Whale Watching in Pedasi, Cambutal & Venao

The Ideal Place

Panamá is a very important step in the migratory route of humpback whales, which makes the country a privileged destination for those who want to come and observe them.

The reason why we are such a special place is that these huge mammals go up the Pacific in search of warmer and calmer waters to be able to spend the mating season and, above all, to give their newborns a more suitable place for their first months of life.

The Panamanian Pacific coast is one of the two regions of the world where humpbacks arrive from both hemispheres. Knowing the importance of our resources, during the last few years Panamá has joined global conservation efforts, has created programs to protect large marine mammals and invites you to a whale watching trip, but with a considerable focus on species education and conservation.

The Right Time

If you want to come and live this incredible experience, keep in mind that the high season to see whales is from the end of July to October, with September being the month of greatest sightings.

Whales coming from the north can be seen, with some luck, between January and March, especially in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

But if you visit us out of season do not fear, on the coasts of Pedasi and Tonosi you can also see bottlenose dolphins. The warmth and calm of the waters has given these beautiful animals a permanent home. Throughout the year you can book a tour that takes you between the islands to be able to go in search of these dolphins that will play with the waves of the boats and will be happy to greet you from a distance.

Plan Your Trip

If you are visiting Pedasi, it is best to book a whale tour in the village. Tours depart from El Arenal beach (3.5 kms, 1.8 miles from Pedasi) towards the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge.

On the way to Isla Iguana, you can bump into a whale, see its gravity-defying jumps, take photos of its tails playing with the water or listen to its breathing. Also, this amazing boat trip is an opportunity to see other species like dolphins and sharks. 

These tours, which include transportation, food, whale watching and entrance to the Island, have an approximate cost of $45 to $65 for a shared tour, or $190 per couple for a private tour.

To complete your experience you can take a tour to the depths, because the rich diversity of the region will leave you speechless. Snorkel to discover what lies beneath the waters of the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge. Either with snorkeling equipment or in a diving tour, you can see more than 30 marine species, such as whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles, among others. However, keep in mind that swimming or diving near whales is strictly prohibited, for your safety and that of the animals.

After spending a good time in the water looking for humpbacks, take the opportunity to enjoy the island, a small paradise where both marine and terrestrial life abounds and, in addition, with beaches of soft white sand like talc. Walk along the Iguana trails and observe in the distance the huge colonies of frigatebirds and pelicans. Swim in a crystal clear sea whose turquoise blue shines incredibly and snorkel in a coral reef to continue appreciating the impressive diversity of this dream place.

Keep in Mind

When booking your whaling trip, remember that these giants need peace of mind to raise their calves. Panamá has established a series of guidelines so that visits do not negatively affect humpback life. That is why only a maximum of 2 boats following a whale is allowed, always keeping a minimum of 250 meters (820 feet) away.

Getting There

By car from Panama City, it takes you around 7 hours to get to Tonosi and 6 to Pedasi. If you come by bus, in the Gran Terminal de Buses de Albrook there is a direct service to Los Santos. If you are already in Pedasi or Tonosi, you can take a taxi to get to El Arenal beach and leave for the island. 

Tour operators include transportation from the city or from any hotel in Los Santos. You won't miss out on exploring this paradise!