Decameron Panama: Beaches, Golf and Casinos Outside of Panama City

Decameron Panama, or The Royal Decameron Resort, Golf and Casino, is located just outside of Panama City in Farallon. This all inclusive resort has received mixed reviews from many visitors which leads me back

 to the issue of expectations when traveling Panama. When visiting this resort you should expect the typical Panamanian treatment and service. Your drink may not arrive at warp speeds, but you will get it. Your room may not be the most lavish nor will the hot water work 24 hours a day, but the staff won’t really care.
What you can expect in the Decameron Panama all inclusive resort is a great deal on food, drinks, fun and sun a short distance from the city. This place would be ideal for a family side trip when visiting panama because of the cheap rates and loads of pools for the kids. The Decameron panama will only set you back around $90 a night for one person and you’ll never have to dip into your wallet during your stay. The Decameron is only about an hour outside of Panama City so getting there is a short bus, taxi or van ride. The grounds of the Decameron are stunning. The ocean views are breathtaking and the culture is completely Panama.  The best way to enjoy this all inclusive is to relax, and once again remember that you aren’t in Kansas anymore. Take it as it comes and enjoy.

http://www.uncoverpanama.com/ For places to stay in Decameron, Playa Blanca, Miramar.


 http://panamapulse.com/browser/?onsurl=%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F~r%2FThePanamaGringo%2F~3%2F1gN45gkmoJQ%2F

Panama Event Calendar • April 2014

George Harris: Quién Se Quiere Ir

Theater

 

WHERE: El Teatro Bar, Panama City

WHEN: April 1st and 2nd, 7:30 p.m.

COST/TICKETS: Not listed

  

DESCRIPTION: Straight from Miami, this Venezuelan-born comedian will entertain and delight you with his hilarious wit!

 

Click here for more information

Arlequino, Servidor de Dos Patrones / Arlequino, Servant of Two Masters

Theater

 

WHERE: Teatro La Quadra, El Cangrejo, Panama City

WHEN: April 1st through 13th, 8:00 p.m. 

COST/TICKETS: Tickets $12.00

  

DESCRIPTION: A comedy full of intrigue, comic errors, struggles and triumphs, this is the story of a poor young man who works for two bosses at the same time, secretly

Click here for more information

Festival de Bellas Artes / Fine Arts Festival

Art & Culture / Fun for Kids / Music

 

WHERE: Volcan, Bambito and Cerro Punta, Chiriqui Province

WHEN: April 3rd through 6th 

COST/TICKETS: Free

  

DESCRIPTION: The 5th annual celebration of art, music, dance and more, in the beautiful setting of the highlands of Baru Volcano

Click here for more information or phone 6845-6455

Festival Internacional de Cine Panamá 2014/ International Film Festival

Cinema

WHERE: Casco Antiguo, Panama City

WHEN: April 3rd through 9th

COST/TICKETS: Free for some events, admission for others                     

  

DESCRIPTION: Annual film festival, now in its 3rd year, that brings directors, actors, celebrities and fans together, with all the glamour of other similar events such as Cannes and Sundance 

Click here for more information 

 

Proximas ferias Panama • Fairs in Panama • Turismo

http://turismo.prensa.com/ferias.asp

Coral Reefs in Panama • Are they still pristine?

Aaron O'Dea's time machine is a 20-foot aluminum tube. Beneath the waters of Panama's western Caribbean, he drives it into the rubbly seabed with a 45-pound cylindrical hammer.The strenuous effort quickly depletes oxygen tanks and leaves Aaron and his team aching and breathless.

 

Although the dive site seems pristine, the scenery is deceiving. Surrounded by warm, emerald waters and untouched mangrove islets, Panama's Bocas del Toro - like most coasts of the Caribbean - abounds in natural beauty. But beneath the surface, the seabed once blanketed in vibrant reef communities is now covered with grayish dead coral.
Like a detective on a cold case, Aaron O'Dea, a paleobiologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), drills down hundreds of years into the seabed in search of clues to present day changes in marine ecosystems of the Caribbean.
Coral fossils are emissaries of the ocean's past. Highly sensitive to environmental changes, they serve as indicators of ocean health. Though warming seas, acidification, pollution and overfishing are generally held responsible for the decline of coral reef communities, precisely when and why their deterioration began is unknown.
"The health of the oceans is like a patient with a complex medical history who falls ill in a foreign country. If local doctors treating the patient don't have a full medical history, they may endanger the patient's life," says O'Dea who sees how baseline data will aid marine conservation efforts. "If we wish to diagnose and treat life in the seas, it is essential we know the ocean's history."

