Isla Cebaco is Panama’s third-largest island and is located off the Pacific Coast. It lies in the Monjito district, Veraguas Province. The beaches here are beautifully enclosed by palm trees and the waters are crystal clear shades of blue. Isla Cebaco is not as easily accessible as the other major islands, which is actually an advantage. You will not have the typical tourist atmosphere and have the entire place to explore by yourself.
Around three hundred locals live here, in the northern part of the village. Fishing, livestock, agriculture, and handicrafts are the main occupations here. Handicrafts were started as a means of livelihood for the local women and are usually made from raw materials from palm and coconut trees.
El Bonguito, El Jobo, El Ranchito, and El Centro are the major communities on the island. You will experience a typical coastal climate here and it showers mostly during the monsoon season only. The entire island is solar powered and you can barely get the cellular connection. Perfect, isn’t it? Put that phone aside and connect to nature.
Stay and Food
Cebaco Sunrise is the only accommodation you will find on the island. They do not have Wi-Fi. The rooms are compact and you can also hang out on the hammocks amongst the palm trees. There are also cabins and camping tents available. All three meals with be provided by the stay and will consist of fresh fruit and seafood mainly. A short walk from the stay will take you to the beach, from where you can take in the scenic images of the majestic Pacific waters and towering mountain peaks.
Ensenada El Pananda Beach
The Ensenada El Pananda Beach lies right in front of the stay, so make sure you wake up early to catch the sunrise. Grab a coffee and sit on the beach as you watch the first light break through the skies and the sunrise from the mountains. The Pacific would be illuminated by the glow of the sun and it is a sight to behold. This sunrise is something you will never forget.
Sealife
When you are enjoying the water, you can spot dolphins playing, pods of whales, and even stingrays. Schools of colorful fish swimming in the waters are a pleasant sight to watch. As the waters are crystal clear, you can easily observe how life goes by in the underwater world.
Island Hopping
Find a guide or a local to accompany you on a boat. As you cruise along the coastline, you can observe the unique rock formations and beaches covered by palm trees. Waterfalls directly open on the beach. The region is a raw and wild representation of nature.
You can stop at Tintotera Island, which is a small island with perfect white sand beach and blue waters.
El Jobo
El Jobo is the main village situated north of the island. Agriculture and fishing are the main occupations in this area and the catch from here is supplied daily to the mainland. The beaches in this area have grainy grey sand and are best for surfing. Just ten minutes away, you can visit the Catela Cayman where you can explore the best coral reefs.
Punta Guagara
Wander along the coast of Ensenada El Pananada and you will reach this beautiful lagoon. Watch out for alligators! This lagoon is simply breathtaking and you might be the only person around.
Hiking
Apart from the beaches, you can also find a large portion of the island covered by forests and rich biodiversity. The Cebaco Sunrise will arrange for a hiking tour if you wish to go on one. You will pass through the Natural Reserve of Chaperno and the trail will lead you through trees, streams, and springs. You can visit the local community called Platanares and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Throughout the hike, you will be able to spot native birds.
Fishing
Given the rich marine life around the island, fishing is a prime occupation here. You can hop on a boat along with one of the locals and they will take you around the island to show you everything. You can watch as they go about their daily routine, casting nets and catching fish. Mackerel, yellowfin tuna, and Wahoo are the common catch here.
Surfing
Towards the south of the island is Playa Grande, a private island currently for sale. It is the best spot for surfing as the waves here are considered the best in Panama. On this beach, you can find seagulls and hawks.
Coiba Island National Park
Isla Colon lies in the buffer zone of Coiba Island National Park, which was initially a penal colony. After the prison was closed, the park was set up to protect the exotic wildlife found in and around the island. Between the months of July and November, you can see the humpback whales that have migrated from the southern regions and the Antarctic to avoid the freezing cold. During this time, they give birth to and nurture their offspring.
The snorkeling expeditions offered here are simply amazing. The underwater world that awaits you is truly breathtaking and colorful. You can spy brilliantly colored fish, reef sharks, and explore the coral. The waters here are very clear, which will make your expedition all the more exciting.
Gobernadora
This small island is a short boat ride from Isla Cebaco and set on the Gulf of Monjito. This island has both white and black sand beaches where you might be the only one around. It also offers a few beautiful trails for hiking. If you want to stay here, you can put up in thatched huts run by two French women. This is a sleepy fishing village that goes at a slow pace where you can just relax and enjoy the wilderness.
Getting there
You have to get to the island by asking one of the local fishermen to ferry you from Santa Catalina. Other options are to reach the island by boat from Playa Reina, Playa Malena or from the Gulf of Monjito. If you are a family or large group, you can charter a boat from Santa Catalina, which will easily cost you around $80 USD.
What’s Nearby?
