Panama's unique location provides the experience of a lifetime. Panama is teeming with vibrant and diverse marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling, diving, fishing and whale watching. The waters along Panama's Pacific coast that comprise the Gulf of Chiriqui are especially ideal for activities below the surface. This region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, including more than 760 species of tropical fish and 33 species of sharks.
In addition, between July and October, more than 2,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to hatch and raise their young in the gulf. Due to the incredible number of whales, Cala Mia whale watching tours have a 95 percent success rate during this time. Because of its “crossroads” nature, Panama is a melting pot of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures. Something you will undoubtedly see while in Panama is the pollera, the country's national dress made with a large skirt (usually white) and adorned with colorful flowers.
Another integral part of Panamanian culture is its music, which combines cumbia, salsa, Congo, and more to create a rich and vibrant music scene. Covered almost entirely by tropical jungle, with mountain forests and mangrove wetlands, it is home to more than 10,444 types of plants, 255 species of mammals and 972 species of native birds, according to the National Society for the Protection of Nature of Panama. Since Panama is a relatively small country (slightly smaller than South Carolina) with good transportation infrastructure, it's incredibly easy to get around. Produced by aging cane molasses in white oak barrels until it reaches its delicious flavor, it is still produced in the first sugar mill in Panama, which opened its doors in 1908. From an economic point of view, Panama is an extremely convenient country for American travelers.
On the Pacific side is the Pearl Archipelago, in front of Panama City, and smaller and more famous islands in natural parks such as Coiba Island. While Panama has its own currency, the U.S. dollar is used for all bills, making things easier for U.S. travelers to Panama, especially since there are lots of free things to do in Panama.
The Panama Canal is a world-renowned engineering marvel: a 48-mile artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, paves the way between two continents and forever transforms maritime navigation. Conveniently located between North and South America, most major airlines offer direct flights to Panama. Located in the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine Park, Cala Mia Island Resort offers some of the best diving spots in Panama. From its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant culture, there's no shortage of reasons to travel to Panama during your next vacation.
Panama is a tropical paradise that is home to some of the most diverse and exotic animal and plant species on the planet. And while Spanish is the official language of Panama, most Panamanians speak English as a second language. There are many ways to enjoy the Panama Canal, from the Miraflores locks in Panama City to the partial or total boat tours that cross the Canal to the city of Colón. If you want to take advantage of everything this beautiful country has to offer, book a trip to the Cala Mia Island Resort in Panama, Central America.
