Day beds in the pool at Islas Secas resort allow guests to cool down while enjoying a spectacular view of the ocean | Islas Secas
A guest enjoys the magnificent sights on offer during the nature tours of the tropical wilderness of Islas Secas resort | Islas Secas
Two large birds fly over the horizon as the sun sets at Islas Secas resort | Islas Secas
A woman treads the shallows of the ocean on the beautiful islands of the Islas Secas resort | Islas Secas
Guests enjoy a spectacular diving experience at the Islas Secas resort | Islas Secas

FAQs

Last updated: May 6, 2023
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Just over an hour each way.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Please refer to the COVID-19 policy here.

     

  • 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.

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

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

  • We have reef-friendly sunscreen.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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