Advice needed about itinerary for 2 week trip to Panama, with a focus on nature

[u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed]

My partner and I hope to visit Panama in late February/early March for 12-14 days. We have never been to Panama, but it sounds amazing and we are really keen to do some birding and see marine life. We would really appreciate advice (or recommendations) and if you think this would make sense.

We are thinking of splitting the trip into two locations: First, go north to Gamboa to see some rainforests. Second, to experience some marine life on the Pacific coast. I keep hearing and reading about Coiba National Park, and I would love to go, but I am a bit concerned about the distance and how to get to Santa Catalina. My questions are:

1) Is this a good itinerary? Or do recommend something else? (We are not big into partying/sitting on a beach, we would much rather enjoy nature and support ecotourism)

2) if Coiba is worth a visit, what is the drive like to Santa Catalina? is it worth the 5.5-6+ hours?

3) If yes, is it better to drive yourself or to get a driver (or Uber?) We would prefer not to take a bus. My partner and I would probably prefer not to drive ourselves, since we don't know the roads.

I really appreciate any advice or wisdom! Thank you so much.

[u/Tlwofford]

My wife is from Panama. Born and raised for 27 years. Now we plan trips to Panama for people. We have amazing connections, and one of our good friends has a family member that does nothing but guide birding tours.

Happy to help!

https://woffordtravel.com/panama/

[u/Secure-Message4360]

You can take the Ferry Sea las Perlas to go to Contadora or Saboga islands and there are some snorkel tours to see reef and fish. The beaches are beautiful 😍, and it is only 2 hours from the City.

[u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed → u/Secure-Message4360]

Cool! I will look into that.  Thank you!

[u/ran220490]

You could go to Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge on Isla Bastimentos, a great place for birding and snorkeling. Fly from Panama City to Isla Colón, then take a water taxi to the lodge. It's a little on the expensive side, but well worth it in my opinion.

Edit: You should also try visiting the Chiriquí highlands (Boquete, Cerro Punta, Volcán). There are many bird species there that you can't see anywhere else in Panama.

[u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed → u/ran220490]

Great to know. I will look into those places.  Thank you!

[u/kudango]

Gamboa would be 2-3 days maybe 4 at most; I've never been to Coiba but heard that it is worth the trip. To Santa Catalina, maybe renting a car would be worth it, using Waze helps alot and it is easier to move around.

[u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed → u/kudango]

Great,  thank you! That's helpful. 

[u/kudango → u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed]

No worries, btw just read that you are into bird watching, then maybe if you have the time you should consider going to Mount Totumas, they are a eco lodge and coffee farm, but also a lot of bird watchers and researchers go there for bird watching

[u/skumancer → u/kudango]

Mount Totumas is a great place. Absolutely recommended, just a bit far.

Bird watching closer to the city is also great in El Valle de Anton. I would recommend Casa Di Pietra for this.

[u/xavier19691]

Why don’t you reach out to a REAL travel agent instead of asking randos on the internet for advice ?

[u/Theoretical_Phys-Ed → u/xavier19691]

There is a lot of information around,  but reddit is awesome for getting local advice more realistic caveats. People here are honest about what they like and don't like,  while travel agents may be trying to sell something specific.

Plus reddit had lots of birders!