FAQs

Last updated: May 6, 2023

• What is the best way to reach Islas Secas from Panama City?

  We recommend that guests take our resort plane (15-seater Twin Otter) which is by far the easiest and most convenient way to reach us.

• What is the cost of flights in the Twin Otter from Panama City?

  Scheduled airplane transfers between Panama City and Islas Secas operate 3 – 4 times per week depending on the season and cost US$1,000 plus 7% tax per person each way.

  • High & Peak Seasons: Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun
  • Green Season: Tue, Thu, and Sun
  • Arrival transfer – departs Panama City – 12:30 PM
  • Departure transfer – departs Islas Secas – 10:00 AM

  Private charter flights outside of these schedules are subject to availability.

  Please contact Islas Secas reservations for further information.

• How long is the journey from Panama City to Isla Secas in the Twin Otter?

  Just over an hour each way.

• Is Islas Secas suitable for young children?

  Children of all ages are welcome at Islas Secas, however, there are many areas within the resort and the casitas where close adult supervision is required for young children. All accommodation options have plunge pools except for the Tented Casitas. All casitas including the new Tented Casitas have simple railings with large gaps that children could easily squeeze and fall through. There are considerable drops on the other side of the railings.

• How long does it take to walk from the casitas to the Terraza?

  It’s a 5-10 minute short stroll from the casitas to the Terraza. Please note that some casitas are located at the top of a hill, so not ideal for guests with limited mobility.

• How far are the Tented Casitas from the arrivals area?

  Approx. 200m (and 30m high), or a leisurely 5-minute stroll.

• Are the casitas air-conditioned?

  Our casitas are designed to provide a connection to the surrounding habitat of Islas Secas and a comfortable sleeping experience through passive cooling airflow from the outdoors. However, for those that would like a more conditioned sleep environment, the casitas are equipped with air conditioning that provides remedial cooling as low as 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Are there swimmable beaches within walking distance from the resort?

  It is not possible to walk to a sandy/swimmable beach on the main island. Many of our guests choose to swim from the jetty in front of the Water-sports Center, and they can also take the sea kayaks out from here. Many beautiful sandy beaches within our archipelago are perfect for swimming and relaxing, but they are all a short boat trip away from the main resort. Some of the best sandy beaches within the archipelago are Canales or Pargo.

• Does the resort have WiFi?

  The resort has high-speed WiFi (300 Mbps) available in the casitas, Terraza, and common areas.

• What’s included in the rates at Islas Secas?

  • Daily made-to-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Most beverages including soft drinks, beers, house wines, and spirits
  • Fully stocked minibar replenished once daily
  • All recreational and educational activities on the island including guided nature hikes
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling trips within the Islas Secas archipelago (one trip per day)
  • Non-motorized water-sports activities including stand up paddle boarding and kayaking
  • A half-day fishing trip within the Islas Secas archipelago per stay
  • A 60-minute spa treatment per guest (18 years and over) per stay
  • Daily yoga classes.

• What do I need to bring with me? What should I pack?

  Pack lightly – bring hiking shoes, yoga clothing, light layers for the evening, and lots of swimsuits. Remember we are an island, so if you need any specific medical treatment or medicine, please make sure you pack them.

• Do you have any medical facilities? Is there a doctor on the islands?

  We have a full-time doctor and a small health clinic.

• Where is the closest hospital?

  David City is a 20-minute flight away. Or 1,5 hours by boat + a 30 min car ride.

• Is there malaria?

  No cases of malaria have ever been registered in the islands or the vicinity.

• Do I need any vaccinations to come to Panama?

  Please visit Panama’s official tourism website for the latest information.

• Are the casitas fanned or air-conditioned?

  Both. You can choose between the natural fresh sea breeze, roof fans, or AC.

• What are the COVID-19 and COVID-19 testing protocols?

  Please refer to the COVID-19 policy here.

   

• What is there for children to do?

  Our activities team can arrange a variety of activities to keep children entertained while learning and experiencing the islands, including nature bingos, treasure hunts, magnifying glasses, telescopes, stereoscopes, books, games, and beach toys. Older children can try age-appropriate water activities.

• Do you have babysitters available?

  Islas Secas does not offer to babysit or provide nanny services.

• Are there bugs? Do you provide bug repellant?

  We get the occasional sand flies and mosquitos. Our organic natural insect repellents help to keep them away.

• Do you provide sunscreen?

  We have reef-friendly sunscreen.

• Is there a shop or little store on the island to buy supplies or gifts?

  We don’t have a shop on the island but do let us know what you need and we will do our best to accommodate you.

• When is the best time of year to travel to Islas Secas?

