Marine Safari: Where Conservation Meets Adventure
C ome for the whales. Stay for the wonder. Leave with a purpose.
At Islas Secas, adventure begins with the ocean—and extends into something more profound. Nestled within the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Biological Corridor, our private island retreat offers more than unrivaled access to nature; it offers meaningful immersion. With years of marine stewardship shaping every detail, Islas Secas is a living example of how luxury travel and conservation can thrive together.
Each June, the return of the humpback whales signals the start of our reimagined Marine Safari: a tailor-made journey through one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Whether you’re diving with manta rays, whale-spotting from a sleek boat, or joining a family-friendly nature cruise, every experience is curated to your interests and guided by expert naturalists using best-in-class equipment.
What is a Marine Safari?
It’s not just an outing—it’s a mindset. The Marine Safari is a deeper way to experience the wild: immersive, intentional, and designed to connect you with the rhythms of the sea. From scuba diving and snorkeling, to sailing, bird-watching and whale-spotting, each outing invites you to engage with nature as it truly is—untouched and extraordinary.
The Big Blue Five
Our location along this critical migratory route places us at the epicenter of oceanic biodiversity during the nutrient-rich months of May through September. At the heart of the Marine Safari is the opportunity to witness the Big Blue Five:
- Humpback Whales
- Sea Turtles
- Whale Sharks
- Rays
- Reef and Hammerhead Sharks
Tailored, Purposeful, and Exclusively All-Inclusive
Every Marine Safari is custom-designed and all-inclusive, offering both adventure and tranquility. Activities include kayaking, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, e-foiling, sailing, and nature cruises. Guests can explore 20 premier dive sites, enjoy a Discover Scuba session, or take snorkeling excursions and a half-day fishing trip within the archipelago. On land, hike miles of jungled paths and learn about tropical flora and fauna. Expert guides enhance each experience. Then unwind with a 60-minute spa treatment (ages 18+), daily yoga, and exquisite dining—from beach picnics to chef-crafted meals, paired with cocktails, wines, and Champagne.
Guests can also participate in hands-on citizen science programs—contributing to coral monitoring, whale ID catalogs, and other ongoing marine research. During select times, visiting scientists and naturalists enhance the experience with educational programs and talks.
A Lifeline for Migratory Species
The Gulf of Chiriquí lies at the heart of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Swimway, a vital marine highway for migratory marine species. These waters form a crucial link between breeding and nursery grounds, sustaining the life cycles of countless marine species.
This new Marine Biological Corridor unites eleven protected areas creating an essential network of safe passage for wildlife. Located at the center of this biodiversity hotspot, Islas Secas offers refuge and resources to species navigating vast oceanic journeys. Recently recognized by a Presidential Executive Decree, the waters around Secas restricts destructive fishing practices across 56 nautical miles, preserving critical feeding grounds while empowering local communities through protected, sustainable fishing.
Conservation-led research, including long-standing studies by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), plays a pivotal role in understanding and protecting these migratory patterns. But these ecosystems face growing threats. Illegal fishing, destructive practices and climate change pose urgent challenges that demand collaborative action.
Protecting this corridor means safeguarding not just species, but the balance of ocean life for generations to come.
“Marine life around the Secas is breathtaking, from sea horses and starfish to giant manta and eagle rays, pods of dolphins, turtles, sharks and vast schools of fish swirling around volcanic pinnacles, with humpback whales arriving to calve from June.“
The Islas Secas Foundation
Your vacation here is part of a broader mission. The Islas Secas Foundation (ISF) supports conservation, research, and community engagement throughout the region. In collaboration with STRI, MarViva, Global Fishing Watch, Panacetacea, and others, ISF champions scientific research, sustainable fisheries management, habitat protection, and environmental education
At Islas Secas, you don’t just witness conservation—you take part in it. Every stay helps protect biodiversity, support local communities, and preserve this extraordinary marine sanctuary for generations to come.
