Fishing
As the meaning of Panama is “abundance of fish”, it is appropriate that more world records are held for fish caught in Panamanian waters than anywhere else in the world. Catches include Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Blackfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado, Pampano, Wahoo, Roosterfish, and many more including such bottom fish as Grouper and Snapper
For great sea fishing , there are many excellent charter companies offering the ultimate deep sea experience with trips to such locations off the Pacific Coast as the Pearl Islands, Isla de Coiba, and the incomparable Zane Grey Reef.
For those wishing to participate in fly fishing, there are wonderful opportunities for rainbow trout in the mountain streams of the Chiriqui Province on the Rio Caldera and the Rio Chiriqui.
Gatun Lake is reputed to be one of the world’s best Peacock Bass lakes.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
With over 1,000 islands off the Panamanian coastlines in the Caribbean and the Pacific, there are numerous fabulous coral reefs to dive and explore. Two of the best locations are the Pearl Islands, the San Blas Islands, Isla de Coiba, and the Tobago and Contadero Islands. Many of the episodes for the “Survivor” TV series were filmed in The Pearl Islands located just 18 minutes by plane from Panama City or approximately 2 hours by boat, and the San Blas Islands off the Caribbean Coast and comprising of more than 350 islands.
Isla de Coiba offers some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites around the Coiba National Park, which is an especially rich marine habitat and has been declared a World Heritage Site, encompassing Coiba, 38 smaller islands and the surrounding marine area within the Gulf of Chiriqui.
Divers can experience swimming with Manta and Eagle Rays, Whale Sharks, Barracudas, and shoals of Jacks, Surgeon, Butterfly, and Angel Fish.
Sailing
There are excellent sailing opportunities off the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines of Panama as this is a great sailing area being outside the path of hurricanes which can trouble the islands of the Caribbean. Panama Bay offers wonderful day sailing. From the deck of a boat, the dramatic skyline of Panama City and the entrance to the Panama Canal are memorable sights.
There are a number of companies providing sailing opportunities. They include Panama Yacht Club, Club de Yates y Pesca, Balbao Yacht Club, San Blas Sailing, La Garota Schooner, and Panama Yacht Adventures offering yacht and boat rentals for all occasions, day and sunset cruises, and tours.
Surfing
Panama has surfing beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and many national and international tournaments take part in Panama particularly on the Pacific Coast.
The Pacific Coast is considered to have the best surfing conditions and has many excellent locations for this sport including Santa Catalina and Mariato in Veraguas Province and Playa Venao in Los Santos Province. Other good conditions can be found at San Carlos, Gorgona, Coronada, Punta Barco, Playa Teta, and Costa Esmeralda.
On the Caribbean Coast, the favourite location is Bocas del Toros.
Golf
Golfers are well catered for in Panama with a number of excellent courses. These include Summit Golf and Resort situated in picturesque surroundings on the east bank of the Panama Canal with stunning views of the Canal and the Camino de Cruces National Park. Summit is touted by World Golf as the best course in Central America.
Coronada Resort offers a 7,000 yard course designed by Jim Fazio approximately one hour (52 miles) from Panama City and is located on a lovely Pacific beach.
Other courses include Tucan Country Club & Resort, Vista Mar Golf Resort with a Michael Poellet designed course, an Arnold Palmer designed course at Red Frog Beach & Golf Club, Mantaraya Golf Club situated at the Royal Decameron Beach Resort at Falleron, the Quebrado Golf & Country Club at Boquete, and Cielo Paraiso, another 18 hole course designed by Michael Poellet, with spectacular views located at Boquete.
Bird Watching
Panama provides a unique opportunity for bird watchers as it is home to approximately 950 species of birds – more than the total number of species found in all the rest of North America.
Here can be seen the rare and beautiful Resplendent Quetzal, the national bird of Costa Rica. Whilst rare in Costa Rica, the Quetzal is in abundance in Panama.
Hiking
Panama’s rain forests offer an unparalleled opportunity for eco-hiking with an abundance of flora and fauna even in the parks and forests close and in Panama City.
Parque Natural Metropolitano is a 540 park comprising of a tropical rain forest within the city limits of Panama City. There are two walking trails with a lookout point overlooking the city, the Canal and Panama Bay. Over 250 species of birds, anteaters, white-tail deer, sloths, and marmosets reside in this park, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a visitor center.
Sobernia National Park encompasses a very large natural rainforest and jungle resulting in professional guides recommended for visitors. In addition to the park being home to in excess of 500 species of birds, there are also monkeys, jaguars, pumas, and snakes.
Other sports and activities include horseback riding, shooting, archery, river rafting, tennis, white-water rafting, squash, racquet-ball, and adventure sports including climbing, rapelling, kayaking, mountain-bike riding.
