Where is the best fishing in Panama?
Don't just tell the story of how you caught your biggest fish ever, tell the story about the time you went fishing in Panama! Impress them all with your photos, and your knowledge of the fact that Panama is so much more than its famous Canal.
Whilst your family is enjoying the beaches of Panama, you can treat yourself to some excellent deep-sea fishing. Places like the Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba National Park, and Piñas Bay are stellar.
If you don't have time to venture out that far there are good options in Lake Gatún and along portions of the Azuero Peninsula as well.
You'll not only be able to catch a variety of fish, you'll also be able to set personal records when you hook larger catches. Panama's fish include marlin, sailfish, snapper, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna. What you catch largely depends on both your destination and the time of year, so the best time to visit Panama is going to be relative to your itinerary.
Steps to telling better fishing stories:
- Determine how you're going to get to Panama — you can reach the country by air, land, and sea.
- Bookmark this page so you're prepared to meet the country's fluctuating entry requirements — prior to your departure.
- Pack everything you need for your Panamanian adventure.
P.S. Make a little time to see for yourself how Panama's Coiba Island transformed from prison to eco habitat.
Related Questions
- Is Panama family friendly?
- Where is the best surfing in Panama?
- Where are the nicest beaches in Panama?
- What are the top activities in Panama?
- When is the best time to go to Panama?
Best Beaches in Panama
Panama’s coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with over a thousand islands just offshore. This means that the best beaches in Panama are also incredibly diverse. Some of Panama's beaches have soft white sand and border calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, such as Playa Blanca; other beaches have grey, brown, or black sand, and are served by routine swells that lure international surfers, like Playa Cambutal. Panama’s islands — including those in Bocas del Toro, the Gulf of Chiriquí, and Guna Yala — have some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Don't forget that beaches in Panama have a lot to offer — especially if you're willing to go further offshore. Sport fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and more are exciting alternatives to the popular pastime of surfing. Whether you prefer listening to ocean waves from the comfort of your luxury resort or enjoying a few moments of your own private paradise on an uncrowded island, Panama's beaches will offer you both the fun and relaxation you need this vacation.
What should I bring to Panama?
Panama’s climate is hot and humid (especially in the lowlands), so it’s best to bring comfortable, light clothes. Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing works best, but thin cotton or athletic gear will work too. Panama’s mountainous regions can, however, get downright chilly. If you plan on visiting these areas (including Boquete), bring a warm sweater, jacket, or fleece. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket. Aside from the rainy season on the Pacific (generally mid-April to mid-December), Panama’s Caribbean coast can see rain throughout much of the year.
Getting to Panama
Most people get to Panama by air, which makes sense, as flying is the simplest and most comfortable way to travel here. There are non-stop flights from North and South America, and some direct routes from Europe and the U.K. It’s also possible to drive (or bus) into Panama or get here by boat, although these options can involve much more time and potential discomfort.
When is the best time to go to Panama?
Anytime is a great time to travel to Panama. The country has a wealth of places to visit and all kinds of activities – including hiking, rafting, snorkeling, surfing and more – for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. That said, many people do prefer to come during the dry season, which runs roughly from mid-December through mid-April. During this time, areas along the Pacific are usually dry and warm. The Caribbean coast (which includes the Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala archipelagos) has less predictable weather patterns and tends to be wetter than the Pacific side. The driest months in Bocas are from September–October and February–March. The rainy season typically sees sunshine in the morning and rain during the afternoon.
Panama Entry Requirements
Panamanian entry requirements can be difficult to pin down. Government officials may say something different from the government website, and some rules seem to be in constant flux. That said, the website for Panama’s immigration and naturalization office usually has the most up-to-date information. Before you travel to Panama, check it for visa and other entry requirements.
Azuero Peninsula
Panamanians proudly refer to the Azuero Peninsula as the “heartland” of their country, an apt nickname considering that the peninsula acts as a lifeline of tradition, farming and even partying to the rest of the country. The Azuero has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian indigenous groups, as well as a remarkably well-intact Spanish culture, which is best observed in the festivals and architecture that dominate the region. The Azuero Peninsula’s environment tends to be drier than other parts of the country, but its beaches are some of the best in Panama.
Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí (Golfo de Chiriquí) lies along Panama’s Pacific coast and extends from the border with Costa Rica on the west to the Azuero Peninsula on the east. The region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, one of Central America’s richest mangrove forests, and the largest island in Panama. It has attractive beaches, remote islands, and two huge marine parks. And its surfing, diving, and sport fishing are first-rate.
Piñas Bay
Piñas Bay (Bahía de Piñas) is set along Panama’s southern Pacific coast in the Darién Province, some 56 kilometers (35 miles) from the border with Colombia. Piñas Bay is Panama’s most incredible fishing spot—more than 200 deep-sea fishing world records have been set here, more than anywhere else on Earth. The area is also naturally beautiful and interesting culturally, so even non-fishers will find it a pleasant place to visit.
Lake Gatun
Lake Gatún is an artificial lake in Panama. Set to the south of Colón, this 163 square mile(422 square kilometer) lake is the largest body of water in Panama. In fact, when Lake Gatún was first created it was the largest man-made lake in the world. The lake forms an integral, 21-mile (33-km) section of the Panama Canal—ships that transit the canal pass through it en route to the Atlantic Ocean.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats. The canal extends 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to Colón on the Caribbean Sea. It’s built at one of the lowest and narrowest points in Panama, and runs right through the Continental Divide. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal annually, carrying some 300 million tons of cargo. As such, the Panama Canal is one of the largest generators of income for Panama—in 2011, the canal generated $800 million, some two percent of the country’s GDP.
Coiba National Park
Panama’s Coiba National Park is incredible and exotic. Set along the Pacific coast near the Gulf of Chiriquí, this massive park protects the country’s largest island and some of the most biologically rich waters in Central America. For this reason alone, it’s a favorite among scuba divers and snorkelers.
