The volcanic archipelago of the Dry Islands is a fascinating vacation destination located 32km from the Pacific coast of Panama. Made up of 14 islands, this archipelago is probably one of the most exclusive places in the world. It is a private resort that aims to preserve the natural environment of these beautiful islands and offer its select visitors an experience that has practically disappeared. To be able to enjoy 13 virgin and uninhabited islands where time and the devastating effect of unsustainable tourism and industrialization do not pass.
The price of the experience, as you can imagine, is very high, although it is true that there is no other place like this in the world. A place absolutely cared for and preserved where all activities are carried out with the utmost respect for nature. Read on and discover the Dry Islands of Panama with Passporter.
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What are the best activities to do in the Dry Islands of Panama?
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
1. Boat tours
Whether you stay at the resort or book a day trip to Dry Islands, touring the islands by boat is one of the best ways to discover the archipelago.
The Dry Islands resort proposes different plans aboard its yacht “Cavada”, named as of the main island of the archipelago. They offer different boat trips like watching the sunset over the stunning seabed of the Dry Islands with cocktails or champagne, or a day of tranquility on one of the private beaches of its islands. The latter option includes snorkeling and kayaking equipment to enjoy the beaches of Cocos Island, Pargo Island or some others.
2. Birdwatching
A protected natural environment such on the Dry Islands has more than 100 different species of birds that can be observed. What’s more, the Dry Islands is home to the second largest colony of frigate birds in Panama. And one of the best activities to do there is to visit the Cocos Island to see these wonderful birds.
The resort also offers introductory bird watching classes and guided walks with ornithology experts so you won’t get lost during your experience.
3. Whale-watching
One of the favorite activities of visitors who come to the Dry Islands between the months of December to April and July to October is watching the majestic humpback whales. They migrate to this area of the Pacific. You can watch them from the resort or take a boat excursion that will take you closer to them. Watching humpback whales swim, jump and blow during the mating season in a natural setting will leave you speechless.
4. Yoga & Wellness
Also, if you want to make your vacation in the Dry Islands a spiritual retreat, the resort has Yoga sessions. You can attend and practice it in front of the sea and in one of the most fascinating natural environments in the world. In addition to the yoga sessions, the Dry Islands has an infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Chiriqui and two spa areas immersed in the tropical rainforest.
5. Nature-trails
In addition to the wonderful beaches and stunning seabed, the Dry Islands of Panama have more than 3 km of beautifully landscaped trails on its main island, Isla Cavada. Traveling these trails and contemplating the beauty of the jungle and the endemic species of Panama is an unparalleled adventure. There you can find the impressive 300-year-old Cedro Grande (Cedro Grande) and end up at Punta Buena Vista with its breathtaking views over the Pargo Island.
For these hikes you can choose between a guided tour of the trails with an expert in the area who will explain all the details about the islands or walk on your own along the safe trails and discover the Cavada Island on your own. Don’t forget to wear hiking shoes!
6. Diving
Whether you have never practiced it or you are a real expert in diving, you can not miss this activity if you visit the Dry Islands of Panama because they do not leave anyone indifferent. The seabed of the Gulf of Chiriqui has one of the richest ecosystems in the world. There you can observe dolphins, manta rays, impressive corals and, of course, thousands of colorful fish. There are more than 20 dive sites of different characteristics for all levels, but all of them of breathtaking beauty.
What to see around the Dry Islands of Panama
1. Coiba National Park
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, Coiba National Park is one of the best getaways you can make from the Dry Islands, as it is located about 5km from the archipelago. Coiba National Park is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, as well as a tropical rainforest where you can find native species.
Popular activities in the park include diving in its beautifully preserved coral reef, as well as whale watching, which during the season from June to October are in migration.
2. Morro Negrito
Among the favorite activities of visitors to the Dry Islands is the practice of water sports. Therefore, we present Morro Negrito, the ideal place to find the perfect wave. It is a surf camp located about 7km from the Dry Islands of Panama and is one of the best destinations in Central America to practice this sport. Getting there from the Dry Islands is very easy as you can book the trip directly at the resort, which will take you on a 45-minute boat ride. Once there, you will have the best surf instructors with classes for all levels.
Where to stay in the Dry Islands?
As a private archipelago, the only place to sleep in the Dry Islands are the resort’s own accommodations. They have 5 options of “Casitas” (houses) according to your preferences and budget. The minimum stay is 3 nights in high and standard seasons and 7 nights on holidays. Prices range from $4,600 to $67,500 per night in high season and from $2,500 to $34,500 in low season.
Where to eat in the Dry Islands of Panama
As you would expect, a resort like this boasts the finest luxury cuisine using local, sustainable and seasonal produce. From freshly caught seafood to barbecues, tropical fruits from the region and cocktails made with the highest quality ingredients and techniques.
The haute cuisine chefs of the Dry Islands demonstrate in each dish the passion for Panamanian cuisine and culture through the flavor of their elaborations, which combine native products such as herbs and spices, a deep respect for the gastronomic tradition of the country and the most innovative techniques.
In addition, the Dry Islands allow you to live a unique experience, since you can enjoy the wonderful dishes in the rest of the place you choose, from your room, to the terrace, the pool or the beach. If you ask for it, the staff of the Dry Islands takes it to you wherever you want to enjoy it.
What should I consider before traveling to the Dry Islands of Panama?
- No visa is required to enter Panama, but a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is required.
- Be careful with your belongings, do not display luxury items and do not leave the tourist areas.
- The official language in Panama is Spanish, although more than 19 languages are spoken.
- It is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid fever, but they are not mandatory if traveling from Spain.
- In Panama there are two current currencies, the dollar and the balboas.
- Book your trip in advance
- The weather is warm all year round, but between May and December is the rainy season.
- We suggest bringing your own water carafes,
- Respect the environment and take care of the fauna and flora of the Dry Islands of Panama.
How to organize your trip to the Dry Islands of Panama
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers what to see in Panama Dry Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Trip to the Dry Islands of Panama
Temperatures are warm throughout the year and do not usually rise above 30ºC or fall below 25ºC in all months. As for rainfall, the rainiest months are from May to November with a risk of rainfall exceeding 50% during these 7 months.
The best time to travel to the Dry Islands are from mid December to March the driest months and with less risk of precipitation, which will allow you to perform outdoor activities without risk of rain. Although it is also interesting to travel from June to October since it is the whale migration season.
You can get there by private plane Twin Otter from Panama City in a flight of about an hour. This flight operates 3 or 4 times a week depending on the season. Its price is $550 plus a 7% tax.
If you do not wish to stay at the resort, you can hire one of the organized day tours that will take you to some of the islands of the archipelago and the National Park. They also include activities such as snorkeling. Its price is around 175€.
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