With each hammer strike, the coring system delves into the past collecting sediments and fossils. Aaron's team journeys 50 years back in time just prior to the precipitous decline of the reefs. One hundred years ago reveals the impact of Bocas del Toro's first intensive banana plantations. Five hundred years into the past corresponds to the arrival of Europeans to this 9,000 year-old archipelago that is now an international tourist destination.

"The question is, what did the Caribbean look like in the past and what were the principal drivers of the changes we see today," says O'Dea. The fossils will tell the story.
Core samples with marine sediments layered one on top of the other will be sent to Scripps Institution of Oceanography where x-ray scans will determine the types of sediment retrieved. Shellfish fossils will be dated with uranium-thorium, revealing their dates to within a handful of years. Back in Panama, O'Dea's team of lab assistants and students will spend months interpreting the fossilized mollusks, coral, clams and more; cleaning and classifying them according to age to reconstruct the marine history of Bocas del Toro.
"Once we demonstrate our aim in Bocas del Toro, we'll expand both spatially and temporally throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Our findings will be used to direct the recovery of the seas."

Aaron O'Dea's coring system consists of a 6-meter (20-foot) aluminum tube marked off into 20-centimeter (8-inch) sections. These visual references help his team monitor how far the cylinder has entered the seabed.

 http://www.stri.si.edu/sites/what_is_pristine/index.html

National Parks of Panama Map

A map is a visual representation of an area – symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes.

Although the earliest maps known are of the heavens, geographic maps of territory have a very long tradition and exist from ancient times. The word "map" comes from the medieval Latin Mappa mundi, wherein mappa meant napkin or cloth and mundi the world. Thus, "map" became the shortened term referring to a 2 dimensional representation of the surface of the world.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map

Visit   http://www.uncoverpanama.com/mapsofpanama.html 

For more maps of Panama

Panama Restaurant Guide

Asados del Campo is an open air restaurant specializing in roasted meats. Asados del Campo is located in Coronado on the Panamerican hwy across from the Coronado mall.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.      
Information & Delivery: 240-1615

Bayview Restaurant specializes in seafood and located on the oceanfront in El Palmar.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-9621, (507)240-9875

Bamboo Express specializes in traditional chinese food located in the Coronado Mall.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. everyday

Beruit has a new location in Playa Blanca. Beruit Specializes in authentic Lebanese food.
Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm everyday
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-8081

Bruschetta is located in El Valle de Anton across from the church at the end of the town center. The restaurant is attached to the Anton Valley hotel.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 983-5118

Buona Cucina located on calle Idaan behind Todos El Carbon before the Coronado gates, serves authentic Italian. The restaurant has recently undergone renovations.
Hours: 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-4677

Cafe Soleil is open for breakfast and lunch. Serving smoothies, fresh fruit and sandwiches, this open air cafe is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Hours: Wednesday Sunday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6781-9110

Cafe Viana is a small cafe located just before the Coronado gates on the left hand side. Their menu changes from daily as items such as muffins, scones and quiche are freshly baked.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday closed.
Information: (507) 345-3400

California Burger has great burgers and cold beer. Build your own burger, how you like it! California Burger is located in Coronado across from the Coronado Mall.
Hours:  Weekdays open from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-9985

La Casa de Lourdes a small hotel and restaurant located in El Valle. They are open for lunch and dinner sittings. Hours: 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily
Information & Reservations: (507) 983-6450

Las Camisones specializes in Spanish/Panamanian dishes. They are located in San Carlos on the Interamericana at km 104.
Hours: 12:00 noon - 9:30 p.m. everyday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 993-3622

Carlitos Pizza is located in San Carlos across from the El Palmar entrance. They are well known for their empanadas coming in several varieties and made fresh daily! 
Hours: Open every day expect Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday.
Information & Delivery: (507) 240-8526 (San Carlos) (507) 908-7074 (El Valle)

