Pedasi, Cambutal & Venao

The province of Los Santos, located in the south of Panamá, is the cradle of folklore. At the end, towards the Pacific, there are two unique points: Pedasi and Tonosi. Here, you will enjoy natural beauties such as the migration of humpback whales from July to October. You can also visit Isla Iguana to dive over the oldest and largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama and see many of the birds and iguanas that live there.

turtles lay, Santuario de tortugas, Pedasí y Tonosi

Natural Refuges

Other attractions in the area are the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge and La Marinera Reserve, where, between the months of July and November, thousands of sea turtles arrive at the nesting beaches at the same time. This is a fascinating phenomenon that only occurs on 14 beaches in the world, and two of them are in Tonosi. If you want even more adrenaline or to visit at another time of the year, you can always surf excellent waves, book fishing boat trips, kitesurf, paddle surf or boogie boards.

People congregated close to the waterfront of the beach with boats

Adventures in The Pacific

In both Pedasi and Tonosi, the beaches have thicker, golden sand. On Isla Iguana, however, you’ll find fine, white sand. Enjoy the more than 124 miles (200 km) of coastline and the extensive beaches of the region, such as El Arenal, Los Destiladeros and Punta Mala. The waves and currents vary depending on the beach, for being on the Pacific Ocean, they all have tides. Take them into account when you plan your surfing adventures when you visit the beaches of Lagart Point, Top Secret and Quatro-Once.

Tonosi is a little more than one hour by car from Pedasí, next to the province of Veraguas. In the town of Tonosi you find all types of accommodation, restaurants and even boat rentals. There you can book sea and land tours. When you go, don't miss Isla Caña and navigate through its three types of mangrove: white, red and black. All this before enjoying a day at the beach.

If you want waves and a great atmosphere, visit Venao. This is a very lively and popular destination among both Panamanian and international surfers alike. It has all the amenities, including board rentals and classes. If, on the other hand, you are looking for surf and less hustle and bustle, stay in Cambutal. This is a more rustic and natural area, with fewer buildings, but also with excellent waves and a variety of accommodation options.

Getting There

Drive on the Pan-American Highway for approximately 3.5 hours to the Divisa turn-off. Cross to the left on the road that leads to Las Tablas for 1 more hour to reach Pedasi and two hours to reach Tonosi. You can also take a bus for about 5 hours and 20 minutes from the Gran Terminal de Albrook to Macaracas, Tonosi.

To reach the beaches, arrange transfers or tours with your hotel. From downtown Pedasi, you are less than 10 minutes from Arenal, the starting point to reach Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge.

Santa Catalina is one of the most famous towns on the Pacific Coast of Veraguas. From there, you are just 4.5 hours from Pedasí by car.