  There is something to see and do in all seasons. For the most consistently sunny weather, December through to April are the best months. June to October is the whale migrations season.

• Is diving included in the price?

  Diving and snorkeling are complimentary (one trip per day). All equipment is provided. Diving lessons are chargeable – for more information, please ask our Reservations team.

• Can I become PADI certified at the resort?

  Yes, it is possible to become PADI certified during your stay with us. We recommend taking the theory part of the course online before arrival and then the practice can be completed in around three days while at the resort.

  For more information on the different PADI courses available and to register, please visit https://apps.padi.com/scuba-diving/elearning/purchasecourse.aspx.

• How many dive sites are there within the archipelago and are there any sites that are suitable for all abilities?

  There are over 20 dive sites around Islas Secas’ protected archipelago and into the world-famous Coiba National Park. Most sites are suited to all levels of experience.

• What can I expect to see when diving? Is there coral?

  Yes, divers can experience calm inshore coral reefs and deep water seamounts and pinnacles. The second-largest coral reef in the eastern tropical Pacific is a quick boat ride away around Coiba National Park, a UNESCO-designated Protected Marine Area. There are more than 750 species of marine creatures, from giant manta rays and humpback whales to reef fish.

• What water sports are available at Islas Secas?

  Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, e-foiling, SeaBobs, and sailing are all included. Surfing can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Is it possible to surf at Islas Secas?

  There are several surf sites within a reasonable distance of Islas Secas (around an hour each way). We are happy to take guests on a day trip, including lunch. Surfboards are provided. Please ask our Reservations team for rates and more information.

• What is the best time of year for consistent surf?

  April to September is the best time for overhead surf on the Pacific side. October to December works too, but the waves are not as consistent. January to March is flat months.

• What is the deep sea fishing like at Islas Secas?

  A fishing trip takes a full day. April is generally the best month for overall fishing, but below are examples of what you can expect to see when.
  – January to June: yellowfin tuna (“explosion” from Apr-Jun)
  – From December to Feb: sailfish
  – November to Jan+ April-May: Mahi Mahi /Dolphin Fish
  – Year-round: marlin fishing and rooster-fish.

   

• Can you go fly-fishing at Islas Secas?

  Yes. We can provide some equipment for fly fishing, but if you have your own, we recommend that you bring it with you.

• Can you go spearfishing at Islas Secas?

  Spearfishing is possible from the resort but as it is a specialist activity we don’t offer equipment or a guide. Guests are welcome to bring/organize their own. Rates to rent the boat are the same as for deep-sea fishing.

• Are there nature hikes on the different islands and how long are the various hikes?

  We have two main nature hikes. The “Main Trail” hike is a 1.7 miles loop that goes from leeward to windward of the island and offers great views once on the top of the ridge. The “Bufadora Trail” is a gentler 1km downward walk, leading to a blowhole on the tip of the island. Overall there are 3 miles of trails on and around the island.

• Are the nature hikes guided?

  Our nature hikes are guided to allow guests to better understand and appreciate the surroundings, but guests are also free to make their own plans and walk safely on any of the island trails.

• Do I need special footwear or gear for the hikes?

  We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes. Sandals with good grip are fine in the dry season.

• Do you provide binoculars for birding?

  You will find binoculars in the activities center to birdwatch around the islands.

• When is the best time to visit to see the whales?

  From July to October, sightings of humpback whales are very much guaranteed.

• Can you see whale sharks at Islas Secas?

  From December to April, there are occasional sightings from the resort. The chances are higher from Coiba National Park, but this is not guaranteed.

• Do any activities need to be booked in advance of arrival?

  We recommend booking massages and the included fishing tour in advance. If you are interested in surfing and visiting Coiba National Park, these should also be booked in advance.

• Is there a minimum age to use the spa?

  Spa treatments are for adults only (minimum 18 years old).

• What are the spa opening hours?

  The spa is open from 12:20 pm to 8:30 pm (the last 60 min appointment is at 7:30 pm).

• Are spa treatments included in the rates?

  One 60-minute treatment per adult per stay is included in the rate (not exchangeable).

• Can spa treatments be booked in advance?

  We recommend booking massages and spa treatments in advance – either before arrival at the resort or as soon as you arrive.

• Are there set times for meals?

  Meal times are very flexible but a regular schedule is as follows:
  Breakfast: 7am – 10am
  Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
  Dinner: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

• What’s included in the minibar?

  Soft drinks, beer, wine, water, homemade snacks, and milk.

• Do you have room service?

  Because of Islas Secas’s Casitas distance, location, and topography Room services are limited and not available during the rainy season.

• Can you cater to specific diets?

  Of course. Our chefs are happy to accommodate any dietary preference and restriction.