Cholos authentic Mexican restaurant serves fresh Mexican dishes and frozen margaritas. Cholos in located in Las Lajas. Hours: Thursday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)240- 4004

Coronado Café serves up a great breakfast! The Café and restaurant offers indoor seating with ac, and outdoor seating on a comfortable patio. Coronado Café is located in Coronado inside Las Pergolas plaza, above Philipe Mota.
Hours:  Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Information & Reservations: (507) 345-3245
Dominos Pizza the popular American chain is located on the 3^rd level of the Coronado Mall.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information & delivery: (507) 240-1919
Don Chachos Grill is located in Coronado. Don Chachos is specializing in rotisserie chicken and grilled meats. Hours:  Everyday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information & Reservations: (507) 240-1930

Don Lee is a popular Chinese food chain. They are located in the Village mall.
Hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
El Galeon specializes in Seafood dishes. They are located five minutes past the entrance to Santa Clara.
Hours: Everyday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Information & Reservations: (507)993-3078

El Meson Suizo, specializes in Swiss specialty dishes and seafood. The restaurant is located on the Panamerican hwy just after the turn off for El Valle, on the right hand side.
Hours: Everyday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-8657

El Pampero is located on the Panamerican Hwy in the district of Chame, across from Banco nacional. Specializing in Chorizo made in house!
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Information: (507) 240-6755

El Parque, has both Chinese food and local Panamanian dishes. They are located inside the town of San Carlos on the main road.
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Information: (507) 240-8202

El Rincon Del Chef is located in Coronado. Rincon Del Chef is specializing in Baby Back Ribs.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Information & Reservations: (507)240-1941

Green Leaf is located in the Village Mall. They serve an English Breakfast, crepes and sandwiches.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. everday
Information:(507) 6225-6367

Gourmet Pizza is located inside Coronado past the gates. The restaurant is on Ave. Roberto Eisemann, just before the fire station on the right hand side.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Thursday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Delivery: (507) 345-4585 or (507) 345-4586

KFC is located in the Village Mall across from the El Rey shopping center.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Information & Delivery:  (507) 236-5555

La Ruina Taberna Antigua has pub food & Panamanian dishes they located in Gorgona.
Hours: 12:00 noon. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m. Friday– Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
Information: (507)6527-8462

LA TECA opened in Coronado February 2013. Specializing in Spanish cuisine, LA TECA offers a fine dining experience. The restaurant is located in the Village Mall on the first floor above Don Lee.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 noon  – 9:30 p.m.  Closed on Sunday & Monday.
Information & Reservations: 240-2101 or 240-2102

Locos Backyard Grill makes everything in house, they have great fresh cut fries. Locos is located in Gorgona. Now open Thursday’s!
Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – till the last person leaves. Closed Sunday - Wednesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6233-7298

Luna Rossa specializes in authentic Italian dishes and deserts. They are located in Coronado on calle Roberto Esiemann across from La Cosita.
Hours: Wednesday to Friday & Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)240-1455

Manglar Lodge Restaurant is a restaurant and hotel located in El Palmar. They serve fresh seafood, burgers and more.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-8970

McDonald’s is located in the Coronado Mall.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Nitro City Action Sports Resort is a sports resort with a restaurant inside. Nitro City is located in Punta Chame.
Hours:  Every day except Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507)223-1747

O'Pedros is an Irish pub located at the Los Madarinos hotel in El Valle
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. everyday.
Information & Reservations: 983-6645

Pantay has fresh seafood daily. The restaurant is located in Coronado on calle Roberto Esiemann before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6444-1586 or (507) 345-4025

Paraiso Bar & Restaurant is located 3km up the El Valle and has a little bit of everything, from burgers to fresh seafood.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 6613-0513 or (507)6835-1611

Picasso Bar & Restuarante offers a fusion of fresh salads, oriental flavors, grills, wood-burn pizza and more! Picasso is located inside the Coronado gates on Ave. Roberto Esienman, across from the fire station.
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday Brunch 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Information & Reservations: (507) 345-3777

Pio Pio is a fast food chain specializing in fried chicken, located in the El Rey mall. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday 24hrs.

