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Come for whales. Stay for marvel. Leave with function.
Every 12 months, 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 residing, respiratory wildlife sanctuary.
This 12 months, the return of those light 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 probably the most 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 May by September, friends 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.
White tip sharks
The Marine Safari expertise provides the possibility to see the “Big Blue Five”: humpback whales, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. Every 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 you’re scuba diving amongst vibrant reefs, watching whales breach at sundown, or mountaineering nature trails by untouched tropical forest, the expertise is immersive, luxurious, and deeply linked to nature.
Islas Secas is located on a distant archipelago comprising 14 islands, 13 of which stay fully untouched. The property contains simply seven Casitas and tented Casitas, together with Casa Cavada, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom personal villa.
Designed to have fun the encircling magnificence, the lodging seamlessly mix indoor-outdoor residing, providing privateness alongside breathtaking views of the pristine ocean and soul-stirring wildlife.
Guests take pleasure in a very all-inclusive expertise, with curated meals, personalised itineraries, and optionally available luxurious upgrades like personal catamaran island-hopping or browsing excursions. The Marine Safari provides one thing for everybody, from curious youngsters wanting to study sea life to seasoned adventurers craving uncommon encounters in nature.
A Marine Corridor of Global Significance
More than only a luxe retreat, Islas Secas is a part of a globally important marine conservation effort. Located throughout the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Biological Corridor, 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 very important mangrove ecosystems, to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with biodiversity. Together, these protected areas kind a essential migration route for marine life throughout the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
“The Gulf of Chiriquí is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot,” says Beny Wilson, Director of Conservation and Sustainability at Islas Secas. “We believe in the power of conservation, education, and responsible tourism to protect our oceans—for our guests today and for future generations.”
Citizen Science and Conservation in Action
Marine Safari friends have the chance to transcend sightseeing, taking part in hands-on citizen science initiatives 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 Research Institute (STRI), in partnership with the Islas Secas Foundation (ISF), is increasing marine biodiversity analysis by initiatives just like the Coibita Research Station. Their research are informing local weather change mitigation methods and serving to defend fragile ecosystems.
“The connectivity between protected areas like the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park, Coiba, and the mangroves of David is essential for sustaining the region’s biodiversity,” explains Professor Angel Vega of the University of Panama’s CCMBIO Lab. “Species like sharks and sea bass migrate here to reproduce, returning as juveniles to the mangroves. It’s a delicate balance—and one we must protect.”
Enforcing Sustainable Practices
Protecting this very important marine hall additionally means preventing unlawful fishing and selling eco-friendly practices. Panama has lately enacted new laws limiting dangerous industrial fishing round Islas Secas, whereas persevering with to assist native pole-and-line and leisure fishers.
International efforts are additionally gaining momentum. With assist from ISF and ocean governance organizations like Global Fishing Watch, Panama is strengthening vessel monitoring and enforcement, setting a regional instance in marine safety.
Marine advocacy group MarViva continues to coach native communities and assist enforcement of sustainable fishing strategies. “Enforcing regulations against illegal fishing safeguards livelihoods and ecosystems,” says Wilson. “And it ensures that experiences like Marine Safari remain possible for years to come.”
A Getaway That Gives Back
With all this pure magnificence, analysis, and conservation work going down in one of many world’s most pristine tropical marine environments, Marine Safari 2025 provides a uncommon alternative to attach meaningfully with the ocean—and provides again to it.
Rates begin at $3,000 USD per evening, based mostly on two folks sharing, with a three-night minimal keep. Packages are absolutely customizable and embrace:
Personalized itineraries and expert-led excursions
Scuba diving, nature hikes, and boat journeys
Best-in-class gear for land and sea adventures
Opportunities to have interaction in citizen science
Interactions with visiting researchers
Family-friendly actions
Luxury lodging in an unique, all-inclusive setting
To start customizing your conservation-focused journey, attain out to the Islas Secas group straight by their inquiry web page.
Whether 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.
Images courtesy of Islas Secas