An unmissable natural spectacle: turtle nesting in Panama
Between July and November, the Panamanian coast welcomes five species of sea turtles returning to lay their eggs, a phenomenon that promotes responsible tourism and strengthens local communities
Panama, September 2025 – Every year, thousands of sea turtles travel long distances to return to Panamanian beaches and complete their life cycle. Between July and November, this country hosts one of nature's most significant spectacles: the nesting of Kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill, leatherback, and channel turtles.
Beaches such as Punta Chame, Isla Cañas, La Marinera, La Barqueta (Chiriquí), and Playa Larga (Coiba) are key locations for observing this process. Several of these areas, such as the Playa La Marinera Wildlife Refuge and the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge, offer community programs that allow visitors to participate in guided night tours, as well as conservation activities and the release of newborns.
Among the top destinations is Cañas Island, considered one of the most important nesting sites in the Pacific, where the local community organizes educational experiences and rustic accommodations. La Marinera Beach, in Los Santos, offers tours led by local conservationists; while Coiba National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers certified ecotourism expeditions in an environment of high natural value. In the western part of the country, La Barqueta Beach in Chiriquí also leads conservation and environmental education initiatives.
The experience encourages responsible tourism: avoid lights and flashing lights during nighttime observation, maintain distance from the turtles, follow the instructions of licensed guides, and choose operators who work closely with local communities. These measures ensure the protection of ecosystems and strengthen the economies of coastal communities.
In addition to direct contact with nature, the nesting season can be complemented with hiking, birdwatching, cultural visits to regions such as Azuero or Bocas del Toro, and sampling Panamanian cuisine.
Turtle nesting in Panama represents a journey with a purpose: an encounter with biodiversity and the opportunity to support conservation, while experiencing an authentic and transformative experience in a unique setting between two oceans.