Prime 19 is located on the 18th hole of the Buenaventura Golf Course. Prime 19 is a steakhouse that offers serveral imported cuts of meat.Hours may change by season and day of the week.
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday Open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Punta Chame Villas is located at the end of Punta Chame. The restaurant specializes in seafood and offers breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-5590

Rancho Los Toros Is a large ranch located in the district of San Carlos.
Hours: Open for special events & weekend dinner sittings
Information & Reservations: (507) 6619-1693

Rincon Catracho is a small open air restaurant located in Gorgona.
Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Information: (507) 240-5807

Steak 2 Restobar is a stea house located just before the Coronado gates.
Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. everyday Information & Reservations: (507) 345-4677

Subway the popular sandwich chain is located in the El Rey Mall beside Pio Pio.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tai Kai Sushi is located in the JW Marriott hotel serves Japanese creations and fresh sushi.
Hours 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. reservations are recommended on weekends
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Tamarindo is located in the JW Marriott hotel, they serve International food. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours: Everyday from 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 908-3333

Terrazas Del Mar offers fine dining at the beach specializing in international dishes and seafood.
Hours: Everyday from 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Information & Reservations:  (507) 345-4077 or (507) 6612-0095Trattoria serves Italian food, and brick oven pizza. They are located on calle Idaan behind Todos El Carbon before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday

Todo Al Carbon serves local Panamanian dishes, located in Coronado on Roberto Eisenman, before the Coronado gates.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Information & Reservations: (507) 240-1106

Todo Sabor Located in the San Carlos town square, Todo Sabor serves creative and fresh authentic Italian meals by award winning chef Alfredo Ziino
Hours: Open everyday expect Tuesday. Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Information & Reservations: 6277-4073/ 6263-5804

Toti's Marisquería is a seafood restaurant located on the Panamerican highway in Chame.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday
Information & Reservations: 6753-8358

Ty's Sports Bar is a pub style restaurant located in El Valle.
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Will open 7 days a week in January.
Information & Reservations: 6780-7251 or 6780-7253

Xoko offers a variety of Mediterranean & Panamanian dishes. They are located on the Panamerican Hwy at the Santa Clara turn off, on the ocean side.
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Information & Reservations: (507) 993-3876

XS Restaurant is located one block off the Panamerican hwy across from the entrance to Santa Clara.
Specializing and burgers and fresh cut fries.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
http://www.playacommunity.com/en/restaurant-guide 

First flight of Air France at Tocumen International Airport • Panama

Air France highlights "tremendous potential" of Panama and optimistic future glimpsed in its operations. Monday, November 25, was held at the Tocumen International Airport (TIA), the arrival of the inaugural flight of the French airline Air France, marking the beginning of his frequently Paris - Panama, offering three weekly flights and adding a connectivity more directly to the heart of Europe, thus crystallizing the efforts of President Ricardo Martinelli to benefit the country as a positive impact on the Panamanian economy.

 During the welcome ceremony of the French flight, President Martinelli said that the new route of Air France is the result of the trip he took to France in May this year. He said that "personally" he dealt with the negotiations in France, where the company expressed a desire to establish an Air France direct flight between Panama and Paris.

He added that the load factor of the Air France flights to and from France is pre-selling until April.   "I'm sure seeing the Panamanian company potential, within a year could be making a daily basis, enabling more European tourists visit the destination Panama," the visibly moved President.

The Boeing B777-200 aircraft with capacity for 309 passengers, was received with the traditional baptism of fire Tocumen International Airport. The President of the Republic of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, Ambassador of France, airport authorities, journalists, special guests with airline executives also welcomed the first flight, which is part of the expansion of Air France Latin America.

Its executives reported that Air France started with three flights a week linking the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris with Tocumen Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, a frequency that provides 900 seats per week from the European market.

The Boeing B777-200 offers three classes, with 35 Business seats are completely bed, semi Premium Economy and Economy reclining seats with individual screen for each passenger.

Directors of Air France stressed during reception at Tocumen International Airport, the "tremendous potential" of its new route between Paris and Panama, from Monday connected to two of the "hub" or distribution centers passengers more dynamic in the world. "Expectations for the future are quite optimistic," said executive vice president of international Air France, Patrick Alexandre, noting that the airline aims to increase as soon as the frequency of its flights possible.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Copa Airlines, Pedro Heilbron said that Copa is a strategic partner that has an excellent hub connections, and "makes connecting passengers and Air France to reach Copa Panama that can connect to both routes. This new stage will be ideal for the connectivity offered Tocumen International Airport, which allows the plug between the two airlines. "

Panama attracts the French for business and investment, with an economy that exceeds 8% annual growth for its major infrastructure, its parks, its history and for being a destination for sun and beach safety. In addition to its golf courses, and cruises.

