offers a mix of beaches, wildlife, culture, and convenience that’s hard to beat. It's also one of the easiest places to visit in Panama with kids, thanks to calm swimming spots, family-friendly hotels, and plenty of boat trips that turn into daily adventures.

The hub is Isla Colón, where you’ll find Bocas Town. It’s lively but laid-back, with wooden buildings painted in Caribbean pastels, plenty of places to eat, and boats that zip off to nearby beaches and islands. Head to Starfish Beach for calm, shallow water where kids can spot real starfish. Bluff Beach has big surf and wide open sand, better for older children or adults.

Bocas isn’t just about beaches. Isla Bastimentos has jungle trails and sloths in the trees. You can snorkel over reefs, kayak through mangroves, or visit Indigenous Ngäbe communities. And the vibe is easy: board shorts and flip-flops all day.

How to get to Bocas del Toro

The quickest route is a one-hour flight from Panama City to Isla Colón. You can also take a bus from David to Almirante, then a short boat ride to Bocas Town. Once there, water taxis connect the islands. Roads are limited, so most travel is by boat.

When to visit Bocas del Toro

Bocas has a Caribbean climate, so the seasons don’t follow the rest of Panama. September and October are surprisingly dry, while July can bring downpours. January to March is a popular time, with warm weather and festivals in Bocas Town. Crowds grow during school holidays, so book early if you're visiting with kids. Avoid October’s heavy rains if you want to spend most of your time outdoors.

#3 Isla Bastimentos

If you want to combine beaches and rainforest in one stop, Isla Bastimentos is a solid choice. It’s part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, but it feels much wilder and less developed than Isla Colón. No cars, no nightlife, and far fewer tourists. What you get instead is thick jungle, quiet beaches, and some of the best Panama wildlife experiences you can have without leaving the coast.

Red frogs, sloths, caimans, howler monkeys: they’re all here. Most are easy to spot if you follow the hiking trails that cut through Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. You’ll also find coral reefs just offshore and mangroves teeming with tropical fish and birds.

If you’re looking for things to do in Panama that don’t involve cities or crowds, this island delivers. Take a boat to Polo Beach, where you can chat with Polo himself, a local legend who grills fish for visitors right on the sand. Or walk the muddy jungle trail from Old Bank to Wizard Beach. It’s hot and buggy, but the sense of isolation once you reach the coast is worth it.

Bastimentos has a few eco-lodges and budget guesthouses, most of them built into the forest or perched over the water. It’s a place to slow down and tune in.

How to get to Isla Bastimentos

Fly or bus to Bocas del Toro, then take a water taxi from Isla Colón to Old Bank, the main village on Bastimentos. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Some lodges have private boats, but most travelers use the public taxi boats that run all day.

When to visit Isla Bastimentos

January to March and September to October tend to be the driest months. These are ideal for jungle hikes and beach time. July often brings heavy rain, and trails can get slick. If you're visiting for the wildlife, early mornings are best year-round. Bring insect repellent, good shoes, and an open schedule; things move slowly here, and that’s part of the charm.

#4 Cayos Zapatilla

Cayos Zapatilla is what most people picture when they think of the Caribbean. Two tiny islands surrounded by white sand, clear water, and nothing else. No buildings, no roads, no power lines. Just palm trees, soft sand, and the sound of waves breaking on the reef. It’s part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park and one of the best islands in Panama for a proper castaway experience.

There’s no accommodation here and no food for sale, so you’ll need to come prepared. Most people visit on a day trip from Bocas del Toro, often as part of a boat tour that includes snorkeling stops and dolphin spotting. You can swim, snorkel, or just wander the shoreline; the island takes less than 30 minutes to walk around.

The reef around the islands is protected, and that shows. You’ll see colorful corals, sea fans, and plenty of fish, especially near the deeper drop-offs. The beaches stay clean thanks to park staff and the lack of development.

This isn’t the place for crowds or cocktails. It’s where you go when you want to step off the map for a few hours. Bring sunscreen, water, and a camera. Then forget the camera and go float instead.

How to get to Cayos Zapatilla

Most tours leave from Isla Colón or Isla Bastimentos. Trips are usually offered by small boat operators and include snorkeling stops along the way. The ride takes around 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Private charters are also possible if you want to skip the group tours.

