City dwellers eventually tire of being city dwellers. Fortunately, beautiful beaches are plentiful here in Panama–many just a couple of hours away from the capital. These are the types of places that will make you forget your troubles at least for the day. Locals love a good “pasadía” or day trip to one of these idyllic spots. I just got back from Isla Mamey and it was a welcome change of scenery with sugary sand, crystal clear water, mangroves and adorable monkeys. If a beach day is calling your name, this is all you need to know: Isla Mamey, Panama.
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THINGS TO DO ON ISLA MAMEY
My friends and I arrived by car at the Panama Reef Divers parking lot in Puerto Lindo just beyond Portobelo in the province of Colón. Our young captain was ready and waiting at the dock in a boat named after his mama. You’ll want to take all of your beach items with you at this point as you won’t be returning to the car until the end of your day. In less than five minutes, we were pulling up to the shores of Monkey Island 2.0. There was an adorable spider monkey hanging from the tree waiting to greet us. I gave him a little piece of pineapple from my lunch, which was pretty amazing. As soon as he saw me reach for my bag, he started making cute monkey noises.
Our next stop was the Piscina Natural. This gorgeous swimming hole in the transparent, warm waters of the mangroves is the height of relaxing. We chilled here for about 25 minutes before hopping back in the boat.
Next, we continued through the “Tunnel of Love,” a maze of mangroves whose outstretched branches shelter the coastal waters that leading to Isla Mamey. If you’re lucky, you might spot a sloth, so keep your eyes peeled.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the little slice of paradise known as Isla Mamey. It’s a teeny, tiny island with cute, colorful cabanas lining the shore. The lovely ladies that administer the island are waiting to greet you on the shore, take the $4 payments for the day pass and get your food order if you plan on eating at the island fonda. Cabanas run $25 for the day and come with chairs and plenty of space for you and your friends to stretch out.
Pick your favorite spot on one of the two main beaches.
GETTING THERE
My friends and I left Panama City around 6:30am and made it to Puerto Lindo shortly before 9am making a couple of stops along the way. There are numerous tours leaving Panama City on the weekends, but from the looks of it, captains were also recruiting day trippers at the fort and along the road heading toward the dock.
CAMPING ON ISLA MAMEY
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can stay overnight on the island. Bring your tent, cooler, food and $8 per person to set up camp under the stars. I saw plenty of tents set up on the beach, so chances are you won’t be alone.
WHAT TO BRING
- Reef safe sunscreen – remember the fragile ecosystem and choose a sunscreen that protects the environment.
- Snorkel gear – the water clarity on Isla Mamey is excellent. You can see corals and plentiful tropical fish.
- Cooler – get the most out of your day by packing all of your favorites. Locals like to bring their own food and drink. Glass is NOT allowed on the island.
- Cash or Yappy – If you arrange your own transportation on the boat, count on paying between $12-$15. There is a $4 fee to spend the day on the island. The restaurant on the island offers typical Panamanian fare like fried fish, shrimp and chicken with a choice of rice, patacones and fries. Plates start at around $10 and go up to around $20. The restaurant is well stocked with ice cold Panama and Balboa beers at $2 each.
WHEN TO VISIT
The dry season in Panama is typically between December to April, so you can expect the best weather during those months. However, quite honestly we were beyond lucky with a perfect day in September–quite close to the peak of rainy season which runs from May to November.
Isla Mamey has been on my “to-do” list for quite a while now. It’s very popular and easily accessible from the city. Any day I can trade the hustle and bustle of PTY for a day spent in nature complete with monkeys, beaches and chill tropical vibes, I’m definitely all in. Whether you live here or are just passing through, it’s a lovely addition to any Panamá itinerary.