Translation provided by Google.

http://www.tocumenpanama.aero/index.php?cccpage=comunicados_detail&set_z_comunicados=649 

Surfing in Panama

Panama Surf Report

By Jon Hanna of Panama Surf Tours

Panama has some of the best surf breaks in all of Central America! Whether you like point breaks, beach breaks, hollow tubes, or long peelers, Panama has a variety of surf breaks to accommodate your style.

Unlike Costa Rica, Panama is still virgin and you can catch most of the best surf spots by yourself with your buddies. Few people know about Panama's surfing potential, which is a big plus for surfers who visit! However, you better go soon because Panama is becoming more and more popular for surfers from around the globe.

Panama's roads are of the best in Central and South America, with 4 lane highways all over the country for quick access to the surf breaks. The transportation system is very good, and buses and taxis are readily available from the international airport. However, if you are strapped for time, and would like to be picked up and guided to the best surf spots and hotels, try a surf tour by Panamasurftours.com .

Panama is also one of the safest places in the world, so no worries about getting mugged by thugs at the beach, as frequently happens in El Salvador, Mexico, and other countries in Central America. In general, you can surf, roam the streets, party, or shop care free, at any time day or night.

Panama also has an excellent communications system so you can easily call your girlfriend, family or business back home at any time without any hassle. You can even rent a cellular phone for your surf trip, so you can be always in communication.

Panama's hospitals are of the best in Central America, so in the event that you got beatings on the rocks or reef while surfing (God Forbid), you can be guaranteed that you will be assisted by well trained health care professionals.

The Pacific side is best in the months between April and November. The Caribbean side is best between December and March, but can get swells any time of the year except the time between September and November. We recommend you look at the swell history for individual surf spots on Magicseaweed.com for more specific information.

Finally, Panama is still inexpensive. At the beaches, you can generally get a great meal for under $4, and budget hotels range from $20 to $50 per room per night, depending on your style. Bus transportation can cost anywhere from $0.30 to $15 depending on where you are going.

Pacific Ocean

We will start from the beaches in the province of Darien and work upwards along the coast through Panama City, then the Panama Bay Area beaches, then the Peninsula area of Los Santos and finally the provinces of Veraguas and Chiriqui.

Darien

The province of Darien is located below Panama City on the east side of the Panama bay, and is basically unexplored. There are a few breaks that people have surfed, however, only a few surfers have ever ventured into this territory.

Punta Jaque

Is a rock bottom point break with rights that is best at medium tide.

Jaque Beach Break

A black sand bottom beach break that breaks right and left and is best at medium to high tide, but can be surfed at low tide as well.

Panama City

Panama City has a few different surf breaks, however, we do not recommend them due to the city pollution that has gone into the ocean in front of the city—the government is in the process of cleaning it up. Also, there must be a really big swell for these spots to break.

Playa Las Bovedas

This spot is located directly in front of the Presidential Palace in the area of "Las Bovedas". It is a rock bottom point break with rights and lefts, and it is best at medium to high tide. The area is known for it's rich history with statues of famous people of Panama. At the entrance there is a great restaurant called "Restaurante las Bovedas", which has great seafood and a wonderful atmosphere. This restaurant was built inside of an old jail that the Spaniards used to drown pirates. They would lock them in the cell, and when the tide came up, the water would fill the cell.

Panama Viejo

This spot is located directly in front of the old Spanish ruins of Panama Viejo ("Old Panama"). It used to have a sand bottom, but many years ago they took most of the sand for building, and now there are only mud flats with some sand. You can surf here on a big swell at high tide, it breaks right and left but is a weak wave. Also, they recently built a highway called "Corredor Norte" that runs over the water in front of Panama Viejo, so the swell has to go through the pilings which weakens it even more.

Boca La Caja

This spot is located in front of the "Corredor Norte", in front of the area of "Boca La Caja" which is a somewhat dangerous area of the city with many thugs. We do not recommend going to this spot unless you are with a local. The break is a rock bottom, right break that is surfed at medium to high tide.

