Trip Highlights
Snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the eastern Pacific at Isla Coiba and the Gulf of Chiriquí, home to ~800 fish species, 33 sharks, and 20 cetaceans
Discover rich Caribbean marine life at Bocas del Toro, including nearly 80 coral species, seahorses, tropical fish, and vibrant sponges
Enjoy a comparative exploration of Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean marine ecosystems with snorkeling and marine wildlife observation
About This Trip
Panama is a country full of hidden treasures. This small country is the bridge between continents and the narrow division between two oceans, a unique position that has bestowed it with enormous biodiversity. This immersive 9-day Panama eco-tour takes you across both of the country's stunning coastlines, offering some of the best snorkeling in Panama’s marine protected areas. Led by an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll snorkel thriving reefs in Pacific marine reserves like Isla Coiba and Chiriquí, as well as Bocas del Toro’s Bastimentos Marine Park in the Caribbean Ocean. Between coastal explorations, enjoy a scenic crossing of the Panama Canal, passing through the famous locks and learning about one of the world's most remarkable engineering feats.
This trip combines marine adventure, cultural connection, and iconic Panama highlights, ideal for travelers seeking a diverse, ocean-focused itinerary.
Conservation Impact
Oceanic Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation since 1969—and a pioneer in eco travel. We craft expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. By visiting marine protected areas like Coiba National Park, Gulf of Chiriquí, and Bastimentos National Marine Park, this trip directly contributes to Panama’s conservation economy. Responsible travel in these areas helps fund ongoing protection efforts, promotes the value of intact marine ecosystems, and supports local communities engaged in sustainable tourism and stewardship of their natural resources.
Plus, with every booking, we sponsor the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic from the ocean, extending your impact even further.
Dates & Prices
Feb 21 - Mar 1, 2026
Book This TripWhat's Included
All accommodations, activities, and meals as described; ground transportation to each destination, domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City, airport transfers; and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
International airfare, meals not listed in itinerary, airport taxes, any activities not described, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Limited single supplement at $895. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Welcome to Panama! Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the historic Casco Viejo district. Early arrivals are welcome to join a guided walking tour through the area. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and trip orientation with your group. Please Note: Getting around is part of the adventure! This trip includes road transfers with countryside views, scenic boat rides (with the possibility of some bumps), and a domestic flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Villa Palma
After breakfast, we visit the Miraflores Locks to watch massive ships rise through the Panama Canal, a striking display of global commerce in motion. From the observation tower, we’ll view both the historic and expanded locks and learn about the canal’s evolution. We’ll cross the Panama Canal and continue along the Pan-American Highway, stopping for lunch during our 5.5-hour journey to Santa Catalina, a fishing and surf village on the Pacific coast of Panama.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Santa Catalina
From Santa Catalina, we will take a private boat ride to our first snorkeling site to explore Coiba National Marine Park, a marine protected area (MPA) safeguarding approximately 330,000 acres and containing the second largest coral reef system in the eastern Pacific. Often compared to the Galápagos for its rich marine life and volcanic origins, Coiba is home to a remarkable diversity of species, including humpback whales (July–September), manta rays, sea turtles, and more. In total, the park supports 800 species of fish, 33 species of sharks, and 20 species of cetaceans in this highly productive ecosystem, making it one of the richest areas of marine biodiversity in the region.
An additional marine protected area, Chiriquí National Marine Park, lies further west off the coast of Boca Chica.
Depending on local conditions and tides, we’ll explore a variety of snorkel sites and islets, with breaks for wildlife observation. A guided nature walk on the main island offers a chance to spot birds and enjoy a picnic lunch before we return to the mainland in the afternoon (~1 hour by boat).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Santa Catalina
Today we drive about four hours west, passing Santiago and continuing along the Pan-American Highway into Chiriquí Province. Our destination is Boca Chica, a quiet coastal town and gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the hotel grounds and take a scenic boat tour through the nearby mangrove forests—part of the easternmost section of the internationally recognized Important Bird Area known as David Mangroves. As we navigate the lush canals, we’ll look for regionally and globally significant species such as the endangered Yellow-billed Cotinga, Yellow-crowned Parrots, and the Black-hooded Antshrike.
This outing also offers an opportunity to discuss the concept of “Blue Carbon” and the vital role coastal ecosystems like mangroves play in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Bocas del Mar
Explore the remote Islas Secas archipelago, a rarely visited cluster of tropical islands within the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park. After an early departure and a 50-minute boat ride, we’ll spend the day snorkeling vibrant reefs, relaxing on secluded beaches, and enjoying a picnic lunch in this pristine setting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Bocas del Mar
This morning, we travel from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast of Panama, driving a scenic route across the continental divide to the port of Almirante (~4.5 hours). From there, a short boat ride takes us to Isla Colón, the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Our hotel is centrally located in town, the perfect base for upcoming snorkeling adventures.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Divers Paradise
Explore the calm, warm Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro, home to nearly 80 coral species, vibrant sponges, seahorses, and tropical fish. Today we’ll snorkel in sheltered spots within Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, including Crawl Cay and Cayos Zapatillas—some of the area’s most stunning reef sites.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Divers Paradise
Enjoy a final snorkeling session or nature tour at Hospital Point on Solarte Island. After returning to Isla Colón to pack and have lunch, we’ll catch an afternoon flight back to Panama City. The day ends with a farewell dinner in the charming Casco Viejo district.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Villa Palma
Accommodations
Participants will stay in a variety of hotels that offer a balance of comfort, amenities, and proximity to our planned activities. We'll stay in the following hotels (or similar) during our trip:
- Hotel Villa Palma in Panama City or similar
- Hotel Santa Catalina in Santa Catalina
- Hotel Bocas del Mar in Boca Chica
- Hotel Divers Paradise in Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro
Pool views at Hotel Bocas del Mar
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
