Panama, having coasts in both the Caribbean and the Pacific, has a large number of islands on both coasts, some of which are better known and tourist attractions, such as Las Perlas archipelago, San Blas with its 365 islands or Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean.
Protected Natural Area
However, there is an island on the Azuero Peninsula 20 minutes by boat from El Arenal beach in the Pedasi District. Many call it the little Galapagos, due to its great diversity of fauna that inhabits it. Isla Iguana has been a protected area since 1981 and a wildlife refuge that has historically been of interest to scientists and that today is visited by many tourists every year.
Whales and Dolphins, Highly Attractive Visitors
In the waters around the island you can find seasonal migration of cetaceans such as the humpback whale, between the months of July and October. An event of great eco-tourism impact that attracts local and foreign visitors from all over the world. It is also visited by Pacific spotted and bottlenose dolphins that can be seen throughout the year.
Surrounded by Turquoise Waters and Coral Reefs
Around Isla Iguana is one of the main coral reefs in the area, which makes it ideal to practice snorkeling or diving to watch the variety of fish, corals and manta rays that live there.
Within the island there is a lot of fauna, among which birds, crabs and black iguanas stand out, this last one is the same species found in the Galapagos. The island also has a large number of crabs and can be heard when walking on dry fallen leaves.
Activities, Trails and Beaches
Visitors take advantage of their stay on Isla Iguana to sunbathe and enjoy the white sand, as well as its turquoise waters that make it possible to enjoy snorkeling like few other places.
Despite the fact that most of its coasts are rocky and difficult to access, the boats arrive at El Cirial beach, the longest and easiest to reach. Here is the visitor center of the refuge and a ranch for tourists. In this place you can find information on all the marine and terrestrial species that the island has; In addition, from this point there are trails that can be traveled, among these, one that leads to old rice fields and banana plantations located in the center of the island; another leads to an old firing range used by the US Air Force during World War II and where bomb craters can be seen being detonated.
However, if you want to enjoy a more intimate beach, you can walk to the other end of the island along a path to El Faro beach, smaller and with coarser sand because it is made of coral sediments. Along the path to El Faro beach, there is a lot of vegetation, and it also leads to a lighthouse that is not like the traditional lighthouses that are known in Europe, a place to discover and enjoy.
How to get there?
To go to this natural wildlife refuge, you have to drive to Arenal beach, a few minutes from the center of the town of Pedasí. Here are fishermen who offer their transport services to tourists to the island, a trip that takes approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival on the island, each Visitor must pay an entrance fee to help in the conservation of this protected natural area.
Recommendations:
Take enough water and food, since there is nothing to buy these things.
Bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