Isla Chepillo

This spot is an island in the Panama Bay located East of Panama City. You can only get there by boat. If you don't have your own boat, then you have to drive to the town of Chepo, and catch a boat from there. The boat men charge about $40 to take a group of 4 to 6 surfers out there. There are are two point breaks. One is a right point that breaks over sharp rocks and can be surfed at all tides. The other is a center peak breaking over rock, and can be surfed at medium to high tide.

Pacific Coast Beaches Near Panama City

The Pacific coast area near Panama City is much cleaner than the city breaks, and gets much better surf. These surf breaks are located by about an 1 hour drive west from Panama City, over the Bridge of the Americas, and up the coast on the Pan-American highway. We will list them in order as you go along the highway.

Playa Malibu

This spot is located near the town of Gorgona. You must turn off the main highway, into the town of Gorgona, go straight until you get to the end of the road at the beach. Look to your left, and you will see a river. The break is located directly in front of the river, and is a sand bottom right and left break best during medium to low tide. The right is good at low tide, and the left is good at medium tide going up.

This spot is one of the best and most consistent spots in the Panama Bay area and you can get some good tubes and long rides when there is a good swell. However, you should go by 4x4 truck and park on the beach in front of the break because if you leave your car on the road or near the river and walk down, your valuables in your car are very likely to get ripped off by the locals.

Playa Serena

This spot is located in the town of Coronado. You must go into Coronado, pass the gate, straight until you see two big Condo towers on the beach, in front of a rock point with a large concrete wall. The break is a right point break with good tubes at the point, then after the rocks, the wave tends to mush out but keeps a long rippable wall. You can get rides as long as 200 yards. There must be a good swell for this spot to work well.

Playa Teta

To the Gringos, this spot is called "Tits", not for naked women, but for the river that runs in front of it called "Rio Teta", which means "Tits river" for the shape of it. It is located about 2 miles past the town of Coronado, taking a left off of the main highway, then going down a dirt road for about 10 minutes. Park at the end of the road under the mango tree, then walk down the trail. This spot has 3 different breaks.

The Front (Frente de Teta)

Is the rock/sand bottom break that is located directly to the right of the river mouth, or in front of the river mouth, depending on how the river is flowing at that time (it changes from time to time). The front has long lefts at low tide, and rights and lefts at medium to high tide.

The Point (Punta de Teta)

Is the point break that is located directly to the left of the river mouth. It is a point break over rock bottom that breaks left and right, with good tubes at the peak and long rides. It is best at medium tide going up.

Rinconsito

Is the rock bottom point that is located directly to the left of Punta Teta, and it is a long right break. You can get rides of up to 200 yards long on a good swell. This spot is named after the famous break in California called "Rincon", so the Panamanians called it "Little Rincon", or "Rinconsito".

Playa El Palmar

This beach is located after the town of San Carlos, taking a left off of the main highway, right after you pass the bridge of San Carlos. Go down the asphalt road about 1 mile to the beach. This beach has 3 breaks.

Frente Palmar (Palmar Front)

Is a beach break with rock bottom on the left hand side. It is very crowded on weekends, and there is a surf camp located directly in front of it, so it can get crowded. The beach break is a close-out, and mainly beginners go there to surf.

Punta Palmar (Palmar Point)

Is a rock bottom point break directly to the right of the beach break, and has right peeling waves at medium to high tide. There must be a good swell for this spot to break well, but when it is good, it can get very powerful and fun.

Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii)

Is a rock bottom point break to the left of the beach break, down to the left of the concrete wall. It breaks to the left at full high tide, and can be fun, but this spot is quite weak, and can only handle a small swell of about 3 to 4 feet, otherwise it closes out.

Playa Rio Mar

This beach is located after Palmar, in the town of Rio Mar. After you pass the town of San Carlos on the main highway, you will go over a few hills, then you will see a sign to the left to enter Rio Mar on an asphalt road, which takes you to the beach. The restaurant charges $5 to park the car under the tree, in front of the beach. If you don't pay the $5 for parking, the restaurant owner will flatten your tires, so beware! There are some rental cabins there with a pool too. Rio Mar has 2 breaks

Frente Rio Mar (Rio Mar Front)

Is the beach break, with rocks spread throughout various parts of it. It is best at medium to high tide, and has rights and lefts.

