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Whale Watching Tours from Panama City
Looking for some of the best whale watching Panama has to offer? Believe it or not it can be found just off the Pacific Coast of Panama City! Catamaran tours to the Pearl Islands and small private charters will enable you to discover the majestic Humpback whales in Panama up close! Take a look at our list of Panama whale watching tours and choose the best option for you!
Did you know that Panama is one of the few places in the world where you can see humpback whales from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres? Every year from mid-July through mid-October, these majestic giants make their way to the warm, shallow waters off the Pacific coast of Panama to give birth and nurse their young — and you’re invited to witness it! And the best part, most Panama whale watching adventures depart right from Panama City. It is no wonder whale watching is among the top things to do in Panama City!
Whether you’re short on time or want to make a day of it, we offer whale watching tours from Panama City to fit your schedule and style. Choose from quick half-day tours in the Bay of Panama or venture farther to the spectacular Pearl Islands for a full-day adventure with nearly guaranteed whale sightings during peak season.
From luxurious catamarans with all the amenities to private speedboat charters that let you chase the best whale action, you’ll find the perfect tour for your group right here. And don’t be surprised if you spot playful dolphins or even the occasional orca along the way — the marine life in Panama’s waters is full of surprises.
In the months between January and March, there are less whales migrating from the north, so whale watching in the Pearl Islands is not as ideal then. But you can always just opt for one of our Panama Boat Tours and hope to get lucky.
Panama Whale Watching in the Pearl Islands
For the best whale watching experience in the Pearl Islands, we recommend booking a private whale watching charter where you can even add on the option for a marine biologist and hydrophone on board. This option is available during both whale seasons in Panama. Between July and September, catamaran tours to Isla Contadora are a fantastic deal this time of year. Or for a more VIP experience, combine your Panama whale watching experience with the Sonny Island Resort Day Pass.
Take a look at our selection of Panama whale watching tours from Panama City and get ready for a whale of an adventure. Spaces are very limited and whale season in Panama is short. So don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Book your whale watching excursion in Panama today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching in Panama City, Panama
Q: When is the best time to see whales in Panama?
A: Humpback whales from the Southern Hemisphere begin arriving as early as June, but the official whale watching season runs from mid-July to mid-October. For the best chances of spotting whales, plan your trip between mid-August and late September — that’s peak season!
Q: Where is the best place to see whales in Panama?
A: The Pearl Islands, located off the coast of Panama City, are hands down the top spot for whale watching. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, but during peak season, your chances of seeing whales along the way are nearly 100%.
Q: Do I have to go all the way to the Pearl Islands to see whales?
A: Not at all! While the Pearl Islands offer the highest concentration of whales, you can also spot them right in Panama Bay or off the coast of Taboga Island. These half-day tours offer an 80% chance of sightings and are a great option if you're short on time or traveling on a budget.
Q: What kind of whales will I see in Panama?
A: Humpback whales are the stars of the show in Panama. Occasionally, you might spot a blue or gray whale, and lucky guests have even seen orcas. You’ll also likely encounter dolphins and other fascinating marine life such as dolphins on your tour.
Q: Which is better: public or private whale watching tours?
A: Both have their perks! If you’re looking for a personalized experience and the flexibility to follow the whales, a private speedboat charter is hard to beat. But if you prefer more space, amenities like restrooms, and cushioned seating, public catamaran tours are a comfortable and fun option — perfect for families or larger groups.
Most Popular Whale Watching Tours From Panama City
Bay of Panama Whale Watching Express
If you are short on time, or just simply on a budget, a half day whale watching in Panama Bay is a great choice. You may not see as many whales in the bay as you can see in the Pearl Islands, but there is still great opportunities to get close up to these majestic beauties as they make their way from the southern hemisphere to breed and have their young off the coast of Panama. Top it off with the Panama City Skyline, and cruising alongside the giant cargo ships waiting to enter the canal, and we promise this will be an unforgettable boat trip in Panama.
Bay of Panama Whale Watching Express deposit is $10.00 per Adult and $5.00 per Child.
(The balance of $71.00 in cash per Adult and $55.00 per Child must be paid the day of tour)
This tour departs at 8:00 AM.
