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Back to Islas Secas

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Voykit pocket guide · Panama

Islas Secas

Go only if you have a high budget and want a private-island resort experience: 3–4 nights, fly from Panama City, boat from Boca Chica.

Islas Secas is a private archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriquí, about 25 km southeast of Boca Chica. It operates as a single high-end resort with all-inclusive stays, fly-in access and a focus on marine activities. Most travellers skip it because of the cost and the limited independent travel options.

Panama CityAguadulceBalboaBastimentosBoca BravaBoca ChicaBocas del ToroBoqueteCambutalCerro PuntaChanguinolaColónCoronadoDavidIslas Secas50 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Panama
Best months
Dec–Apr (dry season), Jul–Oct (whale watching)
Avoid
May–Jun (rainy season, fewer whales)
Stay
3–4 nights

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
USD
Money
Currency is the balboa (PAB), fixed 1 to 1 with the US dollar; US dollar notes are the paper money in use, with Panamanian coins.
Daily spend
Resort (all-inclusive) US$800–1,500+ (2026 estimate) (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Más Móvil, Tigo and Digicel SIMs at Tocumen and in malls; passport required.
Emergency
Emergency 911 · Police 104 · Fire 103
Plugs
Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · US-style plugs.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% if not added.; Guides and boat crews: US$5–10 per person.; Hotel porters: US$1–2 per bag.
Water
Tap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled on the islands and in Bocas.
Toilets
Western toilets; basic outhouses on San Blas islands.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Private plane roundtrip (Panama City ↔ Islas Secas)US$400 per person
Resort all-inclusive (per person per night)US$800–2,000

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

PTY · Tocumen International Airport
Resort's private plane from Tocumen or Albrook Field; roundtrip US$400 per person (2026 estimate)

Typical fares

Private plane roundtrip
US$400 per person, about 1 h (check)
Resort boat to Boca Chica
Included in stay; about 30 min
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

The resort's boat, the Betty Fae, transfers guests between islands and to activities. No public transport.

See and do

Known for

  • Private-island resort
  • Snorkelling and diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí
  • Whale watching (Jul–Oct)
  • Seclusion and luxury

Day trips

WhereHowTime
Boca ChicaResort boat, about 30 minAbout 30 min
Isla PalenqueResort boat, about 1 hAbout 1 h
Santa CatalinaBoat to Boca Chica, then road, about 2 h totalAbout 2 h

Sleep

Islas Secas Resort
The only accommodation on the islands; all-inclusive, book directly.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
HelloHolaOH-lah
Thank youGraciasGRAH-see-ahs
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?KWAHN-toh KWES-tah
Can I pay by card?¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah
Where is the bathroom?¿Dónde está el baño?DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Handshake and 'buenos días'; avoid: Skipping greetings in shops
  • Dress: Long trousers in offices and churches; avoid: Beachwear in the city
  • Guna communities: Ask before photos, pay the fee; avoid: Walking into homes or ceremonies

Scams and watch-outs

  • Access is by resort boat or private plane only; no public ferry.
  • The resort is expensive: check the all-inclusive rate before booking.
  • Whale watching season (Jul–Oct) may have rougher seas.

The resort area is very safe. The main risk is sun exposure and dehydration on boat trips; bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Islas Secas yet. Suggested stay: 3–4 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Private-island resort
  • Snorkelling and diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí
  • Whale watching (Jul–Oct)
  • Seclusion and luxury

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Islas Secas

A esta dirección, por favor

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

The US embassy is in Panama City; most other countries also have embassies there.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/islas-secas). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.