Punta Rio Mar (Rio Mar Point)

Is the point break down to the right. At low tide, you have to walk down the beach for about a mile to the point, and then walk through the rocks, and paddle out where there is a long rock ledge that sticks out into the ocean. The wave breaks right and left, but the rights are best and it only breaks at low tide.

Los Santos: Pedasi / Tonosi

The province of Los Santos has some of the best surf in Panama, as it is located out on the peninsula of Panama. That is the part of Panama that looks like a boot that sticks out in the Pacific ocean.

To get there, you go down the Pan American highway, then take a left at Divisa, then go through Chitre, then through Las Tablas, then to Pedasi. At Pedasi, the beaches begin, and run all the way through Tonosi to the end of the road at Cambutal. There are dozens of unexplored beaches in this area, but we will name the known surf breaks from Pedasi over to Cambutal.

Playa Lagarto

Is in the town of Pedasi. Just ask anyone for directions to the beach, and follow the dirt road for about 10 minutes to the beach. This break is a beach bottom break that breaks at all tides with some rocks on each end, but gets good rights and lefts and can be very powerful when it is big. However, when it gets too big, it closes out.

Playa El Toro

Is also in the town of Pedasi. It is right next to Lagarto, but is the point before Lagarto where the road ends. It is a rock bottom point break with lefts and rights, and it gets really good when there is a good swell. It is best surfed at medium tide.

Playa Destiladeros

Is a beach near Pedasi with several breaks. It has a right point over rock bottom, a left point over rock bottom, and a beach break with pebble bottom. It is best at medium tide.

Ciruelo

Is a rock bottom point break located 20 minutes past Pedasi, right before Venado. You can see it from the road, but you must turn off at the store, and park, then walk down the hill to the break. It is rarely surfed, but can get really good left tubes when there is a good swell and no wind.

Playa Venao

Is a sand bottom beach break located 30 minutes past Pedasi. You will see the sign to turn off into Venao. This spot catches just about any swell, so it is a good bet when there is little or no surf anywhere else. It is best surfed at medium to high tide. At low tide, it tends to close out. Also, on swells over 8 to 10 feet, it tends to close out. There are some small beach cabins there, and a restaurant.

Playa Madrono

Is a sand bottom beach break located about 5 minutes past the entrance to Venado. You have to park the car on the main road, then walk down the cow pastures to the river, then follow the river out to the beach for about a 30 minute hike.

Bring your shoes and prepare to step in cow dung! Also bring along a bottle of water because there is nothing at the beach. The surf can get really good, with hollow tubes at low tide, but be sure to go early in the morning before the wind starts.

Playa Raya

Is a beach point break with sand bottom that is located about 10 minutes past Venado. It is named "Raya" for the big manta rays and sting rays that are seen in the water there. To get there, you have to park on the main road, then walk across the cow pastures to the beach. It is about a 45 minute hike down the hill to the beach. At low tide, you will see miles of secluded beach, with a right point break on the left side of the sand bar, and a left point break on the left side of the sand bar. The waves can get huge, up to 15 or 20 feet on big swells, with big tubes. Bring a bottle of water as there is nothing out there.

The wild life is incredible here and the big sea turtles come up to lay eggs on the beach. Be careful though, lots of big sharks here!

Playa Guanico

Is located about 1 hour past Venado. It has several breaks including 2 rock bottom point breaks with rights and lefts, and one beach break with rights and lefts. There is a small town there with a store, and there is a Frenchman building some cabins, but they are not open for business yet.

Cambutal

Is located past Venado, then past Tonosi, in the town of Cambutal. It has several great surf breaks including beach breaks and point breaks and catches just about any swell so it is rarely under 4 to 5 feet and as big as 15 to 20 feet.

To get to the surf breaks here, you need a 4x4 because the road is very muddy and you have to go through a river. There are no surf camps or hotels there, so bring your tent, or stay at the town of Tonosi, which is about 40 minutes away by car. Each break will be mentioned in order as you drive along the road from the beach break at the town of Cambutal to the end of the road, which is Corto Circuito.