Panama Whale Watching + Sonny Island Resort Day Pass in the Pearl Islands
This is not your average whale watching trip in Panama. Aside from spending 2 hours navigating the Pearl Islands seeking out whales, you get to spend a few hours at the Sonny Island Beach Resort too! All your favorite beach club amenities, lounge chairs, umbrellas and of course a bar where you can purchase cocktails or your favorite Panamanian beers to celebrate an amazing day. This is a VIP whale watching experience in Panama for sure!
Panama Whale Watching + Sonny Island Resort Day Pass in the Pearl Islands deposit is $20.00 per Adult and 15.00 per Child.
(The balance of $140.00 per Adult and $128.00 per Child must be paid in advance, payment instructions will be provided with confirmation)
This tour departs Saturdays & Sundays at each hour.
Whale Watching Pearl Islands & Isla Bolaños Beach Break
Join the pioneers of whale watching in Panama on our comfortable fast ferry while we seek whales in the Pearl Islands. Listen to the whale songs from the hydrophone, then stop for lunch on the secluded beaches of one of the Pearl Islands best kept secrets, Isla Bolaños. Limited spaces on weekends only from July through September.
It is not just people who flock to Isla Contadora in the Pearl Islands, the whales love to hang off the coast of Contadora Island too!! Between July and October, if you are fortunate enough to be able to stay out in the Pearl Islands, Contadora is the perfect jumping off point for several small whale watching operations. Head out your doorstep and jump on board with our naturalist guides to get up close and personal with the Humpback Whales and other marine life waiting for you. Even if you just take the ferry to Contadora island for a day trip or a beach break on the island, there is a really good chance you will see several whales along the way, and playing right off the beaches!
We are not currently offering whale watching excursions departing from Contadora Island, but if you book the All Inclusive Contadora Island Beach Break, or even just book the ferry ride out there, you will most definitely see whales between July and October.
Pearl Islands Whale Watching & Chapera Beach Break
Board a double decker catamaran and cruise out to the Pearl Islands in search of the majestic Humpback Whales. Top that with a BBQ on board and a beach break at Playa Cacique on Chapera Island and you have one of the best whale watching tours in Panama. This discounted whale watching tour runs Certain Days only from July to September, so book your space now!
27' Proline - Panama Whale Watching Private Charter
Hop aboard our 27’ Proline speedboat—our top pick for private whale watching in Panama! This fast, sleek boat is perfect for island hopping around the Pearl Islands, chasing whales, and discovering the best hidden snorkeling spots. With room for up to 8 passengers, it’s ideal for small groups seeking adventure and speed. Want to level up? Add a marine biologist guide and hydrophone to hear the whales sing. The ultimate private boat charter in Panama for ocean lovers!
27' Proline - Panama Whale Watching Private Charter deposit is $225.00 per boat.
(The 50% balance of $1,200.00 must be paid when confirmed and remainder in cash directly to the operator the day of the tour)
This tour departs in your schedule.
38' Todomar Speedboat Private Whale Watching Charter
Looking for a fast and thrilling private whale watching adventure in Panama? Our 38’ Todomar speedboat is the perfect choice for larger groups—holding up to 15 passengers. This sleek, powerful boat gets you to the Pearl Islands in no time so you can spend more of your day spotting whales, snorkeling hidden reefs, and island hopping in style. Ideal for families or friends who want to explore together at high speed and maximum comfort.
Panama City to Pearl Islands Private Charter deposit is $330.00.
(The 50% balance of $1,760.00 must be paid when confirmed and remainder in cash directly to the operator the day of the tour)
This tour departs on your schedule.
46' Viking Luxury Private Whale Watching Charter
Come on board our luxury 46' Viking yacht for a spectacular day of whale watching in Panama! Our luxury yacht is spacious enough for 16 people, has 2 cabins, a full kitchen and AC inside. With a minimum of an 8 hour or 10 hour charter to the Pearl Islands you can spot whales, do some fishing, or just enjoy all the amenities on board this luxury yacht.
46' Viking Luxury Yacht Charter Panama 8 Hour Pearl Islands Beach Hopping or Whale Watching Charter deposit is $350.00.
(The 50% balance of $2,975.00 must be paid when confirmed and remainder in cash directly to the operator the day of the tour)
This tour departs on your schedule.
See All Private Boat Charters in Panama
We have private boat charters for every size group and every style of boat for whatever you are looking for. Sleek fast speed boats, luxury yachts, catamarans, sailboats; whatever you are looking for to make your whale watching experience in Panama one to remember. See our selection of boat tours, or contact a Panama Activities Specialist for a quote today!
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