When to go to Panama?

There are lots of islands all along the Panama coastline. You can go diving from various locations, the best of which are near the island of Coiba and are well known throughout Central America. The Panama Canal, meanwhile, contains wrecks and abandoned equipment. You can dive absolutely all year round, although the best months are February, March, May, September and October.

Located 20 km from the South of Panama, don't miss out on a visit to the famous island of Taboga and its beautiful beach. There, you'll see one of the largest pelican colonies in Latin America, and you'll have the chance to explore swathes of protected virgin forest. Travel at any time of year to the island named 'the flower island', so called because it is home to superb tropical species.

The San Blas archipelago is made up of around 378 islands along the Caribbean coastline. Inhabited by the Kuna Indians, these islands have a different culture to the rest of the country, as well as their own language and economic system. Practise your diving between April and June if possible, although you can swim here all year round.

Head over if you can during the dry season, between mid-December and mid-April, to go trekking in Panama. Climb Baru volcano, or head off to Darien national park: there, you can see many superb species of bird. Take time to admire the tropical scenery, and the waterfalls and lakes which surround you.

At Panama, you can try out any number of aquatic sports. Try diving for the first time; there's also white water rafting, fishing and surfing, particularly at Santa Catalina, where the rollers can reach 6 m in height. You can travel all year round.