Wild Panama Family Trip

The soaring skyscrapers of Panama City greet you as you arrive for the start of your family trip to Panama. Upon landing, a private guide instantly whisks you off to the historic Casco Viejo, regaling you with stories of pirate raids as you wander along colorful streets. Having worked up an appetite, head to a hands-on cacao workshop, where the whole family learns the art of chocolate making as you each craft your own chocolate creations. 

Your day begins seeking out Panama wildlife during a boat safari on Gatun Lake, a rainforest-fringed reservoir. Zipping around the lake, scan the banks and trees for sloths, monkeys, and crocodiles. Back on dry land, head up to the canopy for a rainforest zipline ride (if the weather is nice) before diving further into the country’s incredible flora and fauna at the interactive Biomuseo, housed in a birds-of-paradise-colored Frank Gehry-designed building.  

Armed with your new knowledge about Panama wildlife, set off on a guided hike in the wild heart of the rainforest. Work together to find and point out different species, and watch as hummingbirds flit right past your face at feeding stations. Then, become friendly with some of the rainforest’s slowest residents at a sloth rescue center. Marvel at these sluggish creatures up-close as center staff share more about their work reintroducing these sloths to the wild. 

A short flight shuttles you to paradise on Isla Colón, the largest island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago on the Caribbean coast. A quick transfer away is La Coralina Island House, your Balinese-inspired beachfront home for the next few days. After a busy start to the trip, take a leisurely afternoon to swim in the infinity pool or book a spa treatment.  

Today, it’s adventure with a side of activism on a full-day snorkeling and diving sojourn in the dazzlingly clear waters just offshore. Sailing out to dive sites, spend hours swimming among coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and sea turtles. The experience is made even more special by joining a coral reef conservation and restoration project for a spell. Sit down with marine scientists to learn more about their work, and maybe even get the chance to replant some coral. 

A day full of outdoors sports perfect for teenagers with energy to burn awaits. The morning begins in the treetops. Clip in for a high-flying rainforest zipline ride above the island’s lush foliage. Next, it’s back to the Caribbean coast’s crystal-clear waters for an afternoon of deep boarding. Feel the sensation of “flying” under water as a boat slowly tows you around the bay. Easy to learn and endlessly exciting, it’s a delightful time for the whole family. 

A meandering boat ride through quiet mangroves brings you to a cave hidden deep in the midst of the island jungle. Located in the territory of the Indigenous Ngöbe-Buglé community, they’ll act as your guides. Helmets and waterproof boots on, wade along watery passages as hundreds of bats rustle overhead. Occasionally, one may swoop past. Listen the guide’s stories and feel the energy of this place, which holds special significance to the community. 

Trade the Caribbean coast for the rugged Azuero Peninsula on the Pacific side of the isthmus, where verdant mountains tumble down to black sand beaches. Take in the grandeur on a scenic drive after your charter flight before arriving at the oceanfront Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort. Instantly feel at home in this barefoot luxury escape, where a free afternoon could take the form of surf lessons, strolling the black sand beach, or reclining by the pool. 

A lazy morning starts the day off slow; that is, unless you’re visiting between July and October. This is humpback whale migration season, so sail out into the salty spray to witness these majestic giants. Who knows, you may even see some young calves or a jubilant breaching jump. Later, learn about another local species as you visit a sea turtle conservation program. Help safeguard hatchlings as they hurry into the surf or watch over nesting mothers digging dens. 

Lace up the hiking boots and set off in the steaming rainforest on a low-effort hike to a hidden waterfall. Pass a few hours swimming in the refreshing pool at the cascade’s base, working up an appetite for a homecooked lunch at a nearby village. Locals welcome you as friends and share traditional dishes, creating a cross–cultural exchange that’s as warming as the delicious fare. 

Spend the final morning of the family trip to Panama watching the waves break over inky-black sands before flying back to Panama City. After bonding and becoming closer over singular experiences like planting coral or hiking through bat cakes, it’s time to head home, or be off to your next destination.