Cambutal Beach Break

Is located directly in front of the town of Cambutal. It is a fun beach break with rights and lefts and is best at medium to high tide, but can be good at low tide as well.

Punta Negra

Is located down the road, around the first point. You will see it below as you go along the road that runs next to the cliff. It is a point break over rock bottom that is best during medium to high tide.

411

Is located about 30 minutes from the town of Cambutal, and it is a point break with a long right hander over rock ledge bottom. You can see how the surf has carved the rocks into shelf plates. This is one of the most famous breaks in Cambutal, and is best during medium to high tide.

Dinosaurios (Dinosaurs)

Is located directly next to 411. It is a rock bottom break with rights and lefts at medium to high tide, but can also be surfed at low tide. It is very powerful and can get very big surf.

Horcones Beach Break

Is located down the beach from Dinosaurios. It is a sand bottom beach break with rights and lefts. There is one spot that is in front of a small river mouth that gets really good at medium to low tide, but is also good at high tide.

Dos Rocas

Is a rock bottom point break down at the end of Horcones Beach Break. It has two large rock boulders that stick out so you will immediately see where it is. It can get good rights at medium tide.

Corto Circuito

Is the daddy of Cambutal. It is located at the very end of the road, after Dos Rocas. It is a rock bottom point break with a very powerful peak that breaks over a rock ledge and throws a huge tube, then peels down the point for about 100 yards with a great wall that you can do tons of turns on.

 For more information:  http://www.panamainfo.com/en/surfing-panama

Panama Surf Report
By Jon Hanna of Panama Surf Tours - See more at: http://www.panamainfo.com/en/surfing-panama#sthash.eeeWwaF8.dpuf

Panama Surf Report
By Jon Hanna of Panama Surf Tours - See more at: http://www.panamainfo.com/en/surfing-panama#sthash.eeeWwaF8.dpuf

Scientific Reasons to Visit Panama • Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Smithsonian science: leadership in carbon research

 Long before atmospheric carbon concentrations crossed the 400 parts per million threshold, Smithsonian scientists were examining the complexities of carbon flows on tropical landscapes. Decades of breakthrough research recently led to a new milestone for carbon science: the most highly detailed carbon stock map for any nation to date.

Panama’s high-fidelity carbon map is only part of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s carbon science story. STRI researchers are at the frontier edge of how tropical forests, which contain Earth’s largest terrestrial carbon stocks, are already responding to higher carbon concentration and climate change.

http://www.stri.si.edu/english/research/features/index.php 

Visit the Smithsonian in Panama

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has the responsibility of disseminating research results and implementing public education programs to increase understanding and awareness of tropical environments. For example, STRI currently organizes day visits to three youth-oriented education facilities: Barro Colorado Island, Culebra, Bocas del Toro and Galeta. To reach adult audiences, including important decision-makers as well as the general public, the Institute coordinates communication activities such as seminars, conferences, media releases, and book launches.
 
A visit to Barro Colorado offers the opportunity to discover the splendor of a humid tropical forest.
Barro Colorado, the largest forested island in the Panama Canal waterway, is part of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) and is the site of an internationally recognized biological research station.

The wildlife there is extremely diverse. There are probably thousands of insect species and more than 120 species of mammals, nearly half of which are bats. If you are patient and observant, you will discover amazing things. You will learn about research in progress and about the rich natural history of Barro Colorado. We hope to pique your interest in tropical ecosystems, because you are key to the protection of this natural environment.  

Did you know that... ?

• The Barro Colorado Nature Monument includes Barro Colorado Island and five surrounding mainland peninsulas: Gigante, Peña Blanca, Bohio, Buena Vista, and Frijoles.
• The annual precipitation on the Island averages 2,600mm.
• Five monkey species, all native to Panama, live on Barro Colorado Island: Spider Monkey, White-faced Monkey, Geoffrey's Tamarin, Howler Monkey, and Night Monkey.
• 225 species of ants have been documented on Barro Colorado Island.
• Barro Colorado Nature Monument is home to the "50-hectare Plot", an integral part of the Center of Tropical Forest Science's "Earth Observatory" which spans three continents. It allows scientists to measure precisely, instead of guess, tree population fluctuations in tropical forest.
• Barro Colorado Island is one of the most studied places on Earth and has become a prototype for measuring diversity of plant and animal life around the world.

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