Panamá – a destination where rare biodiversity and deep reverence for sustainability come together though cutting-edge conservation efforts and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that don’t come at the planet’s expense.
One of only three carbon-negative countries in the world, 25% of Panamá ’s land is protected by its national policies, from ambitious energy transition plans to strong environmental strategies that safeguard land and sea, ensuring its rich biodiversity and natural landscapes are preserved for generations to come.
Here’s a snapshot of what makes Panamá stand out:
Birdwatching – Panamá is home to 10% of the world’s known bird species
Panamá is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Home to over 1,000 bird species, including 107 endemics, Panamá contains more avian diversity than the U.S. and Canada combined and serves as one of only five global migratory bird corridors. Additionally, Panamá ranked #7 worldwide during Global Big Day 2025, recording an impressive 771 bird species in just 24 hours, according to results released by the eBird team, a global bird-tracking platform developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that allows birdwatchers to record and share real-time observations to support scientific research and conservation efforts.
Within Panama City, Panamá, birders can explore national parks that are part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, including Metropolitan Natural Park – the only urban capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits – and Soberania National Park. Beyond the capital – in Veraguas – Panamá ’s only province with coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean – is ideal for travelers looking to explore lush landscapes and exceptional birdwatching. With over 500 species, including the stripe-cheeked woodpecker and sapphire-throated hummingbird, spots like Santa Fe and Coiba national parks offer rare wildlife in untouched settings. Birdwatching is also popular in the highland forests of Tierras Altas and Boquete, where the resplendent quetzal can often be seen — two regions rich in cool climates, cloud forests, and local culture that enhance the experience of spotting this iconic bird.
Whale Watching – 50% of Panamá ’s ocean is protected, and the Humpbacks call it home
From early July to October—and again from January to March—Panamá’s Pacific coast welcomes migrating humpback whales from both hemispheres, making it one of the few places in the world to witness this dual-season spectacle and providing an opportunity for travelers to marvel at the breaching of these majestic creatures. Thanks to early research by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá established some of the region’s first legal whale-watching protocols, ensuring ethical and sustainable encounters. Top viewing areas include the Pearl Islands and Taboga Island near Panama City, Panamá, Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge in Pedasí, Coiba National Park in Veraguas (a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site), and the Gulf of Chiriqui near Boca Chica.
Turtle Nesting – A bi-oceanic event that only happens in Panamá
One of nature’s most extraordinary events takes place on Panamá’s Pacific coast: the arribadas – mass nesting events where thousands of olive ridley turtles arrive at once. Panamá is one of the few countries where five of the planet’s seven sea turtle species nest and thrive. With over 200 beaches designated as protected nesting sites, Panamá’s Sea turtle conservation is a national priority. All five species found here are listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the World Wildlife Fund. Conservation efforts are driven by organizations such as the Sea Turtle Conservancy, Panama Wildlife Conservation, and community-led initiatives like the Eco Ruta de la Tortuga in Mata Oscura, which offer opportunities for education, volunteer work, and local engagement.
Two Coasts, Two Seasons:
- March–August (Caribbean Coast): Head to Bocas del Toro, particularly Bluff Beach on Isla Colón and the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, both critical nesting sites for hawksbill and leatherback turtles. These beaches are safeguarded by local communities and Indigenous groups like the Ngäbe-Buglé, who monitor the beaches, patrol for poachers, and document nesting activity.
- September–November (Pacific Coast): During this season, visitors can witness one of nature’s most extraordinary events: the These are mass nesting events where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles arrive simultaneously on beaches like Isla Cañas and Playa La Marinera in Los Santos Province—two of only eleven beaches worldwide where this phenomenon occurs. The community-based tourism network SOSTUR has been instrumental in making these experiences accessible while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Visitors can engage with local guides and participate in night walks to witness these arrivals while learning about turtle biology and conservation.
