Animal activities Panama

Wild Adventures in Panama

Panama is a nature lover’s paradise, with its lush rainforests, vast wildlife reserves, and unique geography straddling two continents. If you’re looking for thrilling animal experiences, here are some unforgettable adventures to add to your itinerary:

Monkey Encounters

  • Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, a protected area home to howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and even jaguars.
  • Explore the Canopy Tree Lodge, where you can spot monkeys swinging through the trees just above your head.

Tips:

  • Early morning is the best time to spot monkeys, as they’re most active at dawn.
  • Don’t feed the monkeys, as this can harm their digestive system and make them dependent on humans.

Crocodile Cruises

  • Take a boat tour through the Panama Canal, where you’ll have the chance to see American crocodiles basking in the sun or lurking in the water.
  • Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve’s Crocodile Island, where you can observe these ancient creatures up close.

Tips:

  • Respect the animals’ space and keep a safe distance from any crocodiles you encounter.
  • Don’t touch or handle any reptiles, as this can cause them harm and put you at risk of injury.

Birdwatching

  • Visit the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks, where you can spot over 100 species of birds, including toucans, macaws, and hawks.
  • Explore the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve’s birdwatching trails, where you’ll have the chance to see rare species such as the great curassow.

Tips:

  • Early morning is again the best time for birdwatching, as many species are most active at dawn.
  • Bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify the birds you spot.

Turtle Nesting

  • Visit the Punta Uvas National Park, where you can witness green sea turtles nesting on the beach (seasonal).
  • Join a guided tour with a licensed turtle conservationist to learn about these incredible creatures and their habitat.

Tips:

  • Respect the turtles’ space and keep a safe distance from any nests or hatchlings.
  • Don’t touch or handle any turtles, as this can cause them harm and put you at risk of injury.