When to visit Cayos Zapatilla

The islands are open year-round, but the seas are calmest from February to April and again in September and October. These months offer better snorkeling and smoother boat rides. Avoid visiting right after a storm, as debris can wash onto the beaches and visibility drops. Early morning tours give you the best chance of having the beach to yourself.

#5 Isla Coiba

Isla Coiba doesn’t hand you its secrets easily. It’s remote, undeveloped, and protected as part of Panama’s largest national park. But if you’re up for the journey, it’s one of the most remarkable Panama islands you can visit. Once used as a prison colony, Coiba is now a haven for wildlife, marine life, and anyone looking to see nature without fences or filters.

Most visitors come for the diving. The waters around Coiba are part of the same Pacific corridor as the Galápagos, so expect big encounters: sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and even humpback whales during the season. Snorkelers aren’t left out either. Even close to shore, you can swim with turtles and colorful reef fish.

On land, the island is thick with rainforest and alive with sound. Scarlet macaws flash through the trees, howler monkeys call from the canopy, and crocodiles cruise the rivers. Trails are limited, but guided walks offer a chance to spot endemic species and learn about the island’s eerie history.

How to get to Isla Coiba

The main gateway is the town of Santa Catalina on the Pacific coast. From there, it’s a 90-minute boat ride to the island. Trips must be arranged with a certified tour operator, and access is only allowed with a guide. Park fees apply and should be included in your tour price.

When to visit Isla Coiba

The dry season from December to April is best for visiting, with calmer seas and better visibility for diving. May through November brings rain and bigger swells, which can affect boat access. Humpback whales migrate through the area between July and October, and that alone makes a wet-season visit worth considering.

#6 Isla Contadora (Pearl Islands)

Isla Contadora is one of the easiest Panama islands to reach, and one of the most comfortable to stay on. Part of the Pearl Islands, it was once a retreat for the rich and infamous. Now it’s more relaxed, but still offers a level of convenience and calm that’s rare in the archipelago. It’s also home to some of the more varied Panama accommodations, including boutique hotels, beachfront villas, and guesthouses tucked into the hills.

You won’t need a boat to reach the beaches here. Playa Larga is wide and open, with clear, shallow water that’s ideal for swimming. Playa Ejecutiva is smaller and quieter, perfect for reading under a tree or floating in the shade. Rent a golf cart, circle the island, and pick your favorite spot for the day.

This is one of the best islands in Panama for travelers who want a break from the city without giving up real beds or good meals. You can go snorkeling, paddleboarding, or book a whale-watching trip during migration season. Or do nothing at all. Contadora is about ease, not effort.

How to get to Isla Contadora

Fast ferries leave daily from Panama City and take about 90 minutes. Flights also run from Albrook Airport, though schedules can be unreliable. Once on the island, you can get around on foot or rent a golf cart from one of the local shops.

When to visit Isla Contadora

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from mid-December through April. You’ll get sun, calm seas, and warm nights. Whale season runs from July to October, though you may get showers during those months. Contadora is a popular weekend escape, so weekdays are better for peace and space.

#7 Isla Taboga

Isla Taboga is as close to a beach escape as you can get from Panama City without boarding a plane. It’s just 20 kilometers offshore, and the ferry ride takes less than an hour. That makes it ideal for a day trip, but it’s also worth staying the night if you want to see the island once the crowds go home.

The town is small, built on a steep hill with narrow streets, pastel houses, and flower-covered balconies. It feels a bit stuck in time. There’s not much to “do” here in the traditional sense, but that’s part of the appeal. You can walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for a view of the bay, visit the second-oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, or rent a kayak and paddle along the shore.

The beaches are decent, not spectacular. Playa Restinga is the main one, popular with locals and easy to reach from the ferry dock. The water is calm and warm, though the sand can be rocky in parts. Weekdays are quieter, while weekends get busy fast.

How to get to Isla Taboga

Regular ferries leave from Amador Causeway in Panama City and take about 45 minutes. No need to book far in advance unless it’s a holiday or weekend. Once you arrive, everything is walkable.

When to visit Isla Taboga

Dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is when the skies are clear and the water is at its best. The island can get packed on weekends, especially with day-trippers from the city. For a quieter experience, go midweek and stay overnight.

