As the state that connects south america In Central America Panama is a wonderful destination with a lot of historical and geographical significance.

Many people know Panama for its famous canal that connects the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, but that's just a small part of what makes the country so amazing.

On both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, many beautiful tropical islands can be found in Panama that feature stunning beaches and amazing wildlife.

So, on your next trip to this beautiful country, make sure to include a few of these amazing islands in your travel itinerary.

The most beautiful islands in Panama

Iguana Island, Panama

A few miles off the coast of the Azuero Peninsula in southern Panama is Iguana Island, part of the Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge.

Most visitors to the island arrive by boat on a day trip, and there is plenty to see, do and explore on the island.

The large, mature coral reefs provide great snorkelling opportunities, and there are over 200 species of fish to be found.

Divers who venture offshore may be able to see humpback whales, moray eels or octopus.

On Iguana Island, bird watching is popular, thanks in particular to the large colony of frigate birds.

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Iguana Island

Barro Colorado Island, Panama

This island is located in the middle of the Panama Canal, which was formed when the waters of a local river were dammed during construction.

Now a nature reserve, the island is a stunning destination with unparalleled biodiversity.

But in order to visit, you'll need to book an official tour, usually arriving by boat from nearby Gamboa.

While you are on the island, you will enjoy amazing colors while you are walking.

Be prepared to discover the fascinating shapes of toucans, bold green tree frogs, carpets of flowers on forest floors and even three-toed sloths in their natural habitats.

Toucan on Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Taboga Island, Panama

The “Island of Flowers,” as it is called, can be reached by boat from Panama City.

Originally inhabited by Indians, the island came under Spanish rule in the 16th century, was repeatedly overrun by pirates and then came under British, French and American influence in the 19th and 20th centuries.

There are three main reasons to visit today: the beaches, the hiking, and the island's history.

Playa Restinga is the most famous beach on the island, with its golden sand and blue waters.

You can also visit the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, which is still open to the public, or hike to the top of the island to see Panama City from afar.

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Taboga Island

Carenero Island

This island is located on the Caribbean coast, and is one of the islands of the archipelago.

It is considered aThe island has one of the best surfing spots in Panama, and paddle boarding is also a popular pastime.

Although there are many accommodation options on the island, you can also choose to visit by boat for a day, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and easygoing way of life that the island offers.

Carenero Island

gulf of chiriqui islands

There are several islands within the gulf south of Chiriqui, collectively known as the Bay of Chiriqui Islands.

Most of these islands are uninhabited, although a few resorts have sprung up here and there recently.

These Panamanian islands are surrounded by coral reefs and great opportunities for water activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

Like Boca Chica Island, it is covered in rainforest, making it ideal for hiking.

The sister islands of Boca Brava and Isla Palenque are the place to be if you want to see groups of monkeys in the wild.

Several boat tours also take you to the island via Chiriqui Bay, making it an unforgettable day at sea.

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Boca Chica Island in the Gulf of Chiriqui Islands

Contadora Island

In the Gulf of Panama in an archipelago known as the Pearl Islands. 

Many people may recognize these islands because they served as the filming location for several seasons of the TV show Survivor. 

The most developed of these islands is known as Contadora, and is home to Playa Larga beach.

This beach is a typical and beautiful beach in Panama.

Whale watching is a great option while on the island, and many visitors come to fish for mahi mahi, sailfish and marlin.

Contadora Island

San Blas Islands

East of the Panama Canal, and north of the Isthmus of Panama, you'll find the San Blas Islands.

This archipelago consists of more than 300 islands, although only 50 of them are inhabited.

The main inhabitants of the San Blas Islands are the Kuna people, who govern their archipelago themselves.

This is what makes the islands so different from the rest of Panama, right down to the language used in San Blas, which is called Tulicaya.

During your visit, you can admire the colorful local costumes and relax on the picturesque beaches.

Island hopping tours are a great way to see some of the uninhabited and undeveloped islands within the archipelago.

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San Blas Islands