Whale and turtle season on Panama's Pacific coast

From July, humpback whales arrive in Panama's Pacific waters, and between July and November sea turtles come ashore to nest on the same coast. For those of us who live and build on the Pacific side, it is one of the best reasons to enjoy the rainy season. Here is when to go, where to look near our communities, and how to watch responsibly.

When is whale season?

The Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, Panama's tourism authority, describes the humpback season as starting in July and peaking around September. Its own pages differ on exactly when it ends, so we plan trips around the peak rather than the tail end.

Where to see whales near our communities

• Panamá Oeste. From Punta Chame, below Altos de Campana and Yuma Mountain Community, boats head out to the islands of Otoque, Estiva and Bona.
• The Azuero coast. The southern coast of Los Santos, around Cambutal, is one of the quietest stretches of the Pacific, and the whales pass here too.
• Chiriquí. The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, east along the coast from Puerto Armuelles and Coco Beach, is known for whale watching as well as diving and big-game fishing. It protects islands such as Parida, Gámez, Bolaños and Secas and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific.

Watch from a respectful distance

Panama has rules for whale watching. Boats keep at least 250 metres from the whales and stay with a group for no more than 30 minutes, or 15 minutes when a calf is present. Choose an operator who follows them, and don't hesitate to ask a captain to back off if a boat crowds the animals.

Turtle nesting season

Between July and November, olive ridley, green and hawksbill turtles nest on Panama's Pacific beaches, including the Azuero coast. In Los Santos, the Isla Cañas, Isla Iguana and Pablo Barrios wildlife refuges protect part of this coastline. If you come across a nesting turtle, keep your distance, keep lights and flash off, and follow local guides.

A calendar worth knowing when you choose where to live

Whales and turtles are part of the rhythm of life on the Pacific side of Panama, and the season overlaps with the rains, when the coast is green and quiet. If you are weighing up mountain, coast or lake, read Mountain, coast or lake and our area guides to Altos de Campana, Cambutal and the Azuero coast and Puerto Armuelles and the Chiriquí coast.

Sources: Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (tourismpanama.com), checked September 2026. Seasons and operator schedules vary from year to year; check locally before you book.