#8 Isla Iguana

Off the Azuero Peninsula, Isla Iguana feels worlds away from the mainland. It’s a small protected reserve known for its wildlife, rough beauty, and total lack of development. No hotels, no restaurants, no shops, just a white-sand beach, volcanic rock, and a lot of birds. Among the islands in Panama, it’s one of the most rewarding for travelers who don’t mind trading comfort for nature.

The island is famous for its frigatebird colony. Thousands of these birds nest here, filling the sky with their sharp calls and red throat pouches. You’ll also spot hermit crabs scuttling across the sand and iguanas basking in the sun, true to the island’s name. Offshore, the reefs are alive with angelfish, parrotfish, and sometimes sea turtles.

Bring your own food and water, because there’s nothing for sale. Most people come on half-day or day trips, spending a few hours snorkeling, swimming, and wandering the trails. It’s rustic, and that’s the point. You get a raw slice of Pacific coast nature without the filters.

How to get to Isla Iguana

Trips leave from the fishing town of Pedasí. Local guides and boat operators arrange transport to the island, usually taking about 25 minutes each way. Tours often include snorkeling gear and sometimes a cooler with ice, but bring your own food and plenty of water.

When to visit Isla Iguana

December to April is the driest time, with calmer seas and clear snorkeling conditions. From May to November, expect rougher waters and fewer boats making the trip. Wildlife is present year-round, but the frigatebird nesting season peaks between March and May, adding extra drama to the visit.

#9 Isla del Rey

Isla del Rey is the largest of the Pearl Islands and one of the most remote. While Contadora gets the attention, Isla del Rey feels raw, quiet, and almost forgotten. It’s covered in dense jungle, dotted with fishing villages, and surrounded by long stretches of coastline that you’ll often have to yourself. For anyone exploring the Panama islands beyond the obvious choices, Isla del Rey is a place to test your adventurous side.

Don’t expect polished hotels or easy transport. There are small communities with basic guesthouses, but most visitors come on day trips or with private charters. The payoff is isolation. You can walk along wide beaches without seeing another traveler, hike inland into thick forest, or take a boat to explore hidden coves. Wildlife here is plentiful, from seabirds to dolphins, and humpback whales are common offshore during migration season.

Isla del Rey isn’t for everyone. It lacks the convenience of Contadora or the buzz of Bocas del Toro. But if you want a sense of what the Pearl Islands were like before tourism, this is where you’ll find it.

How to get to Isla del Rey

Small boats and private charters run from Contadora and Panama City, though schedules are irregular. The journey takes several hours, so plan carefully. Flights are technically possible but not consistent. The remoteness is part of the experience, so don’t expect quick connections.

When to visit Isla del Rey

December to April brings drier weather and calmer seas, making travel easier and beaches more accessible. July to October is whale season, when boat trips offer the chance to see humpbacks breaching. Rainy months can bring storms and fewer boats, which can limit your options.

#10 Isla Cañas

Isla Cañas sits on the Pacific side of Panama, near the Azuero Peninsula, and is known for one thing above all: sea turtles. Every year, thousands of turtles nest on its long, dark-sand beach, creating one of the most spectacular natural events in the country. It’s not glamorous or easy to reach, but for those who value wildlife encounters, it’s unforgettable. This is the kind of spot Panama travel experts point to when they want to show the country’s wilder side.

The island itself is quiet, with a few small villages and plenty of mangroves. You can take a canoe through the waterways, watch local fishermen at work, or just walk the beach at dawn. During nesting season, the nights are dramatic, with turtles hauling themselves up the sand and hatchlings scrambling to the sea. Outside of that, the island still offers a raw, peaceful atmosphere that feels far from the mainstream.

There’s very little infrastructure here. Accommodations are basic, food is simple, and transport depends on tides. But that’s part of the experience. Isla Cañas offers a look at Panama that hasn’t been shaped for mass tourism.

How to get to Isla Cañas

The closest town is Tonosí. From there, you’ll take a short ride to the river crossing, then a boat or canoe to the island. The trip is tide-dependent, so plan your arrival carefully and book with a local guide who knows the schedule.

When to visit Isla Cañas

The turtle nesting season runs from July to November, with peak activity in August and September. This is the most rewarding time to visit. Outside of that window, the island is still pleasant, but you’ll miss the main draw. Dry months from December to April are easier for transport, but the beaches are quieter.