Isla Iguana

Isla Iguana sits a few kilometres off the tip of the Azuero Peninsula and is protected as a wildlife refuge. It holds one of the largest magnificent frigatebird colonies in the country, several thousand birds nesting in the low scrub, with the males inflating red throat pouches through the breeding season. The reef on the northern side is among the best on the Panamanian Pacific coast, which is a lower bar than the Caribbean but still worthwhile. The island was used for bombing practice by the United States Navy during the Second World War and later, and unexploded ordnance craters are still visible inland, with parts of the island fenced off.

What you actually see

• The frigatebird colony - several thousand birds, males displaying in season.
• The reef - among the best snorkelling on the Panamanian Pacific.
• El Cirial beach - the sheltered landing beach on the northern side.
• Humpbacks - passing offshore from July to October.

When to go

December to April is the dry season with the calmest crossings and clearest water. Frigatebirds display through the winter and spring. Humpbacks pass from July to October. Boats are cancelled in swell.

Honest expectations

Parts of the island are fenced off because of unexploded ordnance from naval bombing practice, and the signs should be taken seriously. There are no facilities, no shade beyond the trees and no fresh water. Boats are open and the crossing can be wet. The reef has suffered bleaching.

Nearby

Pedasí is twenty minutes; Isla Cañas and Playa Venao are along the coast.