explore & snorkel on isla iguana
“I would like to thank Janet. She was super responsive, professional and friendly. …the island is marvelously beautiful! Have a look by yourself.”
Igla Iguana is so beautiful—rather a hidden spot—and is actually worth a longer visit. We would do the tour again!
During your visit to the Azuero Peninsula, we highly recommend you explore and snorkel Isla Iguana.
Once a U.S. bombing range, Isla Iguana is now a protected wildlife refuge just a short boat ride from the town of Pedasi.
With white sands and turquoise waters, it is home to several native animals, including hermit crabs, green and black iguanas, red-throated frigates, boa constrictors, and sea turtles.
As you walk around the island, you’ll be boggled by the amount of hermit crabs clambering for a piece of a shady spot—and, it will quickly become clear why the island is named Isla Iguana.
The island is a local snorkeling and diving spot because of the surrounding coral reefs, one of the largest in the Gulf of Panama. It’s filled with tropical fish and other sea life, including five different species of sea turtles.
Isla Iguana is a cool destination throughout the year, but there are two time periods when it’s extra special—from April to September, the sea turtles lay their eggs there, and from June to November, hump back whales are active in the immediate area.
(You can watch whales breeching from a small panga boat on a whale watching tour!)
At low tide, the sea in front of the main beach (El Cirial Beach) is nearly dry, limiting both snorkeling and boat access so it’s important to time your journey to the island well in order to maximize the enjoyment of your visit.
You will start your Isla Iguana excursion on Playa Arenal where you will present your passport or cedula with the local tourist authority and commandeer a captain to take you to the island.
When you arrive on El Cirial beach, you’ll make arrangements with your boat driver for your return trip, then quickly check in with the local rangers (there is no charge, they just want to know who you are so make sure you have your passport or Panamá ID if you’re a resident).
A short walk on a dirt trail that winds through some vegetation will bring you the smaller, semi-secluded and very rocky El Faro Beach. Follow paths and be respectful while you explore all the nooks and crannies of the island.
El Cirial is the place for laying out, swimming or snorkeling in calmer waters, enjoying a shady spot, or using the bathroom; El Faro is where to find a more quiet spot and gaze at the waves or for the more adventurous snorkelers and divers.
Some important notes regarding the Explore & Snorkel Isla Iguana adventure:
- Going to Isla Iguana, and your ultimate experience there, is weather and tide dependent.
- The only facilities located on Isla Iguana are bathrooms, a small covered patio area with tables and benches, and several palapas.
- Please take out EVERYTHING you bring in to help keep this beautiful island sanctuary pristine!
Check out this cool Isla Iguana video:
no reservation boat ride only
Price is whatever price the boat captain quotes you (bargaining is permissible; 7 persons max)
This is NOT a booked tour. You simply head down to the boat launch area—either ahead of time or the morning you want to go—and find a captain. If the weather and tide permit, there will usually be at least one available to transport you the eight kilometers to the island in their small panga. Note that they will charge for the boat not per person, so the price per person depends on how many are in your party. Some will have snorkeling equipment, some will not.
There are NO services on Isla Iguana, so if you choose one of the boat ride only options, you should bring the following at a minimum:
- A small cooler with enough food and drinks to last for a good part of the day*
- Reef friendly sunscreen and sunblock for your face
- Towels
- Chairs
- Snorkeling equipment
- You must bring your passport or Panamá ID card in order to check in with the Tourism Authority
*No alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed on the island!
