Paradise Islands tour from Panama beach hotels: Whale watching included

Whale watching, Caribbean reefs, or Pacific iguanas: three island routes from the same pickup

A tour of Panama's Paradise Islands departing from Rio Hato beach hotels with private transportation and a Spanish-speaking guide. Choose between whale watching (July–October), a boat trip to Mamey Island and the Natural Pool in the Caribbean, or Iguana Island in the Pacific, each with roughly three hours on the water. Hotel pickup and return are included. Boat entry and meals are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour options from beach hotels

• Pick up travelers from hotels
• Choose Whale Watching, Mamey Island, or Iguana Island tour
• Travel to tour departure point
• Board boat for selected island tour
• Enjoy island tour activities
• Return to hotel

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel (Riu Playa Blanca, The Buenaventura, Grand Decameron, Playa Blanca or Gran Evenia Bijao), and a choice of three routes. Whale watching runs only from July through October and takes about seven hours total, with a ninety-minute drive to Punta Chame and then the same return. The other two options run year-round: Mamey Island in the Caribbean involves a three-hour ground transfer to Colón pier, then a boat ride to the Natural Pool, Tunnel of Love and the island itself. Iguana Island in the Pacific requires a three-hour drive to Pedasi, where you pay a ten-dollar entry fee before boarding for crystal waters and cream-colored sand. Each boat portion lasts roughly three hours.

Private transportation is included for the full day, and your guide speaks Spanish. Meals are not part of the package, and you'll pay separately for boat tickets and any island entrance fees beyond Iguana Island's ten dollars. If you want to adjust the group size or combine elements, the operator takes custom requests by WhatsApp or email.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel and back.
• a Spanish-speaking guide for the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 11 years): free · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by National Tours Panamá

Is this one for you?The whale watching option demands a July-to-October window and a full seven-hour commitment. The island tours work year-round but require a three-hour drive each way, so book one if you have most of the afternoon free and don't mind spending it partly in transit.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When can I do the whale watching tour from Panama?

Whale watching runs from July through October 2026. The other two options (Mamey Island and Iguana Island) are available year-round.

What's the difference between Mamey Island and Iguana Island?

Mamey Island is in the Caribbean Sea and includes stops at the Natural Pool and Tunnel of Love. Iguana Island is in the Pacific Ocean and known for crystal waters and cream-colored sand. Both involve roughly three hours on the boat after a three-hour drive from your hotel.

How long does the whole day take?

The whale watching tour runs about seven hours from pickup to return. Mamey Island and Iguana Island tours take roughly eight to nine hours total, including the ground transfers.

What do I need to pay for beyond the tour price?

Boat tickets and island entry fees are separate. Iguana Island charges ten dollars for foreign visitors. Meals are not included.

Can I customize the group size?

Yes. Contact the operator by WhatsApp through the booking platform or message the operator through the booking platform to arrange a smaller or larger group.