Whale-Watching in Panama: A Global Success Story
Our Marine Safari season is almost upon us, and with it comes another remarkable chapter at Islas Secas
E very year, the arrival of migratory humpback whales in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí signals one of the most remarkable conservation success stories in the world. Here’s how to experience it:
Conservation in Action
We are delighted to report that our migratory whale population has almost quadrupled in the last 20 years – the result of long-term protection and scientific collaboration – and this year’s Marine Safari season allows guests a front-row view of this globally-important conservation story.
Key to this is our remarkable location, at the heart of the Gulf of Chiriquí’s Marine Biological Corridor, a vital swimway that connects protected waters that stretch from Costa Rica all the way to the Galapagos. These calm, nutrient-rich waters serve as an important nursing ground for countless species – including our visiting humpback whales, which complete one of the world’s greatest migrations, coming from as far away as Antarctica
Conscious Whale-Watching
Having these gentle giants visit our waters is a privilege, and we are proud of our respectful approach to whale-watching. All encounters are guided by strict protocol: we keep a considered distance, minimize noise, and limit time spent with each group.
With the significant increase in numbers, sightings are commonplace during season, with mothers and calves now often seen together. Our remote location also means you are more likely than not to be the only boat in the area, allowing for a quieter, more meaningful experience.
“After more than 20 years of monitoring, we are seeing what appears to be a recovered humpback whale population in this region. Our focus now is understanding how these whales are reproducing, how they use this habitat, and how we can protect both their physical and acoustic environments for generations to come.“
Experiencing our Marine Safari
Our team designs itineraries that move at your pace, blending exploration with time to pause and observe. For those who want to go deeper, our Marine Safari includes the chance to join thrilling citizen science experiences, from photographing whale flukes for identification databases to recording sights and sounds that support migration tracking. These small contributions are a hands-on way to engage with conservation, grounded in real data and guided by experts working in the field.
Marine Adventures
Beyond whale encounters, our Marine Safari offers a broad range of experiences across the archipelago. Snorkel protected reefs rich with marine life, scuba dive nutrient-dense waters, paddle between islands, explore mangroves, or set out on a sunset cruise through uninhabited shores. You may also encounter other species from the region’s “Big Blue Five,” including manta rays, dolphins, and seasonal whale sharks.
