Panamá is one of only three carbon-negative countries worldwide, with policies protecting 25% of its land and 50% of its marine territory. This deep-rooted commitment to sustainability preserves its rich biodiversity, allowing travelers to experience unique wildlife encounters responsibly.
- Unique Diversity and Wildlife Expeditions: Panamá is home to over 1,000 bird species, including 107 endemics, offering greater avian diversity than the U.S. and Canada combined. According to Booking.com, “hushed hobby” travel is trending for 2026, with 25% of travelers motivated by quieter hobbies and 21% seeking natural sensory experiences. Visitors can explore the world’s only tropical rainforest within an urban capital at Metropolitan Natural Park or venture to remote areas like Darien National Park and the cloud forests of Chiriqui to observe rare species such as the harpy eagle and resplendent quetzal.
- World-Class Surfing Across Two Oceans: With 1,800 miles of coastline on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Panamá is a year-round surfing haven for all skill levels. Surfers can challenge the waves at Santa Catalina, which reach up to 30 feet, or enjoy the consistent breaks at Playa Venao. The Bocas del Toro archipelago on the Caribbean side features diverse reef breaks, including Carenero Point and Silverbacks.
- Marine Wonders and Ethical Encounters: Panamá’s waters serve as a global stage for extraordinary biological events, from the “arribadas,” mass-nesting events in which thousands of olive ridley turtles arrive simultaneously, to being one of the few places on Earth where humpback whales from both hemispheres converge. The country’s commitment to ethical tourism is underscored by its legal whale-watching protocols and the designation of Bocas del Toro as a Mission Blue “Hope Spot,” reflecting its commitment to ethical tourism. Visitors can explore over 40 diving and snorkeling sites, featuring coral gardens and seagrass meadows.
Adventure in Panamá is closely tied to conservation, with extensive protected areas like La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers can experience community-based stewardship through eco-guided wildlife walks or by supporting local initiatives focused on protecting endangered sea turtles.
