Territory capital · Panama
Isla Palenque
Stay 2 nights to enjoy the resort, beaches and guided tours; day‑trip possible but limited activities.
Isla Palenque is a private eco‑resort island in the Gulf of Chiriquí. With 10 rooms, two restaurants (guests‑only), nature trails and beach excursions, a 2‑night stay lets you sample most activities without rushing.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season, 90 °F day / 70 °F night)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season)
- Airport
- DAV
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Panama ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Panama's National Migration Service or a Panamanian consulate; proof of onward travel and funds may be asked for.
- Panama ↗Do not travel independently in the Darién; the UK and other governments warn against parts of it, and there is no road crossing to Colombia.
- Panama ↗Guna Yala (San Blas) is governed by the Guna people: visitor fees apply, and photography of people usually needs permission and payment. Book through Guna-run or licensed operators.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Isla Palenque104 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Isla Palenque, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?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.Panama-wide
- SIM or eSIMMás Móvil, Tigo and Digicel SIMs at Tocumen and in malls; passport required.Panama-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled on the islands and in Bocas.Panama-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if not added.Panama-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Panama-wide
- SafetyThe island is low‑risk; main concerns are marine conditions and limited medical facilities – carry a basic first‑aid kit.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; basic outhouses on San Blas islands.Panama-wide
- Emergency numbers104 police · 103 fire/ambulance · 911 General emergency
- Sundays & holidayscheckCarnival and the November holidays close offices; Miraflores Locks open daily (check hours).Panama-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDAV Enrique Malek Airport (David) (1 h car to Boca Chica, then 15 min boat).
- Getting aroundWalk the 3 km (1.9 mi) of island roads or use resort‑run shuttles on request; trails connect beaches and viewpoints.Walk the 1.9 mi (3 km) of island roads or use resort‑run shuttles on request; trails connect beaches and viewpoints.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedBeachfront casita (double), a night, per roomUS$770
- Mid-range bedBeachfront casita (double), a night, per roomUS$950
- High-end bedBeachfront casita (double), a night, per roomUS$950
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DAV Enrique Malek Airport (David) (1 h car to Boca Chica, then 15 min boat)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Isla Palenque: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the 3 km of island roads or use resort‑run shuttles on request; trails connect beaches and viewpoints.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Coiba National Marine Park
goDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Resort‑organized boat, about 1 h each way
World‑class scuba; check availability.
Islas Secas
goDoor to door: ≈1.5 h total
Resort boat, 45 min each way
Snorkeling and day‑use cabins.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Resort at Isla Palenque
Boutique eco‑resort, 10 rooms, beachfront casitas $770–950/night double occupancy; Ocean Villa $1,300/night
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–120 excl. lodging
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. lodging
- High
- $200+ excl. lodging
Trip budget
| Beachfront casita (double)1 × 2 nights × US$950 | US$1,900 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$150 | US$600 |
| Boat transfer from Boca Chica (round‑trip)2 × US$50 · check | US$100 |
| Guided snorkeling tour2 × US$80 · check | US$160 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$276 |
| Trip total≈ US$759 per person per day, bed included | US$3,036 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights, transfers and resort fees excluded.
Prices of common things
| Boat transfer Boca Chica → Isla Palenquecheck | $50–70 |
| Snorkeling gear rental | $15–25 |
| Guided nature walk | $30–45 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Boat transfer from Boca Chica can be delayed by weather; check schedule.
- Resort restaurants are guests‑only; plan meals accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 104
- Fire/ambulance
- 103
- General emergency
- 911
Pocket card
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Isla PalenqueIsla Palenque
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police104
- Fire/ambulance103
- General emergency911
Embassy
US consulate in Panama City; see /panama for details.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Boca Chica → Isla Palenque (boat): about $60 round‑trip, 15 min (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (ola)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much? (¿Cuánto cuesta?)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (¿Dónde está el baño?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Isla Palenque. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, 90 °F day / 70 °F night) · avoid May–Nov (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a guided night‑walk for wildlife spotting (check schedule).
- Combine with a stay in Boca Chica for a mainland night (see /boca-chica).
Sources
Ask about Isla Palenque
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