Summary
Panama offers a diverse range of activities. Whether you wish to observe starfish, navigate river rapids, encounter sloths, surf Pacific waves, or soar through the tree canopy on zip lines, there is something to engage every family member, making it an ideal setting for unforgettable memories.
From infants and toddlers to older children and teenagers, here are the premier activities in Panama suitable for families.
Is Panama Suitable for Families?
Panama is home to a metropolitan capital, lush mountains, untamed jungles, and endless beaches. Its vibrant culture, which encompasses indigenous customs, Spanish colonial heritage, and global influences, renders Panama an excellent choice for a family vacation filled with adventure.
Additionally, the country offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, making it easy for families to find suitable options. Moreover, there is an abundance of family-friendly activities ranging from gentle wildlife interactions to thrilling adventures. Many tours and attractions also provide reduced rates for children.
Best Destinations for Families
Panama City offers myriad entertaining options for children, from interactive museums to the globally renowned canal, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and stunning beaches available through day trips. The picturesque Boquete is ideal for young adventurers seeking to raft, rappel, rock climb, zip line, or hike a volcano.
There are opportunities for surfing and whale watching along the Pacific Coast, while the Caribbean’s San Blas and Bocas del Toro archipelagos are perfect for beach exploration and snorkeling.
Ideal Activities for Families
Hit the Beach
Panama offers an array of beaches suitable for everyone. A short ferry ride from Panama City leads to Taboga Island, providing a glimpse of tropical island life. Further away, the idyllic Pearl Islands in the Pacific and the relaxed Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean await. For an authentic castaway experience, the San Blas archipelago, home to the indigenous Guna people, features numerous small, palm-fringed islands to explore.
Discover Panama City’s Green Lung
The expansive Parque Natural Metropolitano serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, including titi monkeys and large butterflies. While traversing its accessible trails, you may spot toucans and sloths amid the sounds of chirping and other wildlife. Additionally, the park provides breathtaking city views from its highest elevation.
Activities for Tweens and Teens
Ride the Rapids in Boquete
The rapidly flowing rivers in Chiriqui present excellent rafting opportunities, suitable for families. Located a mere 90-minute drive from Boquete, the Río Chiriquí Viejo’s Class II and III rapids provide a thrilling experience for beginners (minimum age is four with Boquete Outdoor Adventures), accompanied by remarkable wildlife observations as you navigate the waters.
Whiz Over the Forest Canopy on a Zipline
Gliding along one of Panama’s ziplines will excite even the most indifferent teenager. At Boquete’s Tree Trek Adventure Park, you can unleash your inner superhero (minimum age 15) and zip over the canopy at speeds reaching 116km/hr (70mph), or traverse the lush slopes of Volcán Barú – guides are available for younger participants aged five to ten. Six-year-olds and older will appreciate the experience on hanging bridges tours.
Go Whale Watching on the Gulf of Chiriquí
From December to April, humpback whales migrate from the Northern Hemisphere, and additional sightings occur from July to October as they breed in Panama’s warm, protected waters.
The spectacle of whales breaching and slapping the water with their tails is truly impressive. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins, whale sharks, and schools of manta rays as you partake in tours departing from Boquete to Boca Chica – toddlers are welcome to sit on laps, though it may be a lengthy outing for young children.
Snorkel in Panama’s Underwater Wonderland
With two coastlines and numerous islands, Panama offers endless aquatic adventures. Some of the premier snorkeling sites are located around the San Blas archipelago, where isolated islets are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs inhabited by a variety of fish species. In Bocas del Toro, accessible snorkeling opportunities can be found at Cayo Coral, Mangrove Point, and Punta Hospital, where one might encounter starfish.
Catch a Wave in Santa Catalina
Panama is renowned for its exceptional surfing conditions. For beginner surfers, the relaxed beach town of Santa Catalina is an ideal environment to learn. At Playa Estero, Waluaa provides group and private lessons for children as young as four, along with surf camps and retreats combining surfing and yoga.
Other popular surfing locations include Playa Venao on the Península de Azuero and Bocas del Toro, which feature numerous surf shops.
Planning Tips for Traveling in Panama with Children
The tap water in Panama is generally safe to drink, with the exception of the San Blas archipelago. To conserve both the environment and money, consider investing in a water filter such as LifeStraw – which offers a child-friendly version and a program that provides safe drinking water to schools.
As is common in tropical regions, there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, so ensure to pack child-safe mosquito repellent and long pants for jungle excursions. Additionally, reef-safe sunscreen is often more affordable at home.
