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Come for whales. Keep for marvel. Go away with function.
Yearly, 1000’s of humpback whales journey 1000’s of miles to the nice and cozy, protected waters off the coast of Panama, a spectacular migration that transforms the area right into a dwelling, respiration wildlife sanctuary.
This 12 months, the return of those mild giants marks the beginning of a brand new journey at Islas Secas, the ultra-private island retreat in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí.
This Marine Safari is greater than only a trip—it’s a front-row seat to one of the vital biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, providing conservation-driven exploration, family-friendly excursions, and unforgettable encounters with the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
An Immersive Encounter with the Ocean’s Giants
From Could by September, visitors at Islas Secas can witness the awe-inspiring return of humpback whales as they arrive to feed, nurse, and shelter within the calm Pacific waters surrounding the archipelago. This thrilling migration is only the start.
The Marine Safari expertise gives the prospect to see the “Massive Blue 5”: humpback whales, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. Day by day presents a brand new alternative to come across these unbelievable marine species on personalised land and sea excursions led by professional guides and outfitted with top-tier gear.
Whether or not you’re scuba diving amongst vibrant reefs, watching whales breach at sundown, or mountain climbing nature trails by untouched tropical forest, the expertise is immersive, luxurious, and deeply related to nature.
Islas Secas is located on a distant archipelago comprising 14 islands, 13 of which stay fully untouched. The property consists of simply seven Casitas and tented Casitas, together with Casa Cavada, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom personal villa.
Designed to have a good time the encircling magnificence, the lodging seamlessly mix indoor-outdoor dwelling, providing privateness alongside breathtaking views of the pristine ocean and soul-stirring wildlife.
Visitors take pleasure in a really all-inclusive expertise, with curated meals, personalised itineraries, and optionally available luxurious upgrades like personal catamaran island-hopping or browsing excursions. The Marine Safari gives one thing for everybody, from curious youngsters desirous to find out about sea life to seasoned adventurers craving uncommon encounters in nature.
A Marine Hall of International Significance
Greater than only a luxe retreat, Islas Secas is a part of a globally important marine conservation effort. Situated throughout the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Organic Hall, the archipelago sits on the coronary heart of an internationally acknowledged protected space that spans waters shared by Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
This hall connects eleven marine sanctuaries, from Manglares de David, which protects important mangrove ecosystems, to Coiba Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website teeming with biodiversity. Collectively, these protected areas type a important migration route for marine life throughout the Jap Tropical Pacific.
“The Gulf of Chiriquí is a globally important biodiversity hotspot,” says Beny Wilson, Director of Conservation and Sustainability at Islas Secas. “We consider within the energy of conservation, schooling, and accountable tourism to guard our oceans—for our visitors right this moment and for future generations.”
Citizen Science and Conservation in Motion
Marine Safari visitors have the chance to transcend sightseeing, taking part in hands-on citizen science tasks and studying from visiting researchers. From monitoring coral reef well being to observing whale behaviour, these experiences are designed to deepen understanding and create a long-lasting influence.
The Smithsonian Tropical Analysis Institute (STRI), in partnership with the Islas Secas Basis (ISF), is increasing marine biodiversity analysis by initiatives just like the Coibita Analysis Station. Their research are informing local weather change mitigation methods and serving to shield fragile ecosystems.
“The connectivity between protected areas just like the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park, Coiba, and the mangroves of David is crucial for sustaining the area’s biodiversity,” explains Professor Angel Vega of the College of Panama’s CCMBIO Lab. “Species like sharks and sea bass migrate right here to breed, returning as juveniles to the mangroves. It’s a fragile stability—and one we should shield.”
Implementing Sustainable Practices
Defending this important marine hall additionally means combating unlawful fishing and selling eco-friendly practices. Panama has not too long ago enacted new laws limiting dangerous business fishing round Islas Secas, whereas persevering with to assist native pole-and-line and leisure fishers.
Worldwide efforts are additionally gaining momentum. With assist from ISF and ocean governance organizations like International Fishing Watch, Panama is strengthening vessel monitoring and enforcement, setting a regional instance in marine safety.
Marine advocacy group MarViva continues to teach native communities and assist enforcement of sustainable fishing strategies. “Implementing laws in opposition to unlawful fishing safeguards livelihoods and ecosystems,” says Wilson. “And it ensures that experiences like Marine Safari stay attainable for years to come back.”
A Getaway That Offers Again
With all this pure magnificence, analysis, and conservation work happening in one of many world’s most pristine tropical marine environments, Marine Safari 2025 gives a uncommon alternative to attach meaningfully with the ocean—and provides again to it.
Charges begin at $3,000 USD per night time, based mostly on two individuals sharing, with a three-night minimal keep. Packages are absolutely customizable and embody:
- Customized itineraries and expert-led excursions
- Scuba diving, nature hikes, and boat journeys
- Finest-in-class gear for land and sea adventures
- Alternatives to interact in citizen science
- Interactions with visiting researchers
- Household-friendly actions
- Luxurious lodging in an unique, all-inclusive setting
To start customizing your conservation-focused journey, attain out to the Islas Secas staff straight by their inquiry web page.
Whether or not you’re snorkelling with manta rays, listening to whalesong echoing by the deep, or studying concerning the interconnectedness of coral, mangroves, and marine life, this Marine Safari is a strong reminder of what we stand to lose—and what we nonetheless have time to guard.
Photographs courtesy of Islas Secas