Come for whales. Stay for wonder. Leave with purpose.
Every year, thousands of humpback whales travel thousands of miles to the warm, protected waters off the coast of Panama, a spectacular migration that transforms the region into a living, breathing wildlife sanctuary.
This year, the return of these gentle giants marks the start of a new adventure at Islas Secas, the ultra-private island retreat in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí.
This Marine Safari is more than just a vacation—it’s a front-row seat to one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, offering 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 through September, guests at Islas Secas can witness the awe-inspiring return of humpback whales as they arrive to feed, nurse, and shelter in the calm Pacific waters surrounding the archipelago. This thrilling migration is just the beginning.
The Marine Safari experience offers the chance to see the “Big Blue Five”: humpback whales, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. Every day presents a new opportunity to encounter these incredible marine species on personalized land and sea excursions led by expert guides and equipped with top-tier gear.
Whether you’re scuba diving among vibrant reefs, watching whales breach at sunset, or hiking nature trails through untouched tropical forest, the experience is immersive, luxurious, and deeply connected to nature.
Private Island Paradise Meets Barefoot Luxury
Islas Secas is situated on a remote archipelago comprising 14 islands, 13 of which remain completely untouched. The property includes just seven Casitas and tented Casitas, along with Casa Cavada, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom private villa.
Designed to celebrate the surrounding beauty, the accommodations seamlessly blend indoor-outdoor living, offering privacy alongside breathtaking views of the pristine ocean and soul-stirring wildlife.
Guests enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience, with curated meals, personalized itineraries, and optional luxury upgrades like private catamaran island-hopping or surfing excursions. The Marine Safari offers something for everyone, from curious kids eager to learn about sea life to seasoned adventurers craving rare encounters in nature.
A Marine Corridor of Global Significance
More than just a luxe retreat, Islas Secas is part of a globally significant marine conservation effort. Located within the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Biological Corridor, the archipelago sits at the heart of an internationally recognized protected area that spans waters shared by Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
This corridor connects eleven marine sanctuaries, from Manglares de David, which protects vital mangrove ecosystems, to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with biodiversity. Together, these protected areas form a critical migration route for marine life across 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 guests have the opportunity to go beyond sightseeing, participating in hands-on citizen science projects and learning from visiting researchers. From monitoring coral reef health to observing whale behaviour, these experiences are designed to deepen understanding and create a lasting impact.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), in partnership with the Islas Secas Foundation (ISF), is expanding marine biodiversity research through initiatives like the Coibita Research Station. Their studies are informing climate change mitigation strategies and helping protect 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 vital marine corridor also means fighting illegal fishing and promoting eco-friendly practices. Panama has recently enacted new regulations limiting harmful commercial fishing around Islas Secas, while continuing to support local pole-and-line and recreational fishers.
International efforts are also gaining momentum. With support from ISF and ocean governance organizations like Global Fishing Watch, Panama is strengthening vessel monitoring and enforcement, setting a regional example in marine protection.
Marine advocacy group MarViva continues to educate local communities and support enforcement of sustainable fishing methods. “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 natural beauty, research, and conservation work taking place in one of the world’s most pristine tropical marine environments, Marine Safari 2025 offers a rare opportunity to connect meaningfully with the ocean—and give back to it.
Rates start at $3,000 USD per night, based on two people sharing, with a three-night minimum stay. Packages are fully customizable and include:
- Personalized itineraries and expert-led excursions
- Scuba diving, nature hikes, and boat trips
- Best-in-class gear for land and sea adventures
- Opportunities to engage in citizen science
- Interactions with visiting researchers
- Family-friendly activities
- Luxury accommodations in an exclusive, all-inclusive setting
To begin customizing your conservation-focused adventure, reach out to the Islas Secas team directly through their inquiry page.
Whether you’re snorkelling with manta rays, listening to whalesong echoing through the deep, or learning about the interconnectedness of coral, mangroves, and marine life, this Marine Safari is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose—and what we still have time to protect.
Images courtesy of Islas Secas